Essence

I was thinking last week about how people view each other and whether that's how each person actually wants to be seen. I think everyone has an idea of who he or she is, and how they want everyone else to see them, but since people are so complex it's impossible to convey all of that to everyone you meet. The people with whom you have the closest bonds obviously know a greater part of you than an acquaintance from work or the bar. However, friendships are built on common interests and, especially if your interests are widespread, even good friends may not know all of a person.

With that in mind, I was thinking over who I see myself as and how I want to convey myself to those around me. I started wondering how well that was translating over to those I see regularly, and sent out messages to some of my friends and family asking them to describe me in 3 or 4 different words. The key is to be as specific as possible, not using vague terms such as "cool" or "nice," actually trying to capture the essence of a person in a few words.

I've gotten back quite a few responses, but want to post it here as well. If you happen to read this, either leave me a comment or email me with your descriptions.

(ETA:  The key to this is honesty rather than flattery. Allow me to stress that this is not fishing for compliments. If you recognize a personality flaw, please feel free to point it out as well. For instance, I realize that on occasion I come across as overly critical, stubborn, etc...and while that is obviously not my goal for how I would like people to see me, it does happen, especially when I'm having bad days.)

Once I have quite a few gathered up, I plan to do something with all of the responses. I haven't quite figured out exactly what yet, but I'm going to figure out how to put them all together in a way that expresses me.

siempre

Siempre seré tuya, mi amor.

Photo Credit: LunaDawnImages

Self Portrait

“Everything is a self-portrait. A diary. Your whole drug history’s in a strand of your hair. Your fingernails. The forensic details. The lining of your stomach is a document. The calluses on your hand tell all your secrets. Your teeth give you away. Your accent. The wrinkles around your mouth and eyes. Everything you do shows your hand.”
 -Chuck Palahniuk

I know I just recently posted a quote by him, but I like this one too so I couldn't pass it up. I didn't want to lose it. 

If

If this is all worth it, make it obvious...

because I can't do this much longer.

Memento

“At some point, your memories, your stories, your adventures, will be the only things you'll have left.”-Chuck Palahniuk

I wear these things as reminders of all of you.

This bracelet, this ring, this wrist band, this necklace.

These earrings.

Each object, whenever I choose to wear it, reminds me of one of you. For me, jewelry isn't about adding to an outfit, so much as taking those whom I love along with me wherever I go.

Memories are attached to objects; people are attached to memories.

Each piece brings back recollections of when they were received. Circumstances. Locations. Company.

Maybe I am entirely too sentimental.

These happened to be what I was wearing while typing this,
so I thought I might as well capture the moment...