Pieces of Me


Long before I knew what “RBF” meant (slang for resting bitch face) I exhibited the expression frequently as a kid.  One of the best things about teaching and being around ‘the younger’ is the potential for keeping up with the latest acronyms and text-culture witticisms.  When “RBF” was thrown at me the first time I needed the explanation…and what followed was this:  Holey, moley, guacamole!  A name — for the trademark Vicki look of disdain going back…well…decades.  Evidence?  That’s me on the left:

Why?  I hated the forced revelry when mom would pull out a camera and command “Smiles!”.  Even as a tyke I understood the incongruence between actual events and mom’s performances – her attempts to capture/manufacture happy family moments. 

Left with no defense other than a scowl, scowl I did in soooo many photos.  They’re fun and laughable to look at now, but I also understand that my behavior, facially, was just the front door to what simmered within. 

In today’s post for Heart of the Matter, I explain a little more.  I’d love for you to pop over and take a peek.  The teaser?  What do bridges, coping mechanisms and gratitude have in common?  Let me know what you think…and as always, thank you so much for reading.  It means a lot. 

xo,

Vicki 😊



25 responses to “Pieces of Me”

  1. Will do! Meanwhile, I love the “…my behavior, facially, was just the front door to what simmered within.” And PS: glad to have an education on RBF! Guess I’m not around youth enough!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I loved that line too! And I’d heard of RBF but had forgotten so thanks for the reminder – you teach me much!! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m not sure it’s useful information…but thanks, Wynne! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

    2. It was a self-awareness shocker, for sure. I had no idea…but boy, did the acronym FIT my behavior! 😉

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  2. Oh I can relate Vicki! I’ve always hated forced appearances and revelry. I’m convinced that’s a big reason why I lean heavily to being an introvert. As you say, “Even as a tyke I understood the incongruence between actual events” and performing or making things look happier than they really were. As a defense mechanism, I would scowl or withdraw. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So good to have company in the scowling club! And why am I not surprised?! Another wacky and wonderful tidbit that we have in common. And now that you’ve shared, I’ll expect to see photo evidence, soon-ish! 😎😎😎

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      1. Photos of kid Brian, oh wow, that might break wordpress. Ha, ha, let me see what I can find! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤭

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        1. I’ll be waiting for a fun post where you weave some ‘young Brian’ into the mix! 😘

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  3. Great post, Victoria. I definitely “hear” what you’re saying about forced smiles in photos–or forced insincerity in anything. I, too, knew this at a young age–of stepping out of the moment in order to attempt to capture it. When I was twenty, I took my first big trip (beginning with Australia). I was away for seven months and took all of forty photos. Why? Because I felt even then that the camera was getting in the way.
    Wishing you a wonderful day! xo

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    1. Thank you, Art! I love that — the camera DOES get in the way, changes a moment/experience. Unavoidable at times but I totally hear you! Hard to be in the moment when fiddling to photograph it! 😘

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  4. Front door for what simmered within—great imagery!

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    1. 😉😊😉 Thanks, Betsy!

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  5. Your countenance in that photo speaks clearly Vicki! I tend to believe that kids really do get so much more than adults ever want to admit and the same adults often have little in the way of resources to help either themselves or the children in question. This post, as well as the HoTM post today has me looking at some of my own specific childhood moments and formulating ways to share them with readers. Thank you for being an authentic example!

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    1. Oh my goodness. Thank you on so many levels, Deb. For reading and for sharing that it made sense to you – truly! I do think of my life as a series of wacky puzzle pieces, and the more I snap a few chunks together, the more ‘a-ha’ and understanding I find. I look forward to reading all of your posts — and can’t wait to enjoy more from you. 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Those who see the world as it is, especially when they are children, sometimes reflect that in their inability or lack of desire to display lightness when what they see is dark. Obviously, I don’t know if this was true of you, but just a thought. Feel free to discard it, Vicki.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What an insightful thought, Dr. Stein. Thank you for that. I hear you. think the tendency to have a fixed filter or lens is something to guard against. Always appreciative of your input. Hugs and smiles. 💓

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  7. Going over to check it out now. But totally love you RBF!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Bella! What can I say…I’m a natural at it! LOL! 🤣

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      1. 🤣🤣🤣 I truly love that for you and you’ll stay looking young forever!!!

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        1. 😎 you’ve got me smiling! 😎

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  8. I, on the other hand, have resting pleasing face. Because I can’t stand people not liking me, so I’ve got a smile on in most interactions, even though I feel dead inside, lol. I need to learn how to wield the RBF sometimes!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good one! I think an RPF is often my natural state….a silly/stupid fixed smile….maybe we need to balance the two visages! 🤪

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