Lost in Translation

Thursday’s Special: The Spirit of Wisdom

In the language of alchemists, calcination is the destruction of ego and our attachments to material possessions. It is usually a natural humbling process as we are gradually assaulted and overcome by the trials and tribulations of life, though it can be a deliberate surrender of our inherent hubris gained through a variety of spiritual disciplines that ignite the fire of introspection and self-evaluation.

If you would like to participate in Thursday’s Special themeless (non)challenge, feel free to grab my Jupiter widget bellow and provide a link to this post in your post especially designed for this occasion. More details here.

NOTE: As you can see I am burned out and in need of a holiday. See you again on the 3rd of August with a new Black & White Sunday.

This Thursday is really special. I am happy to see inspiring entries by my blogger friends: Don’t miss them:

Paula

July 17, 2014

Favourites, Personal, Thursday’s Special

Personal, photography, self-discovery, self-portrait, spirit, wisdom

69 responses to “Thursday’s Special: The Spirit of Wisdom”

M-R

July 17, 2014 at 1:05 am

That’s a terrific study, Paula …Has anyone told you (prior to moi !) that you have a historical kind of face ? – it’s not a MODERN face, but one from … oh, about 80 years ago. You look as if you’ve stepped out of the ’40s …THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE RUDE ! It’s just a kind of wonderment. 🙂

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 9:09 am
  
  That is a huge compliment dear M-R, and yes I have heard it before (quite a few times), so you must be right :D. I wish I could be here more often and longer, but I will make up for these scarce appareances and activity on your blog when I come back. Keep well, and create. See you soon!
  
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  1. M-R
    
    July 17, 2014 at 9:23 am
    
    Happy and safe travelling, my dear !!
    
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Colline

July 17, 2014 at 1:07 am

You have created an astounding portrait of yourself Paula. Enjoy your break and rest well.

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1. Paula
  
  August 6, 2014 at 9:16 am
  
  Sorry for not replying sooner Colline. It was a much needed break, but I am back now 🙂
  
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alexraphael

July 17, 2014 at 1:11 am

What a great post to leave in the meantime 🙂 A striking photo, and music that really is different. What thought provoking words too.

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Emilio Pasquale

July 17, 2014 at 1:15 am

I hate to presume but I think I understand what M-R is trying to say. You are a very classical beauty!

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1. M-R
  
  July 17, 2014 at 9:24 am
  
  You do not, Emilio ! – you will presume at the drop of a hat ! [grin] Did I miss a post from you today …?
  
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2. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 9:27 am
  
  You guys are great 🙂 and it is fun to see you getting along so well. I appreciate your compliment a lot, Emilio. See you soon 🙂
  
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marc bourbon

July 17, 2014 at 1:27 am

joli montage Paula très créatif

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 10:31 am
  
  😀 Grand merci Marc. A+
  
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scrapydo

July 17, 2014 at 1:57 am

Enjoy your “outing” come back refreshed! Looking forward to your home coming!

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1. Paula
  
  August 8, 2014 at 11:48 am
  
  I came back wiser ;). I have missed you guys 🙂
  
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  1. scrapydo
    
    August 8, 2014 at 10:37 pm
    
    Welcome back. Glad you are a bit “wiser” 😀
    
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Linda Arthur Tejera

July 17, 2014 at 2:30 am

What a beautiful portrait, Paula! Have a wonderful vacation! See you when you get back! 🙂

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1. Paula
  
  August 8, 2014 at 11:49 am
  
  Sorry to have left in such a rush Linda. I am here to stay for a while 😀 Missed you…..
  
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Amy

July 17, 2014 at 3:17 am

Gorgeous, girl!! Enjoy your vacation. See you soon.

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1. Paula
  
  August 8, 2014 at 11:48 am
  
  I’m back. I was in such a hurry to leave that I did not say a proper goodbye to my friends.
  
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Angeline M

July 17, 2014 at 4:09 am

Fantastic portrait, Paula. Rest is important, and I hope you come back refreshed.

