Are angels real or imaginary? They certainly exist in many religious teachings, and are a recurring symbol in the Christmas story. “Angels are very important, because they provide people with an articulation of the conviction that God is intimately involved in human life.” Father Thomas Rosica

L’ange des oliviers – Alphonse Muraton

In July 1994, Creighton and I traveled through France, hosted by his cousin Catherine, her husband Jean-Francois and their families. We visited a gallery in Saint-Brieuc, where I was able to photograph this angel painted by Creighton’s paternal great-grandfather, Alphonse Muraton. It has since been restored. I love the softness of her face, the lightness around her.

I always liked the concept of angels; guardian angels and other spirits that intervene to make life better, and who help us come to wise choices.

Willow Tree Angels give us blank faces, with enough body language to make our own choice as to what they represent. I found the Black Angel at a Goodwill store, her wings all scrunched-up, but still whole. I brought her home, straightened out the wire wings, and keep her by my bedside always. She symbolizes my friendship with angel girlfriend, Jocelyn, who has smoothed my ruffled feathers through hard times. I love her to my core.

“Kind words are the music of the world. They have a power which seems to be beyond natural causes, as if they were some angel’s song which had lost its way and come on Earth.” Frederick William Faber

“O passing angel, speed me with a song, a melody of heaven to reach my heart and rouse me to the race and make me strong.” Christina Georgina Rossetti

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, and safe harbor, as we navigate uncharted waters.🐾

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #126: An Alphabet Challenge–Subjects That Begin with the Letter A.