About Laurel D. Rund

Inspirational Writer and Artist ~

Just what is the Essence of Laurel and when did it manifest itself? How did I become an inspirational writer and artist at this time in my life?

I am a woman who experienced a life-changing event in 2009 – the death of my husband of 42 years – which transformed me into being the person that I am today. Through the process of loss and grieving, my creativity unfolded and my voice emerged. From my spiritual core comes Essence of Laurel’s “Art from the Heart” which includes my integrated digital artwork, first book “Emerging Voices,” writings and the newly created blog called  ”Metamorphosis-Your Stories. 

Art from the Heart is my playground; a place where I can tap into my innermost creativity as an inspirational writer and artist. The surprise is that it came at a time when I thought that the next chapters in my life would be lonely; without purpose or passion. Instead I have been given the gift of a renewed sense of life, its possibilities and most importantly, an appreciation for living in the present moment.

My first book, “Emerging Voices,” was published in 2010.  This  journal is a compilation of my original artwork and inspirational poetry which speaks to the many faces of loss and/or life transitions. Death, an unexpected teacher, was my transformative metamorphosis that took me to my “essence”.

• Because I wanted others to “use” my words and artwork to help them while on their journey through any kind of loss, I intentionally included blank pages within my book to be written upon.
• Our human experience, whether in a crisis or a life transition, continuously gives us the opportunity to learn and grow.  We can choose to stay in a place of sorrow and regret, or embrace these life-altering experiences from which we can discover a new perspective, sense of understanding and serenity.

Several of my articles and stories have been published by the Open to Hope Foundation, Author’s Den, Baby Boomer Women and More.com.   My integrated digital artwork is shown at art shows here in Florida and can also be purchased on the Fine Art America site.

My hope is that my inspirational writing and ‘Art from the Heart’ touches something within you.

Listen to your music … Find your rhythm … Celebrate this dance called Life!

Thanks for visiting.   Laurel

After All These Years 

After all these years, I have knocked at my inner child’s door

 and asked her to come out and play. 

Although she was stored away and hushed into silence  for a very long time,

she arrived with an infectious smile on her face. 

We decided to venture out, to live life fully -

to blossom and to become one!

 When my inner child dances,  my feet move to a newfound rhythm.

When she steps on a crack, I step outside my bounds.

When she giggles, I laugh whole-heartedly and out loud.

When she loves, I become gentle and open.

And, when my inner child sings from her heart,  

I sing from my soul.

   As I hold her hand in mine,

the child within me has been transformed –

and so have I!

Laurel D. Rund