"Dear God, I know you love me and care for my family. But what am I supposed to do with this? Is there any other way to do things without pain involved?"~ Creation of Calm, Mark Fraley
Creation of Calm: A Cancer Survivor's Sketchbook Story, illustrated and written by Mark Fraley, is a gorgeous and inspirational book. Published in November 2014, this graphic memoir is a series of sketchbook entries that span six years, which illustrate the importance of family, friends, and faith. Through pictures and words, Mark depicts a very difficult period in his life, as a young husband and father who had two bouts of cancer in four years. Most of the pictures are sketches but there are also some colorful collages. Below are some examples of the artwork and a few quotations from the book.
"Prayer is always a necessity; it is another word for 'balance'."
~ Creation of Calm, Mark Fraley
"I pray that those who view my art and read my story will take a moment to slow down, maybe get off the phone, and just look intently at the everyday they may have overlooked."
~ Creation of Calm, Mark Fraley
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| Front Yard Discovery |
Although cancer is a serious disease, Creation of Calm is full of joy and appreciation and hope. We are reminded to slow down and appreciate the beauty and the details of "ordinary" life.
Many thanks to Christina from Cladach Publishing for sending me a copy of this wonderful book, and for including me on this blog tour (part of the Fall Book Fling).
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As much as we wish it were so, I do not think it's possible, nor healthy, to go without pain. That is what helps us grow, mature, reach our fullest potential. No one likes to be "punished", but our natures are pruned then and I think that's so necessary. I love the title of this book, too, though I am not entering to win. xo
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a very inspirational book. I love the drawings.
ReplyDeleteI love the drawings, too, Diane. Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteThe drawings indeed look calm and peaceful. It is never a bad thing to be reminded to slow down to appreciate the important things in life.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderfully inspirational read though I suspect a box of tissues might come in useful.
ReplyDeleteI am sure the author's focusing on beautiful drawings and sketches and looking at the positive helped him immensely during a difficult time. How inspirational for us all!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful and emotive book, thanks for reviewing and bringing to our attention. I haven't heard of it until reading it here.
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
Hi Suko,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review of my book. I appreciated hearing your thoughts on it, and what you were able to draw from it (no pun intended!). Thanks again.
Mark Fraley
Mark, thank you for sharing your story and your art with us. Thanks as well for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
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