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Thursday, April 26, 2012

30 Days of Photographs II: My Toothbrush

Okay, for this theme, blame Michael. It was ALL him. I tried to veto this theme so many times, telling him it was gross, that I didn’t want to take a photo of my toothbrush, telling him that my toothbrush is private, and that only I look at it. But every time I tried, Michael would in turn veto a theme that I wanted to add. He went so far as to say that he found it hilarious that I thought it was so disgusting, and that he only fought so hard to keep this theme on the list because I was so grossed out by the whole thing.

Let’s all give Michael a collective dirty look.

Thank you.

Still, this doesn’t solve the problem I’m having. My toothbrush is private. It goes into my mouth! Unless it’s a cookie I just baked, I do NOT take photos of stuff that goes into my mouth. Plus, this is a ridiculous theme; this is supposed to be a photography challenge, where you take pretty photos of pretty things, or exciting photos of exciting things. What’s so challenging about taking a photo of a toothbrush? And seriously, what are we supposed to do, look at 18 photos of toothbrushes and compliment each other on how pretty toothbrushes we all have? No way. I am NOT playing.

And yet, I am…

So here, Michael, you win. Look at my pretty toothbrush.



Also, please note that this post is exactly 250 words long. Cheater.


This post is a part of the 30 Days of Photographs II challenge. Please visit the rest of the participants for more fantastic photos: MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Mariann, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen and Katherine. *
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128 comments:

  1. Nice toothbrush.

    I hate this theme too. Lamest theme of the whole 30 days...although "Outlier" is close. :(

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  2. You have a very pretty toothbrush. So, um, besides a cookie, is there anything else you WILL photograph that goes in your mouth? Just asking. Not for any specific reason.

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  3. You're not too bitter are you Ziva? Thanks for letting us know who to blame. Oh, pretty toothbrush.

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  4. That's a fucking handsome toothbrush!  I am in envy.

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  5. Oh, that is SO gross.

    :)

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  6. I feel a little violated or something. I'm so confused.

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  7. Me too, LM, me too. Blame Michael.

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  8. Yup, it sure is. Blame Michael.

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  9. Oh yeah, I always pick the good ones.

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  10. Bitter? Me? Never. Just make sure you blame Michael and I'll be peachy.

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  11. Why yes, Nicky, yes there is.

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  12. Not to make you blame Michael, or anything, but "Outlier" was totally his idea, too.

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  13. I'm looking forward to Outlier. Good to know it was Michael's idea. When combined, these two have a yin/yang quality that brings peace to my soul.

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  14. This is one of the funniest days of the challenge. We really needed a light day tossed in right about now. Thank you to whoever put this near the end of the month.

    Ziva, I feel your pain. I honestly do. The one I shot? It was brand new. To have to toss it after only 6 or 7 days was awful, I tell ya, awful. I don't think I'll ever be able to buy that color again.

    I do like the look of yours though. Wonder if they make those in the states?

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  15. Ooooh, nice angles, very pretty brush - it's so ... so  ... black and white.  Gotta love the reflection, too.  ;-)

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  16. Ha, it's not actually black and white. Well, the toothbrush is.. And the wall is white.. But the photo isn't. ;)

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  17. I don't know if they make them in the States.. Mine was probably made in China. You can have mine, though, I don't want it anymore now that it's been on the internet for everyone to gawk at.

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  18. Are you kidding me? I don't want that trashy thing.

    I think we should each gift wrap and send our respective (and no longer fit for oral hygiene) toothbrushes to Mike.

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  19. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Oh, for God's sake! What's so personal about a toothbrush? Nothing. Millions of them are manufactured, used and discarded every year. They're so commonplace and impersonal, in fact, that they hardly make an impact visually or emotional.

    I think Ziva's complaint is not only silly, but logically indefensible. She takes photographs of all sorts of things that go in her mouth. Cookies, for one, she's already admitted that, but more personal things. M, for example, has been in her mouth -- I assume they French kiss once in a while, anyway -- and she's photographed him. And that doesn't begin to address what she does with her thumb when she's upset. Some childhood habits just never die.

