2013 in review

Why is it that when we start a new year it feels like everything is so far away – so yet to come.  But when it’s the end of the year we find ourselves wondering where did it all go? This year has had it’s ups and downs, highs and lows like every other year for me.  Thankfully the lows weren’t as low as in some prior years and there were a few really really good highs! I’ve come to realize where my heart lies with photography and I intend on following that path and learning and improving as I go along.

I’ve discovered that one light photography just thrills me to no end!  I want to explore HDR photography a bit more as well as black and white.  Both when applied properly to the right image can be stunning…the opposite also applies.  Not every effect is made for every image, but that is just my opinion.  This year saw me do my first sponsored post as well as have some companies in the photography world follow me on Twitter and Pinterest.  My work has also appeared in a couple of online publications.  Happy photog here!

A few things were scratched off my bucket list like taking a ride in a hot air balloon and visiting new cities that I’ve always wanted to visit.  I’ve seen sunrises and sunsets over deserts, mountains, and oceans.  DH showed me his dorm room where he went to college and where he used to hang out in Massachusetts.  Didn’t make it out of the country this year but by reading many of your blog posts I have traveled all over the world and have seen some amazing places that I hope to visit one day.

I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I was miserable, I was ecstatic.  I’ve danced in the streets with strangers, cracked jokes with drag Queens, run from zombies, climbed a butte, and had a Blue Morpho butterfly land on me.  I’ve had my picture taken with a couple of movie stars while at a Comic-Con (and yes, I am into cosplay and I dress up). I’ve helped people when they were in need and worried over loved ones when they were ill.   I can honestly say there is no shame in having a great Mojito with your breakfast in a Cuban restaurant at 9 in the morning – no shame at all!  And then there was the day when I stood right where a horrific thing had happened; where people were injured and lost their lives and I saw just how strong a town could be.

I’ve tried my best to enjoy life; seize the moment.  There is no promise of tomorrow.  I’ve seen too many leave too soon or leave when it was their time – either way was was painful to me – and there are people I still miss every day.  Children are adults living their lives, siblings are aging, and grands are growing up entirely too quickly! Procrastination is a thief and if you let it, it will rob you of moments that you may never have again. Life has it’s mundane just part of life moments but surely they can and should be balanced out by moments that lift the spirit…right?

Never say or let others tell you that you are too old to do something unless of course it would cause you or others injury.  Conversely there are some things you might just be too young for.  All things in moderation? Yeah yeah, sure sure.  A little wild and crazy is good for the soul.  I have no idea what 2014 has in store for me but I pray that it be a blessed year and I wish the same for you.

Happy 2014 everyone!

I’m ready for my close-up!

Sedona, Arizona

Old Scottsdale, Arizona cowboy

Philadelphia, Pa.

Chinatown, Philadelphia, Pa.

Trinity Church reflected, Boston, Ma.

Ron – Boston, Ma.

Into the park

Key West Bicycle

Mr. Chapman – Key West, Fla.

Me, Yuley, and Julenisse – St. Charles, Mo.