10.10.10: No Questions, Quotes or Qualms…

“The quintessential feminine Self stands at the center of the psyche, and it is wild, meaning natural and free, and utterly wise. It is not ‘something’ we must strive to create. This Self is already fully present, burning strong and waiting for us to come into its presence.” Clarissa Pinkola Estés

10.10.10 No Questions, Quotes or Qualms

Bedouin Woman by JodiCobb

Wodaabe Bride by Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher

A Geisha in Shadow by Jodi Cobb

Afghanistan-Hazara by Steve McCurry

The pure and concentrated essence of a substance.
I want to sit for a while without judgment, speculation, or hearsay.
No questions, quotes, or qualms about the meeting.
We spend too much time speculating about each other, looking for ways to damage each other…

Woman – The quintessence, quiet, queen … in all forms: We are all queens, each with her own unique bearing, carrying the world on her back, caring words on her lips, and perhaps a baby at her breast. We are all queens.

Woman – The Quintessential Queen by E. Obih-Frank
The pure and concentrated essence of a substance.
I want to sit for a while without judgment, speculation, or hearsay.
No questions, quotes, or qualms about the meeting.
We spend too much time speculating about each other, looking for ways to damage each other.

Yet, I don’t know you. You are a stranger to me. You were a stranger … until now
Your pretty face and rouged lips might hide the pain, the fear, the wonder, but I see it in your eyes.
These are my sisters. I met them long before they became brides.
Some, before they joined their lovers on the other side.

If I walked you home after the ritual bath, I was advised to hold my head up high
Your clanging jewels, trinkets, rudraksha seeds, weighed you down. Come, hold my hand.
As you walked to receive your crown, I was there. I was there to remind you to hold your head up high
I was there walking with you … a real woman defends her clan.
Copyright Credit: E. Obih-Frank, “Woman – The Quintessential Queen”  Copyright © 2010 by E. Obih-Frank

“Queening is the courage to define and see yourself as the highest form that you can be.” Mitta Xinindlu

10.10.10 No Questions, Quotes or Qualms

Mursi Tribeswoman Ethiopia by Jodi Cobb

Moroccan Bride by Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher

Paduang Woman by Cherie Faiella

Yet, I don’t know you. You are a stranger to me. You were a stranger … until now
Your prettied face and rouged lips might hide the pain, the fear, the wonder… but I see it in your eyes.
These are my sisters. I met them long before they became brides.
Some, before they joined their lovers on the other side.

She Is Remarkable by Gift Gugu Mona via Goodreads
She Is Remarkable
Salute to the woman who knows who she is
And why she is who she is
A powerful being
Once thrown into the deep end of the ocean
But swam her way back to shore
She never stops moving forward
Nothing can ever pull her backward
Such a brave warrior

Shout out to the superwoman
Determined to change the status quo
Because she feels the need to do so
Just like an eagle
She soars higher and higher
As the wind blows stronger
She does not let anything deter her
From reaching another level in life

Thumbs up to an amazing woman
A great force to be reckoned with
That committed Mother on the street
Who trades from sunrise to sunset
Trying to make ends meet
Oh, she has a heart so big
Being mindful that, come snow or sunshine
She has mouths to feed

I revere this gifted woman
Who uses her creativity
To make an impact in society
Despite the uniqueness of her talent
She remains a trendsetter
It could be the potter in whose hands clay becomes magic
The miner who touches gold, before it even gets sold to the markets
Or the strategist who sits in high-level meetings, making sure organizations do not collapse

A special mention to the special woman
Who chooses not to give up
She understands that others look up to her
The smart lady out there, with a clear vision
She makes things happen for her family, community, and the world at large
She deserves a badge of honour
Because she is remarkable!
Copyright Credit: Gift Gugu Mona, From My Mother’s Classroom: A Badge of Honour for a Remarkable Woman

“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” Maya Angelou

10.10.10 No Questions, Quotes or Qualms

Karuna at Rest

Serbia Fashion by Igor Markov

Brazil-Salgueiros Parade by Nelson Antoine/fotoarena/latin content/getty images

Bridal Procession…by Antonino Puppi

If I walked you home after the ritual bath… I was advised to hold my head up high
Your clanging jewels, trinkets, rudraksha seeds, weighed you down … come, hold my hand.
As you walked to receive your crown… I was there. I was there to remind you to hold your head up high
I was there walking with you… a real woman defends her clan.

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou via poetryfoundation
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered.
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about.
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Copyright Credit: Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou. Used by permission of Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

Share your thoughts & enjoy the shots. Thank you.♥

Positive Motivation Tip: “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” Diane Mariechild

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: Bedouin Woman by Jodi Cobb, Wodaabe Bride by Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher, A Geisha in Shadow by Jodi Cobb, Afghanistan-Hazara by Steve McCurry, Mursi Tribeswoman Ethiopia by Jodi Cobb, Moroccan Bride by Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher, Paduang Woman by Cherie Faiella, Serbia Fashion by Igor Markov, Brazil-Salgueiros Parader by Nelson Antoine/fotoarena/latin content/getty images, Bridal Procession…by Antonino Puppi via National Geographic

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet