This exercise in defining one’s self outside of being a mother was much more difficult when I turned the camera on myself.
I had no idea that the moment I became a mother the way I would view myself would be forever altered. For me, removing ‘mother’ from the list of things I am changes the color of the entire list. Everything I do, each decision I make—no matter how small, every personal choice is connected to how it will touch my boys. But I believe that the more complete a mother is as a woman, the more well-rounded an individual is, the stronger she can be as a mother.
So in this spirit I will tell you some things about myself here.
As a small girl asked the question ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ my answer was always ‘I’m going to be an artist’. And it took me until I was over forty to be able to understand that in fact, I have become just that. My choice of medium changes and my output and productivity wavers, but creation and creativity bring me joy. I am passionate and emotional—about everything. I am straightforward and funny. I love being a woman and I’m proud of my accomplishments. I value kindness and good intentions. I am disorganized and unfocused and quick to get frustrated. I believe that growth doesn’t end when you grow up. I am serious and spiritual, and, yes, I am a mother.
The other entries in my In Celebration of Mothers project can be found here and will continue throughout this month. Thank you for reading.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Very well said! Enjoy your day, you deserve it.
This has been such a beautiful series, Amy. I’m proud to count you among my friends. I hope your boys are good to you today. xoxo.
Enjoy your day
Beautifully said! I love this series of yours! It’s been making me think.
have a great mom’s day~
awesome, you are awesome! great, great, great. i am elated the “self portrait” was today. you are an artist!
the universe really wanted us to cross paths, we have so many similarities…i would answer “an artist” too, since before i could write, then i would practice “signing” my name…
cheers to the joy amy, enjoy your day!
Oh Amy, I love that included yourself as a subject in this amazing project of yours! I love seeing you and learning more about you! And…if I were more eloquent, I could’ve written the exact same things about myself. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Amy!
Happy Mother’s Day to one inspiring artistic mom!
what a beautiful self portrait in words & pictures.
I am ready for my close up, feeling safe in your capable hands.
happy mother’s day!
Happy Mother’s Day! I’m kind of a lurker, but I had to pop in – we wrote about the SAME thing today! Well…at least, I think we did. http://suburbanhousewifeuprising.blogspot.com/2010/05/mommyhood-and-creativity.html (And…umm…looks like I’m losing my mind because THAT is not today’s post. But it’s the one I was thinking of.)
And definitely a beautiful picture. Thank you for sharing!
Happy mother’s day beauty!! Love your photo!
I was wondering if you were going to turn the camera to yourself during this series. I’m so glad you did. I think your words capture who you are and that portrait is wonderful. I hope today has been a wonderful celebration of the mother you are.
I’m really enjoying this series – and I’m so pleased you turned the camera round onto you!
Happy Mother’s Day – I hope you had a wonderful one
Happy Mothers Day Amy x
amy, this is so wonderful. the entire series is, really.
happy mother’s day to you!
This is really lovely. I’m happy to have discovered your thoughtful blog, and have very much enjoyed reading these portraits.
Your post on Laurie was incredible! You are an amazing woman Amy.
I also enjoyed learning a little more about YOU!
There’s a way about you. I’m really loving all the ‘more you’ we’re getting to see. Can’t wait to turn the camera on each other someday
I am turning 40 next month. I was just thinking today that if I live to I am 80 (which I plan to live longer than that) then truly, I am only at the half way point. I still have lots of years to live. I thought when I turned 40 I was have it “all together” – I don’t. But, I still have 40 more years to get there : )
Beautiful photo! And beautiful commentary.
Happy Belated Mom’s Day! Love your description of yourself…disorganized, unfocused and easily frustrated is my mantra! So enjoying this series Amy!
the photo is beautiful as you are! happy mother’s day!
Gorgeous picture Amy – and your words always ring so true…
What a gorgeous picture Amy. It’s so nice to see your smiling face. You are an artist. An amazing artist at that
How much more creative can ya get than making beautiful boys, not to mention all your lovely quilts and photos xx
Hi Amy, count me amongst the great number of people who are enjoying this project of yours, it’s gorgeous.
Your blog is one of the things/places that gives me a touchdown and helps me stay connected to who I am and what is important to me and this allows me to keep moving forward in my own way.
Thanks, as ever, for your honesty and your art.
Love this post. Glad to call you “friend.” Even if it is cyber friend whom I have never met.
My good friend Liz loved this, too. She took the time to forward it to me. Did she know I was already a fan?
We three live in different cities, but I think we need to go to lunch together. It can be done.
This series has been a revelation. Motherhood is such a defining, pervasive part of who we are, and yet for all we have in common it shapes each of us differently. Thanks for shining this light, and happy mother’s day.
Simply beautiful! I’ve been enjoying your series and love that you’ve included yourself
My kids are days away from 2 and 4. Even though I had a scary pregnancy, where Hubby and I realized we became parents long before that child emerged, healthy, from my tummy. Even though my oldest is suddenly a kid, not a toddler. Even though I just had another Mother’s Day I still have the moments where I go, “Holy Shit! I’m a Mom. How did that happen?” Standing back to see that isn’t sad, but a little bit scary. But I think the constant perspective is so useful. This entire series is doing that to me.
You look awesome and the peace and joy you are giving off in this photo is great.
this is wonderful. and man do you know a lot of great (and beautiful and photogenic) mothers! yourself included.
I love this picture. Thank you for posting it. And thanks for all the lovely mothers you’ve introduced us to this month. They all seem very special.