Contemplating

Contemplating - The act of looking at, to gaze attentively, observe, thoughtful or long consideration, musing, reflection, rumination, thoughtfulness.

I've been working on several projects for the past year or more, mostly trying to gather my thoughts on paper, you know, something to pass on to our Children. And through the years I have written a fair amount of poetry, so I thought it would be nice to put the poetry and photographs together into some organized format. On many occasions I sat contemplating over several ideas and finally began the project last year. So to go with the theme for the week I thought I would try a self portrait portraying the act of contemplation. It's tough doing a self portrait.

[Joe Ciras]

Nice selfie. Good way to get us started.

[Jaydee]

i like it brad! nice monotone. perfect for the theme .... =)

[Mary More]

Look at that handsome face!! I love this portrait, Rick. You look so deep in thought. Self portraits are SO HARD, I think, and you did an amazing job.

[Della]

great self portrait!! :)

[Stephen Smiley]

I agree, they are extremely challenging. You made this one look easy though, nice job.

[Laura Demko]

agree with Mary!! AWESOME! although i think a few curlers would add a little je ne sais quoi! ;-)

[Laura Demko]

oh, a fav, even if you don't have curlers.

[Rick Schies]

Maybe curlers next time around :)

[Kerri]

Nicely done

[Laura Demko]

oooo ... i am sooo excited hoping it will happen!!!!

[Nikkers]

I really like this... Great shot..

[Cecilledj]

nice self portrait!

[Karen Hurd (hwy61)]

Excellent - I like the b&w...not sure I will be brave enough to try a self-portrait...but yours is a good one!

[Isabel]

excellent

[Dee Pabst]

Excellent self portrait!

[Brad Johnson]

Nice contemplative selfie. :)

[Crystal Drake]

I love it! Very intense thinking going on here. I'm scared to try a self portrait so good for you!

[Linda M]

very cool Rick. How's the knee?

[Amy Evans]

Very good contrast!

[Tan man]

Contemplating is always good. So is the picture.

[Jessica Gates]

yes yes you look very thoughtful. nice theme shot

[Kirsty .P]

Excellent self portrait,great lighting and clarity,I like it!

[Angela Thoms]

Excellent! You are right, it's not easy to do a self portrait. You have inspired.

[Slava]

Wonderful self portrait, Rick! It's really hard to be in front of the camera, but you've done great!

[brett currie]

really fabulous selfie. and i love the project you are working on for your kids--that will be a true treasure for them.

[Rudi Teruel]

fun shot, bill... so lost in your thoughts....

[Rhonda Nagle]

love it!

[Patty Peters]

Great shot, Rick! A project like you're taking on would take lots of contemplating! Good luck with it....wiil be a priceless gift for your kids!

[Evil Heather]

Very nice self portrait!

[weslyn hoekstra]

Nice job! You did great...I have a hard time not laughing when I try.

[Bill Dodsworth]

Nice portrait

[hellcat]

I like it! And I think it will make a great addition! I'm glad you are doing that too. :)

[Constance Brinkley]

Nice portrait. Hard to do and you created a really nice photo for your journal.

[Elizabeth Hanna]

That is so good.... really captures the mood. Like it very much.

[Yoella Offir]

Vey nice. Contemplating you are, very well shown here. Good luck with the project

[Fiona Kierans Dunne]

Good job, really great self portrait :)

[Miriam S]

This is a great self-portrait - must be a thinker. Good job!

[cglist]

Very nice shot of you!

[Rebbecca Castillo]

ahhh this is great Rick! nice entry for the theme and it gave me a little chuckle !

[Smilyn]

You look quite contemplative!

[Sheri Jeanne]

This is great! Looks thoughtful yet playful.

[Kristine]

Great Picture!

[Margaret Tryon]

Terrific portrait, and great idea for the kids. You always write the most inspiring and moving words so I think this project is perfect for you.

[Hee]

Very nice self-portraiture.

[Mohab Mostafa]

Very nice portrait!

[Lauren Dahlhauser]

you nailed that contemplating look ;)

[Bekki Reed]

Love it, Rick! And I also love that you're organizing all of these things for your children. It takes a lot of time and dedication to do so. And a lot of love too :)

[Dennis Natividad]

nice shot rick! nice caption!

[Sarah-Jane]

Nice to see you up close Rick...love what you are doing for your kids. it shows your immense love for them :)

[Michelle Blanchard]

Nice self-portrait Rick.

[Barbara Warner]

That is a great self-portrait and as usual I love your commentary!

[Diana Moss]

Wonderful self portrait, you look deep in thought

[Pamela Fillhouer]

:) nice....

[taleweaver]

wow, that seems like a nice project you are undertaking :)

[FaerieMoon]

Oh, very good!! So, do we get to read some of that? Looking forward to it if we do!

[Suelbiz]

Too bad no one liked this, Rick. I'm just home from work and it took quite a time to scroll thru all of the comments. hehe Good one, though. I like the contemplating look. I've taken one selfie today and I'm planning something for tomorrow - don't know if I'll be able to pull it off. Stay tuned. Thanks for all of your kind comments on my photos. :-)

[Martha Burns]

Ohhhhh goodie--eckphrastic again. I love that. I'll tell my daughter Rachel, who's on 365p, so she can join in.

[Louise & Ken]

What a wonderful photo of yourself, and as though you've taken us in with you as you pursue the project ahead. You write beautiful poetry and your commentary is always from the heart...anyone receiving your collection along with your photography will have a real treasure!

[bonnie lee wilson]

Congrats.....your self-protrait is on the Popular Page tonight.

[Allison Williams]

An excellent picture. It seems to capture the real Rick if I might presume to know what that is.

[Vanessa Simmonds]

Very cool angle - I like it! If this had a thumbs up like facebook then I would have done it!

[Henriette Sparkes]

Would also love to see what you are contemplating! Stunning self portrait in B&W.

[Carole Neesam]

great selfie x

[Matt M (lintbrush)]

I think it's great that your putting some words down on paper for your kids and agree that some photos to compliment them is a nice touch too. I hate self-portraits, but know how much I like the ones of my dad and wish I had more so I'm going to make a conscious effort to do this for my little guy. Thanks for sharing Rick. I know that your writings will be treasured for years to come.

[rieva]

nice pic Rick:)!!!

[Ellen]

I like your self portrait. It kept my eye keep glancing back at your eyes wondering what you were thinking about. The pen seems like a natural act for you.