2020 ST&BF Survivorship Through the Lens People's Choice Photo Contest!
Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund's "Survive, Thrive & Be Fit"
Survivorship Through the Lens at the Christopher Farm & Gardens!
Participating Photographers (cancer survivors, co-survivors and medical caregivers): Linda Ansay, Cindy Becker, Jane Berg, Deb Borucki, Paul Borucki, Kathy Burch, Jennifer King, Bev Leonhard, Cletus Leonhard, Kathleen Meinschock, Bernie Pentek, Sharon Pentek, Tim E. Renzelmann, Mary Schueller, John Seaman, Althea Smith, Amanda Smith
"View from Dave's Bench" submitted by Jane Berg - cancer survivor
This is the view Dave saw when sitting on a bench by the pond. He so much enjoyed Christopher Gardens. So I call this particular bench Dave's bench and sit on it every time I come to Christopher Gardens. Nature itself can be healing in its power to soothe and calm.
"Nuts to Me!" submitted by Cindy Becker - Cancer Survivor
This photo was taken Sunday afternoon, June 7. I was amazed by how this tree looks like is is growing PEANUTS! Seriously?? How is that possible? Peanuts are grown underground!
I looked for a sign close by in hopes to correctly identify this particular species; but didn't see one. Perhaps with the help of Mr. Christopher's staff, I can learn what specific type of pine tree this truly is!
Thank you Christopher Farm & Gardens!
ANSWER (from Erika of CF&G): "Definitely a pine tree. Our arborist couldn’t tell definitively, but is pretty certain it’s the Scots Pine."
"Untitled" submitted by Deb Borucki - cancer survivor
The open spaces in this tree remind me of the holes I sometimes felt during my journey. Not knowing how my body would respond to treatment, no guarantees of the end result, and still filling in the healing. But, from a distance, the spaces all blend into a tree full of life. It reminds me that all of my “holes” belong in my life full of blessings.
"Life" submitted by Kathy Burch - cancer survivor
Life is a journey that is filled with many options. Sometimes the options are nice with a few little bumps as the path shows. Other times, we need to sit and rest or ponder/reflect on where we have been and what will come next. Finally, we take the challenge and climb to a new goal.
"Focus on What's Important" submitted by Jennifer King - cancer survivor
Recently I have found myself in a place I thought I had left behind....a place of fear... a place of great darkness... as the weeks have passed since, I have found the light and while most days aren't "perfect" they are perfectly Ok because where there is light there is Love! As I have processed the uncertainty going on In the world today I find myself doing what an inspirational and possibly misunderstood man once suggested.... "In your fear, seek only peace. In your fear, seek only love." - David Bowie
"What Lies Beneath?" submitted by Jennifer King - cancer survivor
I not sure what to say about this one.... I don't particularly like the picture I think that could have been done better. However as I looked through my photos I kept being drawn back to this one....but why? Is it the mystery? The hope? I'm not sure.... I'm not sure what lies beneath the surface, but good or bad there was something in the energy of this moment that required documentation....Not sure how it's possible but I was both at peace and excited about the possibility?
"Gone Awry" submitted by Mary Schueller, RN - co-survivor/medical caregiver
Christopher Farm & Gardens is absolutely beautiful! I very much enjoyed gathering with so many cancer survivors today & observing nature. At first glance, everything looks perfect. But, upon closer examination, some things have "Gone Awry" such as this flower. At this very unprecedented time in our world, it seems like so much has "Gone Awry." An outing such as this, however, is a gentle reminder of the beauty that exists if we just take the time to look for it.
"Beginning: A Snarly Start!" (1 of 3) submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann - cancer survivor
Yep... I know I am changing my own rules... but, as they say, rules were meant to be broken... and these three photos combine to tell my story (and you know I love stories) of "My Walk Through the Gardens While Looking Through the Lens."
Once the yoga class got underway, I began meandering the 1K "measured & marked" route all by myself. With everything going on in the world around us this dirty, rusty ball of barbed wire caught my attention!
"Middle: On the Right Track & In the Right Direction!" (2 of 3) submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann - cancer survivor
As I travelled... I really tried to look... and listen... for things I may otherwise not have noticed and I began to feel that I was on the right track and heading in the right direction!
"End: Arriving at a Beautiful Place!" (3 of 3) submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann - cancer survivor
I reached the end of the 1K route near one of my favorite spots in the Gardens - the 11-circuit Labyrinth, where my walk continued and I further reflected on all of the beauty around me... both in these gardens and around the world! As for that dirty, rusty ball of barbed wire that initially caught my attention... it seemed miles away and the furthest thing from my mind... thanks to the healing experience of the Christopher Farm & Gardens!