    Personally, I only settled on Toothbrush because Ziva practically screamed at me when I suggested undergarments, which would've been really fun. And I think it's proved to be a very challenging, fun exercise that has given us insightful glimpses into the depths of one another's souls.

    Look at Ziva's photo, for example: It's surprisingly revealing, especially when you consider that it was taken in stoic Finland by a taciturn Finn. The fuzzy, shockingly out-of-focus toothbrush on the left appears to be hugging the toothbrush on the right that's in focus. And they're black and white, so this is a mixed marriage, something you don't see much in Scandinavian countries.

    Clearly, despite her protests, Ziva is trying to tell us -- perhaps unconsciously -- through her art that love conquers all racial barriers. Love, and good dental hygiene, of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm overwhelmed by the personal, hidden nature of this brilliant artwork, and feeling a bit verklempt. I need some time to myself. To cry privately, perhaps to floss. I've got a bit of roast beef stuck in a back molar.

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  20. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Do it, and I'll take suggestively posed, erotic photographs of them. That'll teach you.

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  21. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    Yes, well, I guess I'm "scapegoat" in this dysfunctional family. But I reject your psychological projection or displacement and stand for the truth! Actually, sit for the truth. Standing for long periods of time makes my feet hurt.

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  22. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    It's not gross. It's a lovely, almost sensual, photo, as I explained up there about 4-5 inches ago. Ziva's just in denial.  

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  23. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    Or preachy.

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  24. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    *pulls up a chair and makes himself comfortable*

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  25. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    Thank you, Cheryl. Clearly, you are a woman of exceptional intellect and artistic taste. Also, it appears you enjoy Chinese food. Me, too. I'm particularly fond of sesame chicken and chicken chow mein, preceded by won-ton soup, and topped off with an eggroll dipped in hot mustard. And you know what all that spice requires? That's right, toothbrushing. It may well be, in fact, that the toothbrush is the single most important iconic symbol in modern culture.

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  26. I knew that was his idea the minute I saw the word. What is wrong with him?

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  27. I'm not sure I have ever seen a black and white toothbrush, but now I want one! Since you won't be using yours anymore, can I have it? :P

    I actually have a toothbrushing obsession. I probably brush my teeth a dozen times a day and I brush them every couple of hours at night. No, I don't have much enamel left. Thanks for asking. Yes, I do have other OCD quirks.

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  28. I really debated even looking at the photos today.  There is something very yucky about viewing toothbrushes of persons to me.  But as I imagined, your pristine black and white well shaped bristles has a je ne sai quois and it quite lovely to look at as well as being charmingly photographed.  Next time, if Michael recommends "bathtub rings", just say "NO", Ziva.

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  29. You suck-up. Cheryl's not going to vote for you to win this non-competition no matter how many compliments you give her. Do you know why? Because Cheryl has good taste and is an intelligent woman who won't let simple flattery cloud her judgement. Also, she's very pretty, and takes amazing photos.

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  30. I sawed halfway through the legs on that chair.

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  31. Yes, Michael, we know you sit for the truth, but you know how the other boys tease you for sitting down when you pee, so maybe you should just stand up every once in a while. Be a man. You can do it.

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  32. Haha...love the tags you used. When I started taking the photo last night I realized how much it sucked.

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  33.  Do not call him on this. He'll do it.

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  34. They are very personal, and saying that they're not personal because millions of them are manufactured every year is like saying tampons aren't personal because millions are manufactured every year. Your logic is flawed. Oh, and people are like cookies, when you look at them, you don't automaticallly think about French kissing them. Unless it's Johnny Depp. Or Nathalie Portman. But when looking at a toothbrush, all you can think about is how it's been covered in drool and toothpaste and gone in and out of somebody's mouth.

    Gross.

    Also, that is only one toothbrush in a mirror, and because all toothbrushes are inherently evil narcissistic bastards, he's in love with his own reflection. He's loving this, too, being on the internet, having his photo plastered everywhere for everyone to look at and admire.

    Gross.

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  35. His mom dropped him on his head when he was little.

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  36. But imagine the money we could make by blackmailing him with the photos.. It might be worth the emotional damage looking at the photos will cause.

