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Photo: A Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue in a church hallway, silhouetted by window light. ' In All Circumstances, Give Thanks ' - Copyright 2017 Frank J Casella

"In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thes. 5:18


- Thank Someone -

When I sit in the presence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and give thanks for life and every breath I take, I realize how much it is more about the big picture of things and less about me.

I am grateful for what I have .... and what I don't have. I think the greatest gift a person can give another is unconditional love, which I have always had from my parents, siblings, extended family, close friends, and of course, and my wife who is the most wonderful person, Debbie.

I’ve never seen such divisions and angry disagreements between people as we have today. There are reasons for tensions everywhere. So it seems that love and trust work best between each person in front of you. If we disagree, that is okay, and to accept our feelings and positions as valid for each other without judgment. So I will do my best to understand how and why you feel as you do. With the hope that you will do the same for me.

And this is why it is important to give back at Thanksgiving. As it is said best by singer Amy Grant below


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"Life lessons are learned in bits and pieces over time. And like a puzzle that slowly comes together, we eventually become who we are. ....

When you give something, you become a part of something bigger than yourself. And both the person who’s giving and the person who’s receiving feel equally blessed. That’s a beautiful cycle if you ask me. One that’s worth celebrating all year. ....

Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving."

~ Amy Grant - ' Giving Back at Thanksgiving '


Music Video: Thank Someone - In her duet with John Hiatt, Amy expresses the need for gratitude. As families and loved ones get together to celebrate, we're reminded to reward support and kindness with thanksgiving, not to take it for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Thank you for your engagement with my artwork, and for being my customer,

Frank


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Photo: First Snow After Autumn - Square - Golden leaves from the last signs of Autumn pop against the white from the first snow of Winter - Color Art Landscape Photograph - Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella.



- I Hope To Make You Smile -


The reason that I am an artistic photographer, is because I believe that in life people need imagery, through works of Art, that are positive examples (sometimes with human interaction) of goodness, hope, and the Love of God in the world.

In our present war-torn world and divisive culuture, as well as the added busyness of the Christmas holiday season, simple moments in time can create lasting impressions or even make you smile.

More people are uplifed by the beauty of nature as it evolves, which is God's creation and love for His world.

Once again this year, I will be sending out a daily email from Thanksgiving Day through New Years Day.

But this time I will dust off my my WordPress blog, so enter your address in the sign up form to be sure you are on the list, or not.

These mails will be a quick read with an inspirational picture and caption, as well as any holiday promotion of the day when available, sent on Monday through Saturday each week (for seven weeks).

Follow the blog here with your email address, by RSS, or with your WP account if you have one, and then you will be sure to get each new daily post with simple uplifting inspiration!

Thank you for your interest in my artistic photographs, for being my customer, and for joining with me together on this visual journey.

I hope to make you smile.

Frank


PS. Please share this message with others who you know might benefit. Thank you.


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A white picket fence with pink peonies flowers in the evening sunlight.

Notice some of the flowers are in full bloom, while others are spent already.

Although the fence needs a good paint job, it is still sturdy and not broken.

As with our own lives, the fence and the flowers go through cycles of renewal.

It is through our struggles that we become stronger in the many aspects of life.

God gives us hope, in that, He will show us the way .. all we do is, like flowers, depend on Him.

God works through people to do His work, like repairing and painting the fence.

When we are weathered and worn, the reality is that God is with us, though it may not feel like it.




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Photo: Weathered And Worn - A square format photograph of a white picket fence with pink flowers in the evening sunlight. This is from my Personal Work collection, many of them look best as small sized Wood Prints in 8' X 8' or 10' X 10' - Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella All Rights Reserved. Direct link https://fineartamerica.com/featured/weathered-and-worn-frank-j-casella.html
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Fine art photography is an art form that consists of images that are technically excellent, with minimal post-processing. Where as images that are fine art paintings are considered reproductions usually taken straight from the camera with no editing.

Much of what I share in this post is from Barney Davey and his Art Marketing News blog. Printmaking is the process of creating a print from a digital or other electronic image. It is an ancient technique that has been used to create images for hundreds of years. Printmaking can be done on a variety of materials, including paper, cloth, metal, and plastic. The process of printmaking involves the application of a image or pattern to a substrate, such as paper. The artist then prints the image using a printing press.

