I don’t know if I’ll be doing another year long project this year … maybe one that doesn’t require the weekly commitment. Some weeks were more challenging than others. It was a challenge because I’m a busy mom with three kids but it was a joy too for the same reason. Having the project forced me to get my camera out and consider how I could use what was going on in my life at the time as a self portrait.  I was able to capture things and describe “me” in ways that I never would have had I not put myself up to the challenge. It helped me squeeze in a little creative outlet when all of the demands of life and motherhood could put that outlet on the back burner.  The weekly deadline was demanding – maybe I’ll do another one this year but one that’s less rigorous. Maybe a once a month capture? 2011 is going to be grounded in right priorities. Maybe I’ll try to capture what that looks like – visually. Hmmmm …  I’ll decide later, right now I have a sketchbook to finish!

Slowing the pace these last few days to savor the season, the fresh snow, the reason we’re celebrating – it’s all about Jesus. Praying that the season is blessed, peaceful, simple, and that you receive and experience the gift of hope that Jesus offers, the one gift everyone needs.

Christmas blessings to you and your family!!

This is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I LOVE my local library. I ask them to order new art books regularly. If my library doesn’t have a book – I ask to borrow them through inter-library loan from other libraries. I check out my favorite books again and again. I learned how to crochet and knit because of the library. I learned much of what I know about photography due to my library and it’s resources. I asked them to subscribe to my favorite magazine so I can check out the latest issues. I even worked part-time in the Circulation Department for the first year of my budding photography business! Love love love the library and the joy of getting lost in a great book whether it’s eye candy or an adventure, fiction or non-fiction, they all have their place. My library is a treasure of knowledge & resources, a priceless gift, and a wonderful privilege.

Just a few of my favorite things … a favorite chunky sweater that I use as a fall ‘coat’ . a cute red flower statement ring . a vintage needlepoint purse giving a splash of color to an otherwise understated outfit of grey and black.  A girl needs to feel cute now and then ~ something I’m learning is that it’s okay to want to feel cute. Not that beauty is wrapped up in accessorizing {I’m a big proponent of beauty coming from the character of the heart}, but … they sure do help a girl feel cute.  And that is a-okay!

xo