While setting up the camera for a self portrait I took this shot accidently triggering the shutter while trying to set up the timer. Out of all the photos I took this one was the most natural. Pregnancy has brought out the freckles on my face.
I feel like age is starting to catch up with me. I am 32 years old. Still very young. But I often stare at my eyes and see a wealth of experience in the depths. Experience that I have inherited because I share the same eyes as my mother.
After becoming a mother I notice that I instinctively react and do things and after the fact I often wonder how I knew how to do that. I must have seen my mother do it. I don't have any other explanation. Unknowingly as I grew up I was shaped by my own mother to become the mother I am today.
Omma has been gone for 5 years now and I still feel the pain of her absence. I take enormous comfort in the fact that when I feel down I can hug my son and know that the love I feel in this moment is what she felt when she'd hug me.
This is a beautiful post.
Posted by: Kalee | November 09, 2009 at 17:59
It's wonderful that can continue to find ways of connecting with your mother's memory and presence.
And you don't look a day over 30. ;)
Posted by: The Bold Soul | November 09, 2009 at 20:11
Self portraits are really hard for me and I think nearly everyone. This is a wonderful photo--natural like you said and great light. I'm enjoying your 30 days a lot. Such a good idea to do before a baby arrives. I'm inspired maybe to dust off my camera and do it again too (the 30 days, not the baby!)
Posted by: misschris | November 09, 2009 at 22:00
Oh, whenever you write about your mother I get a little teary. You are such a loving daughter! Lucky you to have inherited her eyes. Such a nice reminder of her that you carry with you.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 11, 2009 at 08:38
It's a beautiful post, and I wanted to say that I have the same experiences. I haven't been a mom yet but whenever I find myself managing the kitchen or cooking even though I never learned to make anything before I had to cook for myself, I know I learned from the things that my mom do and from the tastes I felt in her cooking.
My mom is seventy years old next year, and I have the luck to share great days with her still. My thoughts go to you, Aimee, and your mom and her grandson.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=11309776 | November 11, 2009 at 16:17
My thoughts turned there today also. It was four years ago today, Aimee, that I last saw your Omma. About this time in the evening, when she kissed me and sent me home to get a good night's sleep. It was in the early morning hours of November 12th, when I got that phone call. I miss her still. But I love your blog and the life you share today.
Ah-ppa
Posted by: SuBon | November 12, 2009 at 04:58