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  37. Yes, you can have it! I mean, you're a little bit crazy about the toothbrushes, but you can still have it. I'm just happy it's going to a loving family.

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  38. Aww, Linda! I'm so happy you overcame your aversion to drool-covered toothbrushes to come look at my photo. It means a lot to me. And I promise, next time, I'll say "NO." I'm practicing right now.

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  39. For me, the toothbrush takes a back seat only to the Waterpik. Other than that, I'm right there with you.

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  40. Now I feel violated. My vote can't be bought with flattery. Cha-ching.

    After all, I need a new toothbrush.

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  41. It sucks so much, I can't believe I said yes. I wish someone had slapped some sense into me before I agreed to this theme.

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  42. I have to say that is the prettiest and most sophisticated image of a toothbrush I've ever seen. Admittedly this is my first stop on the blog round...BUT...as someone who hates teeth, hates toothbrushes, hates the gunk at the bottom of the toothbrush holder, you have it from me that that's a nice, friendly, appetizing shot.

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  43. Let me see if I can scrounge up some loose change...

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  44. Appetizing? It's a toothbrush. It has been in the gaping mouth shown in "Pleasure." You are a weird one, Mad Dog, but I do like your comment, thank you very much.

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  45. Um, well at least you're happy with my American spelling, right? ;)

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  46. I noticed that and wondered about it, but figured you'd just lost your mind looking at photos of toothbrushes. But if you're going to go all American on me now, then who's going to teach me how to say 'arse'?

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  47. The truth is that I blame you, Scapegoat. Yes, I may now change my name for you from Eeyore to Scapegoat. Goats are much more gruff and Eeyore is actually huggable.

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  48. Arse is British. In the States, we say Ass. Just like you Finns.

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  49. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Or tushy, cushion, and bottom.

    Which is, I hope, a long way from our discussions of toothbrushes.

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  50. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Oh, note to self: Remember new category for 30 Days of Photographs III.

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  51. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    I'd be happy to slap some sense into you, Ziva.

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  52. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    You're getting married in a month or two. You're supposed to be practicing saying yes.

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  53. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    Please! Do you really expect us to buy your silly argument that just because something's been covered in drool and gone in and out of somebody's mouth it can't be attractive? I mean, sure, immediately after the wedding vows are uttered, yes. But not before it.

    And tampons are no more personal than toothbrushes, although I'm more willing to buy the latter than the former at the grocery store. That's old-school thinking -- as if a woman's "special friend" is such a secret that it mustn't be mentioned or even thought of.

    You Finns crack me up! So famously shy...

    Ziva, do you know how to tell an introverted Finn from an extroverted Finn?

    Answer: The extroverted Finn will be staring at your shoes instead of his own. And holding a toothbrush in his hand.

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  54. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    It'll be an Internet sensation! I might even create an entirely new category of porn, which is badly needed, I might add. The other ones are getting boring.

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  55. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    I always stand up to pee. And even then, I always exclaim: "Oh my, that water's so cold! And deep!"

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  56. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Oh, I get it now. You're clearly suffering from the middle child syndrome, and feeling a little neglected and left out. It's okay, LaughingMom, you don't need to act out to get our attention. Put the bottle down, and have some cofrfee.

    ReplyDelete
  57. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    Hey, how'd this comment end up here? It's supposed to be down there at the bottom of Mo's thread.

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  58. In Finland, we are taught British English, not American English. I've just been Americanized from spending way too much time with Americans. ;)

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  59. You'd have to catch me first.

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  60. Don't be an idiot, just because something is commonplace and a part of everyday life doesn't mean it can't be personal. A smart man like you must know the difference, no?

    I do feel a little sorry for Kerry, seeing as you apparently stopped brushing your teeth after you uttered your wedding vows...

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  61. Ohh wow. I feel so awkward now, I had no idea you were a little person.

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  62. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    You're Finnish. I can't remember the last time a Finn won an international foot race.

    Oh, wait, yes I can! Paavo Nurmi at the 1924 Olympics. The Flying Finns.

    But something tells me you're no runner.

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  63. The discussion has devolved so far it really doesn't matter anymore, now does it?

