1. {001} Closed for the holiday, 2. {002} Upper right corner, 3. {003} Cheese & salami platters, 4. {004} Tapas spread, 5. {005} Back to the workouts, 6. {006} Light again, 7. {007} Stand-off, 8. {008} Talking to the media, 9. {009} Bright lights, big literature, 10. {010} Furrow in the marsh, 11. {011} Two intrepid tourists, and Jack, 12. {012} Lobby lighting fixture, detail, 13. {013} Order here, 14. {014} Happy birthday, girl!, 15. {015} Fury is unleashed, 16. {016} The heart of the rock, 17. {017} The gang, at Squaw, 18. {018} A dip in the lake, 19. {019} So good they’re to die for, 20. {020} Finally…a new administration, 21. {021} Ginger, honey, lemon, 22. {022} Medicinal whiskey sour, 23. {023} Whalerknit, 24. {024} Raffle prize, 25. {026} Plume of the Ox, 26. {025} Reaching back into the steam, 27. {027} From Krakow to the DTO, 28. {028} Thom and Tony, 29. {029} Shooting in the DTO, 30. {030} Agent provocateur?, 31. {031} One up, one down, 32. {032} The high school sweethearts, 33. {033} Regardless of the damn groundhog…, 34. {034} Real, not mislabeled, 35. {035} Almost to Joy’s house, 36. {036} Cheesecake and Curieux
Thanks to blogging, I picked up a camera again in 2006, after years of setting photography aside because of the cost of film and processing and camera repairs.
I used my little Canon point-and-shoot like it was my job, keeping it in my pocket as I gardened and, well, went anywhere.
In 2008, I graduated to a Canon Xsi DSLR, and started relearning the habit of carrying that camera as many places as possible.
I don’t remember which of my fantastic photographer friends first mentioned The 365 Project, an effort to take at least one photo per day, all year long, but I remember jumping at the idea.
The 365 Project has given me more than I ever thought possible. I have thousands of photos from the year, all of which tell a story of where I was, who I met along the way, and every emotional up and down that carried me forward toward the end of 2009.
I will admit that I’m a bit weary of always carrying the camera, of always being conscious that I have to capture something that represents my day. But when I look back at the photos from this year, and ponder the story they tell me, I think hard about starting another 365 project. Though I generally consider myself a woman of words, this journal of images has been one of the best projects I’ve ever undertaken, and I’m so grateful to have friends who inspired me to take part.
(Editor’s Note: Inspired by my friends Fatemeh, Jen and Tea, I’m participating in Gwen Bell’s Best of 2009 Challenge. These won’t all be about gardening and food, but, well, neither am I. I appreciate your patience as you indulge my participation, and I hope you’ll share your best experiences of the year in the comments, as well.)
on Dec 25th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I remember when you started this last year and how I was a bit envious. I’m seriously considering doing one for myself for 2010. I have a feeling it’s going to be a life changing year for me.
on Dec 27th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Michelle, do it! Do it! I’m going to do a slight variation on it next year, but cannot say enough about how much I love being able to think back on my year by looking through the photos.
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Genie, your post has inspired me! I’m going to participate in the 365 Project for 2010. Any suggestions or tips? (You mentioned in your reply to Michelle’s comment that you will do a slight variation.)
I love the photos you have above…they are diverse, humorous and poignant. Thanks for the creative kick-start. :)
on Dec 28th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
This was an amazing undertaking and I’m in awe that you stuck to it for a year — I’m sure I couldn’t. I’ve enjoyed reading about it on your blog.
on Dec 31st, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Cali, my primary suggestion, which I think I included on Michelle’s comment, is that falling behind in posting photos wherever you’re posting them (a blog, Flickr, Facebook, whatever…) is the kiss of death. It’s so hard to get caught back up (and to keep track of what photo goes with what day, even with timestamps) if you get behind. I got a couple of weeks behind once, and the catch-up process was horrendously painful, and everyone I know who quit midyear just got overwhelmed with the posting. Also, figure out what the photo of the day means to you — is it the prettiest or best shot photo you take? The one that is the most symbolic of your day? Just the one you like the best? Figure out what you’re going for early, and then stick with that — I think that makes it easier to make your day-by-day selection, and also helps hone your eye. Good luck and have fun!
Lydia, oh, I don’t know…you are a woman of great perserverance — I bet you could do it! Thanks for your sweet comment…I really appreciate it. :-)