Rita Mosiman is an accomplished classical vocal soloist, pianist and now author. I met Rita about 3 years ago on a Meetup hiking trip. She has the type of personality that makes you feel like you can do anything. She is a strong positive role model, yet has a delicate balance of peacefulness and grace. It is only fitting that the name of her latest labor of love is a book called Serenity and Beauty. In Serenity and Beauty nature is the accompaniment to beautifully written inspirational poetic prose.

What inspired you to put together Serenity and Beauty?

Inspiration to put together this book came from pondering life while hiking in nature, trying to capture its beauties and mysteries and those of life, itself, in photography and words. Family and friends, who appreciate my photo cards, provided the encouragement  needed to help bring it about.

How did you get into photography?

Until recent years, Gillian, I had not taken photos while out in nature.  I wanted to simply enjoy the moment! Then, at some point, I wanted something more than fading memories to keep vibrant the striking colors, patterns or scenes I came across and the intense passion they instilled in me and, I believe, would instill in anyone seeing them. 

What inspires your poetry?

Empathy, feelings inspire my writing. When I write about an open field of yellow flowers, I see in my mind more than that brilliant field. I feel  a sense of warmth or an expansiveness that makes one want to be open to the good things the universe offers. 

What do you look for in composing the perfect picture?

I’m not sure I’m consciously looking for the perfect picture. I just scan an area to see what’s there.  As my eye roams, something strikes a passionate chord in me because of its pattern, balance, intense colors, opposing textures, interesting formations or contrasts. I have learned to look more closely at a scene for little bits that might be hidden that may, for example, appear like an unexpected painting in the lens. Doing this has carried over into the rest of life, whereby I feel I’m seeing deeper into someone’s feelings and being more sensitive to all aspects. Nature is often too majestic to capture the whole of what we see and we find various gems within, as we do with people when we look deeply enough.

How long have you been working on Serenity and Beauty?

If we count the number of years I’ve taken photos, knowing that many of the photos in the book were taken a while back with disposable cameras, I could say the contents of the book began to take fruition over 10 years ago! The process of putting them into book form, however, began about 2 years ago.

What do you look for in a “good” photo?

I want a photograph to speak to my soul. I want it to take my breath away, to make me smile, to make me feel warm all over. I want a photograph to be more than technical.  I want it to be a work of art.

What motivates you?

I believe zest for life motivates me. I don’t just enjoy photography, music and writing.  I’m passionate about them!

What do you think are the foundations to success?

Success is measured in various ways. It has been described as leaving the world a better place for having lived. I feel success is doing a worthwhile pursuit well, with enthusiasm.  That could  be cultivating a fruitful garden, composing a beautiful melody, nurturing a healthy child.  To be successful at anything, I believe it takes hard work, commitment, sacrifice, paying attention to detail and staying on task. It includes finding the best in others and appreciating the beauty of this world.

Now that Serenity and Beauty is out, what’s next, another book perhaps?

Oh, Gillian, I’ve already set aside recent favorite photos for my sequel!!!!!!

What would you like readers to get from this book?

I would hope readers will see and feel Serenity and Beauty, as they look through the book.  When my elderly mother had first seen it, she said, “You make the world beautiful, the way it used to be”. There’s much in the world that IS beautiful. We need only to look carefully.

Purchase a copy of Serenity and Beauty here.