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Monday, April 2

self portrait challenge ~ body parts {1}


me & my bum, canon digital rebel xt

The self portrait challenge for April is body parts. When I first read this, I rolled my eyes and thought to myself..."fabulous...does this mean I have to share my wobbly bits?"

So, I thought it appropriate to start with my bum. As it is my biggest wobbly bit. ; ) It has taken me some time to accept and embrace this bulbous part of me. I suffered years of being called a "bubble butt" when I didn't appreciate that bubbly wasn't really all that bad.

The journey to embracing my curves is a treasured one. Throughout this month I will go into a bit more detail about it but here is a summary:

Little girl me isn't that aware of body and just wants to play outside

Young girl me develops faster than friends and has become TOO aware of body at young age

Teenager me becomes modest as result because I want to be liked for personality and brains, not big boobs and arse

College girl me suffers eating disorder and gets alarmingly thin because everyone else in dorm is doing it and sees it as a challenge

Overcomes eating disorder by informing self about health, fitness and longevity. Therefor, become fitness freak.

Young twentysomething me begins to relax a bit in skin and learns balance

Older twentysomething me meets and falls for boy who prefers stick~skinny to curves

Self esteem dives without realizing and subconsciously believes that he is right and that skinny is more attractive than curves. Back to being thin and wanting flat boobs and no arse.

Breaks up with boyfriend of five years after realizing I have lost myself and go on a spiritual quest to fall back in love with self and JUST BE ME.

Early thirtysomething me joins belly dancing and begins to understand how to express to myself and others that having curves is natural, sexy and yummy.
My appreciation for my own curves attracts future husband who happens to be a "butt man" and wouldn't mind if my big bum got even more juicy in the future. What a concept, eh?
Am now proud of bubbly boho bum and like to get a bit jiggy with it to music for anyone who eggs me on. Just ask Sus...who calls me Monkey Butt.
More *juicy* next week.

37 Comments:

Blogger Deirdre said...

As a fellow curvy-girl I say thank you for this.

April 2, 2007 at 8:36:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Stacy said...

From one curvy girly to another I am so happy that you embrace your curves and empower others to do the same. Thank you angel.

Our paths are quite similar. From eating disorders to finding love. I dated a boy who used to say to me that I walked into the room and five minutes later my bum did. Nice.

My husband is also a "butt man" and shows me how much he loves my curves each day.

You will have to tell me about belly dancing, I have always flirted with the idea of taking a class. I loves me some dancing girls.

April 2, 2007 at 8:43:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Stacy said...

p.s. I love you and your cute bubbly butt in this photo, it's sexy!

April 2, 2007 at 8:50:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And there I was, as a 'stick girl', feeling just as unideal, focused on being a 'curvy girl'. Ever searching for the right stuffing that looked natural in a bra, and wearing boxers under trousers to add some bulk to the caboose. Isn't it crazy! But the beauty of the 30's is the fabulous self acceptance and the happiness with our own natural forms as they've been given to us. And finding out each is just as beautiful!

April 2, 2007 at 8:57:00 PM PDT  
Blogger boho girl said...

i so agree, Anon...each is just as beautiful.

this was never about me realizing that skinny isn't beautiful and curves are. it was about learning to accept how to love and embrace my curvy body that will always be with me.

i have a plethora of skinny friends that i think are so hot and sexy!

yum to BOTH.

April 2, 2007 at 9:09:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

After a horrible day, this post made me literally smile and laugh a bit to myself.... my roommate even noticed! Thank you so much. I think I'll go to bed now before my thoughts get bad again. And one more thing my dear, you have no idea how much I hope and pray for the changes you have experienced in your "body" life to occur in mine. I desperately hope for it and am SLOWLY and painfully working toward it.

April 2, 2007 at 9:13:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love your cute little body, your winding and lovely journey, and your pretty dang impressive use of a camera, girl. Glad to see you celebrating, and smiling. -- Shea

April 2, 2007 at 9:58:00 PM PDT  
Blogger hollibobolli said...

I think you have a cute bum. And that is a great explanation of your journey to the bottom.

April 2, 2007 at 10:18:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From one round bum to another, I've always felt that my bum was my best asset especially since I'm small chested. It's amazing what getting older does for our self esteem isn't it?

April 2, 2007 at 10:26:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh my lordy!!! curves rock and don't you let anyone tell you otherwise. I think my curves may be slightly curvier than yours though!
Nice spc Boho... haven't checked in for a while - bit of reading to do to see where you're at...

April 2, 2007 at 11:07:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Me very lucky man :)

April 2, 2007 at 11:33:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love the curvy bits. And the proud hubby :)

April 3, 2007 at 3:06:00 AM PDT  
Blogger nina beana said...

go you and your bum!

we're obsessed with "fannies" around here in nina beana land...always shakin' the fannies, or squishin' the fannies, or biting the fannies (of the wees, of course!)...thank god i've got enough fanny to go around!

April 3, 2007 at 7:28:00 AM PDT  
Blogger daisies said...

curves are yummy : ) and husband's who appreciate curves are the best ~ am happy i have one of those too ... and bellydancing is sooooo much fun and such a celebration of being a woman ...

your bum is super cute and this post made me smile ...

April 3, 2007 at 8:03:00 AM PDT  
Blogger ~Michelle~ said...

Thanks for inspiring a smile this morning! I enjoyed reading your journey to embracing your curves.

April 3, 2007 at 9:00:00 AM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

don't MAKE me sing, "i lurve you, jes' the way you areeeee~!"

'cuz we do.

need to ask a fav:
wifee and i lost our mr puddins.
she's checking daily for comments on Weaselonastick.blogspot.com

would you MIND leaving a comment for us?

