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Before you listen to the music in this post, pause and look at the photo. What do yellow roses and tulips make you think of? What feelings and memories rise up? I have always loved tulips and roses. And yellow flowers give me a sense of warmth and joy, like sunlight. When I first saw this photo, I felt uplifted. I thought maybe someone received this bright bouquet for a birthday or anniversary.

Now, add the audio as you look at the photo. “Sad Trio” adds a somber, reflective mood, and offers a different context for the photo. For me, the music changes the meaning of the photo from warm and happy to mournful or melancholic. Traditionally, yellow roses are given in sympathy. I don’t know why, but maybe it is to brighten the spirits. For some people they might bring to mind sad memories or thoughts of someone they have lost. In this context, I wonder what you would see if the photo was pulled back. Maybe a scene from a celebration of life gathering?

 As a symbol of strength and growth, I chose the image of a gladiolus flower in bloom. However, when I first started this assignment, I was looking for photos of people hugging for the last time because I felt like it was a bittersweet moment. In most cases, when you embrace someone, it is either to say goodbye or welcome them back.

Over the past few months, I have had to leave the people I love behind. This includes family and friends. It was difficult to say goodbye to them while moving to the US for school. I miss being around them, and I miss being able to hug them and feel their presence. The same goes for my dogs. I wrote about my recent move to Tallahassee, Florida in my last class blog post. So, getting settled in a new environment on my own has been difficult.

During my first week here, I would cry and reminisce about how much I missed home. And, in the process of adjusting to life here, I’ve learned that this is a chance to rediscover myself. Things won’t always go my way but in those moments, I remember that I am strong, brave, and courageous. I am like a gladiolus in bloom. and I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds from here. 

I would like to add that the Gladiolus undulatus photograph by dogtooth77 is so captivating. Every petal on this flower tells its own story of beauty and strength. I thought it would be perfect to pair the soothing and ambient elements in the song Shimmer by Airtone with the picture. At first, it is not easy to tell where the song is going, but as it progresses, it just creates an immersive experience. This is something I hope you will experience as well!

It was the early 1990’s when I received the opportunity to study in the US., and my options were just three. The first option was Rochester, NY. Unfamiliar with the location at that time, I automatically passed to the next option, Huston, TX. To be honest, I thought my English wouldn’t improve if I chose something closer to Mexico.

So I adventure to my third and ideal selection, Chicago, IL. At that time, all I knew about the city was the “The Blues Brothers” and “The Superbowl Shuffle.” to my surprise, the town was more than just good music and fun.

As a matter of fact, one of many stories during my multiple visits to Millenial Park and strolling to a good Bears game in Soldier Field led me to this discovery in 2004, a sign stating that the clouds will come closer to Chicago. Everyone was puzzled and curious, and after two years of speculation, in 2006, the “Cloud Gate” was open.

The Bean brought a flair to the park and the town, to my surprise and many. I was adding passion and art to my second home for years to come. If you haven’t become one of the millions taking a picture of this marvelous work, don’t wait, it is worth the trip.

/r
Alex Palma

Some of the best memories growing up were beach days. When looking for a stunning or impressive image my mind went right to those days standing in the sun looking out over the ocean. As kids we would beg our parents to go on weekends during the summer. I saw this photo while searching for the ocean and thought this one was beautiful. I then started searching for energetic and upbeat music for summer! The song “summer mood” I believe changes the way we look at this photo. I think the song I chose turns this cloudy beach day into one that everyone would enjoy!

Nature, fantasy and adventure. Combine those words and you have what I most appreciate about life and the creative process.

Enter nature: a “White White-tailed Deer – fawn – nature – wildlife – animal – autumn” by blmiers2. The image alone stands as a wonderful representation of wildlife. It is not just a simple photo of a deer out in the woods, though. It is a colorful representation that shows that not everything is black and white. Or even brown in this case. When most people look up an image of a deer, they come across one with just brown hair, maybe the occasional white dot or two on their coat. But this fawn shows that not all deer are the same. With its white tail and almost equally white coat, it gives off an appearance of a mythical creature running through those dense weeds and tall grass.

And in my mind, mythical-like creatures can always be found in fantasy adventures. The image even shows that this young fawn is out for a run, its legs moving in a forward direction. And correct me if I am wrong, but is that not a smile on its face? Thus, when searching for the sounds of adventure, humanoide9000‘s “Uplifting adventure music” added to the mythical element I was feeling upon seeing this image. It also adds the adventure vibe as well, making this image feel as though it is on the move, and that young fawn is making its way to new horizons.

Happily, too!