And though I would have never thought it possible, I love her more on this day than the day she was born.
(Birthday cake recipe adapted from My New Roots. Birthday crown by Papa from flowers in our street.)
Although I’ve often said I’ll never cut my hair, one day I felt the sudden urge to. A few days later it was gone and I was free.
For so long my growing hair had been a place of refuge and a way to feel beautiful. Every morning and every night I brushed it. Mostly I wore it in plaits to keep from knotting and when I wore it out it was like a special dress. People would often compliment it, envy it and I loved the way it felt against my bare back.
But it only took a day of forgetting to brush it and it would begin to matte in clumps of ugly knots. I was spending so much of my time preserving what I saw as my beauty that I didn’t stop to realise I could be beautiful without it. Or, here’s a new idea, I didn’t have to be beautiful. At least not in the way society convinces me I should be.
The hairdresser took my long tail of hair and cut it from me in one sharp swoop. It was like my head was a fish bowl tight with fat goldfish swimming scale to scale, then the next moment my head was as empty as a cloud. I moved and felt a shock of short hair kiss my cheek. I didn’t expect to feel any different, but what I felt was a high so strange it was like being in another person’s body. I thought to myself, I may never feel this feeling again in my life. My hair had been so heavy I couldn’t wear it up without having a headache, and now suddenly the weight had lifted, I felt like I was floating up. I kept a small plaited section of my hair long, as a reminder, and I wrap it around my head to keep my hair out of my eyes.
I focus on being kind, open and generous now and suddenly people are glowing, because kindness is a beauty that can be shared by all. The wall is gone and though I can no longer hide, I feel less like I have to.
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Photography Professional
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GC
Fabulous photos.
www.directhomesearch.com
Im so impressed on all of your shots.
Rachel Dragonfly
I remember how it felt. It was years ago when I first cut feet of hair off of my head and I realize now, after reading your words, that I have forgotten how that feels. The hair sweeping my lower back, the weight of it all pulling on my scalp, the braids wrapping around and around my head. It was freeing for me as well. Suddenly I didn’t have to hold all of that weight on my head and it felt really good.
I’m glad I found your blog. Your photos are lovely.. both yours and your partner’s. Thank you for sharing.
❤
Woody Kim
Hi my name is woody live in Korea. It my first reply.
your my most flavorites photographer. I like to visit this blog everyday and Actually I do that.
Quite many time I could Inspiring from your blog. and I think I wannabe with you.
and Hope you keep doing on your work then I can see your job for long time
I Really really like to be your friend thank you!
Mária
I appreciate what you wrote in this post, really.
alisa
amazing pics again!!!:-) you can always surprise me with your gorgerous pics!!
shayna
just reading your blog for the first time, and really loving it! i remember seeing your beach photos somewhere and then my sister showed me your blog and i got really excited that you live in brisbane…it’s a good place to be…
it’s great that your little family all seems to share the same passion for art and life (even alba for being ridiculously happy and photogenic!)
AZ
SO beautiful and liberating!
I love how you left a braid at the back, such a lovely reminder of your long hair.
celine b.
Amazing, so beautiful photos.
I think i just fell in love with your blog.
amazing pics !!
happy birthday, alba! i hope you all had a wonderful day and that when she is old enough, she will understand the love that everyone around her has for her, and your family.
you are so talented. in capturing moments and words and you are such a sweet mother
xoxo
a thousand word (blog) | twitter | instagram
I just want to let you know that I love your blog so much, I had to share it with my readers on my blog here: http://fashion.fashionistamogul.com/some-favorite-blogs/
Have a great day!
Oh my goodness that card was the most beautiful thing i’ve read. Happy birthday Alba, amazing as always xx
Oh! I so love your photos, your precious little family, and your deep inspiring words
Your little family reminds me so much of my own, only perhaps a tad freer as our own Papa gets a bit caught in the practicalities. But there is a core enegy in your photos that is familiar to me in another way as well. I was born in South Africa, and although my parents left before I turned two, that wild, courageous and creative energy has shaped my existence. Somehow it resonates here in your photos and is reflected back, so thank you 
Your poetry is so photogenic. Or is it your photography that is so poetic ? Beautiful atmosphere on your site, we share your sweet sweet world. Happy Birthday to your beloved Alba, very touching is the letter too. Thanks ~ *
You have a gift, flat out. For words, for photos….but for more than that. For capturing a moment and a feeling where others can only capture images….the love you have for your child is palpable. I love your blog! And that journal entry was so moving. Now I can’t wait to have kids!
How I have only just stumbled upon your blog is disgraceful. I wish I had found it sooner. Your photography is beautiful, as is your family. Pleasure to be able to read about your journey. Madison x
I love the letter your wrote to your daughter. Beautiful and soulful photos. <3