an earth mermaid {self-portrait challenge}

I am an earth person. I like the ground. I like to feel my feet on the earth. I live my life that way most of the time. My feet to the earth and my head grounded.

But, I often wish to be a mermaid, able to swim with the humpbacks and play with the sea otters. I want to float on my back with my hair splayed out around me like a crown. I want to dive into the depths of a lake and look for lost shoes and glasses. I wish that I could talk with the dolphins and ask sea stars questions. I want to peek my head up and take a breath and dive under the ocean once again. I want to giggle at snorkelers who wish they had fins like me. I dream of telling the clown fish about the movie they star in. I want to see a mother humpback nudge her baby up for air. I want to swim across one ocean until I reach another. I want to marvel at the colors of all the creatures I do not yet know.

But, I am an earth person.

I wish that I was not afraid of deep water and that I didn't try to inhale whenever my head goes under. I wish that instead of wanting to go kayaking in Puget Sound but knowing I never will, I would feel safe enough to paddle my way through the fear. I wish that I didn't have to usually say, "no you guys go ahead" when it comes to water activities. I wish that I did not feel odd wanting to wear a snorkel mask so that I could swim in deep water or at the ocean because I can swim I just can't go under water without trying to breathe if my nose isn't plugged. I wish to swim like a mermaid with only wonder and little fear.

For now, though, I guess I am an earth mermaid who lives with her feet on the ground but dreams of all that might be.

(see more interpretations of the elements at self-portrait challenge)

Comments

[Goddess of Leonie]

offering you a hand from the ocean ~~~

[Deb R]

I hear you. I'm completely fascinated by water and drawn to it, but I freak out (and try to inhale, dammit!) if my head goes under.

Beautiful photo!

[odessa]

Ah, such beautiful words. Funny how you wrote about this today. I too am afraid of the ocean, especially when my feet is already not touching the ground, but I just enrolled in an adult swimming lessons 2 days ago. Maybe we'll get there, one step at a time...

[Star]

This is an awesome picture. I long to have arches like yours and wear cute little strappy sandals instead of sensible shoes for flat, wide feet. *sigh*

[Sacred Suzie]

What a beautiful post, image and words. I love the idea of an earth mermaid, I believe that's possible.

[steph]

I can relate to this. I dream of surfing with my husband here in the pacific, but I'm deathly afraid of the ocean's power over me, not to mention her ominous large predators!

Loved this.

[Becoming Amethyst]

I love the stark simplicity of this portrait and earth mermaid is such a powerful concept, Liz ~ what a fabulous idea!

P.S. Your comment gave me the idea that 'From Claire To Air' should be the name of my posthumously published papers ;)

[Georgia]

Mmmm, lovely.

[ceanandjen]

Oh Liz, you and me both. I am a water sign(Cancer), but I, like you am deathly afraid of deep water. I like solid ground. I feel safe there. That being said, I certainly did enjoy that little trip you just took us on. *wink*

xoxox
p.s. where is this taken??

[luzie]

i can so relate! i love the sea and lakes and i do enjoy swimming, but i freak out when i lose touch of the ground. i can be perfectly happy just walking on the beach, in the sand, barefoot, being in touch with earth and close to the water.

[Julie Marie]

I meant to comment last night but didn't get back to my computer. We are so alike. When I was a child I wanted to be a mermaid, and sometimes I still think about it - to be able to live under water and not be afraid to put my head beneath the surface. If I were an animal I would want to be a sea otter or dolphin. I have many, many dreams about being in the ocean and they are always very peaceful. There I am never afraid. Usually I am floating in indigo water with an inky sky full of stars above. I always think of this when I hear Nina Gordon's "Tonight and the Rest of my Life."

Julie

[Jamie]

Beautiful, as always - your writing and your spirit.

[Kikipotamus the Hobo]

"I want to dive into the depths of a lake and look for lost shoes and glasses." What a great sentence!

[Michelle (a.k.a. la vie en ros]

this reminded me of childhood...during the summer we would swim in these big tanks cattle drink from (yes, gross, i know)and i would always pretend to be a mermaid

[Gilson]

Hey, great writing! I really like to explore possibilities.