As I was working on my personal blog to update some links, I noticed that my portrait was 2 years old. I asked my husband to take a photo, so my ‘face’ would be more current on my blog and forums.
Being a semi-portrait-photographer (I am saying this since I take portraits only during my spare time), I have all the tools to alter photos. I was really tempted to edit out all my wrinkles and make myself look pretty (at least as good as possible – lol)…
As I was sitting there looking at my face with all the wrinkles I thought ‘why edit the wrinkles out?’ This is who I am; I will be 50 this fall. There are two other reasons why I didn’t edit out the ‘bad stuff’. One – I want to be real here on my blog and everywhere else. I don’t want to mask myself as someone I am not. I want to be transparent to all my readers…no masking needed.
Second – Peter is reminding all women to not adorn themselves with gold or beautiful clothing. Sure, editing photos is not gold or clothing, but I would still alter my outward appearance. I rather be known with a gentle spirit than being beautiful…
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)
Now you are wondering about the photo? Well, here it is (I just boosted the colors – oh yeah – and I got my hair chopped off – lol)…
Portrait credit: Mark R. Nelson; Photo Color Action: My Four Hens
You will soon see my updated photo on all the forums/blogs (maybe some in B&W). I am also contemplating on updating the face of my blog to go with the updated me. I really want to show off some of my photography and the current blog template is a little limited…We will see…
Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: Stay real – don’t mask yourself. God loves you, wrinkles and flaws included.
PS: thanks sweetheart for taking the photo and for loving me the past 28 years 🙂
Iris, I LOVE your new photo and haircut. I think it’s so flattering. And btw, you are beautiful inside and outside. And I’ve met you in person!
I do understand though about the photos. The one I’ve used forever is about four years old and I cropped it from a picture of me and my niece.
The more recent photos I’ve seen of myself I hate. I’ve not had my hair highlighted and cut in way too long and the wrinkles …well, what can you do at 56 going on 57 very soon!
Love you,
Debbie
Iris – I would never want you to change a thing. From reading your blog over the last year, it is evident that you are a true beauty…it glows fromwithin and shows in your outward appearance.
I’m 8 years behind you girl and I hope I’m a lovely at “almost 50” as you are!
Blessings to you!
I think it’s a beautiful photo for a person with a beautiful heart. I have photoshop and have no idea how to use it yet so all my photos are raw and unaltered. What you see is what you get on my blog! LOL!
Hugs
Kim
BEAUTIFUL PICTURE!!! Happy New Year, Iris!
Well I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. That color is perfect on you.
Iris you ARE beautiful!
What a great message here Iris, I love the updated photo.
You are beautiful! (I love the color of your blouse too.)
God bless you!
Bethany
What a beautiful photo. Your inner beauty shines through.
Love the new pic.
You are absolutely lovely – both inside and out.
Iris, I love the look. You have a beautiful face and the prettiest -kind-hearted eyes! You have the BFF look about you! (best friend forever—It takes me awhile to catch on to some of the initials they are using these days) 🙂
Oh Irs,
Wow… wow… and WOW… I love your redesign. I need to redesign my place. A discussion for another time.
I need to tell you something. When I read this post all I could think of is…. This is one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. I mean that. I treasure you.
I also will be 50 this year and need to change my photo. Thank you for showing me exactly how to go about doing this.. Your grace and beauty must be stunning in the spiritual realm. How the angels and God Almighty must smile when they look down toward Arizona.
I am blessed to call you my friend. Thank you. Have an amazing week. Hugs, Lynn
You shine with beauty my friend, love you.