Mirror, Mirror Challenge

August Mirror Mirror Challenge

2010-08-08T11:41:00.001-07:00

Had to photograph my submission to the 2010 Annual Box Show at Gallery Route One in Pt. Reyes, CA. I was in a good mood -- I had finished my box and was getting ready to drive through the country roads to take it to the gallery. Of course, once I caught myself in the lens, I took advantage of the situation for Mirror, Mirror photos!

July Mirror Mirror Submission from Jesse

2010-07-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

"I shot a set of reflections last May, saving them for June’s challenge, but forgot about them. I was actually going to re-shoot, just as I had planned to for my previous May submission. Well, we know how that went. Only two clear images came out of the set and I’m not particularly impressed with my casual appearance or my White Castle Belly, which became emphasized with a few triangles of light shining through the trees right on the tummy. I nearly mistook the splatters of light as chocolate stains from a batch of brownies. Despite those misgivings, I am pleased with the way Paintshop Pro sharpened the image, making it suitable for this month’s submission." -- Jesse

July Mirror Mirror Challenge

2010-07-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

I made my annual solitary pilgrimage to the Marin County Fair this year. I usually spend a few hours visiting the farm animals, the arts and crafts section, and the fine arts exhibition. And of course I sample the cotton candy. I like the heat, the smell of the animals, the stimulation of sounds, smells, tastes. Can't spend a whole afternoon, but like the few hours I'm there. This year, I took another photo of myself in one of the fun-house style carousel mirrors. And in the fine arts section, I took a photo of myself in the glass of the amusing and slightly horrifying mixed media piece "Our Toxic Habits", by Jennifer Sohn of Mill Valley, CA, containing hand-quilted frogs in bejeweled colors and funky fabrics. I seem to be frowning at a bronze bust also reflected in the glass. Lastly, I unintentionally caught myself in the glass of a very cool monoprint called "Water Ballet" by Bernard Weiner of San Francisco. I really liked the feeling of the manta ray moving through the water, it communicated a mystery and a cool, cool seduction.

June Wild Card submission from Virginia

2010-06-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ralph's submission and its subject drove me back into my folders to find this one, which I took at the San Francisco's Exploratorium last year. This was one of the mirrors in the Reflections exhibit, and it breaks the image into 1000 pieces. Talk about a feeling feeling of fragmentation, disjointedness, and discombobulation. But I think this image is very much about life. We are the sum of our parts, aren't we? All the little bits and pieces of form, matter, and energy -- pulled into a thousand pieces in this world of so much stimuli, so much knowledge, so much responsibility. Yet there seems to be infinite power when the pieces come together and line up to form...you. Perhaps there is magic to be found in that.

June Mirror Mirror Submission from Jesse

2010-06-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Back in April 2007, as I was out for a drive with Virginia and Munro, I noticed an eerie little cloud of smoke or fog on Mt. Tam. I tried to get a good capture of the Ghost Fog while we still had a view of it, or before it disappeared. I was so mesmerized by this lucky sighting, that I failed to noticed that I captured an excellent reflection of both myself and Virginia. -- Jesse

June Mirror Mirror Submission from Ralph

2010-06-16T15:31:00.001-07:00

This is a parabolic mirror at the Louisville Science Center in Louisville, KY. It contains many hundreds of mirrored tiles, and it is set up at the Center's entrance. It's fun to watch people explore their reflections as they walk by it. I like the way it fragments the reflection. When I look at myself in this mirror, is this how I feel about myself? Fragmented and scattered? Somedays, most assuredly. Other days, I'm just on the lookout for a strong image. -- Ralph Homan

June Mirror Mirror Submission from Billy

2010-06-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

June Mirror Mirror Challenge

2010-06-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well OMG the year is half finished, or half begun! I was getting ready to go out for the day -- looked at myself in the mirror and noted my post-performance spastic fried hair and dehydrated skin and thought, I can't take a photo of myself looking like this! Then I thought -- what the hell -- time is wasting -- let's go for it! So what did I do? Take a picture of myself in curlers. I'm just not getting younger, I haven't figured out how to reverse time, and I haven't headed to the plastic surgeon. And I don't have an in house hairdresser, personal trainer, and man servant. So this is what you get. And it's really not so bad -- color is everything. And check out the curlers!

May Shadow Self Submission from Virginia

2010-05-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Munro and I were hiking the local trails a few months ago when I took this shadow picture of us on the trail. I love how my arm has reached out to stop him mid step in order to catch the shot. Also the trails were covered with tree blossoms I guess apple...it's like a fairy trail. I like the idea of following my inner pixie down a trail! Yet we booth seem so Paleolithic! Munro is really as slim as me -- I don't know why his shadow looks so bear-like!

May Mirror Mirror Submission from Jesse

2010-05-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

"I was cleaning some dishes when I noticed a pretty good reflection in the spoon I was washing. I didn’t even notice the multiple images until after the shot, and when I did see them, I wanted to try and recreate the shot with a better depth of field and a shaved face. I couldn’t get the camera to auto focus properly with the smaller aperture in remote control. I had adjusted the ISO to a lower setting as well for a clearer picture, so I guess the new combination of settings wasn’t working in my favor that evening. Here’s one of the original shots." -- Jesse

May Mirror Mirror Submission from Chrissy

2010-05-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

It's the first of May and I got 'Carloed' last week.....
Since October of last year I have been going to him because I saw how he transformed my friend, Sara's hair...

I won't show u what my hair was like before but I will tell you it was very overlayered...

You ladies will know what I mean..

So for the past 6 months, I've been growing it out and he has helped that process by magically knowing how to cut my hair so it doesn't look like I am growing it out....

also, he has brought me back to my natural color- which is dark brown w/natural red highlights that is all me- no dye included...

I am hoping by June he will tell me he can add those caramel highlights he has talked about in our previous sessions...

He's become my good luck piece...

also found out he's one of L'Oreal's head colorists...

Can't beat that...

I took so many timed shots I was bleary eyed... I chose this one because even tho my head is not completely in the photo, there was something I liked about it.

Maybe the fact that it showed part of my shyness that is still a bit w/the camera

LOL....

(p.s. also I may send this off to my lawyer friend who is dyin' to know what I look like after not seeing him for 5 years...- still thinkin' on that one!.)" -- Chrissy

May Mirror Mirror Challenge

2010-05-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

I attended the Spring Petaluma Antiques Market on the 25th of last month. The morning air was cold and brisk, yet by 10:30 the sun was shining so ferociously, people were stripping off their coats and hats. The winning find of the day for me was a small vintage Samsonite lady's suitcase -- in a cool mint green with cream handles and edges. It matches two other pieces of Samsonite I have purchased at other markets -- soon I'll have a complete set!!! On the way back to the car I stopped in an antique and collectibles shop occupying a 3-story Victorian. I moseyed around inside, then turned around and saw this mirror. Very humorous don't you think? And appropriate for this blog!

