self portrait tuesday: invisible hurts
My last post is kind of an interesting segue into this month’s Self Portrait Challenge theme, “imperfection”. The participants have been challenged to “dig into our imperfect selves and reveal them”. It will be interesting to see everyone’s interpretation- if it’s our imperfect bodies that are focused on, or some other deeper parts of our lives that we are ready to share.
I am starting simple this month with a picture of my ankle. The one that needs surgery. This photo is interesting to me for the topic of “imperfection” because it’s not what you see that needs to be fixed. On the surface, my foot looks healthy and strong. I wear my henna proudly and pose with a confidence that can only come from showing you a part of myself that I think is beautiful. But right there, under that perfect skin, is a joint that has failed me. It was too weak to withstand the original injury that caused the break, and too unstable to heal itself properly. Any unsteady step could cause severe reinjury, complicating what my doctor calls now a “simple outpatient surgery”. You would never know, just by looking, that there is pain there under the surface of my skin.
I wonder what other invisible hurts I will have the courage to photograph.
More self portraits here.
The photo is gorgeous - it looks like the foot of a beautiful dancer. It’s amazing how deceiving life can be at times - what you see is not always what you get. Lovely…
Comment by Nicole — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Did you know that henna is used in Malay weddings as well? we call it ‘berinai’
. It is applied on the nails, hands and feet of the bride before the day the wedding.
In Indian ceremonies, it is believed to ward of evil spirits.
:D So surprised to see you wearing henna!
Comment by Jenn — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 3:51 pm
What a beautiful foot. Good luck.
Comment by Nikki — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Your foot IS beautiful. Such delicate swirls and designs with the henna do belie the fact that pain would enter into the picture.
Lovely photo, and best wishes for a full recovery from the impending surgery.
Comment by Bedazzzled1 — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 7:08 pm
I find it interesting that you start this “self-portrait” journey with your foot. An imperfect foot that bears the physical brunt of a muscular movement punctuated by unseen pain. Nevertheless, this foot is necessary for the physical journey. One must move in spite of the pain.
I now wonder what imperfect parts of myself on which I must rely to complete my journey. Perhaps for me it would be my acne-scarred face. Faces are the first things that people look at to “size up” a person. I image people see scars from disgusting, dirty pimples and pity me (she could be so pretty if only…), or are repulsed by me (you think she could at least wash her face). Yet my face is there for all to see. I must use it to communicate. I cannot hide this particular imperfection of mine. I think right now I will go wash the tears off my face
Comment by kristy — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 7:15 pm
I know I’m missing the point when I say it’s a beautiful portrait, but it is . . . and I like what you said about the inside as well.
Comment by Michelle — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 8:45 pm
This picture is GREAT!!! I am sorry about the pain in your foot though
Comment by Georgia — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 9:07 pm
Lovely henna, foot and photo. Hidden hurts — a great theme. Thanks.
Comment by falwyn — October 3, 2006 @ October 3, 2006 at 9:40 pm
I really love that henna tattoo…it’s such a pretty design!!
Comment by Queen Beth — October 4, 2006 @ October 4, 2006 at 6:22 am
When you go deep…you really go…
Looking forward to seeing what becomes of this journey…
Comment by Tam — October 4, 2006 @ October 4, 2006 at 7:11 am
That’s a beautiful photo and I like your take on the theme.
Comment by DebR — October 4, 2006 @ October 4, 2006 at 10:40 am
What a beautiful photo, foot/ankle and henna.
Sorry about the pain. Hope it recovers quickly.
Comment by colorsonmymind — October 4, 2006 @ October 4, 2006 at 2:51 pm
It really is a VERY pretty part of you.
Comment by Heather — October 4, 2006 @ October 4, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Just a fantastic shot.
Comment by Chris — October 6, 2006 @ October 6, 2006 at 10:29 am
Great photo. Great theme. I enjoyed the link to the self-potraits.
Comment by colleen — November 1, 2006 @ November 1, 2006 at 6:19 am
Wow. Right to the heart of the pain we all carry. Great post, thank you. Amazingly you had already put your vulnerable ankles in your banner. Seems like you have a courageous and honest nature.
Comment by Gillian — November 6, 2006 @ November 6, 2006 at 7:20 pm