Why, why, why do we forget that being a human means falling, and getting back up. And at times, it means picking out the bits of gravel we may have gathered in our fall from grace. It also means seeing the humor in the lesson, and sometimes being just plain goofy!
Not long ago I decided I had to update some of my pictures. You can’t write a book named Frock Off: Living Undisguised and be FROCKED UP! No way!
I had to ensure that my marketing materials and pictures were current, not from a decade ago.
I have heard it said that for the most part, women do not like having their picture taken. They find too many flaws in their appearance. I, too, did not like having my picture taken, but for very a different reason. After being in hiding for 35+ years, and then becoming highly visible, it was a massive shift.
In any event, I had decided if was time. So I enlisted the help of a gifted photographer, Roxanne Low of Roxanne Low Photography, and so off we went in search of the perfect outdoor space. I wanted headshots that were in nature and with cool backdrops, and we found the perfect place. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.
In the park stands the skeletal ruins of a once glorious hotel that was to be built. Although there is a chain link fence the grounds, for the most part, are easily accessible. Once inside you will find stone walls featuring some of the most beautiful graffiti you will ever see.
Accessing the grounds on that day required some fancy footwork. In fact, I had to scale a fence and hang precariously off the cliff, to get into a forbidden area. All the while Roxanne, who accepted I was determined and on a mission, was left to look on in horror.
I heard my inner wild rebel self saying, “don’t tell me it can’t be done” as I scaled the fence in my faux snakeskin print stilettos. It was a perfect distraction as I delayed the inevitable – getting my picture taken.
We had so much fun that day! We laughed until it hurt, and Roxanne worked her magic and took all the fear away. The shots were candid and professional – exactly what I needed.
Afterwards Roxannne posted “I typically laugh a lot during sessions because let’s face it….I like to surround myself with pretty hilarious and awesome peeps but tonight’s session took the cake! Jo Dibblee, you are one funny (and adventurous, scaling walls kinda lady!)“
Along with the professional shots, Roxanne captured this one of me goofing off – which I will always treasure because this pic reflects my desire to have fun no matter what!
Often the very thing that was a thorn in our side can become a felix culpa or happy fault, a mistake that ends up having surprisingly beneficial consequences.
So I say, Carpe Diem, Carpe Noctem, and EVERYDAY laugh until it hurts and your eyes leak. It’s good for YOU!
With love and a little rebel attitude, I say live the life you dream!
Sincerely,
Sassy Pants
Just stop it!