April Mirror, Mirror Challenge from Chrissy

2010-04-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

"So, do ya see me???? LOL, does this remind u of a 'where's Waldo?' As u all know I love taking macros... and this was one of my first orchids which I ended up putting in my bathroom because of the light and humidity... I was concentrating on the water drop and noticed after taking the photo that I was somewhat hidden in the background reflection from the mirror....." -- Chrissy

April Mirror, Mirror Challenge

2010-04-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung here in Northern California and the days are growing warmer, brighter, more colorful. Although this past Sunday you would never know it was spring. My girlfriend Shara and I decided to go visit the Alameda Antiques fair, which hosts the first Sunday every month around 700 antiques and collectibles vendors. The weather had dropped by 20 degrees, it was overcast and windy and there were maybe 100 vendors. But we were brave and bundled up and we quickly scoured the stalls and found a few treasures. One of the vendors had this terrific mirror display on the side of their van, and mirrors were scattered in front of it. I like how the mirrors pick up on several parts of my body and how the blue pickup is featured in two of the mirrors on the side of the van.

March Wild Card Submission from Chrissy

2010-03-25T15:03:00.001-07:00

-- Chrissy

March Mirror, Mirror Submission from Lisa

2010-03-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

"This picture sums up my day today. Blue. Realizing American efficiency is not appreciated in France." -- Lisa

March Mirror, Mirror Submission from Jesse

2010-03-11T22:56:00.001-08:00

"I’m focusing on music this month. When I bought a new Bass, I decided to take some more pictures of all my equipment in case I wanted to update the pictures on my Facebook page. I noticed in one that my eyes and smile were reflected in the chrome pickups. I decided to attempt a shot with clearer detail. I wasn’t having a very merry time lining up the camera with the guitar and my image, but I did get an image albeit not a Pulitzer." -- Jesse

March Mirror, Mirror Submission from Judy F.

2010-03-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

"This photo was taken while I was waiting to go into the Cliff House in San Francisco for a Sunday brunch. I liked the photo that you can see inside the restaurant and the way the reflections behind and seeing through the windows into the restaurant and beyond into the ocean makes an interesting collage. Like my life it's a jumble with a pattern. Something that it's hard to get a handle on at the moment." -- Judy F.

March Shadow Self Submission from Chrissy

2010-03-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

"I had actually taken this last month... just fooling around...I noticed how my legs looked similar to the tree's 'legs'.... That tree is no longer there... It was a double eucalyptus I had cut down this week... It was bittersweet to have 6 trees taken down... 6 years ago they all started out as 5 gallon trees... Now the 'forest' will be transformed into a more feminine garden...As Shelley said, 'no more phallic symbols, now its time for more femininity...'" lol--Chrissy

March Out and About Submission from Virginia

2010-03-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

I took this photo at the Jimtown General Store in Napa earlier this year. I just love this deli/store. The shelves are packed with nostalgic novelty items like ball and jacks, crocheted doilies, mason jars of jellybeans, Blackjack gum, Magic Fish, Chinese finger twisters. The Jimtown Store is a colorful, creatively motivating environment that brings back the positive memories of childhood. Plus the deli makes a mean olive tapenade/brie sandwich! The store's back room is filled with antiques and folk art, so I was moseying around, completely and satisfactorily absorbed in my own brand of dusty heaven. I grabbed this photo in a mirror -- I liked the way the light was shining into the room through the window. I like the way it landed on my face. I look peaceful. I felt peaceful. It was simply a wonderful moment.

Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Beth H.

2010-03-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

"You are my mirror.

I forget that you are my opportunity to cherish
the parts of my humanity that I have neglected or disowned.

In all your disguises, you bring me back to a place of wholeness.

Thank you for the gift of remembering." -- Beth H.

This was a lovely February post from the blog of Beth H. of Hint Jewelry. Check out Beth's beautiful, soul-full silver metal clay charms and necklaces here.

March Mirror, Mirror Submission from Linda

2010-03-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

"My reflection upon the reflection on my monitor screen of my drawing of my granddaughter and myself deep in the background reveals how distant our relationship is. She lives in another city totally involved in all the things teen agers do these days. I live an hour away totally involved in my life. Distance and self-involvement is the reason I'll never know her and she will never know me. Drawing pictures is the only way I know how to bring her closer--and that's not good enough." -- Linda R.

NEW CATEGORY - SHADOW SELF!

2010-03-08T23:21:00.001-08:00

Shadows are not true reflections, yet they give an interesting, often fairytale-like perspective of oneself. The definitions of shadow as a noun include: "a hint, image, or faint semblance; a remnant or vestige; a reflection; the Jungian archetype (the shadow self) that represents man's animal ancestors or primal instincts." In Jungian psychology, one learns to embrace the dark side of the self in order to integrate it and heal the psyche. I invite you to bring your Shadow Self into the light of day!

My submission this month -- I captured my shadow on this wildly painted threshold of a home in the surfing town of Salyulita, Nayarit (Mexico). I love the colors, the lizard, and the feeling of motion in this simple photo. My shadow self seems to be tickling the side of the lizard, getting it to squiggle off the step. I think it is celebrating its inclusion in such an artsy setting. Party on, shadow self!

March Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Chrissy

2010-03-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

"I took this a few days ago and my main goal was getting a shot of the water that had gathered on my table outside... I've taken many water shots from different angles that have fooled an eye or two! lol.... But I noticed the refection of my sycamore tree which will soon be cut down because its over taking my yard.. Its choking my African Sumac tree so I will have to sacrifice those huge leaves...." -- Chrissy

March Mirror Mirror Submission from Billy

2010-03-08T22:56:00.001-08:00

Here is my entry for March! It is March Madness for basketball, and I am a Kentucky Wildcat Fan as you know. Here is the Le Chaval Midway Boutique "wildcat collection." Can you see me and the railroad signal in the back ground. Midway got it's name and was settled by the man who built the railroad. It is located half way between Lexington and Frankfort KY. Midway is a very peaceful place with artsy shops, leather goods, and very nice cafes with outdoor porches, for dining! -- Billy H.

