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A Self-Portrait is a representation of an artist, drawn, painted, photographed or sculpted by the artist. It may be a portrait of the artist, or a portrait included in a larger work, including a group portrait. (Wikipedia)
Self-portraitures are a staple in the serious artist’s portfolio, where the majority of today’s artists have either released or at the very least, have composed a number of these while honing one’s craft.
One thing I really like about the self-portrait is how its popularity spans both gender and culture, with a great many examples available, by both male and female artists, from all parts of the world and cropping up throughout virtually every era of history, from the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, to the middle ages, renaissance periods and all the way to present times.
Self-portraits became and remained popular, for the artist and the consumer alike. This can be attributed to several factors. For the artist, one of the main reasons often cited is the relative inexpensiveness associated with modeling for one’s self. It is said, that Van Gogh, one of the most prolific self-portrait artists in all of history, began composing such portraits solely as a consequence of economy, where he simply did not have the available funds to commission models to pose for him.
Yet, aside from the low cost associated with this style, I believe it is more of a challenge to the artist, working either from a mirror or from memory alone. Here, he or she must be able to harness all sense of focus, not allowing themselves to get distracted as they look into their own reflection or to allow personal preconceptions, systems of beliefs and learned biases, to interfere with the composition itself. Artists, like all creative minded craftspeople, for the most part, thoroughly enjoy a challenge, and being able to thrive under the most challenging of conditions, of which, I believe is something that the self-portrait certainly provides.
As for the consumer, I think we like to see how artisans view themselves. We like to peer into the nuances of the piece, staring deep into the flaws or perfections, where we can’t help but wonder if the artist was honestly being true, or if he was embellishing even the slightest of details. Such art offers up quite the discussions. In psychological terms, for certain, one can attempt to delve into the rationale and potential symbolism surrounding lines, depth, colors, shading and realism. We also are a contrast-driven society, where we tend to enjoy making comparisons, looking for the details that set are own environments apart from or akin to whatever it is we are examining. Here, we also get a glimpse into the relations and insights each self-portrait offers. We see this in regards to the time(s), places and socio-economic conditions in which the artist lived and worked within, setting up easy comparisons to our own situations, but also useful when comparing this artists situation to any others throughout history. In this sense, we also can use fashion as a statement, where we could notice, say something in terms of appearance. Here, in this regards hairstyle, makeup and/or the clothing worn, can provide clues into, not only the economic situation of the artist, but also into the affluence or conditions of poverty in the societal circle the artist was situated within or near to.
This analysis is alive in virtually any self-portrait, but I have to believe it’s effects are only heightened when it is known, that a particular piece was constructed from the mind alone, without the mirror to guide ones movements. I’m sure this is something the psychologists have a field day with. I know I do. I can’t remember the book, I believe it was A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink, but in any case, the author illustrated a fact as it pertained to brain science, that showed how the brain pulls information differently when a person does a self-portrait with or without the use of a mirror. After reading this book, I tried the exercise myself. To preface, I do consider myself an artist, but I work in the abstract, and find myself to struggle greatly when trying to recreate images of people or animals. That said, when I drew myself using the mirror, while it wasn’t the greatest picture, it was much better than I thought it would be. But here’s the fun part, a week later I tried the same experiment without the use of the mirror, and it was really like I was looking at a stranger. Now, perhaps my artistic limitation had something to play there, but, if not, what does that say? I think it shows just how little we really know about ourselves. But back to point.
Up until now, I’ve led this discussion, purposely, down a path that only reflected upon the self-portrait as an artistic vehicle used by painters, sculptors and those that work within the visual arts. But, this is certainly not the end of the discussion when it comes to what is, and has been shown to be, possible to the creative minded artist when utilizing the self-portrait as his vehicle of choice.
For as long as writers have been writing, they’ve been incorporating pieces of themselves in their characters, narrators and settings. Such inclusions often do reflect a sense of self-portraiture, in regards to their present mood, awareness, mindset and psyche.
However, this is not the same thing as a pure self-portrait, for it is subtle and open for debate, as to what exactly is/was the true nature of authorial intent. While this is not exactly what we’re looking for, these incorporations do offer us the sense that the self-portrait can be composed effectively through ones writing, using word alone.
