First things first.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
When I read that Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year for 2013 was SELFIE, I actually thought it was quite accurate.
For me, at least.
It began at the end of last year with NOWYOU, and then it just spread like wildfire. I used lyrics and quotes and slowly embraced my true little self. No turtle shell to protect, no hiding of tears (or fears), just plain human beauty.
My word for 2013 was “Adventurous” and let me tell you, it fit like a glove! And I am positively sure that all this self portraiture had a huge saying in this last year of mine.
I noticed I tend to use props on my portraits because I like telling stories, I like leaving seeds in your brain and marvel at the stories that you can create.
I’m sorry if that’s weird.
From reading glasses to my nintendo, I have used things around the house, like the kid’s rocking horse to a simple brush. I did indoors for safety and outdoors.
Lets get back to props because that is what I have for you… Oh but first I must tell you s little story about my love for handmade. (always working on tangents…)
If you know me (socially or virtually), you will know all about this love of mine, but maybe, what you don’t know is that i’ve always been shy about *giving* my handmade work on Christmas.
I give it away all throughout the year but when Christmas came, I always felt like buying. You know, peer pressure sucks.
But after a year of fitting into my shoes, (I wear a size 36 so one year was enough) I am happy to report that on this day, everyone got handmade gifts.
Brave.
And this means, so do YOU! I mean, there is always one weird kid at every party that likes handmade and broccoli.
I’m that kid.
I have a supper fluffy knitted RED cowl for you, because you will feel brave and funny wearing it and you are going to ROCK your self portraits in 2014.
Red is the color that connects us all, and reminds us that all we do has an impact.
Plus, if you haven’t washed your hair it totally makes it ok to go out in public because, well, red cowl.
I like how a prop can distract the attention from myself, as I become part of the photograph, and not the central focus. Some times I used it for purposes of silhouette, to break even an image, or to hide something, like the side of a window.
I want you to feel safe, and if you already feel comfortable taking self portraits, well, I want you to feel pretty. Everytime you slide that knitted red around your head I want you to hear the words:
You. Are. Beautiful.
Im looking at my self portrait and I could tell you at least three things I don’t like about myself. Not the picture, but myself.
I bet you do that too.
Let it go.
In fact, I am giving you a little jar of cuteness for that purpose.
Every roll of film you drop in there, if there’s a least one self portrait in it, I want you to feel proud of you.
And you can use it for little notes to your future self and read them all next Christmas.
And finally, not handmade but something to kick start the year, how about a Disposable Beauty to get you into the Indisposable Concept?
We are big fans here at the Mortal Muses headquarters (and yes, we wear super hero costumes) and I want you to get in on the game. You need to take at least one self portrait to go with your roll, so how’s that for a start?
I can’t say I will have a 365 self portraits next year, but I know I will continue to point the camera towards me. In fact, number one on my list is to get back to my big girl camera, even if I dont upload the images, I want to keep shooting.
How about you? Are you ready for another amazing year of Selfies?
I am.
Now go back to your Christmas morning and eat a slice of cake for me. Then click.
Van
Loved your post, I got so many personal chuckles and relate so well, thank you….tthe red cowl would be great to wear on the morning of Christmas because my bed hair is going to stay that way all day đŸ™‚
Merry Christmas to you, too! And thank you for a wonderful giveaway.
Merry Christmas! I’m one of those that love handmade – thanks for the chance on the giveaway đŸ˜€
You are an inspiration! The red cowl is fabulous.
Absolutely love this post (all it’s tangents, it’s how I think too) and I really have loved following you self portraits in Now You this year! They’re always so amazing! (and so love that cowl! I need it today, it’s so cold!)
L.O.V.E.L.Y. I love the handmade goods and all the read. 2014 will be the first year I choose a word for myself…I’m excited about how things will go. Keep on showing those selfies, they are great!
Merry Christmas! Loving the red cowl…I love to wear red. I especially love handmade items. I haven’t learned to knit yet but I’m working on it!
I think the red cowl is just adorable. Thanks for sharing your handmade items with us.
The words “Merry Christmas” is synonymous with “shared love.” I wish this for all of you on this day. May it spill over into each and every day of your lives.
Merry and happy to muses all around the world. Love this supportive community. xo
I like the simple, ‘let it go’ statement. Thanks for that. And this. All of this. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Vanessa, and to all the muses. Mornings I read my blog and move right on to yours. You all are inspirations.
Merry Christmas!
I love hand made and my favorite color is red! (not so much on the broccoli though unless it’s steamed :))
Van, you are a a great story teller and I admire your craftsmanship as you already know. Wow, I would love your gorgeous gifts
Love red!
Merry, merry Christmas!
Thanks you. What inspiring words. I don’t know if I can do those things but, it is nice to have them there to try! I love your cowls and given my surname is Cowley (wearer of cowls apparently) I feel an affinity towards them for sure, but, here I am in the subtropics, and I will admit I have never seen anyone actually wearing one. If I could win your beautiful handiwork I would like very much to give it to My dear friend Vanessa M. Wouldn’t that be nice;)
thanks for sharing these thoughts!
Oh I love your words. Even though I did NOW YOU 52, I didn’t do it enough. I let things slide. Maybe some film will get me back on track. As always, you ladies inspire me!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for the giveaway. Cowls are the best.
All my friends know that selfies are not really my favorite thing to do, but a gorgeous handknit cowl like that would give me the courage to shoot a few. What a fantastic giveaway!
I hope you have had a great Christmas!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Love cowls!
what a thoughtful and generous giveaway offer. happy holidays all.
So many goodies! đŸ™‚
Such a great post and wonderful giveaway, thanks!
What a grand giveaway. Handmade, all the way! I would be honored to win.
I can tell I’ve been losing myself in the holidays…the self portraits have slowed to an absolute trickle. Time for a slice of cake and a snap!
So cool! Maybe I’ll brave some of my own selfie’s this year. đŸ˜‰
The cowl is lovely–what a nice giveaway. (And the ink on the hand–gorgeous.)
Beautiful cowl!!! What a fun & inspiring self portrait post!!
I love this cowl and your words & images!
Oh, yes. Feeling a strong need to get more deeply back into the selfie swing with more dedication and determination in 2014. The latter half of the year is always so hard, when the light gets smaller and shorter, the days busier, and pressure for external things greater. Just reading your words infuses me with motivation to move forward from here, not looking back at what was and what should have been. Onward and upward! Thanks for the pep talk.
Such a beautiful post. Thank you.as a fellow knitter I love the red cowl where didya get the pattern Thank you for the giveaway.
Vanessa, I have followed your photo journey on Instagram and absolutely love your work
Vanessa, I have followed your photo journey on Instagram and absolutely love your work
Alright, my full comment does not seem to be posting. Or, maybe I can’t see the complete text because I posted the comment. Sorry for the double post.
This post feels like it is directed right at me. Like a lure and a nudge, a push and a pull. I am so excited to start my year, this is so my time.