March Mirror, Mirror Challenge

2010-03-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

Aaaah, spring is almost here -- well it is here on the West Coast! I'm soaking up sunshine, green grass (left over from winter rains), flowering apple trees, redbuds, jonquils. I have a bit of a tan left over from our vacation in Mexico, and I'm dancing up a storm these days -- so all in all, I'm feeling a bit more youthful these days! This photo was taken in a fabulous store in Salyulita, Nayarit, filled with Mexican folk arts. This tiny, hammered tin mirror hung on one of its walls -- La Corazon -- the heart. Framed by love, it is a reminder that I love and am loved -- no matter where I am in the world.

Mirror Mirror Wild Card Submission from Chrissy

2010-02-19T14:52:00.001-08:00

"This is my wild card for the month!... Can u guess what my reflection is in??? It is in a room where most of America can be found daily........Yep I caught this shot in my bathroom... Saw my reflection on the top of my faucet....I like the concave look it gives, u can see the rest of my bathroom behind me....Ok, I promise, next month no more bathroom shots!" -- Chrissy

February Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Billy

2010-02-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

"Here is my entry for Feb. It was taken the second day after my daughter Andrea gave birth to twin boys. This is the reflection in the hospital room window. There was snow on the parking lot outside. Andrea was in a solemn mood and holding one of the babies. Aubrey (my
granddaughter) was being shown attention by her father and trying to understand the whole thing. The clock on the wall was appropriate because time was important. Andrew was not eating as well as Nathaniel, and I was worried that he may not be able to come home with
the rest of the family. Today all is well and he is eating much better once they found out that the hole in the nipple was too small -- life is so fragile! Enjoy every minute!!!" -- Billy

February Mirror Mirror Submission from Virginia

2010-02-17T21:18:00.001-08:00

What is it about the eyes? You look into a person's eyes and you see many different things -- a friend, a lover, a mother, a father, a husband, a wife. You see states of grace, emotion, feeling. Eyes speak poetry. Eyes are called the windows to the soul. Just by gazing into your lover's eyes, you can see galaxies. Eyes can be capricious, flirtatious, weepy, blurry, angry. But maybe that's not the eye -- maybe it's the sum total of all the little muscles and frown lines surrounding the eye that conveys the emotion.

Been a little camera shy these days. So decided to do a close up. I have always loved my hazel eyes, I like how they combine the leaf green of nature with the animal-like brown. But I don't think anyone can tell from a distance if they are hazel. You've got to get close up, right in my face. Most people who I am not intimate with would say they are brown. However, even people who have looked deeply into my eyes on a regular basis would probably say brown. Even my husband hesitated when I asked him! (In all fairness, he was hesitating because he could sense it was a trick question -- lucky for him he finally said hazel, LOL!) So here's my right eye, unmade up, in the buff so to speak. My left eye has a black witch's dot in it, but that's another story. I think I shot this photo in macro, but it's a bit out of focus. You can definitely see the rim of green surrounding the tawny or chestnut brown inner circle. I got these from my Daddy, who my Mom once said had hazel eyes you could drown in. I wish I could see my Daddy's eyes one more time.

February Mirror Mirror Submission from Chrissy

2010-02-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

"Yes, its another mirror shot!. I had just blow dried my hair and I had noticed how much my hair had grown out... The guy who cuts my hair was right- thank you Carlo, u have me for life!. LOL. Don't worry Virginia, I AM DRESSED, tho it doesn't look it... Oh and did u notice? Kalei just had to get in the picture!" -- Chrissy

February Mirror, Mirror Challenge

2010-02-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

I keep hearing the Young Rascal's song How Can I Be Sure? in my head when I look at this journal page I created: "How can I be sure? In a world that's constantly changing? How can I be sure -- where I stand with you?" If you're a girl, you spend a lot of time looking in the mirror. It's such an obsessive habit: Do I need more lipstick? Do I like these earrings? Is my hem straight? Do I have too many frown lines? Am I getting old? What's missing? What's missing? What's missing? I have to consciously make my mirror my friend -- both at home and in the dance studio. The critic is so loud I often can't hear anything except the negatives. To debunk the critic in dance I often pretend that I am someone else (who is a good or "great dancer" in my book), until I get a feeling in my body that the dance lines I see reflecting back to me, are indeed mine. Sometimes I think, "Damn! I'm looking pretty good!" The close up mirror, however, is not yet my friend. I'm still working on that transformation!

January Out and About Submission from Virginia

2010-01-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

Out with my Kentucky girlfriends (I've known since we were 14!) and my husband -- spa, wine-tasting and just having a good ol' time. While they were sipping the vintage, I snuck out into the rainy California day and grabbed a few pics in one of the side mirrors of an antique truck owned by the vineyard. This picture seems to reflect a few sides of my personality -- the vibrant greens of the nature lover, the teary the hopeful perspective of the blue skies.

January Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Billy

2010-01-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

"Me and Aubrey at the Children's Museum. She has not quite figured out the hoola hoop!" -- Billy

January Out and About Submission from Billy

2010-01-28T13:27:00.001-08:00

"There was a mirror inside of a model of an Adobe house at the Children's Museum. I got to be a child with my camera and granddaughter Aubrey! Oh to be young again! There is no substitute for youth!" -- Billy

January Mirror, Mirror Submision from Billy

2010-01-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

"Hey Virginia, here is my entry for January. I was sitting in the rain waiting to pick up a horse. I happened to see the rear view mirror and thought about you -- Wallah!!! I like the glasses. They cover up bags and crow's feet. It was 36 degrees, should have been snow!!!" Billy

January Out and About Submission from Marsanne

2010-01-19T21:51:00.001-08:00

"My post for today for the Creative Everyday Challenge. See me peeking through this cool mirror that we found at the Dollar Store? Only $10 bucks! I should have gotten it, but really, what would I use it for? It's not like I can really see myself in it...I try not to do too many pics with myself in them; I am much happier behind the camera. Plus, my mom looks at me all crazy when I take pictures of things in stores. :)" -- Marsanne

January Out and About Submission from Virginia

2010-01-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

I am feeling like I'm pulled in a hundred directions right now -- fractured. Life keeps getting in the way of art. Multiple errands to run, groceries to buy, jewelry to make, cats to take to the vet, house to pick up, business e-course that I've fallen way behind in, mortgage applications, tax prep -- there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do anything creative. And that's not really true, because I know I could take 5 minutes and do a drawing, or a collage, anything. But right now I feel fractured in a million pieces, and all I can do is stare at my art studio door, and then run off and do another errand. So I was looking through my Mirror, Mirror photo possibilities and found a couple that I took at the Reflections exhibit this summer. Perfect for the moment.

