Stina Nordenstam - Dynamite

In the Pale

To be sure an European woman would blush to her fingers ends at the very idea of appearing publicly stark naked; but education and prejudice are everything, since it is an axiom, that where there is no feeling of self-reproach, there can assuredly be no shame.
Captain J. G. Stedman

Like the women referred to in this quote, I'm rather uncomfortable in my own skin. I'm not sure that it's always been the case, but the changes that come with age have certainly affected the view that I have of my own body. I think that's why I like the idea of the nude self-portrait theme. The discomfort involved in posting even a small part of one's self is also a path to self-acceptance.

There have been some brilliant and brave images posted this month.

Admittedly, I'm still not feeling that brave, but I did make a second attempt at participating this month.

In a haze of half wakefulness

Another longer period between entries, because life moves like the pattern of the tides…ebb and flow.

C and I have been seeing a lot of changes lately. Some of them are more difficult to embrace than others, but all of them are ultimately positive…I think. My schedule has shifted slightly, and I’m getting up earlier in the morning than I have in the past. It’s going to take some time to adjust, because I tend to stay up late, and I’m not sure that I’m ready to give up those quiet, evening hours. (The mornings are quiet, too, but it’s a different sort of space.)

One project that C and I have been working on is an Etsy shop to display some of his smaller sculptures. We’re still working on getting things right, especially in regard to the photography, but we’re learning as we go. If you’re inclined, take a look, and if you have any constructive feedback, I’m all ears.

Wishes and Folklore

According to folklore, you can wish...

When blowing out your birthday candles
When Tossing a Coin into a fountain or a well
When Breaking a wishbone, and being on the receiving end of the larger half.
When you lose an eyelash, and blow it from the tip of your fingers.
When the clock strikes 11:11
When you see a falling star
Upon the first star you see at night
On a necklace clasp that has turned the wrong direction
When blowing the seeds from a dandelion in one breath
When you see a white horse
When you catch a feather
When a lady bug lands upon you
When you hold your breath in a tunnel

Am I missing any?

I'm not sure where most of these originated from, but they're the ones that I remember from my childhood. I'm not a superstitious person, but I still find some joy in wishing upon certain things...or planting the seeds of a dream.

The Innocence Mission - Bright As Yellow

This song has been playing in my head all week long. It makes me feel happy, so I'm sharing.

In the nude

The Self Portrait Challenge for June is "Nude," so I took my camera to the bathtub and took the opportunity to relax... Maybe next week, I'll show you my rubber ducky...hee hee.