“Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character had abounded; and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and courage which it contained.”
-John Stuart Mill
image credit: Little Edie Beale via slagheap
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
-Winston Churchill
image credit: nobody can see me by Walter Breidenbach
So I was reading a post over at Lariats & Lavender (one of my lovely February sponsors) and I read about a self-portrait challenge she joined which she read about at The Paper Mama (who got the idea from Sometimes Sweet) and it seemed like so much fun I decided to jump in and play along. I fully encourage you to do the same. You can get the details here (and if you do play along, please share with the rest of us by linking to your pretty self in the comments section). Did I mention there’s a prize involved? Oh, there totally is. And it’s a good one. The winner gets $100 towards a custom family portrait courtesy of Chelsey of The Paper Mama. How’s that for a little incentive? Sooooo…without further ado…
Obsessing Over: Obviously digitized photography. Don’t get me wrong…I still have a soft spot and will continue to shoot darkly nostalgic photos. I have a love of vignetting, tilt shift, toy cameras, soft focus and hazy colors and always will. They all play a key role in the universe I create with my photography…but in all honesty I’m pretty tired of every single picture everyone posts looking like it was taken with my old Kodak Instamatic with its 110 film and flashcube (BOY did I just totally date myself…and YES, I still have that camera.). So I’m going (at least partially) the other way. I’m going bold and pixelated and oddly layered. (and yes, the above image is one my first forays into my new universe) I’m rather excited, I must say. I can’t wait to see how it flows and goes.
Working On: Putting the pieces of my life back together. I won’t violate others privacy (nor mine for that matter) with the details, but let’s just say my life was completely, totally and devastatingly shattered over the fall. I don’t know if I’ll ever be complete again, but I’m doing my best to piece the remnants back together. Good thing I’m not afraid of rolling up my sleeves and doing hard work, because this is the hardest, most heartbreaking, gut-wrenching work I’ve ever had to do. I am endlessly thankful for all of you. Even though most of you have no idea what I’m going through, the fact that you’re here means the world to me. I love you all to bits. <3
Thinking About: An upcoming engagement shoot I have in Baton Rouge. I am soooooooooo excited! The couple is above and beyond sweet. The concept they came up with for their shoot is going to be so mind-blowingly fun, creative and adorable I can hardly stand it. And to top it all off I get to travel to one of my favorite places in the world. I’m even considering making a side-trip to New Orleans to visit some friends I haven’t seen in years. I couldn’t be happier. Just thinking about it all makes me giddy. Teehee!
Anticipating: A couple of rough months ahead. I’m dreading them in fact. Thank god for that Louisiana trip. I’m hoping it will make up for the upcoming turmoil and upheaval. I just need to remember to take my own advice and B-R-E-A-T-H-E. Just breathe. I’ve had cancer FFS. I can do this, right? Right. Damn straight.
Listening To: Indian Jewelry. They’re touring right now (I know…I’m totally shoving them down your throat) and I can’t wait to see them play. It’s been years.
Inspired By: Stillness and Isolation…and, as always, music, Music, MUSIC! I have several ideas rattling around in my noggin based upon the musical brilliance of Brett Detar and the general disrepair of various buildings that surround me.
For The Record: I have always been of a morbid disposition. When I was 4 years old I was highly concerned with having my own will. I wanted to make sure that my possessions would be divided evenly between my parents in the event of my untimely demise. Weird kid…I know.
image credit: self-portrait by yours truly. ©2012 alli woods frederick all rights reserved.
I don’t know about you, but this week was hectic for me. Between family members in hospitals, a new camera to play with (Thanks Uncommon Goods!…more on the camera at a later date), appointments galore and a slew of other weirdness I am actually looking forward to Monday. *gasp!* I’m hoping to have time to go catch “The Artist” while it’s still in the theater. Have any of you had a chance to see it yet? I’ve heard it’s stunning. But I digress. Here’s this weeks little postscript of noteworthy odds and ends. Enjoy, my dears and have a smashing Sunday filled with rainbows, unicorns and lollipops.
image credits: Creme de Violette by Veronika Lukasova * Antique via Jayson Home
What do Daleks, hookers and bubble gum have in common? Me, that’s what. Today I shall reveal 5 completely random facts about myself. Please try to contain your excitement and hold all applause and/or questions until the end. *wink*
Want to reveal 5 facts about yourself? Leave them in the comments or, if you post them on your own blog, please share the link. Tit for tat, my dears.
