A blog circle of photographers from all over the world, both amateur and professional alike, sharing their interpretations of a common theme. At the bottom of each post, click the link for the next photographer until you come full circle, back here to my blog.

"self portrait"

Let Thursday I was all ready to post my image for the week. I didn't even wait until the last minute to prepare. As I was completing my post and started to link the next photographer, I realized that I had mistakenly shot my picture for this week. At first I felt relief that I didn't have post my self portrait, but then came the nagging thought that I had live with the dread for another week.

This theme can be a scary one for those of us with a camera in our hands. As a group, I think we're generally more comfortable behind the lens instead of in front it.

Especially if you're a woman.

I'm a part of that group, but I've also come to a time in my life when things that used to bother me, just don't anymore. Last week I saw someone on TV saying the people in their 50 and 60's are the happiest they have ever been. Then someone posted this thought on Facebook.

15 things you should give up to be happy

As I read through the article, I totally understood what the author was saying. There's a lot to be said for giving up your fears, your excuses, your need to live life according to other people's expectations. I've gotten to the point in my life where I can honestly say that I'm the happiest I've ever been, and yes, I'm part of that group of people in their 50's and 60's. No, my life is not a bed of roses. I have my issues, like everyone else. It's just that I've come to terms with many of the ideas in this article, but........not all of them. Posting this picture is one of those things that still gets to me.

So here's to giving up my fears and my need to impress.

Here I am.