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 7:38 pm
  
  Many thanks, dear Angeline. Keep well. Besos
  
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morselsandscraps

July 17, 2014 at 5:47 am

What a beautiful image to leave us with! Am I right in remembering you’re holidaying partly in Poland? If so, we’ll be in the same country again. Enjoy your break and return replenished – I’ll miss your postsq.q

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 7:41 pm
  
  God willing, and weather permitting I will be in the same country as you for a couple of mountain/castle trips :). Enjoy what’s left of your visit, dear Meg. I am already looking forward to a more peaceful time when I come back and will have more time and energy to hang out here. xx
  
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NW Frame of Mind

July 17, 2014 at 6:18 am

Enjoy your holiday, Paula. 🙂

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Thursday’s Special again! | restlessjo

July 17, 2014 at 8:02 am

[…] and water don’t mix, do they? Which is a real shame because I wanted to submit this for Thursday’s Special and you never saw a hotter image of […]

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76sanfermo

July 17, 2014 at 8:05 am

Ciao, bella Paula in un alone di luce , questa volta!
Stupenda foto da lasciarci , prima delle vacanze…
Ti auguro che siano belle e “risolutive”, ossia che ti diano serenità ,distensione e allegria , cosi che al ritorno ci sia una nuova Paula , trasformata e felice!
Tua,
A.

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 10:49 am
  
  Un abbraccio Anna. Ci sentiamo presto…
  
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restlessjo

July 17, 2014 at 8:05 am

You look stunning, girl! I have no idea at all how you did this, but I love it. 🙂
Shame fire and water don’t mix! http://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/thursdays-special-again/
Happy hols! You have earned them.

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 8:42 am
  
  🙂 I’ve used two photos, a portrait of me and my photo of lit matches to blend two images together in photoshop :). I am happy you like it. Maybe they don’t mix, but can admire one another 😀 Now, I am eager to see your water…
  
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Dina

July 17, 2014 at 8:29 am

Stunning indeed, Paula, that’s a great shot. Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing holiday with plenty of time to refill your batteries!
Stor klem, Dina ❤

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 7:37 pm
  
  Stor klem Dina. I will see you when I come back. Tusen takk xx
  
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Gallivanta

July 17, 2014 at 10:13 am

I had to come and see what Restlessjo was talking about! A striking image. Have a wonderful holiday.

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 10:15 am
  
  🙂 Jo has a power of persuasion :D. I’m grateful for your nice visit and wishes, Gallivanta. Best, Paula
  
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bkpyett

July 17, 2014 at 11:46 am

Paula, that is a very special portrait, I hope you have it framed.
Enjoy your break away and look forward to your return, replenished.

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 7:35 pm
  
  Thank you for the suggestion, Barbara. I might do just that 🙂 I will talk to you soon. In the meantime keep well. Sending hugs
  
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English Bulldogs in Paris | Travel with Intent

July 17, 2014 at 12:16 pm

[…] Part of the Thursday Special. […]

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Picking Up The Hook | Colline's Blog

July 17, 2014 at 2:05 pm

[…] post was created to join Paula in her Thursday’s Special non-challenge. Head on over to see what other bloggers have […]

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Colline

July 17, 2014 at 2:06 pm

I decided to show you a little of what I have been doing during my break Paula: http://collinesblog.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/picking-up-the-hook/

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 7:38 pm
  
  How nice of you! I am happy to see you resting and relaxing and yet so active. Will catch up with the rest of your posts in August. See you later 😉
  
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Rondje

July 17, 2014 at 3:59 pm

Doesnt look burned out to me, but you still deserve a great holiday!
Love the music, by the way, very dramatic and bombastic.
Enjoy, Ron

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 4:02 pm
  
  Thank you 🙂 The music is from Carmina Burana (Carl Orff 🙂 )
  
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  1. Rondje
    
    July 17, 2014 at 4:03 pm
    
    Ah, ofcourse, sounded familiar, beautiful! thanks 🙂
    
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Know-All

July 17, 2014 at 7:58 pm

Wow! That’s a beautiful self portrait!

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1. Paula
  
  July 17, 2014 at 8:02 pm
  
  I like to call it a self-study 🙂 Many thanks, Sayantan 🙂 Will catch up after my holidays.
  
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Debbie Smyth

July 17, 2014 at 11:26 pm

Great image. Have a great holiday and see you in August! Debbie

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Lignum Draco

July 18, 2014 at 2:21 pm

i come back from holidays and so you go away on holidays. Our timing is poor! 🙂 Enjoy your break Paula.

