It’s so bizarre how I think that I look, and how photos that I’m the star of can give me a different vibe. Does my composition, and all of that good stuff need to get better? Yep! I still don’t know how to “set” my camera for self portraits, and to be honest, I am not a very patient person. I know, shocking. Here, in this post, I will tell you who I am. Or at least who I feel that I am. As a participant in #OurProject52, each Thursday of this year, I will be sharing one photo and the prompt behind it. I’m hoping to learn more about myself, and to better my craft.
I’m Natasha. At the moment, I’m a 34-year-old, wife and mother of four. I’m a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I laugh loud, love hard, and quite amazingly, feel lots. Behind my bigger than life personality is a pretty sensitive person. My feelings have been out of whack for longer than I care to admit, and I’m learning to deal with them.
I’m a sailor, a photography lover, a closeted cook, and I’m pretty hilarious. Lately, I’ve been searching for more things to make me feel needed without putting me in a position of necessity, if that makes sense.
I’m in therapy. Through that, and certain life circumstances, I’ve learned to love the open gap in my smile, my lisp, my large lips, and my heavily mole-y face. My right eye is a little closed, and I have an unnatural love for makeup given that it always irritates that same eye.
I’m a woman of God. I would be honored to be considered a Proverbs 31 woman, but I know that I have a long way to go. It is my desire to walk a life pleasing to the Lord, but I know that I fall short day in and day out. Usually just by opening Facebook and seeing the horrible stories that happen each and every day.
I’m a teacher. Every day, I’m presented with the gift of teaching ALL of my children. Even Nathaniel who attends “traditional” school each day. I’m loving the fact that over break, he made banana bread, and learned some real world experience type of things that they don’t teach in school anymore. I’m becoming secure in the fact that I am a homeschooler, and while my homeschooling may not look like others, we’re still succeeding.
I’m a fighter. I fight for who and what I believe in. My husband, my children, my libraries, my people. Everyone and everything that brings joy to this small time that we have on Earth should be enjoyed, and loved, and respected.
I’m a debater. Seemingly, I’ve married the correct person for this passion that I have. The spirited debates that we get into would leave most reeling, but we have them, and then gear up to have another one. It allows us to learn that our viewpoints aren’t the only ones worth having.
I’m a lover. I’ve been with Mr. Houseful for 20 years (21 in April) and I can honestly say that with all of the valleys that I’ve gone through with him, there’s no one else I’d rather hit my mountaintop with. Good thing is, we’ve been hanging out up top for longer amounts of time. Basking in the sunshine of marriage before heading off to do battle when it calls for us.
I’m a writer. My words may not be as eloquent as others, but they are mine. They are the ones that make up this short girl from Chicago. With the nappy hair, and wide back. They give life to a little girl from the west side of Chicago who runs full force into everything that dares challenge her.
I’m a black woman. And there’s nothing that I’m prouder of.
This year, every Thursday, I’m linking up with Lipgloss and Binky and Everyday Eye Candy for Project 52. Join in – and you don’t even have to be a blogger! Share your IG links too! Use the #OurProject52 hashtag to see other submissions! See you next week!
What a lovely photo, and story of you. I’m totally stealing the idea of a story to go with my photos, though I’m already behind because I haven’t decided on the photo I want to use for this week.
Thanks Andrea! I’m anxious to get started with testing out my manual settings. Hopefully I can learn a lot along the way. And from what I saw, you aren’t far behind in the least!
Who said you’re not eloquent in your writing!!!???? I am moved and touched by your openess! Great project, can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thanks Kim! I can’t wait to share next week!
This is beautiful, as are you. I think your writing is absolutely eloquent!
Thank you so much Jennifer! I appreciate you visiting.
Please you are eloquent! Im working on being more transparent on my blog but it’s so hard for me to go “there” and be vulnerable. Which is probably why I’m always talking about wine, Polish and being silly! I have a pic I love for my “who am I ” post and may try to go there a bit more…maybe
Well eloquent with FLOWERY words! I need to start creating blog posts that evoke huge books that turn into movies and make me a millionaire. And I think that you should totally post it. That’s who you are. Those are things that you love. SHARE!
I too love hitting “mountaintops” with gusto. Nice, hot, lovely gusto.
Boy, stop!
You look BEAUTIFUL! I love these words, you are so eloquent.I can’t wait to see you grow and see what you come up with this year!
Thanks LaShawn! I’m loving this entire concept, and I’m thankful to Dani Faust for sharing it so that I could join in the fun. I can’t wait to see what this year holds either!
This is amazing! See, I knew there as a reason that I like you so much. Well, several. And they’re all listed above!
Thanks mama! You’re hot stuff yourself!
i love you Natasha.
That is all.
I love you too! Make sure you have green paint!
You are indeed quite hilarious- what a cool project! I’m in 🙂 and following.
Why thank you! I’m so glad that you’ll be participating! Can’t wait to see an entire year’s worth of photos!
Beautiful photo! Congratulations on 20 years with your hubby.
Lovely photo. I like how it looks clear yet blurred at the same time. I love how you talk embracing yourself, that’s beautiful. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your photos this year!
Lovely photo. Your words are beautiful. I read them and could feel the heart and soul in each and every one.
Beautiful photo! Beautiful story!! Love the idea of linking up to share our stories through a picture!