Meet Hilda, the 1950's pin up girl created by Duane Bryers. Shana stumbled across Hilda while doing research for the CFED pin up calendar. She sent me a link to some of Hilda's pictures, and I found her delightful! Hilda is clearly happy and enjoys life to the fullest. The quality I admire most about her is how comfortable she is in her own skin. She exudes confidence. She's beautiful. I can't imagine Hilda spending one second agonizing over a dimple here or a little extra curve there. She knows she is beautiful just as she is.
We can probably all look at Hilda's pictures and agree that she is beautiful. We probably all immediately like her. And yet we often struggle to like ourselves and see our own beauty.
So today, we are discovering our inner-Hilda. That's right. We're blogging about ourselves again--tooting our own horns. But this time we are not talking about what we can do, but about who we are. What do you like about yourself? What personality and physical traits make you proud? Just put it out there with no disclaimers. Remember--don't tell us what you like only to go on to explain why it is not good enough.
Click here to enlarge image.
35 comments:
Not only do I want Hilda's confidence, I also want her pink bike and her red polka-dot bikini!
Ok, here goes. Deep breath (I can do this).
1. I have nice muscles in my legs.
2. I am thoughtful and kind.
OMG. This is hard! It was Shana's idea that we do this, and she picked a good exercise for us (for me anyway).
HILDA for President!
Hilda is sexy, She is much like my favorite pin-up Betty Paige!
Ok here I go :
1. I like how my abs and arms are getting more defined.
2. I like how I always try to be positive and laugh at any obstacles that present themselves.
Pat I agree with both your posts, especially #1 after seeing your nice legs yesterday, you should where those shorts more often!!!
Whoa. This one is a lot harder. Can you believe my first thought was to ignore today's blog? Run away... But here goes.
1. I am a creative thinker
2. I'm a silly, great mom
3. I have a lovely smile
I did some pinup research yesterday trying to get some ideas. Wasn't diggin' a lot that I saw (and didn't see). So I'm thrilled for Hilda. Hilda is marvelous!
Thanks for the compliment, Rachel! =o) (Is that better, Shana?) -- This is the reason for my getting the burpee penalty last night. Jackie complimented my legs, and I rejected the compliment. Shana was clear on the other side of the gym coaching Ryan, but as soon as I spoke, she appeared out of nowhere and told me to "hit the floor".
Rae and Sheryl: Let me help you two out.
Rae:
1. Beautiful hair.
2. Great legs and butt.
3. A chest that is the envy of many. =o) Yes, I said it 'cause it's true.
Sheryl:
1. Fantastic arms; great muscle definition.
2. Beautiful teeth...one of the first things I noticed about you.
3. Great style. I always think you look so cute...especially when I see you outside the gym. I love your clothes and how you put things together.
Good morning everyone.
Pat, I have to agree about your legs in the shorts yesterday! They look great!
Okay, so Hilda has almost my exact body shape! I love her. :o)
So here is my list:
1) I like my freckles on my nose and shoulders.
2) I have nice hair.
3) I have nice nails.
4) I am goofy and silly.
5) I am generous and thoughtful.
6) My legs are VERY strong.
7) I like the little line starting to form down the middle of my abs.
8) I am CURVY. :o)
Is that too many??
Rae and Sheryl~ Pat is spot on with those compliments!!
Melissa! You get an A+. Shana is going to be so proud of you. Thank you for sharing, and keep 'em coming. That's the goal...what a great example you have set for everyone today. You raised the bar, girl!
:o) Awe shucks.
You know which CFED'er I thought of when I was writing about Hilda last night? Ashley. She projects confidence and self-acceptance. And she wore a 2-piece at Scott's pool-party and looked cute as could be. She's not the sterotypical thin-girl, but I have never heard her put herself down or question her beauty. I just wanted to throw out a real-life Hilda example whom I admire.
I agree Pat.
I thought of another one for me. I'm a good writer and creative sometimes.
I have to admit that when I found those Hilda pinups, I was almost jealous of her. I love how carefree she is!! There's one of her sitting back in a chair reading a book called "Pluming Can Be Fun" and laughing hysterically. I love how she's confident and just OWNS it! We can ALL take a lesson from her! And there's not one thing I would trim anywhere either!
I've been doing a lot of looking at myself recently as I have that practice-run photo shoot today... it's been a challenge to not focus on the parts I wish were different, but much less challenging than it used to be. Hilda helps make me feel good about myself!
1. I think I have pretty eyes.
2. I'm good at seeing the potential in someone and helping bring it out in them.
3. Thanks to CrossFit, I have a pretty good looking derriere!
4. I like the definition in my arms.
5. I like how flat my abs are.
6. I like my pink hair!
And Pat, let me help YOU out!
1.You have the most beautiful smile and such a great laugh.
2. You are such a wonderful friend, so selfless.
3. You are incredibly intelligent and quick witted.
3. I love your honesty, your creativity and how passionate you are.
4. You light up a room when you come around and everyone is always glad to see you.
5. You've become a role model to everyone in the gym for your progress, consistency, determination and good attitude.
6. You are one sexy CrossFitter!!!!
Ditto that Ashley is a total doll-face. Love that kid.