Mirror, Mirror January Submission from Marsanne

2010-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

"Beauty means nothing if you're not loved. I was feeling really sad for myself this day. I wanted the reflection to be all broken up, but I couldn't achieve the exact effect I was going for. My mom says she hates this one because I look miserable, but isn't that what sad is?" -- Marsanne

January Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Chrissy

2010-01-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

"I took this earlier this month... I have this glass table outside and I love it when it rains because of how the rain gathers on the tabletop... what I like about this is that the water has reflected the sky... the droplets look like puzzle pieces... I've gotten a lot of great photos from this table, each picture different..." -- Chrissy

January Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Lisa

2010-01-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

"Whilst taking photos of a new jewelry item the camera wanted to focus on the reflection of the outdoors more than the item itself. The camera captured the old oak trees in the mirrored reflection on this clear Swavorski flat crystal heart. I have another where it captured the bird feeder. I like my new camera. It has a mind of its own." -- Lisa

January Wild Card Submission from Virginia

2010-01-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

This photo amuses me...I have my own halo! Halos have been used traditionally in art to indicated sainthood or saintly behavior. A golden disc of light or a Saturn-type ring of light was placed behind or over the saint's head. What if we were all capable of "saintly" behavior? Tall order if you compare yourself to a saint. What if saintly meant reaching our potential as human beings -- and more?, I like to think that I have a halo hovering over my head -- shining light on my path to becoming "all of me"!

Jauary Wild Card Submision from Chrissy

2010-01-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

"Ok, I am making up for lost time.. I think I've 'killed two birds w/one stone' as they say... I was out today at Pier One and I saw their Xmas ornaments for 1/2 off.. I saw this Asian girl ornament so I picked up 3 each signifying my girls and me... I noticed my reflection so I figured I'd snag these and take a photo of me at home...LOL... and as for the 'wild card' I think this fulfills it.." -- Chrissy

January Mirror Mirror Submission from Chrissy

2010-01-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

"I saw Virginia's mention of being a slacker for this challenge and I am one too....I took this looking into my compact!.. Yes it is early morning, I am in my robe, no lipstick, hair not combed.
January is the start of a new year for all of us... Eric will be here on the 17th and stay for a couple of weeks.. I hope the weather holds up....
If u all like a challenge come join this one, we're a creative bunch!" Chrissy

January Mirror, Mirror Submission from Lisa

2010-01-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

“NYE 2009 photo – me with a red crystal nose, a la Jimmy Durante, reminds me of my goofy side. Something I think I should embrace a bit more. A New Year’s resolution for sure.” -- Lisa

January Mirror, Mirror Submission from Virginia

2010-01-05T18:03:00.001-08:00

OK, last month I was a slacker. I didn't take or submit any photos of myself. And the last few days I've been dragging my heels: broken camera, unmotivated, winter pale, low energy, wrinkles, a cold even. Sniffle sniffle. Poor pitiful me. But a new Mirror, Mirror participant sent in her photo (spontaneously!) and it motivated me to climb up over all of my objections, step into my Mexican bathroom and snap some shots with my brother's borrowed camera. I like the first one -- it's me hiding behind the camera. But I still see some of that mane of red hair that I like so much right now. And I like the cartoonish quality of the huge lens (and I can be a cartoon character that's for sure!) What is unsaid in this photo is the quality I have of persevering, my strong suit of stepping over my own "bad" self and going into motion. Although it's a wacky angle, in the bottom photo I'm looking at myself head on, and I kind of like what I see.

Mirror, Mirror Challenge January 2010

2010-01-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! Took a break in December, but now I'm back to self-exploring through the Mirror, Mirror Challenge. I've already received one submission and I'm looking forward to seeing what you're going to send me this month.

Here's a quote to get you thinking, from Richard Bach (Mr. Jonathan Living Seagull himself):
"Look in a mirror and one thing's sure; what we see is not who we are."

Who are we really? Surely we are not just the skin and bones and hair that we see reflected back to us. I look at myself now in the mirror and there seems such a discrepancy between who I see there and what I feel like inside. I look at a 50+ year old and I feel 25, 35, 45 years younger -- sometimes even 25 years older! It is a big puzzle. A big frustrating puzzle. So, what am I to believe? Do I look at my mirror's image and believe I am over the hill and start to act that way? Or do I look at that image and think yes, there are lines, but maybe they are not real, maybe they are not the whole picture. I like living in the question that perhaps not everything I see is real, and is influenced by limitations of my own perceptions.

I invite you to ponder this as you take your picture this month. What does that photo tell you about yourself? What about yourself does the photo reveal? What does it not? Don't think about it too much, but see what comes out of it for you. And comment on other people's photos when you have chance. Let them know what you see.

Remember you can submit more than one photo over the month. There are several categories, all described in the side column, and I am always open to suggestions for new ones:
1. Who Am I This Month?
2. Wild Card
3. Out and About
4. Others, Mirror, Self (You don't have to be in this photo, just need to have taken it.)

November Others, Mirrors, Self Submission from Chrissy

2009-11-28T22:01:00.001-08:00

"My image will be considered out of the box...My reflection I found in a water drop on a leaf....I took this back in August and noticed how the droplet reflected the blue sky...Abstract isn't it? such is life, and I can be at times...also the sky is the limit for everyone, you can choose any path or not...I am at a time in my life where I am choosing out of the box...and I'm enjoying it.." -- Chris

Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Robert

2009-11-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

"This is a photo of Helga's niece Zena. This was not a posed picture, as I recall. Just a happy accident that revealed a moment of time in a girl's life where she is hovering between childhood and womanhood, wistful, expectant, poised and forward looking. I think the photo reminds me of an innocence lost, the beauty and power of the Feminine, and the my own journey forward to follow and flow in grace." -- Robert

Others, Mirror, Self : New Mirror, Mirror Category

2009-11-28T14:40:00.000-08:00

In light of the photo that Billy submitted of his granddaughter and one I just received from Robert P., I am announcing a new Mirror, Mirror category: Others, Mirrors, Self.

As photographers, amateur or professional, every photograph we take reveals something of our self. It reflects something we are interested in, something we might desire, something that gives us pleasure, something that reveals a deep feeling about ourselves.

So in this category, Others, Mirror, Self (thank you Robert for the name) you can submit a picture of someone else mirrored in a reflective surface. You do not have to be in the frame, but you need to have taken the picture. And most important, I would like you to share what this picture or this person reflects to you about your self.