I know that's odd, but she's grieving hard, and we all luv'd our kitten.

besides, mr puddins looked JES like your kitty! eeep!

if you can, thanks... if not, no worries.

>> hugs <<

April 3, 2007 at 9:44:00 AM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for this wonderful and inspiring post! I love my bum, but other wobbly bits are in need of more acceptance, this post has helped!

XOXO Sophie

April 3, 2007 at 9:44:00 AM PDT  
Blogger Colorsonmymind said...

Oh baby baby-what a sexy bum you have! I covet it.

I have always felt self concious of my flat arse to be honest. I have to do lunges and squats till the cows come home for a teeny bump.

I love what you shared as well. I have been through so many of those stages myself and our friendship helps me to stay and enter more deeply the place of self love.

Thank you my darling
I love you
toe to toe

April 3, 2007 at 10:18:00 AM PDT  
Blogger Jeremy Stockwell said...

Love the comment from you lucky hubby -- I am also the very lucky hubby of a sexy curvy woman. Great picture, Boho.

April 3, 2007 at 10:23:00 AM PDT  
Blogger Danielle said...

hi there
i just wanted to tell you that i read your bloggie often (you are linked to the whole self and that's how i stumbled upon you). your entries always inspire me with your graceful words and your gorgeous pictures. i cannot wait until i can buy one! (i am also a fan of your bohemian girl designs website).
this entry hit me to the core...you are so brave to share so much of yourself and i just wanted you to know that i truly appreciate it.

April 3, 2007 at 1:58:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Sauntering Soul said...

Thank you so much for this. It's amazing how fragile our self-esteem can be when placed in the wrong hands (why do we ever hand it over to anyone but ourselves?). Thankfully I've found someone who loves my ample butt and other ample body parts after recovering from 10 years with an ex-husband who told me he would be stopping for a milkshake at the drive thru but I needed to go home and make myself a salad. That and being in my (late) 30's has made me feel okay with myself again.

You are such a beautiful soul.

April 3, 2007 at 2:46:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Unknown said...

horray for the big bums that make me feel a little more comforable in my own skin!

horray for "butt men!"

xo

April 3, 2007 at 3:27:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Amanda said...

wow.
how i needed those words today...
i share some of those same experiences and still struggle with not feeling happy with my body.

guess it doesn't help when your boyfriend asks if you are pregnant (and i am very clearly not:(

your words are beautiful.
xoxo
a

April 3, 2007 at 3:42:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Kathleen said...

girrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl.
your bum is sexy-o-rama!
fer real.

aaaand. i love the kicky new cut!

happy spring gorgeous girl!

April 3, 2007 at 4:35:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Sam said...

My bum has followed me around all my life. Thank god I am not the one that has to look at it! LOL.

You did a great job photographing your "feature".

Sam

April 3, 2007 at 4:54:00 PM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heheheheheheeeee...!!
This was delightful to read!!!!

You are boho-unique ;)

xoxoxoxo

April 3, 2007 at 9:06:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Paul said...

I once wrote a poem subtitled "For What This Butt?" It was vaguely religious, at least contemplative in its way, butt don't think it quite suits my particular blog. My butt and the rest of me were doing better then anyway.

"Enjoy your butt while it is young and dapper."
- Confuscious

April 3, 2007 at 11:02:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Daibh said...

Stick Chicks are sad and boring. Curves make life interesting.

April 4, 2007 at 2:57:00 AM PDT  
Blogger Kiah-Monique said...

Lol thats good that you have come to except yourself.

April 4, 2007 at 6:32:00 AM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hooray for men who love us just the way we are!! xo Glo

April 4, 2007 at 7:00:00 AM PDT  
Blogger PaintingChef said...

I, too, love my wobbly bits. Thank you for making us all feel as beautiful as you are. You are a rare and wonderful person and your words always give me hope and inspiration.

April 4, 2007 at 8:48:00 AM PDT  
Blogger Susannah Conway said...

i have seen the monkey butt in the flesh (as it were) and can verify that it is indeed luscious and gorgeous :-) love you sexy xo

April 4, 2007 at 9:22:00 AM PDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have the cutest butt ever honey! The fact that you now embrace your body and how it was meant to be is the most important aspect to all of this...and it is inspiring in so many ways.

sorry for my absence beautiful you

love you

April 4, 2007 at 11:28:00 AM PDT  
Blogger Regina said...

Hee hee, boho girl... here's to all of us curvy girls with very cute derrieres!

April 4, 2007 at 12:17:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Intrepidflame said...

I am not sure how appropriate it is for a married man to say to a married woman, but...nice ass!I mean that in the m

April 4, 2007 at 10:13:00 PM PDT  
Blogger Amber said...

Oh, I LOVE this post! Keep shakin' it! Looks good to me.

;)

April 9, 2007 at 8:29:00 AM PDT  
Blogger MAHIMA said...

what a journey!
embracing our bodes becomes so important and so unnoticeably dificult!! its so easy to amass subsconscious info about not looking the right size.
then losing weight becomes important to look good, to "fit in" and not important because its your body, your health and it deserves to feel and be its best from the inside.
i have been on my own quest for "finding my body" and myself inside it.
I did yoga and belly dancing and a martial art.
and that changed everything.
i think we emphasise too much on looking outside and not inside and our kids pick that up, like we picked it up. over time it breeds an insecure, skewed view of self.
i hope we can all focus more consciously on the inside and do the same with our children so they don't grow up with these pains.

...long comment, sorry!!

April 26, 2007 at 9:46:00 AM PDT  

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