Saturday, July 24, 2010

Self Portrait: Masks

Think, I love me just the way I am.

I often think of Masks as being a costume worn at Halloween or something.  But thinking about them as a self portrait is different.

A mask is worn to become someone or something else.  For a costume, you might want to become a super hero.  A dog.  A cartoon.  A character from a movie.  Someone you aren't.

I think about the Masks I use to hide myself, my true self.  A few years ago I used to wear make up.  (Not that there is anything wrong with make up)  Even though I didn't wear very much.  I wore it to cover up.  I wore it because I thought I should.  Maybe it made me look prettier.  Maybe people would think more of me.

One day I said 'why am I doing this?'.  I was an electrical engineer and all my co-workers were men.  So why should I have to wear make up?  None of them do.

I quit.  I didn't need it every day.  I didn't need it just to be me at work.  And what was I trying to hide anyway?

I still wear make up when I go to a special event, just for fun.  But that's the point.  I wear it for fun.  Not to cover up me.

This is a long time ago and it's the only picture I could find on my computer of me wearing make up.


Here's me.  This morning.  No make up.  I'm prettier with out, don't you think?



This Self Portrait Series is hosted by Shakti Mama

6 comments:

Lisa C said...

You look like YOU without it. And yes, you are pretty.

Juliana Crespo said...

I love your confidence, your humor, and your lovely, open face!

I don't wear make-up either ... haven't for several years now ... though I did before too. I think I also reached that point where I felt comfortable enough with myself to not have to rely on it. I'm glad, though I don't want to say I'll never wear it again :).

It's a strange subject, it seems. I think it's okay to want to wear make-up, so long as women aren't doing it because they feel unattractive without it. I would hope that women feel attractive without makeup as well, and it makes me sad to know some of them don't.

We're all beautiful, you know?

Stacy (Mama-Om) said...

Yes, you are!

I agree with Juliana -- your confidence, humor, and openness are infectious.

I took a look around your blog -- I did EC with my two boys, too (they're now 6 and 3).

Blessings,
Stacy

P.S. I found you via the Self-Portrait challenge. I'm playing along, too!

~Leslie said...

Such a pretty face and welcoming eyes & smile!

I think it's awesome that you look being you. It does show all over your face! :D

Visiting from Shakti Mama.

Debbie said...

When I look at your face, I can't help but smile. You are beautiful - such a lovely smile and inviting eyes.

I don't wear make-up either. It's one thing I've never felt I needed. I have so many friends who won't leave the house without make up...won't let anyone see them without it. I feel sad for them. I couldn't imagine being trapped inside that type of thinking - that type of insecurity. I'm still working hard at accepting my beauty - glad to have all these beautiful women to journey with. Nice to *see* you. -Debbie
http://debbiedas.wordpress.com

Cassie said...

Thanks for the compliments. I think I'm more confident as an adult and mom than I ever have been before. I think it depends on who I'm with and the situation though. I heard this quote just recently by Eleanor Roosevelt and love it and try to think of it when I feel less than I should... 'No one can make you feel inferior with out your consent.'