I took it all off (most of it, anyway) and what I learned about myself in the process ---

I raised my virtual hand recently to volunteer as a model for a colleague's (Athena's Intimates & Zinfandel Photography) feature in a local alt newspaper video series called Stuck In Vermont with Eva Sollberger (who is fabulous BTW).

The minute I messaged Michael, I felt a twinge of doubt.
This was not something I knew I was ready to be all like "yeah, I'll do that" - no.
But wait...April is an impulsive thrill seeker.
This is exactly what April does.
And I was going to do it in a few months anyway, why not just shove it into a single week of prep and execution?

If you're my friend - you've most likely seen Eva's piece. But if you didn't here ya go:
http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/the-rorks-boudoir-businesses-siv431/Content?oid=3166391

We furiously arranged schedules. We primped. We curled. We laughed & shared stories.
We pulled this thing together.

We did this.

Then we took these. Correction: Michael took these.

The second the piece went live (a friend messaged me to tell me it went up, I was at work) I became jittery with nerves.
I watched with squinty eyes as a few co-workers filled up my cup with kudos.

Remarkably, I didn't die.

Actually, I fell hard for that girl I watched become a less encumbered version of herself.
Because why they hell not.

100% liberated from shame about this body. 100% satisfied with my imperfect self.

100% as it should be.

The good will is palpable. The message clear.
We are here for a precious few years on this spinning sphere - we ain't got time for any more self deprecation.

YOU are beautiful, whatever packaging YOU come in. YOU are remarkably shiny - I can see you from here.

Thank you for seeing me.