Friday, July 18, 2008

Bonus Skywatch... Happy 90th Birthday Madiba

I just could not let the special significance of this day go by without comment, so I am giving you a second Skywatch post. (The first was posted in the wee small hours, but then I saw this sky this morning and had to add it)

It is so apt, because today is the 90th birthday of Nelson Mandela, my personal hero, and icon of inspired leadership to many around the world. The sky over Nelson Mandela Bay this morning seemed to beam down rays of light, which is utterly descriptive of his effect on our country, and the world.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA, thank you for being you, and for saving our nation from tyranny. I hope your example resonates with all the leaders who are honoured enough to step in your footsteps. May your selfless humility, deep integrity, steadfast conviction and humanity and strength without bitterness in the face of adversity be an everlasting beacon to all who follow.
I was feeling so inspired in the middle of the night that I did a painting to commemorate this special day.


The words written faintly in gold are a quotation from Nelson Mandela...

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I discover your blog because of the fotos.
I loved.
But I only want to say with you "CONGRATULATIONS NELSON MANDELA".

From Portugal

Maria (escrevi)

Anonymous said...

I discover your blog because of the fotos.
I loved.
But I only want to say with you "CONGRATULATIONS NELSON MANDELA".

From Portugal

Maria (escrevi)

AphotoAday said...

Super nice shot!
And a wonderful tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Extremely nice blog you have here!

Best regards, Don.

Suzanne said...

Love your Sky watch photo 2nd time around and your painting just made me go wow. Happy weekend to you.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

What a wonderful tribute!! Beautiful skywatch picture and painting!

Tom said...

I feel honoured by this post Suzi... thank you.

Sharon said...

What an outstanding picture, stunning!

Maria said...

I join in the congratulations to Nelson Mandela.

imac said...

Great photo Suzi, love the sun shine through.

The Team thanks you for your SW photo and helping us in its new venture and making it a success.

Lilli & Nevada said...

very nice

Carletta said...

The photos of your skies below are beautiful beyond words; but this one with the sun's rays almost falling on the church is stunning!
Well done.
Yes, HB Mr. Mandela!

Unknown said...

Stunning painting!! Wow!

Katney said...

Beautiful tribute, Suzy.

SandyCarlson said...

These are beautiful gifts for a fine, fine man.

sonia a. mascaro said...

What a beautiful homage to Nelson Mandela! Loved your painting! The sky's photo is beautiful too. Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela, a remarkable person!

PS: You and me are in synchronicity, I just come from your post when I see your comment!

dot said...

A very nice tribute to a great man!

Terry Grant said...

Beautiful painting and wonderful tribute to a hero for all of us. I heard a wonderful story about Mandela on our radio yesterday. They said on the day he was released from prison he was being driven home and he asked the driver to stop the car when he saw a woman with a baby. He got out of the car and asked the woman if he might hold her baby for just a few minutes because during his long imprisonment, he said, he had most missed the presence of children in his life.

Rune Eide said...

I'll subscribe to that one!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful painting, absolutely beautiful! I just love it - you were truly inspired!

Tom said...

Hi Suzi..
This was a nice tribute, I came across two others while visiting the sky watch posts.. I wish I'd had more understanding of current affairs when I was younger, sad to say the news for abroad never interested me back then, alas I was to wrapped up in myself and bitterness.
I meant it when I said I was pleased to see this post and yes I felt honuored and humbled to know that something I'm involved in each week as had such a message in..
Thank Suzi

Jane Hards Photography said...

I like Tom's comments. I am playing catch up. A as politcal beast This really speaks to me. It is so wonderful that Nelson Mandela has enjoyed so many free years since his disgusting incarceration. A wonderful
man, a wonderful tribute from you.