As I have said before, Art can be a form of hope. When we look at art, we can see images of hope that can give us strength. People need to see examples of hope in the world, because without it, they may become disheartened and lose hope. Art can help to show people that God's love is always with them, no matter what.

There are many reasons why I license my photography through Fine Art America (FAA) / Pixels as my printmaking and photographic agent. For one, their quality prints are some of the highest quality that I have come across, and the prints are printed on high quality substrates. Second, their business model is quite logical - which is quite reasonable considering the high quality of their prints. Finally, their customer service is excellent - if there is ever a problem with a print, they are always willing to help solve it. This helps me to 'focus' on photography and let them do fulfillment.

FAA is a print-on-demand business and their main substrate is a giclee print. A giclee print is produced by spraying microscopic ink droplets with exacting precision directly onto substrates like canvas, paper, metal, wood, and other art materials. The giclee printing technique delivers superior quality reproductions of the original painting when rendered by masters.

Giclee:

“[ zhee-KLAY] n. 1. An archival, fine-art print created via digital inkjet printing utilizing museum-quality papers and canvas and using pigmented inks. AKA: Archival Pigment Print 2. Most often associated with reproductions, a giclée is a copy of an original work of art created by conventional means (painting, drawing, etc.) However, photographic or computer-generated imagery printed using this method can be considered an original print, since they are not reproductions but museum-quality prints created from a digital image file.”

Since these prints are considered original museum-quality prints, this not only keeps them as my intellectual property, but keeps their value as well even though I try to price my works to be affordable to the masses. I have these prints on my own wall, both from my Favorites Collection and my favorites by other artists, and can attest to the quality and colors of the giclee process. I'm so proud to have them and I know that they will last a lifetime.

I hope you found this post educational and informative, though this topic is off the usual path that I write about, and this helps you better with viewing my collection of colorful uplifting photography and gifts, and bring new light and life to your home and those you love.

Image Reference Link - Sunday In The Autumn Woods - https://fineartamerica.com/featured/sunday-in-the-autumn-woods-frank-j-casella.html


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Committed

The key to vision is being committed to it. But many do you find have a hard time with this?

The path to a full life, and reaching your goals, is to be committed to it. There is no vision without being committed to it. We might find road blocks in the way, or things that change our direction a bit, and without being committed to it we just give up before we reach our goal.

Henry Ford comes to mind, how he said something like “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently” as well as “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do” and “Vision without execution is just hallucination.”

One of the most difficult forms of being committed for me is with online platforms, as technology changes very fast. Even if you have your own website or blog, the host can change the business plan and you have to move with the changes.

There is also being committed to a relationship, as in marriage, as over the years spouses change and you have to learn to move with it in love. The key to a long marriage is to stay married, and then give each other space.

I thought about this topic for today becuase there are a number of projects I'm working on in life, and with my pictures. And as we approach the fourth quarter of the year I'm reflecting on what I learned from them in the past 9 months, and how I want to approach them for the next year.

“When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” -- Zig Ziglar


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Have you ever wondered what it was like to be the leaves at the very top of the trees. Weathering the elements. Providing shade. Yet God created trees for this purpose. Photo: Autumn Tree and Blue Sky - Copyright Frank J Casella Alll Rights Reserved. https://frankjcasella.pixels.com/featured/autumn-tree-and-blue-sky-frank-j-casella.html


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Some childhood friendships are found and shared at the park. This is because children get the opportunity to talk, play, and be themselves usually without worry or stress. This is also where friendships are built, which can last a lifetime. Whether playing tag or flying a kite, there is always something to do in a park.

Childhood is a time when you learn about yourself and the world around you. You explore your surroundings, make new friends, and experience firsts. Childhood is also a time of innocence, when you think everything is possible and nothing can hurt you. As you get older, you learn that there are dangers in the world, but you also learn to take precautions and be more cautious. Childhood is a precious time that should be enjoyed to the fullest!

For me, childhood was a time of bonding with family and friends, and learning about and expressing the world around me (through my camera). I had very encouraging parents, and lived in a neighborhood and community that was very uplifting, and where I still live today. In fact, when life has taken me away for a period of time, I could not wait to return to my hometown.

One important aspect of childhood formation is having engaged parents or grandparents. And with all the distractions that our present society is experiencing, it is important that a mother and a father keep parenting in right perspective, by keeping the family together especially during disagreements as well as participating in family events like holiday and birthday parties, weddings and funerals, and the like, so chidden have a sense of stability and belonging.

