Felecia R. Walls - Gresham, Oregon - USA

May 5, 2011 at 12:02pm

Hello to you, people of the world.... Greetings from the lovely state of Oregon, USA!!!

My name is Felecia Walls.  I am a forty-two year old mother of five.  For twenty two years of my life, I was a dedicated wife and mother - well, I shouldn't say "was", because I continue to be the mother of my beautiful children.  That has always seemed to be my main purpose in life.

Several years ago, I was given a point-and-shoot camera, and a light came on.  I found a passion for something that does not fade.  I found a connection to everything I see, and a medium for showing that to other people.  That, in turn, brought me to a connection with other people.  I guess it's important for me to share that aspect of how photography has benefited my life, because for a very large portion of my life I lived in a sort of isolation.  Now I feel as if I have found some wings, and am learning how to use them.  I am trying to be brave, and every day I seem to reach a new milestone.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE LEARNED IN MY LIFE, SO FAR:

It may seem cliche', but the auld adage "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" seems to have been written for me.  I have learned that it is okay to be the "me" that I was designed to be, and it is NOT okay for someone to re-create the me that they think I should be.  I believe that we, as people, are like the shafts of light that spring forth when sunlight hits the facets of a prism:  Many different colors, yet equally brilliant and beautiful.  I encourage my children to express themselves in all of the ways I wasn't able to throughout my life, and in so doing, plan to make the world a much brighter and more colorful place.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPH:

My photograph was taken at a secluded spot, not too far from the Gilbert River on Sauvie Island, which is just outside of St. Helens, Oregon.

I chose this location because it holds many special memories.  As a child, this place was magical - an oasis.  On a hot, sunny day I could lie in the cool green grass beneath the shade of the trees, and watch the water.  Wildlife, in particular waterfowl, abound in this place.  Now, what used to be cool green meadows dappled with tiny daisies, is overgrown with bramble, and the area is closed off to the public.  In my mind's eye I still recall those days from childhood.  Re-visiting this place evokes strong emotions, and while I realize that things must change, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will change for the better.

So, as you look at my photograph, try to envision a tow-headed little girl, laughing and rolling around on the grass, looking for bugs and frogs, or daydreaming in the cool green sanctuary.

FYI:

Sauvie Island is a wildlife area that is a haven for many kinds of migratory birds, deer, waterfowl, ospreys, bald eagles, fox, coyote, and myriad other types of fauna.  It has many lakes and ponds, as well as swamps that are very welcoming to all of these wonderful creatures. It is also covered with farmland, ranches, and nurseries.

When I was a child, my family visited the beaches on the island.  In one particular place the family dog, a doberman named Christa, would chase cows that meandered to t he waters of the Columbia River.

Sauvie Island is almost sacred to me... And so, I present to you my photograph.