I love this time of year. Long nights, crisp, cold air, lights everywhere – I take this time to reflect on the outgoing year and set intentions for the new year coming in.
2015 has been seriously up and down. The downs included six dear family members and friends lost, as well as discovering and dealing with both my father’s illness and my own.
But the ups! Wow, this year has been a great one for travel and photography. I was on the road more than ever, documenting all of it along the way, and my photographs were featured in print and juried shows. Plus I’ve got exciting new projects on the way in 2016, which I’ll share more about as they come on-line.
I hope you’re feeling optimistic about the new year. One thing I like to do in late December is clear the clutter, creating a clean mental and physical slate. I just donated 70+ books to the library, took bags of clothes and unused stuff to the thrift store (that benefits our local women and children’s shelter), consolidated and organized a seeming mountain of scribbled-on scraps of paper into one notebook, and even cleaned lingering but unnecessary files off the laptop.
It feels great.
Speaking of that, I’ve had a few photographs hanging around that didn’t make it into blog posts, so I’ll share them now.
I got to photograph a lot of water this year, which I find endlessly fascinating. This is Putah Creek in the Berryessa National Recreation Area, California.
And more! This is Whiskeytown Creek in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California.
Sunrise through the trees in Whiskeytown.
My first image taken with the new camera, a Pentax 645Z, which I’ve dubbed The Beast. (It’s heavy!) This is at the Rio Grande Gorge in Taos.
I’ll leave you with this one, taken at my house a few weeks ago. It seems appropriate in this time of transition from night to day, from the old year to the new. Go to the light.
Happy holidays, everyone. Thanks for sharing the journey with me.
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I admit it was delightful seeing all the fresh green in these random shot. The last, of course, is a favorite. Merry Christmas and thanks for supporting Community Against Violence! I, too, pick this time to purge and pay it forward.
Susan – I’m glad you liked the green! Especially on this gray Taos day, ha. I’m a big fan of CAV’s work and am always happy to help when I can. Merry Christmas!
Have a wonderful New Year. I love new beginnings and the hope it brings. So let 2016 bring us new adventures with fresh eyes of wonder.
Catherine recently posted…summer’s end…
Catherine – Me too! I know the holidays can be hard, and I’ve had my share of those, but generally it makes me feel hopeful and excited. That clean slate is so promising. 🙂 Cheers!
I had to laugh as I read your comments about decluttering, as I sit here in the midst of a clutter that defies the imagination. For me, the decluttering has to come after Christmas, but I’m heartily looking forward to it.
That last photo. Speechless.
Susan Carpenter Sims recently posted…Celebrating the journey
Susan – Funny! You’ve got a lot more people (and children) at your house, so I understand. It’s just me, my mother, and Sam for Christmas, and we’re pretty tidy. 🙂
2016 promises to be a very good year, one that is full of new and exciting experiences. Let’s say goodbye to 2015 and give a toast to 2016! I’m looking forward to it and everything it holds in store.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Deonne.
Sarah – I’m so glad you feel that way about 2016! I definitely do, and look forward to sharing it with you. 🙂 Best wishes to you for the holidays and beyond.
My favorite is the first one, Putah Creek. Practically local to me! (And you know what “putah” means in English, right? LOL)
Deborah – Thanks for voting! I do know what it means, and I prefer the Native definition of “grassy creek.” 🙂