This photograph NEVER ceases to not only capture my stare, but my heart. The title alone reminds me of the ever-classic father-daughter song "Butterfly Kisses", which makes the white dress call out of youth, innocence, purity and beauty. That song happens to be sad for me personally as opposed to sweet, but this photo is the precise redeeming quality of it. It reminds me of the gifts in nature, the very earth that kisses us every day -- be it through the sun, the rain that hits our cheeks or the snowy cold air that turns them red. Butterflies are so symbolic of freedom, beauty, love and light. Transformation. This so starkly representing in an enrapturing, vibrant crimson butterfly held in the hands, against the sterile, pure white dress speak to me of loving the transformation from innocence to experience. Innocence isn't ruined or lost by simply LIVING. Breathing ALIVE just as the butterflies make me want to do every time I see one -- breathe deeper...all the way down to my toes. And, that's the final quality I absolutely love in this image. 'Right down to the toes'...the bare feet are again so free in being uncovered and stand against cold stone. Yet the don't seem remotely bothered by the dirt.
I could dissect this photograph and all the symbolism I read into it, but what I really feels like to me is a gift. Hands held out, giving me, the viewer, the gift. The kiss, the freedom, the love, the beauty. I've shared this particular image with so many friends and they all feel so similarly -- taken aback by such a simple gesture speaking so loudly, but ever-so-gently. A whisper. A whisper that when I see this image says, "It will all be okay. I am here. And, we are free."
Amazing, incredible image. It's been my own personal Daily Deviation for months now. And, as I look back, I see it was submitted on my birthday. This really was a gift -- but not to me -- to ALL of us. Thank you.