Laurie Ferraro is one of our featured artists for our Don’t Send Me A Card e-cards. She shares her love of photography and nature.
I live in Ontario, Canada and was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2005. I discovered the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis book by Professor George Jelinek a few years later through my local library. I try to follow the diet but I must admit, sometimes I slip up, especially around family gatherings. I find regular exercise really helpful in building stamina, strengthening my balance and my overall well-being.
I now have secondary progressive MS. I do not know where my journey with MS will lead, but I totally accept the life I have now. I have many interests, one of them being photography, as you can see. I am certainly not a professional by any means, I just take each photo as I come across it.
These photos were all taken at our cottage in Barry’s Bay in Ontario, Canada. The cottage is our refuge from the business of the outside world. I find I am very much at peace there. The fall, as you can see, is beautiful. The colorful leaves, the blue water and the welcoming red chair, all call out to us to breathe in the air and relax. The photo of the maple leaf that lies on the green clover is a quintessential picture of being a patriotic Canadian. I am blessed to live in this beautiful and peaceful country.
Life is amazing. You just have to open yourself up to its beauty.
I enjoy nature so when I come upon a scene I just photograph it so I can look back with a fond memory. My philosophy in living with MS is to fully enjoy your life. Relish in the moments that make it so special.
You can purchase e-cards through Don’t Send Me a Card featuring designs by Laurie and other OMSers. All donations benefit the Overcoming MS mission of informing, supporting and empowering people affected by MS worldwide.
If you would like your artwork and story featured, please email [email protected]