Annual Birthday Self Portrait: 40 Years Old

I turned 40 last Sunday, July 16th, 2023.

Here is my annual birthday self-portrait, along with previous years.

We are at Luke’s family home in Brattleboro, Vermont. I’m combing my hair in front of my prized blue flamenco shawl, which is tacked to the front of their garage. I take my time, dirty feet and all, because taking care always comes first.

This is me.

Brattleboro, Vermont

2022

For the last 3 years, I‘ve taken a self-portrait on my birthday. Here is 39 years old.

This year has been about fortification. Fortifying our home, my business, & my Self. I have been building safe spaces to be, to explore & create in my art practice, & to reconnect with my new-found blood family. I take time to rest so I can feel grounded within the perfectly imperfect. *Surrender* is my go-to power word.

Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California

2021

Happy 38 years to me.

I set up the old tripod and took my 2nd annual self-portrait today in Luke’s parent’s backyard. My head was adorned with flowers from Luke’s mother’s garden, selected and cut by @littlesmashy herself, and carefully arranged by @biglukethomas. A living garden to remind me of all the light and love that holds me up.

I will always treasure the process of taking these photos—Luke and Judith hamming it up behind the camera to get me out of my head and make me laugh. I love you with all my heart.

Brattleboro, Vermont

2020

A self-portrait on my 37th birthday during the Year of the Bath

2020 gave me space to: scream, cry, purge & scrub clean, sit, sleep, think, heal, find safety, so much l o v e & play, & fully feel uncomfortable with absolutely no distraction. I needed every part of it, the good, the bad, & the ugly.

29 Palms, Joshua Tree, California