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It often feels like the inmates have taken over the assylum.<br /><br />
Life today is usually not a peaceful experience.  The stresses of daily life come in many forms, 
and many of our human interactions involve people who have no concept of the idea of civility.<br /><br />
There seems to be an over-emphasis on competition in every facet of life.  Technology, or rather, the over-reliance we have on technology in the form of computers, cell-phones, e-mail, 
text-messaging, iPods, etc., seems to have greatly added to our stress levels instead of making life easier and more convenient.<br /><br />

This site is meant to be an oasis of calm amid the daily madness.  I want it to be a warm, welcoming place that allows you to step away from your daily life, 
if only in your mind. I hope you will browse the calm, soothing visual images found in my photo section; think of it as a visual meditation.  
Imagine yourself in a tranquil setting with no cares or concerns.  Hopefully, you will make it part of your daily routine.<br /><br />

My career as a photographer included six years as a newspaper photographer and numerous freelance projects.  
I now happily call myself an amateur once again, only photographing people and places that interest me.  
Over the years I have accumulated a large catalog of images, some from travel overseas and many close to home.  
It is from these that I present you only with images that represent the calmer, more relaxing side of life. I have also included a few digital illustrations which fit our theme.<br /><br />

Please browse the relaxing images in my photo galleries.  I hope it will be a place you will come back to time and again in order to take a break from your day and 
recharge your batteries.  I will be adding images frequently, so there will always be something new to see.<br /><br />

Many of the images you see here are featured on numerous products in our online shop.  These include beautiful note cards, prints, t-shirts, calendars and more.  Please 
<a class="yellowcol" href="http://www.cafepress.com/gentlefocus"><b>click here</b></a> 
to browse our products.  They are the perfect treat for yourself or for family and friends.<br /><br />

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the images.  Have a relaxing day.<br />
John Hester 


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