Yet, these tricks of the author, these incorporations into one’s writings are much closer to the sensibility of the artistic self-portraiture, than, say, the autobiography and/or memoir, which lack in this respect as they are written: for the most part, from a position too far removed from the reflection illustrated on the page, and in the majority of cases, to fit the theme of the work as a whole, where the editorial process may certainly have played its role, thus affecting the essence found within the self-portrait itself. While not perfect, it is a start though.
It is, or at least can be considered to be, as mentioned, proof that the written composition can, in fact, be utilized in self-portraiture. So then, how does the written word ultimately achieve its goal? How can the artist use their pen as a substitute for what paint brushes, chisels and the like have been accomplishing for a much longer period of time?
Well, this shouldn’t come to anyone as a shock, no, no not at all. The method of course is through poetry, the most versatile of the written arts. But now another question must be raised: How exactly does a poet go about doing just this?
The answer to this question is, as is often the case with poetry, wide open and readily available to a vast sea of interpretations and methodologies. The poet has myriad directionality when it comes to the choices he has to use. Each of these offers up unique roadmaps. Possibilities’ that are limitless in their ever-alternating schema, forever aligning themselves with all things pliable, where adaptation is but a choice away, guiding the poet to the self-portraiture found within. Really, It seems to me, that the only time a poet can paint himself stymied into a corner, is when they are dishonest or willingly opting to ignore or omit details that bear uncomfortable yet are much more than relevant to the portraitures internal design. I will only be citing a few of these possibilities, but understand, there are others, many others. The main idea to harness here is that when composing a self-portrait in poetry, you want to strip everything down to its essence.
Visually painting the page: Here the poet uses visually striking choices. He takes a straightforward approach, bringing each line upon his face, the color and shape of the eyes, the symmetry or lack-there of. Here he paints the image one would find, if in fact he were literally painting, dripping oils or watercolors upon the canvas alive and true.
Metaphoric Self: Here the poet uses his most potent of weapons, the metaphor, to truly relate who he is, to those members of society receptive and appreciative of an art steeped in undulated honesty, where fragility and vulnerability eagerly await its next punctuation. Yet, despite working in symbols and allusion, he is alive with integrity and stays true to the image his mind summoned forth from its home within. He is not editing for the sake of editing; he’s allowing each of uncomfortable possibility their chance to be heard, and here, he gives them the gift of voice, allowing both the artist and the consumer, an opportunity to realize what it is that has found it’s shine glossing freely upon the page.
The Essence of Being: This path takes the poet and her self-portrait in a much different direction. Here, she takes her physical image and tosses it aside, yet never keeping it too far away from view. As she stares upon her outward shell, instead of illustrating the rosy blush of her cheeks, or the lonely strand of hair that persistently dangles out of place, she honestly reflects upon the person that is beneath these features. Here she looks to find the truth within herself. But she should not linger in her reflection long, lest the idea of self-portraiture is lost. She should look here, deeply within herself, at these features that comprise who she is, at this point of her story. Here, she is to gaze up into her mirror and instantly write, catching and immediately capturing every nuance of what there is to be seen, each and every conjured piece of self, that precisely is hers and hers alone to uncover, project and share.
There are numerous examples of poetry done from a self-portrait slant. Many of these have been composed by famous poets, such as Emily Dickinson, A.K Ramanujan and John Ashbery.
To close, and to set you free to your mirrors and pens, I’d like to cite a poem from Rainer Maria Rilke. I feel this poem embodies the essence of this exercise perfectly. I see it as falling nicely somewhere in-between the first and second choices I’ve listed above.
Self-Portrait
The steadfastness of generations of nobility
Shows in the curving lines that form the eyebrows
And the blue eyes still show traces of a servant’s,
Yet of one who serves obediently, and of a woman.
The mouth formed as a mouth, large and accurate,
Not given to long phrases, but to express
Persuasively what is right. The forehead without guile
And favoring the shadows of quiet downward gazing.
This, as a coherent whole, only casually observed;
Never as yet tried in suffering or succeeding,
Held together for an enduring fulfillment,
Yet so as if for time to come, out of these scattered things,
Something serious and lasting were being planned.
Heres How It Works:
• Write your poem and post it to your blog
• Add a link to your poem via the ‘Mr Linky’ below
• This opens a new screen where you’ll enter your information, and where you also choose links to read. Once you have pasted your poem’s blog URL and entered your name, click Submit. Don’t worry if you don’t see your name right away
• Read and comment on other peoples work to let them know it’s being read
• Share via your favourite social media platforms
• Above all- have fun!