NOTE: Because I submitted three photos from the June 7th visit... I'll only submit one photo from the June 17th visit! :-)
BONUS VIDEO: John Seaman created a wonderful slideshow of photographs (put to music) that he took during his visit on June 7th as he was "Wandering the Grounds" that you can enjoy by following this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/1jMitDrcAsQ
Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund's "Survive, Thrive & Be Fit"
Survivorship Through the Lens at the Christopher Farm & Gardens!
Participating Photographers (cancer survivors, co-survivors and medical caregivers): Bruce Becker, Cindy Becker, Kathy Burch, Sharrol Butzen, Jennifer King, Bernie Pentek, Sharon Pentek, Tim E. Renzelmann, Mary Schueller, John Seaman, Althea Smith, Amanda Smith, Brenda Zoran
"Life's Journey" submitted by Althea Smith - cancer survivor
This picture reminds me that thru life we will have our ups and downs, but through it all we are moving/changing. Keep a positive attitude help, along with working together. God has our life planned out for us and it is up to us to see the beauty in it. Sometimes it is hard to get started while at other times life seems to go so fast, but if you know where to look - there is a brake (break) to bring things in perspective. As the girls and I meandered through the wonderful gardens we came upon the open building that houses this pump trolley. Erica of CF&G, asked if we wished to ride it. My girls didn't need to think twice and you can see the excitement! Amanda commented it was on her bucket list, as it reminded her of the movie - Ma and Pa Kettle, Back on the Farm.
"The Beauty of an Iris" submitted by Althea Smith - cancer survivor
This grouping of irises brings with it the many colors, and designs that are offset by the plain green background. Although each is the same, they each have different lines (veins) that run throughout - just as our life experiences make us special and unique.
"Watercolor Lilies" submitted by Cindy Becker - cancer survivor
This photo was taken at CF&G on Wednesday evening, June 17. The lighting that evening was totally different than the daytime photos captured on Sunday, June 7. I chose to submit this "Watercolor Lilies" photo because it looks so much like a watercolor PAINTING instead of an actual photo! This makes me feel that "certain things aren't always what they appear to be".
Thank you Mr. Christopher and staff for another opportunity to see such amazing beauty!
"True Colors" submitted by Kathy Burch - cancer survivor
Remember the song "True Colors"
"So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
I see your true colors
Shining through (true colors)
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful (they're beautiful)
Like a rainbow."
The colors of this iris reminded me of how important it is to be yourself and let yourself shine.
"No Place Like Gnome...." submitted by Jennifer King - cancer survivor
Love them or hate them I find there is something magical about gnomes. Something that can bring people together. I have a friend who is really into gnomes, they make him smile and over the past almost 25 years me as well. Before the visit on Sunday I promised him I would take pictures of 3 things the Asian Garden, the Labryth and GNOMES! I was slightly saddened by the absence of the gnomes on Sunday and had to break it to my friend that for whatever reason they were GONE! Well when I returned on Wednesday I spent the bulk of the time showing my guests around the property and after they left I ran into Erica and told her of my sadness over the lack of gnomes....to which she kindly ended by racing me over to Spruce Haven to show me Mr Gnome had in fact returned! And when we turned the corner and saw the light coming through the trees as a spotlight .....
It was AWESOME!
So whatever your thing is..... "I hope you find what you're looking for." - Steve McQueen
"Home Sweet Home" submitted by Mary Schueller, RN - co-survivor/medical caregiver
While visiting the Asian Water Garden (which typically is very serene) I found the birds to be especially "talkative" on this lovely Summer evening. I was surprised to see a young bird that had taken up residence in one of the blown glass flowers. I can't say I blame the bird! Why not make this beautiful work of art home....as opposed to a traditional nest?
"So True...." submitted by Mary Schueller, RN - co-survivor/medical caregiver
I've been fortunate to travel to many beautiful gardens. Whether it was the Wellington Botanic Garden in New Zealand, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa or the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, I enjoyed the unique beauty of each of these gardens. Who would think that, within a short drive of my home, there would be such an oasis of natural beauty? When I first saw the sign with this quote, I immediately thought: Mr. Christopher and his staff deserve all the credit --- they make this place beautiful so that we can enjoy it! On further consideration, though, I reflected on all the cancer survivors who joined me here this evening. Whether they had hair or not, whether they were recently diagnosed or long-term survivors, whether they were running or practicing yoga or seeing the gardens from a wheelchair......THEY are what made the place beautiful. Thank you for coming out to enjoy nature together and celebrate Survivorship!
"Shadows are as Real as the Light" submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann - cancer survivor
I purposefully found myself on the west side of the Christopher Farm & Gardens as the sun was setting during our evening visit, primarily to enjoy the final light of this day... and noticed there was as much beauty in the darkness of the shadows as in the light itself!
