I was in awe of her talent. Not just that, she came from the most musical family I’ve ever met. Her parents were a handsome couple, always out doing some community theater gig. Each of their five children was gifted musically. I felt like a dunce with two left thumbs because I could only play the piano by reading music. Ironically, Bonnie admired this skill I had that she lacked.
Mr. and Mrs. Fox inspired me in more ways than I’d ever imagined at the time. Bonnie taught me one of their soft shoe numbers. I don’t remember much about the dance, but I’ll never forget the lyrics to an original number in one of their shows:
Always be yourself.
Don’t be a fraud ‘cause no one buys it.
More people ought to realize it,
So always be yourself!
Honest to a fault, I’ve never had much problem with authenticity. But there are other things that creep into our ethical struggles, especially if we “live” on the Internet. The name of my ongoing struggle as a writer and blogger is Image.
Last fall, I had new photos taken. It was a fun day in the Capitol Park Rose Garden in Sacramento, especially since my photographer, Roni Java, is a friend. Her affection for me showed as she made me work to show my best with lots of sweet words of encouragement. She took tons—I mean, tons of pictures. My smile muscles still hurt!
Out of more than 60 shots, with my husband Tim looking over my shoulder at the computer, we both knew instantly the one that would be my new public face and “avatar” on Blogger, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. We both chimed in simultaneously, “That’s it!”
I’ll be honest; it’s one where I look the youngest and most vital, where the fewest wrinkles and other telltale signs of aging show. More than that, I think we both loved how it captures my goofy grin, sense of mischief, and my love of beauty. Who could resist a peach and coral colored rose? Especially a Venus Girl?
There’s nothing like a photo shoot to bring you in close contact with your feelings about your image. I admit I have issues with vanity, but I’d like to think they’re not over the top. Everyone needs to do this now and then, if only to ask yourself why you love the picture you choose. It will be revealing. I found out: I want you to know that beauty and fun are the roses of my life … but I suspect you’ve already figured that out yourself. For me, this photo also provides a visual affirmation to remind my inner workaholic to take time to smell the roses.
This picture is as close to the real me as I’ve seen captured in a long time. Or is it just the me I want you to know?
It’s not every single facet of me, but it’s most of me—and it’s me shining. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
Treat yourself to a new photo this Valentine’s season. It’s a way to love yourself, and if there are flashbulbs involved, they’ll help you let out your Light Within.
~~~
Photo Credit: © Roni Java Photography
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