I didn't think when I took a picture of this little moth this morning (Milkweed Tiger Moth???) as he flitted around my window sill that it would become my final "selfless selfie" shot for the June challenge. And I know I'm stretching the truth a bit to say this picture works as one, but I must confess I struggled to come up with a fourth shot! I have a hard time putting myself in front of the camera, even in the symbolic form.
But I do think that this picture could be an apt description of me. On the surface it appears to be a straight-forward shot; a moth on a window sill. But there are all these little nuances when you look closer- the shadow of the window screen, the dust in the sill, a faint pattern on the wings, three bold horizontal lines with the perfect diagonal through them created by the moth and its shadow and subtle shifts of color throughout the monochrome palette. At first glance you may not see them, but take a closer look and then they are there.
I am a quiet person. It's easy to pass me by. But someone once said to me, "You are the perfect example of the saying 'still waters run deep' to which I responded with amused laughter. And initially you might not see the nuances of character that make me unique, but if you look closely, you'll see shadows, subtle shifts in color, solid lines and delicate patterns.
Perhaps this picture seems to be appropriate now because today I felt like I was flitting around on the window sill of life; a little out of sorts and out of place. But just like my winged friend, the sun is shining on me, a new day starts every morning and when the window is opened, I'll be able to fly away.
(Other than the frame, this shot is completely sooc.)
I can't even begin to say how much I love this picture and what you had to say about it. I can tell from the things you choose to share about and the pictures you take that you are thoughtful and unique and lovely.
like the moth, i think that you are gentle and kind and thoughtful. some things we do not have to have proof of. we just feel it in our guts. lovely selfless selfie, so appropriate.
I love your "selfie!" I have no trouble seeing you on this photo as you so beautifully described. I do see you that way, Ann. Your photo and your comment are very powerful. In a very quiet and unassuming way. Beautifully done.
Lovely narrative and a wonderful manner in which to describe oneself! I love how the moth blends into the background but also is a definite focal point! Poignant shot.
It makes for a great photo, and I enjoyed rerading your self description. I think it is so true that people have no idea how we are put together, and that's ok. that all helps to protect our intimate private world.
Thank you everyone for such lovely affirmations! I was having a low day in my mourning process I think- but the photographs and writing always seem to help- and then there's the wonderful support from this community- you can't beat it!
@alia_801 Thanks Challenge Buddy!! Can't believe we'll be starting another in a few days! Are you going to post it as a discussion so I know what order to do the weeks in? I know Vikki (Summerfield) is also interested. @paulavdmerwe Thank you Paula!
@olivetreeann I did post it a few days ago. I thought I tagged you and @summerfield in it, but the tags must not have worked... Here's a link: http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/13208/july-thumbnail-challenge (I thought it was odd you hadn't commented there!) I ended up leaving the shapes week open - not sure I'll be inventive enough to do a whole week of the same shape, but it just depends how the mood takes me! :)
@alia_801 Thanks Alia- I've been on and off this week and missed a day which totally throws off my commenting and reading. I then become overwhelmed with the volume. I think you did tag me and I missed it, but no harm done, I'm going to print it out now. Thanks for directing me to it again!
@cimes1 Thanks Carole- this is just as it was- no processing- which is what was eye catching to me. It was as if he chose that spot because he blended so well. @myautofocuslife Thank you Livia! Yes, the only "processing" was the addition of the frame. This one needed no extra tlc! @prttblues Thanks Bev! He was showing off on the window sill for me. He would walk around and open and close his wings, but never flew away.
@automaticslim Thank you Automatic! I truly appreciate the fav. This is one of those shots that presented itself to me and needed very little help after I took it. I think it's going to be one of my favorites this month, if not this year.
@olivetreeann Maybe tagging initial discussion posts is like pic captions (where the tags don't seem to send messages)? Who knows! I'm glad you found it - can't imagine a challenge without my challenge buddy
@alia_801 I think it did come through my home page, but I didn't actually go and look at it right away- at any rate, I knew where to find you to get the info!!
@lesphoto Thanks Leslie! The best thing about this shot is that I did virtually nothing- just positioned the camera and took a shot- nature did the rest.
@rhubbard Thank you so much Rich! I really appreciate the fav. I think this is one of my favorite photos so far this year. @sharritta Thank you Sharon!
@summerfield Thank you very much Vikki!
@httpgeffed Thank you Colleen!
Thank you all- I so appreciate each one of you!!
@summerfield Thanks Vikki! How did I get to 1000?
I like your interpretation of the pic as well.
@kimmistephens Thank you Kimmi!
@michaelelliott Thank you Michael!
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri!
@nicolecampbell Thank you Nicole!
@bkbinthecity Thank you Brian!
@salza Thank you Sally!
@tanja_1211 Thank you Tanja!
@digitalrn Thank you Rick!
@mrssmith Thank you Carla!
@ulpiphotos Thank you Ulpi!
Thank you everyone for such lovely affirmations! I was having a low day in my mourning process I think- but the photographs and writing always seem to help- and then there's the wonderful support from this community- you can't beat it!
@paulavdmerwe Thank you Paula!
@myautofocuslife Thank you Livia! Yes, the only "processing" was the addition of the frame. This one needed no extra tlc!
@prttblues Thanks Bev! He was showing off on the window sill for me. He would walk around and open and close his wings, but never flew away.
@bruni Aw Bruni- thank you!
@jesperani Thank you so much Jennifer!
@daisy Thank you Kathryn!
I appreciate all the comments you've left today!
@sharritta Thank you Sharon!