Illumination - A Helping Hand | LMAC Winter Break - FreeStyle No. 9

My current collage project is the 9th installment in my FreeStyle collage theme efforts. For this Freestyle Collage No. 9, my theme is "a helping hand". In life, circumstances may arise that are out of a person's control. In certain instances, someone may unexpectedly step in to assist. Whether an individual accepts the kindness is his choice.

Illumination

Darkness fell upon the South. It came without warning. Almost complete devastation ensured. Its people prayed for relief. They knew who were responsible. Depending upon other areas for their livelihood, especially their electricity requirements, hampered their progress in seeking independence. They discovered alternate sources to ensure the the safety of food sources. However, without electricity long term, they'd be in peril.

East, West, and North rejoiced to see its neighbor brought low. Hostility had raged for decades as differing opinions on land borders, appropriate harvests, industry to prevent pollution, and water supply routes.

Animosity spread. But citizens of the South refused to surrender. As the holidays approached, they worked diligently during the daylight hours to complete their tasks.

From an outsider's view in other countries, it was ridiculous to see the infighting. Surely, their differences weren't enough to sever centuries of growing together, the elders thought. But they underestimated those tho wished division to replace peace.

The week of Christmas, the elders of the South gathered in one last attempt to bring peace to their land. As they met with representatives of the other regions, no one wanted to compromise. It would be a show of weakness.

However, a temporary truce on several minor issues was put in place. They all acknowledged severing power harmed not only the South, but the entire country. They agreed to restore power. They showed remorse for some permanent damage and agreed it wasn't civilized. However, restoration couldn't be accomplished in time to ensure the holiday wouldn't be enjoyed in darkness.

They couldn't guarantee electricity could be restored in time.

The elders were satisfied with their peace talks. But it wouldn't help the children who were looking forward to the usually outdoor holiday decorations and celebration. The elders looked to the heavens and prayed.

The Lightning God stood in the midst of the clouds. He bent forward and heard the elders' prayers. He'd watched from a distance their plight but hesitated to involve himself with the inhabitant's conflict. They must learn to live together without interference, he thought.

But his heart was moved as he witnessed progress by all parties.

Stepping in to bring light for the children, he girded up, called his lightning bolt, and sent continuous streaks down to illuminate the holiday.

He looked down upon the South. Children, grown up, and animals danced in the streets with colorful holiday decorations shining brightly through the clouds.

He smiled.

In preparing my theme, I wanted to showcase one of my recent pure fractals I created. I was thrilled that it resembled a scarecrow, but with brilliant lights weaved throughout. I rendered it on a transparent background. However, fractals are best viewed on a black background where you can see intricate details.

Next, I located a dramatic night scene that was almost entirely dark. Since the background was dark, I decided to create a lightning god to brighten up the sky and landscape.

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To compile my scene, I located other free images. Finally, I uploaded all images into Canva to take advantage of my Annual Pro Membership Subscription. Below are the additional images I included to complete my theme:

• Lighted Christmas tree at PxFuel

• Hand Contributed to the #LIL by @edgarafernandezp

• Christmas ball Contributed to the #LIL by @eve66

• Fractal Balls in purple created by me in Apophysis 2.09

• Fractal lightning bolt created by me in Apophysis

• Fractal Talisman created by me in Apophysis 2.09

I appreciate your visit and hope that you like my FreeStyle collage theme. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe everyone!