A couple of weeks ago, the young singer/songwriter Camillo Cabello was running in a park in West Hollywood and, out of nowhere, a paparazzi started taking photos. She was wearing a top that showed her midriff and she was not tucking in her tummy. Dismayed and concerned about photo shaming, she decided to take back/control the narrative. She posted an “I luv my body” video on TikTok showing her belly out and included a narrative on our unrealistic, toxic beauty standards and embracing women’s imperfections. Hooray for her brilliance and courage!

Around the same time, someone asked if I could be featured in a newsletter. I was sent a short list of questions which were reasonable and non-invasive so I said yes. Oh my goodness again! Listed were my answers to all except for the main one, my artistic process. I worked for a half a day on that answer and, surprisingly, it wasn’t included. In its place was a very positive but, at times, slightly inaccurate description. This is the 2nd time the narrative has been altered. The 1st happened with the 2008 publication of my house in which the reporter slanted the focus. I finally get/understand that prior to saying yes, I must make sure I have final approval of what’s written, thereby controlling the narrative, ensuring accuracy and truth. Clearly, this is my responsibility!