Great post, Fred… not sure if I can type while looking in the mirror, but will try. = )
hahaha, yeah, can be a little odd at first. What I did was open up the photo booth and then push it off the side and write, while occasionally peeking back at the window, which, is me, through a camera lens, but the only mirror I have in the house outside the bathroom, and not writing in there lol Well, I do look forward to your piece if you can. Thanks
Done. Thanks, Fred.
Thanks Laurie, read it briefly on my phone, love the language choices, verbs, but will be back around to respond later on tonight. Thanks
Lacking a blog, currently, here is my blatant self-portrait –
Often pushing
never pull
staccato fire
listless lull
Often rushing
cleverdull
(oxy)moron
write tentacle
Pedantic Twat
Cliché Dragon
Lynne Truss on
the tranny wagon
Get my eyes
the size of saucers
when I see the chance
to formicate
punctuate
Chaucers and Miltons
I’ll take over Hiltons
on Mills and Boons, defecate
Sociopolitics not just fer kicks
shabby shit-kickers
still kick some shit
To wave a flag of Red is not my fight, (but I’ll)
Rage, rage against the lying of the Right.
Hey Luke – so this is “a side salad” lol Great taste .. I like saucers flow into Chaucers and Miltons. Pam
‘side salad’ hehe… that’s it Pam.. cheers
Hi Fred, that is a very interesting article – and you’ve given many great approaches – and the Rilke is wonderful (as were Brian and Claudia’s post.) I have to say that I feel a bit intimidated by the idea of direct self-portraiture–though I think it’s a very cool prompt – even though I expose myself daily in my blog. (But I don’t quite think of it as portraiture.) As a result, and perhaps because it is a bit gloomy here in New York, thinking of the storm, I’ve posted the self-portrait of a character of mine from a novel that I wrote. So it’s her self-portrait written in the context of a scene. It IS prose -but I think it reads quite quickly, as it’s rather light. AT any rate, it’s a cool topic and look to see the braver souls. (I think any self-portrait I write at the moment might be terribly gloomy -on the D side of Manic – D- Daily.) Thanks. k
Karin, thanks, glad you enjoyed the article. I definitely here what your saying, the idea at first can be a bit daunting, and that there is a difference between the subtle revelations one provides daily, weekly etc.. in their blog posting/poetry than it is here in a one shot snap-shot of sorts. I see that, and I probably should’ve offered up another option for those that wanted to contribute but just not as I presented it, which is perfectly fine and am very glad you brought this up. A character portrait is a great choice, and one, which yours did, that can provide the reader with all this prompt hoped to inspire. I’m with you on frankenstorm watch, am I’ve been told away’s away from any potential pathway, but I’ve received numerous cautions about potential outages and severe bands of rain that may occur as the night progresses into the overnight, so hopefully it won’t cause much distress for any of us, especially those in it’s predicted course.
Am thinking of you, k– hope the storm passes by without doing the megadamage they’re talking about–you too Fred–stay safe.
Thanks – yes, last time my building was evacuated (for Irene)–we went upstate and were literally stranded for a week which was kind of fun – if inconvenient – this time I’m staying and it is a bit nervewracking – a lot , a lot of helicopters right now which also makes me fear that they are worried that it could be an opportunity for some other kind of threat. Have to just hope it isn’t. There is a very heavy police presence down here generally because of Ground Zero, so in situations like a possible black-out, that’s probably good (I guess. )
oy its a bit scary how its all coming together now…and right before the election, go figure…def stay safe….
when do you leave for florida?
Eeek! This rather scared me at first… I so seldom write about me or my own experiences, so I felt a little intimidated too. However, it’s a great post and I like that it challenged me… I guess I’ve kinda cheated a little (am I stalking myself?)… but it was fun to write! Thanks Fred.
Thanks Holly, I enjoyed the piece you shared, love the stalking myself line here in the comment, very fun. Thanks
Cool Glad you enjoyed. Looking forward to reading others’ contributions! 🙂
Really great prompt Fred. Mine wasn’t so much about looking in a mirror and writing about what I see but, looking a bit deeper into what helps to me me, me. LOL Hope that make sense.
