Monday, November 02, 2020

Talent Highlight: Maria, Of My Northern Heart

Whenever I discover a talent I feel is exceptional, I can't help but highlight it on my blog and share it with others.

Such as it was when I discovered, My Northern Heart.

I was instantly drawn in, not only by Maria's photography, but also because of the "energy" I felt coming from her photographs. The images seemed to convey "who she was."

And upon investigating more about her life, I realized why I felt the way I did was because she is a very special young lady.

Here is an excerpt from Maria's bio:

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"My name is Maria and Northern Heart is who I am and what I stand for. This is my life in the Swedish countryside. This is my life that's filled with all the things I love. Scandinavian & Swedish design, Swedish traditions, minimalism, foggy mornings & finding beauty in the simple & smaller moments in life.

In 2011 I suffered a stroke at a young age which turned my world upside down. I realized I didn't live MY life the way I wanted to, instead I lived a life based upon the expectations of others. This has affected me a lot, especially who I am, my mindset & the choices I make in my life. I choose to focus on what is good in my life, because then the good grows & being thankful for what's good counteract a lot of negative emotions & stress. I see my stroke as a "stroke of luck" because it caused me to turn my life around and get back to what I loved most, and to share that with the world.

Today I live in Dalarna & enjoy foggy mornings & living a life based on what brings me joy in my heart!"

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I first found Maria on YouTube, where I watched several of her videos about life in Sweden. She has a remarkable way of creating videos that are informative, warm, inviting, and genuine. Her demeanor is sweet, down-to-earth, and humble.

I've never been to Sweden, but after looking through Maria's photographs and videos, it makes me want to visit because it looks absolutely gorgeous; particularly, Dalarna.

I tried to arrange her beautiful images in a seasonal order; saving my favorite season's (Autumn and Winter) for last.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great joy that I share with you, My Northern Heart.

Please enjoy...