Life After the Plank
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship” - Louisa Mae Alcott. This post is a sequel to last week’s, Walking the Plank . It all began in early spring when a friend had mentioned it would be fun to be part of a project of 50 women over 50 and experiencing a photoshoot. Women often focus on their flaws and not on their beauty. The project was to highlight their natural charm.
Once I had reluctantly agreed to be part of the project, the photographer (Julie) set up an appointment about 10 days out from the photoshoot to talk about wardrobe options I had selected. Fast forward a couple months and we jumped on a video call. For the next 45 minutes, I pulled clothes from my closet.
At one point, Julie asked for me to pull something I would wear to a cocktail party. Umm….seriously? I hadn’t been to a cocktail party in, well, I couldn’t remember. “I have no cocktail attire, or at best, none that fits.” She also suggested I grab something sparkly or with ruffles or lace. Again….I had nothing I could think of. I pulled so much out of my closet that clothes were piled everywhere as I threw them left and right.
At one point she mentioned I had a lot of bright colors and prints and my reply was, “that’s what fits.” The extra pounds had narrowed my selection…..ARGH. After all the options were reviewed, Julie suggested to pick up a few basics to pair with a couple of jackets. Towards the end of our call she reminded me to moisturize, hydrate, and make sure all clothes were steamed and pressed. All that information had my head spinning. Oh, and speaking of my head, my hair should be styled as well, but no pressure…HA!
Two days prior to the shoot, I sorted clothes. They were hanging from nearly every door in my house. I decided which ones would go, which ones would stay, which ones needed pressing and which ones didn’t. Three hours later, most of the clothes were neatly pressed and ready to go. The day prior to the shoot, the remaining items were pressed, and jewelry was gathered. In my heart I knew I had overdone my options, but Julie mentioned you could never have too much.
As I arrived the morning of, Julie came out to both greet and help me bring everything (but the kitchen sink) in. I was a bit embarrassed by the amount of things I brought. She welcomed me in and introduced me to Christina, the make-up artist. During the make-up application process she was kind, fun, and made me feel and look like a million bucks.
Then, the photoshoot began. For the next three plus hours, Julie made me feel beautiful and playful. I can’t remember how many outfits I changed into but there were gobs. She encouraged, guided, and gave me the confidence to pose. She always asked for permission before posing when she thought it might be uncomfortable or awkward. Frankly, I felt safe, seen and at ease.
Even though I was resistant in being part of her 50 women over 50 project I can honestly say, I was proud of myself for saying yes. Every new opportunity I commit to, will help me blossom just a little more. I don’t think a person is ever too old to experience something new.
Life after the plank is good. Perhaps you’d like to be part of her project too, or commit to whatever challenges or lights you up. I encourage you to be willing to say yes to something your heart’s been calling or you’re being called to do. I’m cheering you on with great delight.
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS….Both Christina and Julie commented on making sure I was going to dinner or somewhere to celebrate after the shoot since I was all dolled up. I told them I was, however, it was an evening of forrest bathing and faerie hunting…..I’ll save that story for another time. HA.
To learn more about Julie’s project.