Tuesday, September 6, 2011

the face of emotion


Emotions. They come from deep inside of us, bubbling to the surface in an endless variety of possibilities. They can be happy or sad, hopeful or despondent, changing quickly from one moment to the next. And as we age, we become experts at hiding them, sharing with our friends and neighbors, the strangers on the street, only what we want them to see.

Yet there are some moments that break through without effort. Like excitement, exhilaration, and surprise. Happiness, hopefulness, elation. Can you feel them? They vibrate so strongly from our core, they can't be contained. It's as if the joy bursting through must be revealed. "Look at me! Look at me!" it screams, and even if we say not one word, it shows on our faces, a mirror of emotion. The responsible adult transforms into the carefree child with just one smile. We can become that little girl on the carousel, like in El Rincon de Mela's picture below, spinning round and round, spirits high, buzzing with energy. You can hear it, right? The giggling with maybe a little high-pitched shriek bursting out unexpectedly when the speed picks up.

A few days ago, I caught my mom in just such a moment on a boat ride shortly after we left the dock. We were on our way to dinner, a setting sun in the distance, when my father opened up the throttle. Our conversation paused as the boat jumped forward, the wind catching our hair, and for a split-second, my mom's face lit up like that young girl on the merry-go-round, shining with happiness, laughter breaking through in a candid moment of unexpected animation. What accidental emotions have you captured lately?

holly {soupatraveler}

201/365 Pandora ...

201/365 Pandora ... by El Rincon de Mela

14 comments:

Cara Lopez Lee said...

I feel happy just looking at the little girl on the carousel. What an enchanting moment!

Unknown said...

wow, i totally knew that was your mom the minute i saw the picture!

Unknown said...

Love the photos! Our faces give away so much and these shots capture that beautifully.

Gilly said...

These are such happy shots! Lovely post.

urban muser said...

these smiles brighten my day!

chelle said...

so beautifully written Holly & the shots are awesome!!

Jenny C. said...

These are so great! I really love the theme too, especially the way you write about it. Your mom looks beautiful. Congrats on becoming a Muse, by the way!! So proud!

Steph said...

Wow, those are brilliant choices :) They're full of movement and stories :)

christina said...

Both photos filled with warm smiles. The smiles are sheer contagious. I love that!
xo

Kirstin said...

Oh Holly, these are fabulous pictures. I love their escaping emotions. They make you want to grin right back at them. Thank you. x

beauty_goodness_truth said...

Oh my heavens, Holly . . . you've made me tear up at 8:15 in the morning. You are a gifted writer and of course, photographer. Brava!

esra said...

beautiful words and such wonderful smiles!

GailO said...

amazing, beautiful, emotional faces! Holly, your mom is beautiful!

Reena said...

What wonderful captures of such happiness!

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