Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:
Yes, you’re right, Sweetpea. That is a photo of Yours Truly. It was taken back in mid-February 2010 (which, by the way, turned out to be one of the coldest winters on record). It’s a good thing I’ve got that little fat on my bones that you’ll one day find so irresistibly cute.
Don’t worry. You’ll have a lifetime to love my fat, but do you remember when I showed you my baby and my childhood photos? Did you like them? Or, did you just do that fake smile thing where you say, “Of course I want to look at those 12 albums of you from that summer you wore neon shorts every day and thought it would be cool to do your hair up like Debbie Gibson,” but in your mind are thinking, “What have I gotten myself into here? Has this girl ever been diagnosed with Narcissism?”
I know, I know. By now, you’ve probably seen more photos of me than you’ve seen of naked women in Playboy (stop rolling your eyes, Sweetpea…), but frankly, I’ve got more sass, charm, character and clothes than those women could ever hope to have. What can I say? The camera (and you!) loves me.So I thought I’d occasionally show you some update-to-the-minute photos of myself. My mother and sister are constantly remarking that I somehow never seem to age. I think they’re on to something here. Any theories, Sweetpea?
It’s sort of an odd trajectory when I think about it, though, my relationship with the camera. When I was younger, I was a ham for the camera. I’d have all these little poses I’d do as if I was some sort of model. OK, well the majority of my poses consisted of me pushing my head forward into the camera, as if that would somehow enhance the picture. It’s odd, I know, but that’s the only way I can describe it. My parents have albums filled to the brim with photos of me pushing my face into the camera while smiling on my birthday (random fact you should know: My first birthday party was of the Smurf-theme variety…I was in love with those little blue men!), frolicking on the beach, holding my little sister ever-so-tightly, opening my loot of presents of Christmas morning, getting down and dirty (with paints and Play-Doh; don’t get distracted on me, Sweetpea…) and of course showing off all my surgical scars and wounds with pride.
And then something happened. I’m not sure what triggered it, but I sort of went through a period where I didn’t like to look at myself. In the mirror. In photos. And especially through other people’s eyes. Maybe I was subconsciously trying to come to terms with my disability, or maybe I was just tired of all those bright lights and flashes constantly being in my face. Whatever the reason, I avoided photos for awhile. Well, obviously, as you can see from these photos, I’m back on the wagon, shouting, “Full steam ahead, boys! Get those flashbulbs out because this girl is ready to pose!”
I’m sure you looked at every one of my photos and laughed and smiled – at the appropriate times, of course! Just like I’ll do the same for you. I can’t wait to see photos of you as a baby, a cute toddler walking around in his diaper, the elementary school and high school Casanova. Who knows…maybe someday we’ll even have a photo on record of the day we met. Wouldn’t that be sort of awesome? Until we meet…
P.S. Oh, did I mention I like to look at photos of myself again? Is that weird? I’ll let you be the judge on that one.
P.P.S. And yes, Sweetpea, that last photo is one of me lying in my comfy, cozy bed. But don’t get any ideas now…
Kelly@TearingUpHouses says
Aw, I love this post.
Kelly
Leah says
So cute… I love the photos. xoxo
AlpHa Buttonpusher says
Awesome post:)
Jaime says
Lol love the PPS 🙂
Helena - A Diary of Lovely says
very sweet, love your letters!
Laura Trevey says
Have a bright and beautiful week Melissa!
xoxo Laura
Lisa says
your smile is contagious– very cute post! 🙂
Couture Carrie says
Very sweet post!
xoxox,
CC
Atticus and Juliet says
you're so freaking adorable! and beautiful, too! your future hubs will be a lucky guy!
bananas. says
you, miss lady, have quite the spunky personality. and your smile is beautiful..i know you hear this all the time so don't go getting big headed on us okay? 😉
haha. i'm only kidding.
this…"you'll have a lifetime to love my fat" is my new motto to my boyfriend. so cute!
Ashley W. says
xoxoxoxoxo love that post
emma wallace says
How cute are you!? Love your adorable smile and I am so jealous of your gorgeous eye color.
iamemmamusic.blogspot.com
christina says
love this blog! found you on networkedblogs. adorable!
LENORENEVERMORE says
I enjoy your all the letters Melissa!
What?! it's already no74! How time flies…
pss: you have gorgeous blue eyes dear!
xo
Annie@A View On Design says
I wonder who the lucky guy will be, what a great set of letters for him to receive oneday!! (btw adorable childhood pics, so cute…)
Melissa Blake says
what lovely comments to wake up to this morning! THANK YOU!!!
p.s. don't worry, i'll never get a big head…you all know I'm the first to admit i'm just a huge dork! lol
daisychain says
What a lovely post Melissa x
Ella Arime Star says
hello melissa `;)
i've been an avid reader of yours & i just want to say that i think your amazing! i love all your posts & i always look forward to reading them. i think from reading your blog that you are an amazing person & this post really made me smile. stay strong <3
your reader forever,
mia
Melissa Blake says
awww, thanks, mia! xoxo
Susiem (Lynwood Jewellery) says
Melissa,
you made me have my first smile of the day, great post!
Melissa Blake says
thanks, Susie! xoxo
Kehly says
LOVE the top photo. It's really cute!