Model Behavior By Rhonda Hansome

It's been years since I regularly watched 

America's Next Top Model, so I'm late to Chantelle Winnie.

A.K.A

Winnie Harlow 

I saw Winnie on my (@rhondafull) Instagram feed & was moved.

Something beyond beauty & curiosity captivated me & I was catapulted to a much earlier time in my life.

I never heard I was beautiful, pretty or a good looking child. In family gatherings, I embraced a (perceived or was it self-defined?) position as the smart one; ironically as I envied the "good hair", caramel or brighter skin & light eyes of my relatives.

There were few self-esteem building opportunities for me, enrolled (starting from kindergarten) in majority white educational institutions; wherein (forget feeling pretty) semester by semester even my "smart one" self-identification eroded to zero.

Seeing Winnie produced so many reactions in me I had to pause.

My initial startled response ignited an "aha" (or "duh"?) reminder,

 NATURE IS NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL!

What a great opportunity to remember and affirm my unique reality and the limitless uncommon beauty that surrounds me daily.  

I am an actress, director, teaching artist & coach. 

See me do stand-up here!

BTW

Wear your bathing suit at Broadway Comedy Club 6:30 Sat. 8/29

& get half off the cover.