In recent years, having a digital life has become a major part of childhood. I find it interesting that many people who developed big tech in Silicon Valley (including the late Steve Jobs) waited to allow their own children to have a smart phone or a social media account, etc. until well into their teen years. This is because they knew the negative effects that these technologies have, and this was before what data mining and mental health have since caused. It is important to example to children how to use balance and moderation with their digital life.

Studies have consistently shown that social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are bad for mental health. In a study done by the University of Cambridge, it was found that those who use social media for more than two hours a day are 51% more likely to have a mental health problem.

Another study done by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that social media use is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in adolescents. The study found that adolescents who used social media more than three hours a day were more than twice as likely to have severe mental health problems.

With good (Christian) friends, a child can often bounce back from difficult situations. A good friend can also be a confidante, providing support and encouragement when things get tough. And when a child feels supported, they are more likely to feel motivated to try new things and to persevere when faced with difficulty. Friendship is a key ingredient in helping a child thrive and grow.

Human interaction through friendships is essential to the formation years of childhood. This is why socializing with others plays such an important role in the development of a well-rounded individual. Friendship provides children with a sense of belonging and helps them to develop social skills. These skills help children learn how to interact with others, which can promote a healthy relationship development as they grow up.





Picture reference link: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/friends-at-the-park-black-and-white-frank-j-casella.html


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Labor Day aligns with a change of seasons, Fall is the most colorful season of the year, and my favorite.

This photograph - Falling Leaves Green Grass - is an abstract of a Fall leaf in the grass that illustrates the perfection of what God has created, for us to enjoy this beauty while on earth, in addition to His creating our lives.

Although the leaf has flaws and scars, it still brings much beauty into the world for the short time of one season, just as our lives our short lived.

I have been thinking much about labor and legacy: How our labor makes a positive difference in the world, or not, and from this what will our legacy look like.

Growing up in a family business I learned first hand there are two ways to own a business: One is entrepreneur and the other is freelancer. The first you set up a business in a way that it continues once you are done building it all you can, and the second basically dies when you do.

For example, my mother was the foundation of the family business, and when she died so did the business. It was the type of business that no matter how much my siblings did to keep the business, people wanted my mothers touch.

I think what will happen with me is a combination of the two. My photography website will close, though my best sellers should continue on Fine Art America. And the Catholic Apostolate that I co-founded to nurture spirituality in men might continue because there are a few people who can do it, just a bit differently.

Speaking of spirituality, as you leave this earth, I believe that it's important to be known for who you are, not for what you do. Your legacy should be what's etched onto your heart - your identity in Jesus Christ.

That’s what Christ is looking for in his followers. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you have to give up your career or your profession. What it does mean is that you should put your faith in Christ and serve Him first, through serving others. That’s what will give you the most fulfillment in life, and it will be the legacy that you leave behind.

The interesting thing with photography and the internet is, in recent years a hand-full of photography friends have known passed away, who I consider them my mentors. Although their business website shut down after their death, you can still find their images making impact on the internet.

You go onto Tumblr and Facebook too and find their posts even though their account is shut down, because of how much their pictures were shared. On Fine Art America there are several artists who have passed on and their works are still selling. This is how their lives have brought beauty to the world.

But there are many of us who just live our lives and pass on, and you might think we will be forgotten. But I believe that we live for the moment in time, because how we labor and how we live makes colorful impressions on those we cross paths with, good or bad .. and that is our legacy.


"He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands."
— St. Benedict of Nursia





Reference link; https://fineartamerica.com/featured/falling-leaves-green-grass-frank-j-casella-frank-j-casella.html


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Photo: Conversations on the Bridge at the Wetlands Preserve - A natural Fall color fine art version of two people enjoying conversations while laying on the bridge at the wetlands preserve - Midwest America - Copyright 2019 Frank J Casella All Rights Reserved.


Over the summer months when I have needed to go someplace around town, I have decided to walk instead of take the car. Not only is walking good for your health (and weight), but it allows you to see things that you would not when passing by in the car. I have not walked as much since we lost both of the dog's, when I would take them for a walk twice a day: Why Everyone Should Have a Dog

With each dog I have had taught me something different about unconditional love.

