My new series of artistic photography features a group of florals I'm working on called Love Letters. The inspiration began with my neighbor's gorgeous garden and the beautiful flowers within. To further inspire me, however, is the story of this delightful couple who lives next door to me.
Earl and June have been married over 60 years now. Their son told me their story. It began when they were very, very young. Earl was 16 and June just 14. Both still in school, but they had fallen in love. They decided they wanted to get married -- but they didn't want to tell their parents just yet. So they eloped for the day. To their parents, they were just having a normal "date". When in reality, they ran off to find a justice of the peace who would marry them. They had their ceremony, and came home, marriage certificate in hand. They each went to their respective houses and continued on with their lives, as if nothing had changed. But they knew in their hearts, their commitment had been sealed.
It wasn't long after, June's mother discovered the truth. If I remember correctly, she found the marriage license June had hidden in her room. Her mother and father had a sit down with June in the living room, and told her quite frankly, "You're a married woman now, you must go live with your husband and be a wife." So Earl and June moved in together and began living as husband and wife.
Fast forward 60+ years. They're still together. Two children later, grown grandchildren, the passage of long careers for both of them, and they're retired now. They still act like teenagers sometimes. They always speak to everyone with respect and kindness, and they still speak to each other that way too. June's passion is her flowers and her beautiful garden. Earl loves to work in the yard and he also makes the most beautiful hand carved wooden canes in his shop behind his home. It's a joy to watch the two of them, and even more precious is the love, dedication, and commitment this couple has for one another.
This series "Love Letters" features my artistic photographs of June's beautiful blooms. And it features the handwritten text of antique love letters, some dating back over 100 years. Each piece of art in this series is a tribute to true, long lasting, beautiful love, which seems to be a scarcity in our world today. My hope is that by viewing these works of art, you will know, it's not an impossibility. There is a chance for true, romantic love to prevail.
InJoy,
Jai
P.S. Watch the series unfold by following my Artistic Photography board on Pinterest.
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