Yes Pat, you are a very good writer. Very creative and descriptive in the way you write that allows the reader to feel as if they might be in the same location or hearing and seeing the same things because of the way you have described them.
I agree with everything SHana said about you Pat. I am ALWAYS glad to see you and usually a little diasappointed you are not at the gym. Same goes for Sheryl and Rae. I love when we're all there together. :o)
Shana~ You have awesome legs that I am envious of!! Your abs are more than flat, they are well defined. So much so, that you can see the cuts through your t-shirts!!
You have beautiful singing voice and are very talented. You are insanely strong, kind of like Mighty Mouse! :o)
Your goofy little "Mary Katherine" routine is FUNNY, as is your horse stomping.
Thanks, Melissa! And there's no possible way you could pay yourself too many compliments! :::see quote on CFED blog today!! :::
And Sheryl! I was shocked to read that YOU wanted to run away from posting today! Never woulda thunk it! You once told me that you surrounded yourself by strong women and that's what you are to me!
1.You are the quintessential strong woman.
2.You are beautiful and confident. 3.Your skin is gorgeous.
4. The muscles in your back are enviable as are your fantastically muscular arms!
5. You are so well spoken and always express yourself with such fearless honesty.
Lawd, I could be here all day thinking of all the wonderful things about all of you!
Thanks, Shana and Melissa. (just say thank you.) =o) It does feel good to think about what you like about yourself and what others like about you.
I have to agree with Melissa--Shana, I love your goofiness and silliness. And I love, love, love your singing.
Reading all of this about the wonderful women in my life is really picking me up this morning. I found out Monday morning that my cousin commit suicide on Sunday night. SO, I feel like I have to put that out there because it seems so wrong to be going about my daily life like it didn't happen. When you're so far away and not involved in the grieving and chaos around it all, it's easy to pretend it didn't happen. But it did, and it is awful, and there is nothing I can do to make it less awful. But, I guess that doesn't mean I can't take a minute to look at myself and what I admire about myself, so here goes.
1. My abs are flat and tight
2. I am super goofy, if you know me well enough
3. I have a nice back
4. I really know how to have a good time.
5. I attract great people
6. I have good hair (not while at crossfit :-)
7. I am okay with not being perfect.
Okay, feel better already. Have to run...going to Birmingham for a meeting. Hope you all have a great day....I couldn't agree more with ALL of your lists and your lists for each other.
Shana, I almost used the pic of Hilda reading the book on plumbing. I loved it too. There are so many good ones. Here's a link to some more of her pics...it will make you smile.
http://www.artofteasing.com/pages/pinup_hilda/duane_bryers.html
This is tough! In my high school sociology class, we had to stand in the middle of the room and people in the class had to say nice things about you - I like it better when other people say nice things as it can be tough to "toot our horns", but here goes:
-I like my hair
-I am funny
-I am a good friend
-I makde fast friends and keep them as friends for a long time
PatC - you have great legs.
I love Hilda. I want a Hilda poster to put by my mirror.
I could just say "me too" to all of the things you all said about each other - and really, really mean it - but I want to underscore a few:
Rae, you are, of course, gorgeous. But what stood out for me from day one is how positive you are. You radiate it and it has been mood-changing for me at times.
Pat, totally agree about your laugh and that you light up a room. I always think, "will Pat be in my session today?" The combination of your intelligence, wit, kindness, common sense and insight about what's around you is, I think, what makes you such a good writer.
Melissa, first of all, it's awesome to see your list. I LOVE it! You have such a unique beauty. Your look is almost culturally ambiguous which is sooo cool. And I often think, if I had her self-awareness at her age... Despite the self doubt you sometimes express, your openness and vulnerability about it actually speaks to an underlying sense of competence and confidence that is impreseeive.
Shana, you know so much about so much. And it's not bullshit. You really have a basis. Melissa has a lot of that too. You are sooo funny. That's a big deal. And you hit the nail on the head. You are terrific about seeing the potential in others and bringing it out. We love seeing ourselves through your eyes. (can I also tell you, I love the Mighty Mouse description)
Shana and Pat, thank you. I actually love some of the words and ideas you used to describe me (style, fearless honesty...). I am going to breathe them in and believe them.
Erica, so sorry to hear about your cousin. In addition to the general grief, I know that can be haunting. I'm glad you put it out there. By the way, we know you can be goofy. We saw you do a burpee at Java Monkey in heels and your little black dress!
Gnomes, I think you know yourself well. Except, your not just funny. You are hysterical.
Erica~ I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing.
I love the "I'm okay with not being perfect". I feel that exact same way, and it is WONDERFUL!
Erica~ Something that I can point out is that you are very easy to talk to. You are beautiful; Your pullups are awesome; Your endurance is fantastic!!
Sheryl~ Thank you soo much. You are awesome. :o)
I remember the first week I came to CFED...I was mesmerized by Sheryl's strength and it made me immediately have someone to look up to or strive to be like. And I have to agree with Pat and Shana...Your arms are awesomely muscular, and your skin and smile are equally beautiful.