Really enjoyed this Fred 🙂 Have a great night all.
yes, it definitely makes sense and I look forward to reading it. So glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks
Hi Fred, I had at first thought of writing a self portrait based on what I saw of myself. But after writing a while I thought not much I could add on to. Then I decided it would be a self portrait of the generation rather than of a person. So it was a depiction of a senior citizen with all the implications. Thanks for hosting!
Hank
nice alternative Hank, really enjoyed the piece you shared as well, did a great job illustrating exactly what you mention here now. Glad you could join us tonight. thanks
Very interesting subject–some of us is in everything we write of course, but how seldom do we really admit it. ;_) Having a busy day trying to get some vital fall gardening done, so will see if something turns up later tonight. A very creative and cool prompt, Fred–enjoyed the Rilke, also.
Thanks, I hear you on the busy day. mine’s been the same, but for entirely different reasons I’m sure of, yet busy nonetheless, found myself shocked to see 2:55 on the clock and had to rush to the computer in order to get the post up on time lol Glad you enjoyed the post and Rilke is wonderful almost all the time. Thanks
I enjoyed that you used the visual arts as a seque into the prompt. It was very interesting.
Thanks Jessica, glad you enjoyed the post…you’re going to love the poetry shared, it’s a given with those shared here at D’Verse
excellent prompt fred…this should be fun…just getting in…my sons last football game was today…we lost in the championship 24-20…oh well been a fun year…this is wide open…and i cant wait to see what poeple come up with…
oh, that’s a tough loss…it’s been great so far, really like what I’ve been able to read so far. Your piece set the tone for the night…outstanding in every sense
thanks brother…
Thanks for such a great prompt. Although introspection can be painful, it is beneficial for the soul and can help us get back on track or motivate to reach higher. Have a good day and God bless.
thanks for joining in Duane, really liked your piece. I agree with you, introspection can be painful, but beneficial for sure. i’ve always looked at it like a needful pain. Thanks again.
Whoa, read your post, pulled up a page, and this came roaring forth. I’m sure it’s not pre-conceived or thought – it’s a visceral picture of just who I am. This is Me.
nice…i look forward to reading that gay….gotta love it when it just bursts out like that…
wow gay…i loved it…
Gay, yeah, this have the tendency to be much longer than you think they are when you’re writing them…has been my experience anyhow…can’t wait to read your piece. thanks
Just a quick note…have been having all sorts of weird things going on lately, very fitting with the storm approaching and Halloween at hand, but in any event, nothing big, just wanted all to know I had to run out for a bit, will be back little bit I hope, if not definitely will get all caught up tonight, providing power doesn’t cut out, which of course is another thing all together….Stay safe to everyone along the path of Sandy.
Will see you all back in a bit when I get back home…thanks, look forward to what I’ve missed
checkin’ in from hermosa beach.. been meeting ed who is the first poet that i stumbled upon on the net.. now at the beach, reading bukowski.. smiles…will be around later to read…
nice…hope you told ed hi for me…and tell buk too…smiles…
sliding out for just a bit myself now and will be back once i get the chores done….
Beach. I’m jealous. Bukowski on the beach, doubly so…while I certainly am surrounded by a plethora of water today, it’s just not the same thing as being on a beach…Meeting others known online can be an extremely rewarding experience, happy for you that you’re able to do that. Enjoy
Late to the party but ready to play… batten down the hatches along the eastern seaboard and stay safe poets…we’ll be picking her up as she peters out…Fantastic article Fred…I’ll shall return momentarily 😉
Yes, definitely, I do hope all stay safe…just heard on the radio that it probably won’t make landfall until tuesday now, but that came from a metal station, so who knows how accurate those guys are, but in any case, definitely stay safe…Thanks Tash, I always enjoy a good article, brings me back to my grad school days, where they would be required every week, much longer mind you, yet, back then, I’d have to say I probably didn’t appreciate the writing as much as I do today. Great share tonight Tash, loved your response.
Awesome, thought provoking prompt and for once I didn’t rewrite which feels a bit like wearing my pajamas to the pub :O!
Pajamas are probably overdressing if you take into consideration what everyone’s probably wearing, whether they’d admit it or not, that might be a different story:) I rarely do rewrites. A bit more now than i had been doing, but for not rewriting, that makes your masterpiece all that much more impressive.
