Self Portrait!
One year after my mother complained that she had no photos of me (prior to blogging I had photo phobia – big time, almost no one had a photograph of me – true story!), anyway I decided to surprise her with a handmade birthday card with a self-portrait sketch of myself (Something I had never attempted to do before.)
inside of card.
This is the rendering and the inside of the card, just so you know I was 39 years old when I drew this. I have the card now as one of the several momento’s from memories during my mom’s life. I do remember her reaction when she received the card. It made my struggles with sketching myself very worthwhile.
I was running a marketing/advertising business and raising children as a single parent at that time so she knew time was a precious commodity – as it is for all of us each day. Just so you know – it was well worth the time, a moment I still cherish to this day.
When you give completely of yourself to those you love, the love your receive in return is precious beyond belief!
Always!
~ Penny
The Why About This 
Beautiful portrait.
That is so beautiful, Penny! Thank you so much for sharing!
It was my pleasure to do so Amy. Thank you!
Awww, that’s really cute and sweet of you Penny! Must say, you did well with the self portrait 😉 Ah, I missed too much around here!
It’s good to see you here, thank you my friend for your warm compliments, I do appreciate them very much! 🙂
very well done! i am always amazed at how i can look at a piece of art that was created years ago and be able to recall details of that particular day. i’ll bet that drawing triggers many memories for you. z
I was the middle child (and some others factors also) so I received less attention by my mom, whom I wanted so much to pay attention to me. When I gave her the drawing, she cried and apologized for not giving me more time as a child (the thing is by then it was okay I understood) But it meant so much in the moment, so yes, yes it does. Thank you!
what a beautiful story! it’s so great that the drawing connects you to a very tender moment with your mother. thank you as well! z
You are most certainly welcome, thank you for caring! Penny xx
When you give completely of yourself to those you love, the love your receive in return is precious beyond belief! I love this! I tell this to people all the time-be selfless, not selfish. 🙂 another great post!
Thank you Amber, One must love greatly and completely, It is so very important, right now on this planet. So very important! To share, we grow through love and inspiration my friend. 🙂
🙂 So true! I shared it with my peeps on twitter and FB 🙂 helping others grow, one day at a time!
You are correct. One day and one person at a time like planting seeds I think. And watching things bloom, yes?:)
Yes! Exactly! Planting seeds and watching them grow is the most perfect way to describe it 🙂
🙂 we agree (of course lol)!
🙂
Love the drawing and your writing is lovely too, It wouldn’t look out of place in Middle Earth.
Thank you, that is a very nice compliment, much appreciated.
What an awesome drawing and inside. I can see why your mum was pleased with it.
Words are so true as well
She cried. It was a moving moment indeed. Mom and I weren’t close until the last year, so that occasion was a very special one for me. Thanks! 🙂
Since getting back home and looking at it on my laptop instead of my phone, it looks so much better than it does on a small screen.
Sending huge hugs to you and your family
Thanks Alastair, I spent hours redrawing and redrawing until I felt I had the basic lines and then I was able to sketch this one. It’s easier if it isn’t you or someone you know. Emotions don’t get in the way (artistically speaking) lol
Yes, I understand what you are saying. It shows your skill with the pencil is as mighty as it is with the pen
I have only ever attempted to draw one person, and although I wasn’t happy with it, she was, and to me that’s what’s important.
Yes, the important thing always Alastair! 🙂
Yes 🙂
So very true, and yet it is so difficult for so many to give oneself completely. Something to strive for everyday! Great post!
Thanks, it is hard, I agree, but as you and I know worth the effort! 🙂
Clever, you. Time to attempt it, again!
Go for it!
So true Penny!!!! 🙂
Wonderful gesture and so beautifully done!
🙂
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you Marina, hope your weekend is being good to you, sending much affection your way my friend! 🙂
AnElephantCant stop himself thinking
That this blog displays a quite brilliant oeuvre
For once he is gallant
To this lady of talent
And hopes that she gets all the love she deserves
Thank you for the lovely compliment my friend! 🙂
Love is all we need…cherish life and love will bless us with beauty and strength.:)
Yes the most powerful word on the planet!
🙂 You make me happy.:)
That makes me happy also Charlie. Thank you! 🙂
1. Because it makes me feel good and 2. Right now I’m exploring a subtext of the power of emotional induction (love) from a cognitive perspective relating to this blog! Too early to tell, so far so good! 🙂
Excellent! You should write about it and post it up.:)
No I don’t think so, but I appreciate you suggesting this!
🙂 You should…
It’s nice of you to encourage, thank you for that. 🙂
I’m so glad we are friends.:)
I also! 🙂
🙂
Happy Birthday to your mom 🙂 you painted awesome birthday gift for her.
Thank you Nafees! 🙂
welcome Penny 🙂
Very lovely! When I was drawing, faces were my forte. I have sketches of Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan on a horse, and Mic Jagger. I used to draw when I was angry as it calmed me down by focusing on something other than what I was angry about. I love the note about your Mom…I have those kind of momentoes too!
Barb, you, my friend are loaded with talent, along with love and caring for others, you are one special human being, I am glad to be your friend! Penny xx
Thank you Penny! And, I am glad to be your friend too!
🙂
Many hugs!
Happily received and returned!
Penny, I am touched though I am not your mother, lol. I wish in when I become one I will have a daughter/son who can draw like you. Very special gift! 🙂
Thank you Joycelyn for your lovely compliment. I appreciate it very much, again my thanks 🙂
I am astonished again! Wow what a wonderful thing to do for your mother and the talent Amazing!
xxx
Thank you Len, I do appreciate your comments, my mom was a little sweetie who always managed to make us larger offspring feel guilty in a loving way! lol :)xx
Priceless!
xx 🙂 🙂 xx
Thank you Rosy, so very much! 🙂 xox
Wow…I cannot draw a pencil, so I am beyond impressed 🙂
Thanks Boomie, when I was recovering from surgery and raising children as a single mom, I did acquire a skill for portraits, as I had to work from home! Thank you so much my friend! 🙂