I look forward to seeing your submissions!

P.S. You can use recent or past photos in any of the Mirror, Mirror categories.

November Mirror, Mirror Challenge Submission from Jesse

2009-11-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

"The girls don't look too happy having to pose for pictures in the bathroom. They should be proud to show off their new sports bra-looking Comfort Harnesses. But maybe they knew these wouldn't be very professional shots -- I forgot to clean the toothpaste spatters of the mirror!"-- Jesse

November Mirror, Mirror Challenge Submission from Robert P.

2009-11-27T14:36:00.000-08:00

"This picture was taken in the men's bathroom of a German restaurant this summer. There was this wacky slide show advertising that was rear-projected into the bathroom mirror so I wanted to capture this strange, curious, insidious? form of advertising on camera. So I took a picture of yours truly. Just as I did so, the VIP advertisement came up in the mirror. Coincidence? In my own eyes, I have always viewed myself as a very unimportant person. But the mirror held a different view of me. So my own reflection contains a commentary from a foreign source that was simultaneously outside me and inside me. My moment of Zen for the day." -- Robert P.

November Wild, Wild Card Submission from Billy

2009-11-26T22:16:00.001-08:00

OK, technically this isn't a Mirror Mirror photo, but Billy sent me this today...and ah, shucks, it's so sweet I had to put it in. It's a photo of Billy's granddaughter, and yes I do see her reflection Billy. Besides, if you had widened the shot just a hair, I bet I would have seen her grandpa reflected in the window, too!

November Mirror Mirror Challenge Submission from Judy

2009-11-26T22:09:00.001-08:00

"This picture has a special meaning for me. Just before I came to California I had a formal photo taken. In that photo I was wearing the blouse I'm wearing in this picture. After I got to California, my weight increased and I put the blouse away. A few weeks ago I was cleaning some things out of the attic and found the blouse. What a pleasant surprise to find that once again it fits. So I decided to help remind me of my goals by wearing it to Thanksgiving dinner. It worked." -- Judy F.

November Out and About

2009-11-24T17:46:00.001-08:00

I went over to a friend's condo to photograph all of the beautiful bouquets she received for her birthday. The day was one of those unbelievable California fall days. Her Sausalito condo faces the San Francisco Bay and the light, which comes through her plate glass windows, makes everything look and feel magical. I am not sure how this photograph happened except I was across the room and turned and looked back into a mirrored wall. The wall is reflecting the Birds of Paradise bouquet and the Sausalito hills...and me. I love the blurriness of this photo, the aqua hills, and the pinky red of my shirt and the flowers. I feel alive in this photo, as I did in the moment I took the shot...alive and filled with the mystery of the existence of magic in the moment.

Mirror, Mirror November Submission from Julie

2009-11-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

I took this picture of my husband and me on our first night of vacation at The Edgewater in Seattle. We were sitting on the outside deck enjoying the sunset and I noticed a perfect reflection of us in the window. I like this photo not only because it captured a beautiful moment in time, but also because this moment perfectly reflects my love of photography, the ocean and my husband all wrapped together in a lovely package. -- Julie S.

November Out and About Submission from Billy

2009-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

I took this at Keeneland (race track in Lexington, KY) today! It was an absolutely beautiful day! 70 degrees and no wind or humidity Life is good in Kentucky this week! -- Billy

November Mirror, Mirror Challenge Submission from Chrissy

2009-11-17T13:11:00.001-08:00

"It's been about 2 months since I have posted a photo.... I've had some bad Karma happen and I've been distracted by it.... Took this one today, hopefully u can see me... My favorite RayBan Flight sunglasses... They happen to be mirrored which definitely hides the expression in my eyes which for the past two months have been experiencing shock, sadness and fear.... I am better now, things are looking up....As someone said to me " Find your zen".... so that's what I am doing..." -- Chrissy

Mirror, Mirror Wild Card November

2009-11-17T08:06:00.001-08:00

While waiting for my plane to Philadelphia last month, I came across this exhibit of resin disks created by Fred Eversley. There were seven of them in varying sizes and colors. I walked up to them and saw my reflection and thought oooooo Mirror, Mirror! I liked how the disk transformed the bland airport view into something magical. And I was in the middle of it! Here's the other photos.

Mirror Mirror November Submission from Billy

2009-11-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

"Here is my entry for November. I took the afternoon off today to run some errands. I stopped to get gas and two Antique Hudson Automobiles were there. I grabbed my camera and started shooting. The paint finish on this 1949 Hudson was so perfect that I was able to make an entry for November. I love cars and I was so impressed with this one. Thank goodness that some people are smart enough to save these for future generations to enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" -- Billy

Mirror Mirror Challenge November

2009-11-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

OMG Thanksgiving is almost here! What have I been doing???? I took this photo last month while visiting my sister in Philadelphia. I was waiting for her to finish in an antique store and loved this mirror that was for sale in the store. I felt calm in this photo and very comfortable with myself. I liked the sunshine coming through the storefront window, and I liked the red of the Oriental rugs under my feet.This other picture I took in front of a lady's vanity. I liked how the sunlight formed a "third eye" on my forehead, and in retrospect it reminded me that even while focusing on the form of things (taking photos, beauty and make up, objects to purchase) my spiritual self is still present.

Wild Card Mirror Mirror Submission: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T14:03:00.001-07:00

I Am All Bones But I Have a Heart
Originally uploaded by beautiful my mane

"I Am All Bones But I Have a Heart"
Taken at the Reflections Exhibit at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. I am taking a photo of myself reflected back in a mirror -- you had your choice of bones, organs, or nervous system overlay. A unique way of seeing your reflection. Photos I took at this exhibit will be available to view on Flickr.

October Mirror Mirror Submission from Judy

2009-10-24T15:33:00.001-07:00

"We all wear our masks; the exceptional professional, the happy-go-lucky kid. I like this mask; A bit mysterious. I purchased this on a trip to Mardi Gras several years ago. I've never worn it to a party but it has been on the wall in my office since my return. It captures for me the excitement of Mardi Gras, the dark animalistic nature of Louisiana and the fun of catching beads, and dancing in the streets." -- Judie

Mirror, Mirror Out and About October

2009-10-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Early in the month, my husband and I took a quick trip up to Mendocino for the night. Spectacular fall weather, that lazy Indian Summer sun warming up the cool air. Then coming back cutting through the Anderson Valley, we went through that wonderful (and all too short) stretch of roadway in which Redwoods line the two sides of the tarmac. There is something so awesome, so magical about Redwoods. They convey a sense of peace, silence, union with the earth, sky, and beyond. If you ever have the chance to go to Muir Woods, or be near redwoods -- do it! There is a cathedral sense that pervades the area around you, a hush even admidst the crowds of tourists. Speeding along the roadway, through these grand old trees, you still get the feeling you are driving through something sacred. The light has a primordial sense to it. Worth capturing on camera, even if it falls short in magnificence. And my image reflects the happiness I felt in that moment.