Haha, to clarify I am actually wearing my workout clothes but have to admit to actually showing up to the pub in PJs in the past, lol. Also, now I’m blushing from your compliment so I’m going to slink off into one of the dark corners of the pub to regain my composure :).
hahahaha….smiles….um, i am just going to let that one go…
Hello Fred, great post and great prompt. Thank you! 🙂
Not far off the witching hours here. I will gain an extra hour sleep tonight as the clocks go back so I could try and finish the poem. However, domestic joy suggests pushing luck if did so! It’s one of the problems of not getting access to the theme until late in the evening UK time. So when posting the next day the party is often over.
No fears John, I’m sure many of us (speaking particularly for myself) will be back tomorrow to read how you paint yourself. I long to read what you have to say.
John, we’ll keep the doors open for you. You bring up an interesting point though…I wonder if there would be a way, for perhaps hosts to say tweet or post somewhere what they’re working on ahead of time for those like John. Certainly it wouldn’t be to the extent of what is provided in the articles, but for instance I could’ve mentioned, Doing Self-Portraits this week, and at least then those much ahead of us in time, could join in…I dunno, just a thought Thanks for stopping in John, I look forward to your portrait tomorrow.
usually Claudia and I post ours about hours or so before the prompt goes live…we do this to give a bit of a sneak peak…and i am not opposed as well to a tweet being dropped to promo…
I try to do that as well with FormForAll too especially if it’s something esoteric, or something that folks may have in a folder somewhere. Helps out everyone, but esp. the folks across the pond.
Ooh, lots of debate! On the Saturday posts, if I’m free I do work my way around the ‘teams’ blogs to see who has posted. This can give me more time in the day when less tired. And yes it would be good to get advanced notice on forms, along the lines of next week we will do xx in that week’s post, with a twitter follow up nearer the time Doing meter and rhyme patterns takes me much longer than free verse!
But while most of you be a bed. I have finished and it’s up. Time for more tea and a log on the fire – it’s cold for the UK!
I’m in with my self-portrait, artistically only a slight resemblance, but poetically, right on. 🙂
Patti, thanks for joining in tonight. However, I noticed you linked up D’verse to your name and not your poem…I’d correct it if I knew how to, maybe someone who does can help out, or you might want to relink.
i am on it….
Thanks, Fred. I re-linked. Fat-finger syndrome, I think.
lol.. I’ve got that too Patti…glad it got fixed, wouldn’t want anyone to miss your poem, it’s very fun and really nicely done
My goodness, this is quite a piece of writing – thoroughly enjoyed my stop-by tonight, much needed after a long week. It’s a good piece of poetry from Fred on his blog now too.
Thanks Pam. Glad you enjoyed the article and my bit of depressive self-portrait I posted myself…but like Duane said earlier, there’s a need to embrace the pain, and that’s how I look at it…so glad you enjoyed it, makes the share all the more worthwhile…enjoyed Thanks for stopping by, we really appreciate it.
good to see you pam….
I posted my portrait before reading all of the essay, sorry. I read the art part, got my idea, rushed off to do it and will have to read the rest of your essay and the other poets tomorrow. The risk is that I did it wrong. If that concept is possible. This poem needed to be written. Thanks for understanding, Fred Hobgoblin2011.
I think your poem works just fine, it’s really good.
I came in late again, so just tweaked an old one for ya. It seems like it fits the prompt, but maybe not. Glad to be here with all you fine folks, at any rate.
that was thoroughly enjoyable sir…might have to throw another log on the fire and come read it again…smiles…very nice….
Thanks very much, Brian!
Charles, your response is a must read, I just loved it. Not late, anytime is fun time at D’Verse. Really glad you stopped by, thanks.
Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words! I felt kind of bad that I was throwing a re-tread out there. Now I feel all better!
ha yeah not late at all….we still have 27 hours of poetry to go on this prompt…smiles….and def dont feel bad at all man…
Going to take a bit of a nap as I’m prone to do, but if the usual cycle goes as it typically does, then i’ll pop back in sometime in the early morning to catch up with those that visit between now and then. Had a great time with everyone’s self-portraits, everyone really did a fantastic job and I really love how, as is the normalcy here, everyone took a creative and unique approach. Which, when you think about it, that is perfect, seeing a self-portrait really is unique to that person.
rest well man, you did well today and got a great response….will hang out for a bit and tend the pub for you….