While walking around town I have bumped into strangers as well as shared conversations with people who I have not seen in a while, and I have noticed how the neighborhoods are changing in response to both the economic boom and bust of the past few years.

Then I read these words in a recent newsletter from Dr. Gary Chapman that I can not stop thinking about:

"Sometimes we fall into a negative mindset that keeps us from being our best in relationships. Here's an example: "I’ll treat them better when they start treating me better.” Such an attitude misses out on the power of unconditional love. Unconditional love is the choice to love someone else no matter how they treat you."

With my work in Catholic men's ministry I see this first hand. Heartbreak, pain in peoples hearts deeply hidden, they are not going to tell you (at first) because they don't trust or been hurt in the past.

We carry deep wounds in our heart. Talking and conversations helps healing, not talking creates more unresolved anger, and unmet expectations.

That is why this picture illustrating conversation is a good reminder (myself included) and so important. We need to listen to each other more, be compassionate to others, loving, don't put them in box, but try to understand where they are coming from.

A little care, and kindness.

Sharing our frustrations can help with progress, and the key to lasting relationships is forgiveness.





Reference link; https://fineartamerica.com/featured/conversations-on-the-bridge-at-the-wetlands-preserve-frank-j-casella.htm


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Photo: 'On Time ' - Railfans engage in an Amtrak Train passing on time by the train observation platform in Homewood, Illinois - USA - Copyright 2009 Frank J Casella.


The other day on the way to my favorite grocery store I walked passed the railfan observation platform, and could not help but notice two young families enjoying the cargo trains moving in and out of the train yard, and the passenger trains stopping at the platforms.

Talking to them, one was a local family, and the other was visiting from out of state, both of them sharing a common interest. I was going to make a picture of the silhouetted human figures as the trains move by, but felt the timing off a bit as it might become a distraction. Sometimes moments are for me to absorb and build on for later.

But this got me to thinking about how we hear today of all the division and racism in our culture, you wouldn't know it watching these complete strangers engage with each other. And the symbolism of how the trains travel making connections through communities across this vast land called America.

This also got me to thinking how my serving on the committee to make this platform possible many years ago has become a greater impact on humanity than I ever envisioned. It was not easy, as there where several viewpoints and opinions on why we should do this, and how it should be done, but we all worked together to completion.

Keep it simple: the decisions that we make today has an impact on how future generations experience humanity, how we relate to each other on what we do agree on is the foundation of good relationships and a good society. This is part of the meaning behind the flag of our country, and how we have functioned for decades: The United States of America.





Reference link; https://fineartamerica.com/featured/on-time-frank-j-casella.html


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This is an update to my blog post: Keep Your Focus.

Photo: Radiant Light pours over a candle lit risen Christ on the Cross. When we focus on Jesus, God the Father will reveal His presence when we stop looking at self. This is the secret.

Of all the English words, "focus" is perhaps one of the most difficult to define. One meaning of focus is a center of activity, attraction, or attention. Another meaning is to keep a mind on a task. Yet another meaning is to make something sharper.

Like with photography, you use the lens to control the focus of the image: clarity and subject.

For example, when you are photographing people, you might want them to be more in focus than the background. This can be done by using a close-up lens, which makes the subject appear closer to the lens, and a wide angle lens, which makes the subject appear more distant from the camera. Likewise, the lens that you use on the camera helps to determine the information shared and angle of view.

I have noticed at the Art Institute, for example, how an exhibit of an artists work might only have one large painting or photograph, or a hand-full of smaller pieces to go with the one large one. This is because in our information overloaded and digital distracted world, it is becoming more of a challenge to focus on one thing for more than a few moments.

Of all my religious photographs, Radiant Light is the one that people say provides focus, comfort, hope, and center. During the Confirmation season especially it is gifted as a Notebook, Oval Ornament, and a Sticker, to name a few.

Several large Metal Prints have been purchased as a focal point for during ones prayer time. And this is more so now with the crisis and struggles we are experiencing in our present society.

Though we need weeds in our lives to help us keep our focus, if we focus our attention on news and gossip we will miss God's incredible, visionary, optimistic purpose for every believer: to grow so much in our faith that we shine like radiant beacons of inspiration to everyone around us! Jesus exampled on the Cross, it is through our struggle that we see the Glory!

The gift of God’s unconditional love, given for you and for me.




Reference link; https://frankjcasella.pixels.com/featured/radiant-light-frank-j-casella.html


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