October Mirror, Mirror Challenge

2009-10-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my. Where did the month go to?

As I careen through my life it seems I've always been in pursuit of answering the question -- Who am I? Who am I, separate from what I can see around me? Who am I, separate from what I do? Who am I separate from friends, lovers, husbands, family? People say, "You are such and such," based on all of the above criteria (and more). In the past, my tendency was to either take what people said into consideration, or to rebel and discarded it immediately upon hearing it, or discount it because it didn't feel entirely true. But I have also discovered that you have to start someplace and the someplace is acknowledging all these sides of yourself, and the answer is to continue to live in the perpetual question: Who am I?

The above photo was taken in one of my favorite Napa/Alexander Valley stopping places -- the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, CA. I was wandering around looking at the country antiques they have in the back, and started taking some photos. Saw a good opportunity to catch a Mirror, Mirror shot. And all of sudden my husband Munro sneaked up on me, horning in on the shot. He just makes me laugh -- I think that's one BIG reason why we have been able to stay together for 30 years! We make each other laugh! So looking at this photo I can see this about myself: I have an eye for composition, I take delight in surprises, I enjoy companionship -- I love my husband!

September Out and About Submission from Sheri

2009-09-30T13:22:00.001-07:00

"One more for September. My son, myself, my mother."-- Sheri

September Mirror Mirror Challenge Submission from Sheri

2009-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

"I have been anxiously awaiting my reflection this month! At first I hated this shot, so, of course I had to try and perfect it. Upon a second look, I kind of like it. My family was at a karate graduation for my 7-year-old son. Glancing over at my boyfriend, in the lobby, I saw myself! It is a neat composition, Matt's figure is the canvas, my reflection, my mother's profile off to the side and in the background, the students and the audience." -- Sheri

September Mirror Mirror Challenge from Chrissy

2009-09-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

"I think u can tell this was taken in my bedroom, right in front of my mirror and right next to my grandma's one and only bud vase... I inherited this vase after she passed and I remember it as a kid... Always loved it... She use to keep a fresh flower in it always... I also keep my keepsakes in that dish u see in front...." -- Chrissy

September Mirror Mirror Challenge from Jesse

2009-09-18T15:27:00.001-07:00

the watcher
Originally uploaded by bulgakov1990

I kipped this photo from my brother Jesse's Mirror Mirror Flickr set, since he's too busy to send it in himself! He took this in my mother's dining room mirror and set it up so you can see the wonderful painting of the woman, who seems to be watching him. He calls this photo "The Watcher".

September Out and About from Virginia

2009-09-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

When I was in Kentucky, my brother and I went to a local museum exhibit about the amusement park we went to as children, Fontaine Ferry. I have so many wonderful memories of being there. It was so incredible to be able to see memorabilia from the park and even get to play the game to beat all games in my book -- Skee Ball. Being at this exhibit, brought out the little girl in me -- it felt wonderful. The only thing missing was the pink cotton candy! Here are a few of my favorite pics, and I have more on Flickr.

September Wild Card Submission from Virginia

2009-09-16T15:57:00.001-07:00

Mirror Mirror
Originally uploaded by beautiful my mane

I am taking an e-course called Bones of the Poet, hosted by Madelyn Mulvaney (checkout her blog Persisting Stars). It challenges you to look at and take photos in a different way, not so structured, involving all of senses. Really like this and looking forward to seeing what emerges.
This was a quickie assignment -- lock your self in the bathroom and click away. Very randomely -- I liked how the camera caught the light from the fixture and how you see me in both mirrors1

September Mirror Mirror Challenge from Billy

2009-09-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

"Here is my Sept. entry. I had an assignment from work to take pictures of all of the stone signs I could find. I did not know that my reflection was in it until I put the pics on my PC. I guess it is a lot like life. You never know what you are going to get." -- Billy

Mirror Mirror Challenge September

2009-09-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all! It's fall and everything is starting to change...but whether it's fall or not...I am always seeing a change in myself -- whether it's the way I look or feel or think about things. I've been in Kentucky, my birth state, since September 3rd, and I've had quite a few opportunities to take some creative Mirror Mirror photos, some with my brother whom I have been visiting, and who also contributes to this blog.
This first photo is a body shot in my friend Janet's dining room mirror. I like how it the light highlights my necklace -- this is the kind of shot I would like to see of my oriels -- how they can be worn -- mixed with other colors and strands of beads -- kind of free, loose, and easy...kind of like me in the moment when I took this picture!

This next picture was taken in Janet's colorful living room in this cool mirrored lamp base. Not the best composition, but I like the mix of colors in the painting of the horse race and the dress I'm wearing. Wish I was smiling though!

And the final pic is back in the dining room mirror. Even though I think I look old in this photo-- I like my attitude -- a little bit wild, free, and challenging the world's preoccupation with aging, I think!

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Judy F.

2009-08-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

"Oh, Virginia, My photo is called On Hold. Today was frustrating until I thought "I'll photograph it for Mirror Mirror." I called Comcast to straighten out a billing problem. I talked with a very nice young man who said he couldn't do anything and would transfer me to someone who could. So, I was sent on and put on hold. I was on hold for about two hours and decided to call on my cell phone and see if I could get some help without losing my place in line. I went through the same procedure with the same result. Now I had a phone in each ear. It started to get very funny except for the crick in my neck. So I hung up the cell phone and tried again. By now it was three hours and still cliimbing. The woman I got on the line then took over gother supervisor and is working on the problem. She took my name and they are calling me back when the problem is resolved. It just proves that when you leave it to a woman, things get done." -- Judy F.

