Breathing Space: May 2009
![Tulips in Naperville, Illinois Tulips in Naperville, Illinois](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-101-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Isa Traverso
Naperville, Illinois
It was May 2007, and I was visiting Naperville for the first time. Then, four months later, we moved to Chicago. Tulips had a lot to do with it.
![Lake Daylesford, Victoria, Australia Lake Daylesford, Victoria, Australia](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-102-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Jan Mansfield
Victoria, Australia
Beauty, peace and tranquility in the center of Victoria.
![Bird in Tacoma, Washington Bird in Tacoma, Washington](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-103-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Connie Hardy
Tacoma, Washington
The beauty of the warm summer sunshine and nature at its finest.
![Sunset in Kodiak, Alaska Sunset in Kodiak, Alaska](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-104-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Gina Peru-Friccero
Kodiak, Alaska
The beauty of our world never fails to remind me of the gift that this life is.
![Blooming fruit tree in Melbourne, Australia Blooming fruit tree in Melbourne, Australia](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-105-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Heather Sharp
Melbourne, Australia
Nothing offers more promise in life than the spring blossom of a fruit tree. Enjoy.
![Dandelion in Blackwood, New Jersey. Dandelion in Blackwood, New Jersey.](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-106-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Jennifer Roth
Blackwood, New Jersey
Make a wish!
![Landscape in Odenville, Alabama. Landscape in Odenville, Alabama.](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-107-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Kathlene Rushing
Odenville, Alabama
I love to take photographs of this beautiful universe. It reminds me that I am one with God and the universe.
![Iceberg in Pleneau Bay, Antarctica Iceberg in Pleneau Bay, Antarctica](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-108-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Lori Lancaster
Pleneau Bay, Antarctica
This was a picture taken while zodiac cruising in Pleneau Bay near the Antarctic Peninsula. The hundreds of beautiful icebergs we saw on what was a crystal clear sunny day rivaled the best of the world's architecture. It was one of the most peaceful places I have ever experienced.
![Pine cones in East Aurora, New York Pine cones in East Aurora, New York](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-109-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Sharon Rhoades
East Aurora, New York
I just love how Mother Nature starts the spring growing. It is just so wonderful to grow with it.
![Trees near Walton Lake, Monroe, New York Trees near Walton Lake, Monroe, New York](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-110-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Gabrielle Mpasiakos
Monroe, New York
I am a 6-year-old girl. I took this picture for a school contest called Reflections. I thought you might like it.
![Butterfly in Canton, Georgia Butterfly in Canton, Georgia](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-111-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Tiss Travis
Canton, Georgia
I love to photograph my gardens in the summer time. My Lantana was in full bloom and the butterflies were everywhere. It was beautiful!
![Flower in Adirondack Mountains, New York Flower in Adirondack Mountains, New York](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-112-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Jennifer Roth
Adirondack Mountains, New York
A flower along my travels.
![Trees near water at Palm Harbor, Florida Trees near water at Palm Harbor, Florida](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-113-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Angela Moralevitz
Palm Harbor, Florida
This, to me, is the epitome of serene. I loved the way the waters were so still that day. It reminded me of staring at a painting.
![Lily pads in the water in Chicago Lily pads in the water in Chicago](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-114-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Aaron Straus
Chicago
Lily pads in the water.
![Metamora, Illinois Metamora, Illinois](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-115-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Tina Gauwitz
Metamora, Illinois
Beautiful, colorful flowers in Metamora, Illinois.
![Cascade Mountains, Washington Cascade Mountains, Washington](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-116-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Connie Hardy
Cascade Mountains, Washington
The majestic Cascade Mountains and the sheer peaks show the power and the beauty we take for granted and how we should hold each day as special in our hearts. Hold on to that beauty and be thankful in our souls.
![Bird snow London Bird snow London](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-117-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Aiza Siddiqui
London
I took this photo on February 2, 2008, during the heaviest snowfall in 20 years in the United Kingdom.
![Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Columbia River Gorge, Oregon](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-118-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Courtney Sipowicz
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
I'm lucky enough to live in an area that provides such easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery around! This picture was taken during the summer of 2008 when a few friends and I went hiking in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. This area offers some of the most spectacular views, waterfalls and foliage around. When I just need a break or some time to enjoy, the outdoors this is one of the best spots around!
![Blue flowers in Manila, Philippines Blue flowers in Manila, Philippines](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-119-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Lou Corpuz Bosshart
Manila, Philippines
I love my mom's garden. It's a full expression of her talents for gardening and nurture. These blue flowers are everywhere around our house, and they remind me of home always.
![Sunset in Costa Rica Sunset in Costa Rica](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://images.oprah.com/images/spiritself/insp/bs/20090501-120-442x332.jpg)
Photograph by Hunter Weeks
Costa Rica
Breathtaking sunset in Costa Rica.
Published 02/12/2010