I had the most extraordinary experience this past July. I was invited to be on a Fearless Women panel at the eWomen International Business Conference. They graciously honored my book,
"Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits" with this panel and brought in Sherry Williams and Andrea Ridout, two extraordinary fearless women featured in the book. It was thrilling to have the video of the making of the book viewed by 3,000 women and then be on this esteemed panel of women moderated by the fearless and fabulous,
Sandra Yancey, CEO of eWoman.
A portrait studio was set up for me to photograph women at the confere
nce that desired a "Fearless Portrait". They scheduled me two days for the portraits sessions. I thought I would perhaps photograph 20-40 women. Half way through the first day, we were told that the requests for portraits were overwhelming and they asked if I could I stay for an extra day. It's hard to believe that I could possibly photograph 90 women in three days but that was what happened. It was as if time was suspended to allow me the time to spend with each woman, hear their stories and photograph them. You must know that this was a business conference. I have been at many women's conferences but never experienced a conference that had so many women with such open hearts. It is an experience I will never forget.
With each woman that stepped forward to hold the sword for their session, I would hand it to them and most often emotion ran over them like a waterfall. They all felt the energy of the women that had held that sword from the book. It made me realize how profound that symbol of courage is for us all. What a gift of learning for me to meet and experience all these fearless women. So let me share just a few photos with some stories and emails from them. There are so many to share and perhaps I will share more at a later blog.
With a purchase of a 20x24 canvas each woman received a book jacket that fits my "Fearless Women" book. Here's the fearless Mom and daughter, Mary Jo and Rachel.
I had some very wonderful emails from many of the women that were photographed. After receiving her portrait in the mail, Suzanne Mulet said: "I just received my portrait and I am at a loss for words. When I looked at the photo, it brought back all the emotions and feelings that I had tapped into while out in Dallas for the eWomenetwork conference. My daughter, Alex very much loves the portrait as well and helped me find a place in the house to place it. I have it on the wall just outside my bedroom door so that I can see it on my way in when going to bed and on my way out in the morning. The photo I ended up choosing inspired me to have a sub-line on my book in progress; 'Weighty Wisdom-Finding Strength from Within'. Thank you so much for being a conduit for the strength that I do have fro within; I now have a physical reminder of what I often forget about."
Adrienne McGill sent me this email before she received her 30x40 portrait of herself in bra and panties. Adrienne owns a lingerie boutique outside of Chicago. When she came to me for her fearless portrait she told me that her mission was to support and encourage women to love their bodies as they are. She said that if she didn't pose with the sword and show her body, she wouldn't be walking her talk. Here's what she wrote: "I have to confess to you-I am not feeling very fearless. Doubt keeps trying to rear it's ugly head. What have I done? Will it be too big? Will I look too fat? Will I scare my customers? What will they think? Will I look like a narcissist? I thought I slayed the beast of self-doubt with that sword. What the heck? Does it not die? I am anxious, excited, proud and inspired. What a combination! Patiently and (almost) fearlessly waiting, Adrienne."
I picked up the phone to call her and caught her at her store. We had the most wonderful conversation about fearlessness and courage. By the end of the call we were both energized and inspired. Adrienne is planning a "Fearlessly Love Your Body: Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness" at her store Adrienne Clarisse in Libertyville, Illinois, for the month of October. Isn't it amazing what we can do when we walk through our fear and embrace courage?
Sami Douglass emailed:
"The rose petals created the perfect feeling for my portrait. How creative we were. Holding the sword, suddenly became something I had to do, in my body I felt that it would be a validation that I was in fact a fearless women. I knew that in my heart, but the sword, the experience seemed to capture externally what I was feeling internally.
After a year of a business partner taking 150k dollars from me. A fiance that turned out to be looking for a meal ticket, and the unexpected passing of my best friend, I turned from fear and sought fearlessness, trusting in the Universe that all things are for a higher purpose.
I can know look at myself standing bravely in the center of Love, knowing that's the only place to stand.
Maryann, thank you for staying over, and working to accommodate so many. I know you were exhausted, and I appreciated your time."
Meeting Kimberly Tilton was inspiring on many levels. After confiding that she is a recent breast cancer survivor, she decided to celebrate her fearless recovery by posing topless with the sword. She writes:
"Having the sword as a symbol of my fight against cancer, that warrior spirit that exists in each of us, was very powerful. The shoot also made me feel beautiful in a way I really hadn't since the surgery."
Carla Deniz said:
"I just got the picture (YAY) --PERFECT timing. I was desperately trying to get out of a small pit of self-doubt and pity I found myself in since yesterday afternoon--ugh, I HATE that!--the picture picked me right up and made me feel confident and powerful. THANK YOU! My husband saw it, smiled, and said 'Now that's what you look like on the inside--that's why I married you--you have a light that shines and an inner strength that's beautiful.' I'm going to cry! Thank you so much for your time and joy and fearlessness. I will always treasure this." It made me cry.
These are but a few stories of inspiration and appreciation for the Fearless Portraits. It fills my heart with such gratitude to know that my book and the fearless message is inspiring so many. I feel so satisfied and fulfilled and a real sense of peace...a knowingness.
A big thank you to all the women who have trusted me and revealed themselves in front of my camera. What an honor for me.
I continue to walk my fearless journey every day knowing on the other side of fear is courage, love, joy and sometimes even pure bliss!"