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Jesse

2009-08-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

"While working on other things, this month, my mind wasn’t focusing much on reflections. Something I’ve wanted to do this past July, but was distracted by too many things. While letting my brain do its natural evolutionary thing – vegging out on the TV screen, I was amused to see a shot of Hannibal Lector reflected on a Plexiglas barrier next to the image of Clarice Starling in “The Silence of the Lambs”. It was an excellent reflection, one requiring much more lighting than I was going to work on while I had to work on other things. But I found the old flashlight under the chin to be suitable for this pose." -- Jesse

Wild Card August Submission from Chrissy

2009-08-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

"Yes, I found another way to catch a shot of myself!...In the powder room again....This time I am looking straight down on the top of the faucet.. I liked how my artwork gave the effect of me being squeezed between them..." -- Chrissy

Wild Card Submission from Virginia

2009-08-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

I had a few extra photos to throw in at the end of this month.
This photo was the window of a cool antique storefront in Upper Lake, CA. I think the temperature that morning had already hit 98 degrees. I liked the combination of the red door, black bars, and the flower print curtains, which made me feel I was wearing a different blouse than the one I had on. I felt feminine instead of hot, tired, and dumpy!

Doorway to heaven...This was taken in our room at Blue Lakes. The door leads out to the lakefront, but I loved the haziness of the doorway in this photo -- it's almost white light -- hinting of another world or the one I will pass on to at some point. This pic fits the mystic in me.

And here I have golden light, and an almost Indian or Balinese feel -- like I'm traveling through those countries, sampling the wares, eating exotic food, offering alms at the local temples. It was really Kelseyville, CA.

Mirror Mirror Wild Card Submission from Billy

2009-08-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Billy -- I'm missing the text to go with these terrific photos -- care to fill us in?

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Sheri

2009-08-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

"This month i am swimming with the fish. =)" -- Sheri

Wild Card August Submission from Chrissy

2009-08-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

"Well I just happened to take this when I noticed my reflection!... I drive a 4 Runner and the model is a 'limited'..... I like the lettering because it looks like a puzzle and it appears I am that puzzle!. lol...I usually watermark my photos and thought this was funny it could be interpreted in a few ways.... 'Limited Chrissy'. Hmmm, am I limited? are any of us limited? Or just unique.... I cropped it so it has a pano look to it.... " -- Chrissy

Wild Card August Submission from Billy

2009-08-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

"Here is my Wild card! It is in the window of an original pioneer cabin at Yosemite National Park. I see a happy person, having a great time on an early morning walk in a beautiful place. I see the imperfection in the glass as the imperfect person that I am. The glass keeps out the cold winter winds but allows us to enjoy life outside through it's transparency. It also keeps in the warmth inside of our hearts." -- Billy

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Billy

2009-08-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

I would like to submit this as my August entry. This was taken on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. You can see my image in the picture of Fred Astaire (who sailed on the Queen). It is a shadow image, as are many of the ghosts of passengers past who live on the ship. At one time during WWII, 15,000 American soldiers were transported to England in preparation for D-Day. She was painted gray during war time. She crossed the Atlantic many times and was never attacked. Hitler offered a $250,000 reward to any German commander who could sink her.

Out and About August Submission from Virginia

2009-08-07T14:50:00.001-07:00

Here's a photo I took of my friend Judy and I. We went out to eat with my husband after a kick-ass dance rehearsal at Stage Dor a few Fridays ago. A nice Italian restuarant in Sausalito. The lighting is horrible -- but we had gone off to the ladies room together, and there was a communal wash basin and mirror for both men and women in the hallway! I think this must be common in Europe and Mexico, cause you don't see it too often here in the States. While I was snapping a few shots, a man came out of the loo and came up to wash his hands. I said "I'll take a picture of you, too". I think I scared him! Judy and I laughed all the way back to the table!

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Chrissy

2009-08-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

"I have always liked Michael Leu... The first photo is a lithograph of Michael Leu's work.. He loves females and cats.... Always wanted what I would look like in a Michael Leu lithograph!. Now I know.. LOL... The bottom photo is a frame I have and I seem to gravitate to taking pics of just part of me... Guess I want to be mysterious? " -- Chrissy

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission

2009-08-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

This has been a rough month! And I really have not wanted to take o pictures of myself because of various reasons -- facial skin ailment, weight gain, old age fears...you name it. But the show must go on and I have to trust the process I started this blog with over 3 months ago: to use pictures of myself in a mirror or mirror-like surface to question my perceptions about myself. This is me in my favorite home furnishings shop in Novato -- Morris & Company. It's a tiny two-room shop in a historic, flat-iron Victorian building near the town's old railroad tracks. The store is crammed to the gills with beautiful plates, artwork, linens, crystal, etc. -- and Jan, the owner is an artist herself, so the shop is filled with color, interesting shapes and arrangements, and a ton of eclectic objects. I was in there shopping for a gift, and noticed a multi-paned mirror on the floor. Even though I felt fat and ungainly in the moment, I spontaneously plopped down on the floor (much to Jan's husband's surprise), pulled out my camera, and took some photos of myself. I liked the way the photos turned out, I liked that I seized the moment, and somehow I don't look as bad as I thought I would!

Wild Card July Submission from Jesse S.

2009-07-21T21:52:00.001-07:00

100_7129_cr
Originally uploaded by bulgakov1990

"I posted this on my facebook page. It makes me think of one of Frank Zappa's Mother's of Invention, where it's actually a rear view of Zappa giving the Peace Sign, but my mind pictured it as one of his band members giving it. I honestly picture that image in my head when I think of the peace sign, and no other image of it as sincere. I think it was exploited too materialistically by the media." Jesse

Out and About (in California) July Submission from Jesse S.

2009-07-21T16:01:00.001-07:00

Voyeur
Originally uploaded by bulgakov1990

"This was taken on one of my trips out to California to visit my sister Virginia and her husband Munsinator. I love Virginia's little Day of the Dead art pieces that she collects in Mexico. This little prostitute with blue hair and a pink dress is really cute. That's the top of my head with the camera in reflected in the mirror." -- Jesse

Out and About 2 July Submission from Virginia

2009-07-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

OMG! I took this photo in a Victoria's Secret store in Louisville, Kentucky, back in May when I was taking a respite from dealing with my Mom's hospitalization. I was looking for some pj's and wandered into the dressing room. I loved the "Strip" neon letters -- bold eye candy -- giving a bit of levity to an often painful situation for many women ) I mean really, who likes looking at yourself -- unless you are a runway model or you've had great plastic surgery, or you are anybody but yourself?) So when I walked into "the dreaded changing room," I immediately started giggling and cutting up and pulling, my trust Mirror Mirror camera out, memorialized the moment. So I see a quick witted, humerous gal spontaneously enjoying the dressing room moment with her clothes ON!

Mirror Mirror Challenge July Submission from Judie F.