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  64. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    Commonplace things can be personal, of course. That's why we all wear clothes. Most of us, anyway. But I reviewed the scientific literature and there's no solid evidence to support your claim that the toothbrush is personal. It's just a

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  65. Is this Hulk or Banner talking today?

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  66. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    *Hmm. This is a much better angle than before.*

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  67. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    What mom? I was a test-tube baby, and raised as an orphan. Little Orphan Mikey, they called me.

    "The sun won't come up tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar, if you've got one...)

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  68. Which word are considering for the new category? Arse, ass, tushy, cushion, or bottom?

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  69. Hehe, you said you wanted to be at the bottom of Mo's thread.

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  70. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 26, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Haha! Your evil plan backfired on you! And why? Because Cheryl is smart enough not to be told she's smart, that's why.

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  71. It's been fun, but I do miss the word arse.

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  72. Something tells you I'm no runner? I'm not quite sure what to make of this comment.

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  73. Thrice daily? That's a bit excessive, don't you think?

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  74. Yeah, unlike some people I know...

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  75. Now I have the lyrics to "You're So Vain" stuck in my head. Damn toothbrush.

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  76. If it helps, I've started using it instead of ass. It sounds so much more polite.

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  77. I bet my toothbrush thinks this post is about him.

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  78. Yes Ziva, I do believehe does. Or he's channeling Michael.

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  79. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    On the arse end. :)

    Yes, Cheryl, I am considering arse, ass, tushy, cushion and bottom for the new category. Or even not for the new category. Like, just for fun.

    ReplyDelete
  80. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 12:51 AM

    You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht
    Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
    Your scarf it was apricot
    You had one eye in the mirror as you watched your teeth
    And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your toothbrush
    They'd be your toothbrush, and...

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  81. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    Uh-oh.

    I only meant that you've never mentioned running. Swimming, I think, with M. But no running.

    Okay, you can slap me silly instead.

    ReplyDelete
  82. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    No, not at all.

    ReplyDelete
  83. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    It's both. He's the same person. Hence the moral dilemma.

    ReplyDelete
  84. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 1:00 AM

    What, I'm interested in learning about photography and I get called a pig?! This hurts.

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  85. No wonder you're everywhere at once while not really being anywhere at all.

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  86. No wonder you're everywhere at once while not really being anywhere at all.

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  87. No wonder you're everywhere at once while not really being anywhere at all.

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  88. Wait, this is my thread and everyone has jumped on it. An ass is basically a donkey, that's why we avoid the word. As for lessons on how to pronounce "arse" it'll cost you each five quid.

    ReplyDelete
  89.  Surely I won't have to pay, it's my blog, after all?

    ReplyDelete
  90. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    I see that my most-recent comment to the "You're So Vain" thread started by Cheryl was lost in the gutter. So I'm re-posting it here:

    You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht
    Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
    Your scarf it was apricot
    You had one eye in the mirror as you watched your teeth
    And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your toothbrush
    They'd be your toothbrush, and...

    ReplyDelete
  91. Once you sort out your flippin' Disqus/comment/blog width, (I( can't see as I type) this is so narrow all I can see is tiny flashing black dots, I'll give you a reduced value offer of a two pound coin

    ReplyDelete
  92. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    I'm in! Five pounds is a bargain.

    The rain in Spain, falls mainly on the plain. That's a good start, right?

    ReplyDelete
  93. mikewjattoomanymorningsApril 27, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    *turns the other cheek*

    ReplyDelete
  94. Jeez, Mo, this is how easy it is to start a new thread. It's not exactly rocket science.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I've no idea about the rain in Spain, neither can I see anything (including the rain in Spain) so let's chat about this on another day

    ReplyDelete
  96. ....I mean, even Michael can do it.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I'll pay the 5 quid as my admission fee to your thread (we call them squid over here) but I already know how to say arse.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I've blamed Mike appropriatly.  Also, like the black and white toothbrush.  Very chic.

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  99. First thing -I'm the baby child- I'm ALWAYS the baby child -I get what I want or I'll cry. Second  thing - I'd rather be known for my abuse of a bottle than for my strange oral fixations.

