self portrait tuesday: putting down roots
This month’s Self Portrait Challenge theme is “me as (fill in the blank)”. So here is me… as a tree, I guess. Or a plant. Something with roots. I find art with roots to be extremely symbolic. Roots convey strength and permanence, a part of you reaching down to grasp handfuls of earth in an effort to stand firm.
I can’t decide whether or not I have roots. On one hand, I live a very stable life in an area of the world that I have called home for my entire life. I have a deep history here, and a life that has blossomed into something so rich and fulfilling that there will never be enough hours in the day to count my blessings. But on the other hand… nothing feels lasting. Every mother’s deepest fear is losing a child and like any mother I try not to take a moment with my family for granted. I know that our lives could be shattered in a heartbeat– a thought that can yank me terrified and breathless from even the deepest sleep.
I have also never felt that sense of belonging that I think must come with having roots. If you’re rooted to a place- a home or a city- you must feel like there is nowhere in the world that could hold you as well as that place. I think you would feel like a part of the landscape, and that something would be missing from that place if you weren’t there. It has always seemed to me that the smallest gust of wind could knock me off my feet, making room here for someone who really belongs. I’m not sure that anywhere could ever really feel like a place where I could put down roots.
But who knows. Maybe I do have them, strong and unbreakable, holding me down tightly to the place where I am truly supposed to be.
Hey that’s pretty neat! I like it!!
Comment by Sarah-Jean — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 2:58 pm
You are so eloquent and profound. One of the many things I just adore you for! That post was just so beautiful.
Comment by Queen Beth — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Oh, wow. Just…wow. I just love this.
Comment by mamatulip — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 3:26 pm
I don’t know…I’ve never felt rooted either, and I always thought it was because I didn’t like the area of the country in which I grew up, and now I’m living in an area I love but in which I didn’t grew up. It’s interesting to know that those who have always lived in areas they love don’t always feel that sense of belonging either.
Comment by Caryn — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 4:37 pm
The photo is cool, but I enjoyed your thoughts about it even more. Very thought-provoking!
Comment by DebR — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 5:50 pm
I think we can feel “rooted” in places all over the world, but there are also places that feel like barren ground. I felt more at home with the beautiful people in Jamaica, Queens (a different culture from mine) than I did while living in an clicky apartment at a church college.
Great post.
Comment by ABC Momma — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 10:36 pm
I just noticed that you’re reading The Glass Castle. I read it a few months ago and would love to hear your opinion of it when you’re done.
Comment by ABC Momma — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 10:38 pm
Very nice photo and post!
Comment by Tish — July 4, 2006 @ July 4, 2006 at 10:39 pm
This is how I would picture you! You seem well rooted and to be the core of many things and people! Blessings.
Comment by Kim — July 6, 2006 @ July 6, 2006 at 7:21 am
great interpretation!
Comment by bekka — July 6, 2006 @ July 6, 2006 at 7:26 am
Fantastic sentiment and photo. I’m beginning to feel liek I need a photoshop tutor so I can do artistic treatments like your stunning interpretation!
Comment by kimmy — July 6, 2006 @ July 6, 2006 at 1:24 pm
Interesting. I wonder if being rooted spiritually can compensate for not being rooted to a particular locale? In the end, I suppose that being spiritually rooted is more fulfilling and strengthening than being rooted to a particular state, town, or neighborhood.
Just my thoughts. Loved your post.
Comment by Paul — July 6, 2006 @ July 6, 2006 at 2:59 pm
I think we may share the same sentiment. Check out my portrait.
Comment by Jabiz Raisdana — July 6, 2006 @ July 6, 2006 at 6:00 pm
That’s fantastic. Very cool.
Comment by Chris — July 7, 2006 @ July 7, 2006 at 4:42 am
i have often thought about roots- i use alot of tree/branch/root/garden images/symbols in my art to play with those very ideas of home, connectedness, location, relationships
Comment by smartmama — July 7, 2006 @ July 7, 2006 at 5:48 am
Very creative idea and well executed
Comment by Tammy — July 7, 2006 @ July 7, 2006 at 8:21 am
In reality, my roots should be in Florida. I grew up there, my family still lives there. But I love where I live now. I feel like I have roots in this community and feel I belong here. But, I know we can’t live here forever and I’ll have to put my roots down somewhere else. It scares me. My friend recently told me “bloom where you’re planted.” That’s exactly what I intend to do…or at least try.
Comment by Alicia — July 7, 2006 @ July 7, 2006 at 11:34 am
Wonderfully done. I, too, chose a tree for this week’s SPC. I like yours better. :
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Comment by Nikki/Bedazzzled1 — July 7, 2006 @ July 7, 2006 at 8:04 pm