2009-07-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

"The Cheetah picture is one I took at Safari West. It is in a frame on the wall in the bathroom. I took the pictures in the bathroom mirror. The camera was held low and tilted up so that it was not in the picture. The one I sent you was one out of eight or nine tries to get what I wanted. This is what I see about me in this photo:

Looking at some of my animal pictures, I'm a cat. I love some time alone to bask in the sun, stretch and preen. I love being taken care of as long as I can have my independence as well. I rarely snarl or snap but can pounce when necessary. If treated right, I will purr. " -- Judy

Mirror Mirror July Submission from Jesse S.

2009-07-21T15:48:00.001-07:00

IMGP0728_cr
Originally uploaded by bulgakov1990

"I'm always promoting my sister. And here I am, enjoying her Mirror, Mirror Challenge post. If she posts this one, maybe I can take another picture next month with this picture in the background and a new mirrored self-portrait in the foreground. How deep will this go?" -- Jesse S.

Out and About July Submission from Billy H.

2009-07-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

"I took this photo at the Co. fair last night. This is the refection in the bumper of a semi truck. Growing up in a transportation family, I learned that the name Peterbilt was a sign of quality. I also love the farm scenes in the background." -- Billy Hayes

July Challenge Submission from Sheryl

2009-07-14T14:02:00.001-07:00

"This month I tried to find my mirror mirror image in other reflective materials...found many, but the one which surprised me and made me smile was when I caught myselfwatching me washing the dishes." -- Sheryl

July Challenge Submission from Billy

2009-07-12T22:00:00.001-07:00

Here is my entry for July. I really like the colors and angles. I spent all day today with my father who will be 81 on Wed. It was a good day. He was responsive and tried to talk. My granddaughter Aubrey and my daughter Andrea paid us a surprise visit. It was wonderful. Aubrey fed him ice cream, and shaved him with an electric razor, as she had seen her great-grandmother do many times. The good days to come will be few. He will be going to a nursing home soon. -- Billy

July Challenge Submission from Chrissy

2009-07-12T21:57:00.001-07:00

As u can see I attempted another mirror photo.. I was trying to get the other reflection of my full length mirror behind me, and just couldn't get the right position... anyway this is my bathroom, from what little u can see of it... Actually its just two mirrors w/the medicine cabinet one angled to reflect onto the sink mirror....Sometimes I feel like those 3 images rolled into one.... I am a mom, gf, caretaker of Kalei.... also a person who reminds my kids that their bills are sitting here waiting to be paid....The older we get, we all have many hats to fill...
-- Chrissy

Wild Card July Submission

2009-07-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm on a roll....here is my Wild Card submission for July! I look like a troll, but that's OK this is a funhouse mirror on the carousel at the fair. I took a few wild shots hoping that one would turn out. Yep. Troll-like and dumpy there I stand, but what a way to showcase it!

Mirror Mirror July Out and About Submission

2009-07-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, I was a busy little bee Sunday -- after the fair, en route to yet another dance rehearsal (which I love doing by the way -- this time swing and ballroom style numbers) -- I stopped at my favorite coffee hang out -- Peet's -- and caught a pic outside of the store in the glass window front. Love it (dirty hair or not!). A beautiful Sunday in Marin County doing things I love to do. One interesting note: two men were chatting at a table off to my side. They asked me what I was doing and I told them about the blog. One of them told me that the Science Exploratorium in San Francisco was having a special exhibit called "Reflections" ; an exhibit that "...lets you look at your own image as you have never seen it before. Meet yourself in a giant mirror, watch as a video snowstorm creates your image, and witness your visage as it is multiplied into hundreds of kaleidoscopic views." Sounds like a field trip to me! I love the synchronicity of life, don't you?

Mirror MIrror July Challenge

2009-07-06T15:16:00.001-07:00

Ok, here's my July photo. Ouch! Two things, I was at the Marin County Fair and happened across this mirror in the Fine Arts expo. One of the submissions was a beautiful inlaid frame for a full-length mirror. I snapped a couple of pictures of myself. I was afraid to shoot a close up because I'm having a mid-life breakdown showing up as dermatitis all over my face. Pretty gruesome. My hair is also dirty, uncombed and drying after being soaked in my early morning Bollywood dance style class I'm taking -- Ewwww!!!! But I like how the hilights show up in my hair -- they contrast nicely with the stripes of the frame. The other thing is as I was walking away from the frame one of the curators came up and said to me, "Please don't take pictures of other artists' work." I sheepishly said, "I'm just taking a picture of myself for my blog!" She replied, "Well, OK then!"

June Challenge Submission from Sheryl

2009-06-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

"I was really inspired by your Mirror, mirror challenge and got a little creative with it, using two mirrors to see what kind of effect I would get. It is interesting to me how I look almost like i could be two different people depending on the angle in which you see a person. Thank you." -- Sheryl

June Extra Wild Card Photo Submission: Chrissy

2009-06-22T19:36:00.001-07:00

"Here's an 'extra wild card' mirror challenge... I think I have mastered taking a photo from my inside mirror!.. took about 12 tries, lol.... anyway 4 years ago I got this 4Runner at the begging of Eric.. Months before I met him I was in an accident where the road was slightly slick and I had made a right turn ( from a dead stop) and somehow managed to roll my Pathfinder... What a mess that was.. Pathfinders back then were top heavy now they are more stable.. I know my 4Runner has a stabilizer bar across the roof and it is a big improvement all around..." -- Chrissy

Extra Wid Card Photo for June

2009-06-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was looking at my bookshelves and thinking that I must straighten and redecorate them, and good-humoredly noticed the collection of various horse images and knicknacks. Not surprising because I owned horses and trained and rode them for over 40 years. And of course played with them as a little girl.

One of my friends jokingly said one evening over dinner, "Virginia, do you realize you have over 130 horse images in your home?" And he was right, he even missed some! So who is that horseless (for over 4 years) horse girl? I grabbed a few of my horse chotchkes and my camera and went over to the living room mirror. I got down on the floor and arranged them and took this picture. I can see the little girl in me, that's for sure. The one that when she rode or daydreamed about riding also felt a sense of freedom and power. And of course Angie, who was buddies with my last great horse, Magic, had to be in the picture, too.

June Wild Card Submission: Chrissy

2009-06-15T09:31:00.001-07:00

"Yesterday, I was fooling around and I love the mirror in the bathroom downstairs... The lighting is a bit harsh due to the type of light fixture... Also the walls are not that puddy grey, its actually olive green!... See what the camera does? I've even put it in the auto-edit program and it didn't do a bit of good. But I liked how the edge of the mirror which has a slight bevel caused a double effect... " -- Chrissy