Caged

Caged (a non-poem)

 

A caged mind eats up the lies she’s fed

Questioning everything is the key

 

A caged mind doubts her own worth

Self-love is the key

 

A caged mind takes on the beliefs of others

Soul-searching is the key

 

A caged mind always puts herself last

Having boundaries is the key

 

A caged mind is narrow and judgmental

Compassion is the key

 

A caged mind is an unhappy one

An open mind is the key

 

Thoughts About the Image:

By nature, we are extraordinary; full of magic and wonder. However, as we grow up, we are conditioned… by society, others’ belief systems, and antiquated traditions. These tend to build cages around our minds and we lose ourselves. We are meant for more.

 

FUNNY Behind the Scenes Info:

How was your week? On Tuesday, I stuffed my head in a birdcage and took some pictures. Later that evening, when my hubby inquired about my day and I told him, he wasn’t sure if a strong drink was in order, or if he needed to have me fitted for a straitjacket. To be sure, I can certainly vouch that living a creative life is never dull. And it’s often misunderstood by most people. My husband usually thinks I’m off my rocker. I prefer to claim that I’m eccentric; maybe even a tad magical…

Actually, the back story for this whole self-portrait is quite comical. It started in the store. As I was considering purchasing the birdcage, a man walked by and commented on how neat it was. He asked if I was going to put a plant in it, and I said no. Next, he asked if I was going to put a fake bird in it, and I said no. Then he asked if I was going to put a lizard in it, and I again said no. Clearly out of guesses, he asked what I planned on putting in it. As I looked it over and opened hinges, I simply stated that I was trying to determine if I could fit my head into it. He stared at me in utter bewilderment. The only follow-up explanation I offered was that I was buying it as a photo prop and that I’m into weird portraiture. Everyone within earshot, gave me some very dumbfounded looks. I just laughed. However, I wasn’t willing to actually try it on in the store, so I decided to buy it anyway as a cute decoration for my fireplace in the interim.

My husband, daughter, and mother also all thought I was completely crazy when I revealed my plans for my new purchase – and they’re pretty used to my eccentric tendencies. Also, none of them thought my head would fit in it either. Look who’s laughing now. Oh right, still everyone!

So, the other day, I drug out all my studio equipment and decided to give my artistic vision a go. (The cat immediately hid from all the chaos.) And I’ll be completely honest… The house was a total wreck with gear everywhere, furniture pushed out of the way, I was sporting an evening gown… and as I tried the cage on over my head, I was a little afraid that it would get stuck! And I knew I would NEVER live down the hilarity of that particular situation. I mean, can you imagine that call??? “Hi honey, I need you to come home (and bring your tools) so you can help me get this birdcage off my head…” Thankfully, very thankfully, it fit AND came off. But if you need a good laugh, just picture me wandering around my house blind as a bat (because no glasses), in a fancy dress, with my head stuffed in a decorated cage like some obscure hat, dodging various camera and studio equipment, all while cursing my remote and camera because they won’t talk nice to each other. (Yeah… you’re welcome, haha.)

Like I said… Never a dull moment.

🙂