Rae~ You have always impressed me with your endurance in workouts. You are always positive. As a matter of fact, I can't remember once ever hearing you complain about anything. Oh, and of course, you are beautiful! :o)
PatC - I can totally see you riding your bike in the bikini with Melvin in the basket!
Erica - thanks for sharing that. Loss/grief is a difficult thing to handle and there is no right or wrong way to handle it. Just a side note - the afternoon of my dad's memorial service I just had to get away from all the family and people looking and me and feeling sorry for me - so I went to the mall. It was so great to be a no one for a few hours and be treated like a regular person, not some poor little girl whose father just passed away. I just had to do it and escape for a little bit - you have to take care of #1 and do what is best for you as no one else is going too.
Sheryl - I agree with you - you are a wonderful mother. As I said on Sunday, your kids are so lucky to have you as a mom (not just because you let them paint on the walls in their playroom).
Sounds like while this little activity is tough, we are all enjoying it!
Oh, and I almost forgot - I love the fact that my personality is a carbon copy of my dad's. I am so luck to have his humor and his "gift of gab" as his friends once described it.
Here's to Hilda!
Geez, sorry I posted such a long comment...guess I got a little carried away, or it is my gift of gab.
Gnomes, no apologizing! I love your nice long post. You do have the gift of gab...I have always liked that about you. But you are also a good listener. And you keep us laughing. You also have a good "Coach Shana" imitation ..."Pick UP the BAR!" You do have good hair, and you are cute! A cutie patootie.
Coupla things I gotta add...
Rae - I've told you this before but you have stunningly beautiful blue eyes!
Melissa - in addition to your locks, you have some bangin' legs!
Erica - you, like Sheryl, have beautiful skin - non made up and sweaty - you just glow!
Gnomes - you are funny! You always make me laugh. You have a great booty and a great smile, too!
PatC - wanted to tell you, was having lunch with Taylor today - he didn't even know about your post today and he said how welcoming, friendly and happy you are! Unsolicited - just offered the comment after hearing me mention your name. =o)
Erica - so sorry about your cousin. I don't believe in suppressing grief, but I also don't believe in obligatory grief. Try not to feel guilty if you're not as down as others are. I think it's okay to remember that your cousin is no longer in pain and be glad about that.
Wow wow wow! Just got home and read the blog for the first time : tears!
I can not express how much I admire and adore each one of you, I think one thing that is common for each of you is how comfortable I feel around each of you, each of you have personalities that are so warm and welcoming. And I find so much beauty in everyone!!!!
**Pat, you glow with happiness and have a beautiful warm smile
**Shana you you are a complete hottie from head to toe
**Sheryl you have such a beautiful physique(but I love most when I see you with your kids, you are a great mother) and you are a great listener
** Melissa you are a natural beauty and a lot of fun
** Erica you are so strong and beautiful
** Gnomes you have such a friendly disposition and from what I saw the other day your abs are looking great!
Erica so sorry for your news, my heart and prayers is with you and yours.
PS Just got news that Eric can't move until April, we were thinking December. Although I am ready for him to get started, I am not ready to move yet, especially away from CFED and my girls there!!!
PPS Thx Pat for the boob comment but I have to be honest they are real, "really paid for!" But they are old, a dumb thing girls in Florida do at age 19, oh well... I should have been doing more push ups back than!!!!
I love Hilda! She's quite a beauty! I have known Pat for more years than either of us want to own, and I know her to be a great friend! She truly cares and goes above and beyond in all she does! I have met many of you only briefly and others that I have not met, but I can tell by your postings here that all of you are wonderful! Thanks for letting me "visit" with all of you!
I love this quote, and Hilda appears to have learned it:
"Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.”
-- Leo F. Buscaglia
Rachel, well I think you have an awesome figure, and I think it's very real! Really beautiful, and I am sorry you felt the need to discount your beauty and explain yourself. 15 Burpees for you! 30 for me if I made you feel bad! Maybe you can just accept that you are beautiful regardless of how you arrived at this point in your life.
Byron, next time you are in town we'll have to get the blog together so everyone can meet you. I know you love any excuse for a party.
Meeks! We've missed you on the blog today, but I saw you at the gym so I know that you have had a really long, difficult day. I hope you are feeling better. If you don't feel like posting tonight, maybe you can comment tomorrow on what you like about yourself. I'll help you out with a few things I've noticed. You are tall. Tall is good. You have a small waist and hour-glass figure. You're athletic and can play several different sports (tennis, softball to name 2). You're smart -- I mean you ARE a doctor, and I hear that's not easy to achieve. And you give a lot of yourself (your mission work and Camp Sunshine for example). And you have curly hair with no frizz-a significant accomplishment...we need to talk about that (one curly-head to the other). =o)
Pat you did not make me feel bad
(although if you want to join me with the burpees, company is nice, :), I guess the burpees are in store for me though. I have to admit the objects we are talking about make the burpees that much tougher, darn boobs! Hey if you can't laugh at yourself who can, and believe me I am laughing at myself!
Oh and totally agree with comments about Meeks I am always so impressed by her, beauty and brains, wow!
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