I think out of all the prompts I’ve ever responded to, this has indeed been the most difficult. Maybe, I took myself too seriously. Regardless, it is a great prompt. You did a fantastic job here.
difficult? really? you are not alone, i have heard that from a couple…but we have had a really good crop of great responses as well…yours included myrna…beautiful…smiles.
smiles…see… i never take myself seriously…that helps…smiles…great seeing you in the pub myrna…over at your place in a minute…
thanks Myrna, I appreciate that, and you response was great. I love how everybody amps up their game with the more difficult prompts here, where you first start out you kind of wonder if this is going to pan out, and then when the excellent responses inevitably start rolling in, you’re shaking your head that you ever had doubts at all. Thanks again.
#34 is the wrong link…
#35 is the correct link
deleted #34 for you…
oy…way late but here i am…and out on the trail in a minute…hope everyone had a wonderful saturday..
Claudia, Brian, thanks for sticking around, just, like normal, woke up and was ready to check in to see what goodies I missed, but for some reason the blenza isn’t running, not sure why either. I checked from my ipad and dad’s pc too, but it’s not up and running, which makes me think there must be an issue on their end. Have a few things I want to work on, so whenever I finish up on those items, I’ll swing back here and see if I can’t get another Self-portrait in before I retire again for the night. Thanks again.
The blenza seems to have been fixed now. So glad it was, as there were four poems in there I’d yet had the pleasure to experience, all very, very good, one of those things where you can say to yourself, “really happy I was able to before bed. See you all in the morning. Again, it’s been a great night and I thank you all.
Probably the hardest yet – the artist’s eternal problem: knowing what to leave out! But a great challenge and an enjoyable one. Thanks.
Thanks Dave. Great share yourself. what to leave out is difficult. I completely agree
like the prompt…could have gone in another direction but I think it’s always best to go with one’s first instinct…catching up on Sunday ;_)
smiles….just got out of church and playing a bit of catch up as well…
First instincts I’ve always found to be the truest reflections. It’s one reason many psychological testing doesn’t allow the tested to have but a second between responses. Really enjoyed your share. Thanks and really glad you enjoyed the prompt
Well, lacking a blog currently, here is my short and blatant self-portrait –
Often pushing
never pull
staccato fire
listless lull
Often rushing
cleverdull
(oxy)moron
write tentacle
Pedantic Twat
Cliché Dragon
Lynne Truss on
the tranny wagon
Get my eyes
the size of saucers
when I see the chance
to formicate
punctuate
Chaucers and Miltons
I’ll take over Hiltons
on Mills and Boons, defecate
Sociopolitics not just fer kicks
shabby shit-kickers
still kick some shit
To wave a flag of Red is not my fight, (but I’ll)
Rage, rage against the lying of the Right.
haha i love your word play luke…Often rushing
cleverdull
(oxy)moron
write tentacle….smiles….and cliche’ dragon….formicate, grins….seriously you slay me man….defecate
Sociopolitics not just fer kicks…you frickin rock dude…
ha cheers Bri
Luke, man this is great. Impeccable wordplay, wouldn’t have been your self-portrait without that good old Prater wordplay, you do it better than most. Great share. Really cool you shared it here while sites in reconstruction. Hoping that gets resolved soon. Thanks again.
Ah hey thanks Fred appreciate that… couldn’t resist joining in, y’know. Good to see you hosting here brother
Taking a moment from work, waiting for Sandy to do her worst.
Not directly in the path, but we’ve been catching some of her bands, which is how this non-stop rain past couple days has been explained to me, which isn’t supposed to let up all week. They said threat of power outage, but I really can’t complain, as I’m not in it’s direct path, and having been in cities over the years on work when hurricanes pass through, it is such a nerve wracking experience. My prayers are with all of you in or near Sandy’s pathway.
yep, right in the path here as well….and on the off chance i disappear (without power) for a few days….i will seee everyone at OLN…hopefully…
To wrap here, just wanted to say again, how impressed I was with everyone’s responses. I’ve said it before, but again, I just love how everyone really brings their own flair to the prompts. Wasn’t totally sure how this idea would go over with many, but the amount of responses, all of quality, brings a smile. Thanks again, to all. Can’t wait now till next go-round.