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1. Paula
  
  July 19, 2014 at 7:44 am
  
  We are not always synchronised considering our holidays and time zones, and yet we still manage to communicate 😀 I look forward to catching up with you after my holiday. I hope yours served its purpose. See you soon Draco…
  
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Sue Slaght

July 18, 2014 at 4:03 pm

A

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Sue Slaght

July 18, 2014 at 4:05 pm

First apologies for the error above. I am on a terrible Internet connection. Love the effect of the photo. Wishing you a restful recovery and looking forward to reading more on your return.

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1. Paula
  
  July 18, 2014 at 4:47 pm
  
  Thank you, Sue. I guess you can call it an effect, though it is two photos in one. 🙂
  
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  1. Sue Slaght
    
    July 18, 2014 at 6:43 pm
    
    Very cool.. Or in this case hot. 🙂
    
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Mark Kertesz Photography

July 19, 2014 at 4:57 am

Have a great holiday Paula, I hope you have a great break from it all. Btw, congrats on making it to Otto’s final list of the best photography blogs. All the best in your upcoming travels.

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1. Paula
  
  July 19, 2014 at 7:34 am
  
  Congratulations to you Mark 🙂 (I was happy to see at least one of my favourite blogs “make” it ;). Are you taking a holiday soon? I know you could use it. Best, P.
  
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  1. Mark Kertesz Photography
    
    July 19, 2014 at 1:18 pm
    
    That is so nice of you Paula and it’s the first thing I’ve read today – it’s just 7:15am my time so this has made my day. I hope to take some time soon but doubtful it will be before September and there are no travel plans it’s just not possible this year but I do look forward to time away from work to focus on other things.
    
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    1. Paula
      
      July 19, 2014 at 1:37 pm
      
      Just one question, what country do you live?
      
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      1. Mark Kertesz Photography
        
        July 19, 2014 at 1:41 pm
        
        Canada, Toronto to be exact. Right now it’s 7:40am. I think you are 5 or 6 hours ahead?
        
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        Paula
        
        July 19, 2014 at 2:03 pm
        
        6 h it is 2 pm now 🙂
        
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themofman

July 19, 2014 at 6:04 pm

I think singer Jane Sidberry took that path years ago when she sold and gave away practically everything she owned, changed her name and went travelling around the world. She began performing music under her new identity.

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1. Paula
  
  July 19, 2014 at 6:09 pm
  
  🙂 I haven’t listened to her music…will check her out after my holidays. See you in a couple of weeks Allan. Self-evaluation and introspection occurs to me every couple of years 🙂
  
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Uday Narayanan

July 20, 2014 at 8:35 am

Beautiful portrait, Paula!

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1. Paula
  
  August 8, 2014 at 1:22 pm
  
  I love to play with fire 🙂
  
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Cardinal Guzman

July 20, 2014 at 9:20 am

Nice double-exposure self-portrait Paula! I love the incorporation of flames.

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1. Paula
  
  August 8, 2014 at 1:22 pm
  
  It has a purifying effect 😀
  
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paranoiasnfm

July 21, 2014 at 4:50 pm

Gostei muito! 😀

E adoro aqueles dois sinais! 😛

Beijinho

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1. Paula
  
  July 24, 2014 at 9:24 pm
  
  🙂 bjs
  
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Another tail | Le Drake Noir

July 26, 2014 at 9:40 am

[…] post inspired from the always worth visiting Paula Thursday’s Special *non-theme*: “The sprit of […]

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ledrakenoir

July 26, 2014 at 9:58 am

Amazing work – and the eyes beats the flames… 😉

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1. Paula
  
  August 2, 2014 at 11:53 am
  
  Thank you very much, Drake. I have been away on holiday, Will have a look at your post now 🙂
  
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Madhu

July 31, 2014 at 3:40 pm

Ah that’s a beautiful piece of processing Paula! Hope you are feeling cool and rejuvenated already 🙂

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1. Paula
  
  August 8, 2014 at 1:20 pm
  
  After all the rainfall we saw this summer, definitely :). Thank you for the visit, Madhu 🙂
  
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