This month our Songs of Life group decided to interpret the song “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey. If you’d like to listen to the song while you view the images, click here.
To me, this song is about enjoying being yourself and not worrying about the rest, and I chose to showcase images that made me feel that way, instead of a more literal interpretation.
Elayna was recently invited to be a part of a fashion show called Couture for a Cause, which benefited Children’s Cancer Connection (one of the local organizations that has really helped our family on the road we’ve walked). She got to borrow an outfit from a boutique, have her hair and make up done, and walk the runway in front of a bunch of people.
When we went to the boutique (thank you Lincoln & Lexi) to pick out her outfit, she tried on a bunch of super cute dresses, but according to Elayna they just “weren’t fancy enough.” I was a little worried because most of the store was cute summer dresses and not ball gowns, but she wanted something that would be representative of her style, and to her that means fancy and fun.
She was ecstatic when we found this big pink tutu and Miss Iowa shirt. Then she picked out a big necklace and the small crown and was seriously thrilled with what she saw in the mirror. This is the style she loves. It’s just… her.
What I loved about that part of the process was that she really did show me that she enjoys being herself. She doesn’t want to dress like everyone else, and I love that about her. I hope she keeps that sense of self for her whole long life.
The day came to do the fashion show and I wondered if she would be shy up there on the runway, but she had so much fun I don’t think she thought to be shy. She was happy to see a friend who came “backstage” and hung out with her- they giggled and had a good time. And she beamed as she walked the runway with music playing and people smiling. I think she loved the chance to celebrate being her up there… and I know that she felt good about herself afterwards.
Let’s learn from how our children embrace their uniqueness. Go celebrate being you. Don’t try to be anyone or anything else. “Go ahead, let your hair down.” 🙂
To check out another photographer’s interpretation of this song, head on over to Chrissy Mazers blog!
One response to “Put Your Records On – Songs of Life”
This is fantastic!! What a great cause! I had no idea things like this existed for kids. Kudos to Miss Elayna for getting up there and strutting her stuff! I love the proud looks on the faces of the audience members. You can tell that these people care and that makes the entire event that much more magical.