A MUSE or A GOOD LAUGH

"Way to Go" by Bill Slavin

Have you had a good laugh recently? I've talked with several people who hunger for a good belly laugh. I realized I needed one while watching a trailer for the new season of Ted Lasso. When he returned to England, Lasso came up to his new assistant coach and said, "Who said you can't go home again." The new female coach turned to look at him and replied, "I don't like riddles." I almost fell out of my seat. I also noticed when I tried to repeat the humor I found in this subtle exchange, that my sense of humor is a little quirky and maybe not for everyone.

Photography has been Bill's hobby since before we were married. He often asked me to be his model when he was given a class assignment or just whenever he had an "idea." So, I am from a long line of muses, or maybe guinea pigs for art. Artists often have a muse who becomes their inspiration in their work. I think of Victorine Meurent to Manet, Doria Marr to Picasso, and Camille Claudel to Rodin. These women inspired, taught, and changed the artists works that they appeared in. Some were artists themselves and are only now getting recognition. Others, like clothing designer Floge to Klimt, offered space where he could observe women in Floge's clothing that changed the way he painted.

"Reflections" by Bill Slavin

Since we moved to the city, Bill joined 52 Frames, an online photography group with weekly prompts. I often turn up as the subject of the prompt. I cringe sometimes because I am no longer young and those photos show me as I really am, not my delusions. 

We collaborated much earlier in our lives when we both took a class from a former assistant of Ansel Adams. In that class, one project was to show the personality of someone in a portrait. I'm not sure I was ever so coy, but I loved being surrounded by plants and one of my old paintings.

"Martha" by Bill Slavin

This past week, the prompt was to show humor. Bill wrote the caption for the photo, which fits a description of myself: "She has eyes in the back of her head. As a former junior high school teacher, wrestling coach, and as an artist, Martha can handle anything and anybody! She's not fond of portraits, but Martha laughed at this one."

"She Has Eyes in the Back of Her Head" by Bill Slavin

When I was diagnosed with glaucoma, we brought a pair of glasses to the doctor's office that caused the doctor to erupt into laughter. Sometimes you just have to laugh at what life throws you.

"Who's Looking at You?" by Bill Slavin

Sometimes a photo is just for fun. How many of us can still jump for joy? I know I can't. My best medicine: Smile and have a good laugh at yourself. And say "Yes" when Bill asked me to be his model.

"Jump for Joy" by Bill Slavin