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  100. HA HA HA!  Have you seen MY toothbrush picture yet?  My dog needs to be chewing YOUR toothbrush!  It matches her!!!

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  101. You guys are strange.

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  102. Holy hell. On the months crappiest theme, people sure had a lot to say about it.

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  103. We sure are. Luckily, you're no different. ;)

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  104. I know, right? She's adorable, too, just like my toothbrush. And when you don't want to brush your teeth, you can always go with the old "my dog ate my toothbrush" excuse.

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  105. I am so very happy to hear this, Nora. Especially the blaming Michael part.

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  106. Yeah, if this is what happens when you post a photo of a toothbrush, I cannot wait to see what nude will bring. We might actually break Disqus.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Your toothbrush is pretty, though. And for real, I was all WTF with this theme!

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  108. I think we all were pretty much WTF with this theme. ;) Except perhaps Mike...

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  109. Your toothbrush looks pretty, and for the theme? it doesn't matter it's photography anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  110. I really debated even looking at the photos today.  There is something very yucky about viewing toothbrushes of persons to me.  But as I imagined, your pristine black and white well shaped bristles has a je ne sai quois and it quite lovely to look at as well as being charmingly photographed.  Next time, if Michael recommends "bathtub rings", just say "NO", Ziva.

    ReplyDelete
  111. I'm not sure I have ever seen a black and white toothbrush, but now I want one! Since you won't be using yours anymore, can I have it? :P

    I actually have a toothbrushing obsession. I probably brush my teeth a dozen times a day and I brush them every couple of hours at night. No, I don't have much enamel left. Thanks for asking. Yes, I do have other OCD quirks.

    ReplyDelete
  112. mikewjattoomanymorningsOctober 4, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Thank you, Cheryl. Clearly, you are a woman of exceptional intellect and artistic taste. Also, it appears you enjoy Chinese food. Me, too. I'm particularly fond of sesame chicken and chicken chow mein, preceded by won-ton soup, and topped off with an eggroll dipped in hot mustard. And you know what all that spice requires? That's right, toothbrushing. It may well be, in fact, that the toothbrush is the single most important iconic symbol in modern culture.

    ReplyDelete
  113. mikewjattoomanymorningsOctober 4, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Or preachy.

    ReplyDelete
  114. mikewjattoomanymorningsOctober 4, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    It's not gross. It's a lovely, almost sensual, photo, as I explained up there about 4-5 inches ago. Ziva's just in denial.  

    ReplyDelete
  115. mikewjattoomanymorningsOctober 4, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Oh, for God's sake! What's so personal about a toothbrush? Nothing. Millions of them are manufactured, used and discarded every year. They're so commonplace and impersonal, in fact, that they hardly make an impact visually or emotional.

    I think Ziva's complaint is not only silly, but logically indefensible. She takes photographs of all sorts of things that go in her mouth. Cookies, for one, she's already admitted that, but more personal things. M, for example, has been in her mouth -- I assume they French kiss once in a while, anyway -- and she's photographed him. And that doesn't begin to address what she does with her thumb when she's upset. Some childhood habits just never die.

    Personally, I only settled on Toothbrush because Ziva practically screamed at me when I suggested undergarments, which would've been really fun. And I think it's proved to be a very challenging, fun exercise that has given us insightful glimpses into the depths of one another's souls.

    Look at Ziva's photo, for example: It's surprisingly revealing, especially when you consider that it was taken in stoic Finland by a taciturn Finn. The fuzzy, shockingly out-of-focus toothbrush on the left appears to be hugging the toothbrush on the right that's in focus. And they're black and white, so this is a mixed marriage, something you don't see much in Scandinavian countries.

    Clearly, despite her protests, Ziva is trying to tell us -- perhaps unconsciously -- through her art that love conquers all racial barriers. Love, and good dental hygiene, of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm overwhelmed by the personal, hidden nature of this brilliant artwork, and feeling a bit verklempt. I need some time to myself. To cry privately, perhaps to floss. I've got a bit of roast beef stuck in a back molar.

    ReplyDelete
  116. Ooooh, nice angles, very pretty brush - it's so ... so  ... black and white.  Gotta love the reflection, too.  ;-)

    ReplyDelete

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