Daily Life Language: Beloved Nette

February 15 - 28, 2013

Day 15 - The Truth of Today

I thought the best way to capture my truth of today was to literally speak my truth to our collection of rocks. This one is the truest essence of what I am/feel in the moment. The vulnerability, self-touch, hesitation, comfort. . .I see a lot in this picture.

I was trying some floor photos when Nick walked in. This happened to be beautiful by accident, me looking up at him as he tells me about Russia's meteor and the sun pouring over my shoulder. This picture represents what I am/feel most days.

Day 16 - A Part of the Whole

Nick is a part of my whole. I am whole without him, but he is in My Picture. And, we are about to eat our favorite burgers and onion rings, so . . .bonus!

I love trees, sun, dirt, wood, clouds, rocks, space, movement, me. This picture is the best expression of what I hope my Whole to be . . .Big and Joyful.

Day 17 - Taking up Space

I take up space. I hold my arms out more than in. I like lots of room. I wish I had more space in our apartment, my landscape, my activity, my travels. I could fly into space. . .

My attempt at big hair, earrings, pants to make the point of big space more concrete. Instead I look a big like a weight lifter wearing dangly jewelry. My last few photo sessions have been interrupted by people coming and going. I think, "This is a quiet, empty spot. I can relax." And then a car pulls up or strangers walk by or a new neighbor decides to move in at the exact moment I take pictures on the deck above. My internal response is, "Come on!" and "Well, the more comfortable I am now, for these few minutes, the more comfortable I am all the time."

Day 18 - Shadow

Remember profile pictures from grade school? I like them a lot and took advantage of today's prompt to make an adult version. Sometimes when anger pops out or a surprise thought emerges I say, "My shadow is here." It is all me, dark and light.

Day 19 - Savoring a Moment

This is so glowy! I took it while watching tv, to savor a moment in time. I wanted to see what I look like when relaxed, sitting as I do, un-posed. Usually my mouth isn't open, but it felt like the thing to do. Relax the jaw . . .

This just happened as an experiment and of course I love the blur and my heels up and my curved, strong arms. Pow!

Day 20 - Out of The Comfort Zone

Today requires bravery and a release of feminine fear.
Being naked is uncomfortable for me; the image I carry vs. the reality. Being exposed and vulnerable, letting go of shame and Tribe judgements . . .I am me and I embrace what is. Several other women in the group posted nude photos and I think, "What a trigger, confronting the idea that we are meant to be uncomfortable in our own skin." So, we experiment with cameras and comfort.

Day 21 - Celebrating My Individuality

The second half of this course has me taking and liking more full-face photos. I took this one before hooping because I thought my hair would look pretty, floating outside of my hood. It does!

I celebrated my individuality by walking to a park and hooping in the drizzly rain. This picture touches on several prompts and I love the stand I take here, hoop in hand. I have movement, taking up space, light, playfulness, part of the whole . . . my individuality.

Day 22 - I am the Beholder

Taking pictures inside felt small so I went out in the rain and got one picture I really like. I behold femininity, courage, will, beauty.

This one is a favorite for sure. I saw how the skylight played with my body and after lots of okay photos, I stood on the railings in the stairwell, getting even closer to the light. I behold spirituality, strength, adventure, awesomeness.

Day 23 - Blur and Focus

I have taken many blurry photos this month - all by accident. Today I learned more about my camera and took some on purpose. This is the best one. I didn't even know my little Sony could do it!
Oh, that sounds like My Little Pony. Cute.

This one was taken in the midst of many failed attempts at good blur. I like how I blend in with the background and that my hair looks like mild dreadlocks.

Day 24 - Walk as Self-Care

I chose to take a walk in the quiet, Sunday industrial part of our larger neighborhood. I wanted to capture an action shot since no one was around and the backgrounds are plain.

These both took a few attempts but this one is totally awes. It is exactly what I want.
How strong am I?!

Day 25 - Be Your Own Friend

I write letters to friends. Today I wrote myself. "Dear Beloved Nette ..."

When I look at these pictures I feel friendly abundance, like the energy of care comes through. I told myself that my pictures were my favorite. I am my favorite.

Day 26 - I Celebrate Me

And so I do.

This is the best outtake. The light, the hint of movement.

I celebrate back and front. So much to celebrate!

Day 27 - Bravery

I strained to do a Brave Day. All of these days are brave in their own way. But, I also knew going out in public, around people, alone was the bravest way to take a picture today. You can see in this one how much I think, "Laaame." The idea was to make it to the intersection and snap a picture. I was too shy. . . scared?

I headed home and saw this wall. Perfect. I am elevated and clearly not where a person is "supposed" to be. I got my picture, in full view of strangers from the hotel and cars. Lucky for me, I also think it looks very powerful. And my waist!

Day 28 - A Love Note, Present and Future

As today is the completion of BYOB, I wanted to do some photos with cheese factor, not trying - just being. Well, then the idea of senior pictures popped up and I thought, "Perfect! Graduation is today." This is a literal re-creation of my senior picture. taken 15 years ago.
I look exactly the same . . .