January - A Look Ahead

Hello, 2013! I certainly enjoyed the 2012 rollercoaster, with more highs than lows, and I always look forward to a fresh start. For many of us, this time of year makes us momentarily pause for reflection and lay out future plans.

We were fortunate to go on many journeys last year. I am still savoring tender memories of various moments as I go through my inventory of photographs. I started off the year with the engineering contract work, but put it to rest in April. I’ve settled back into retirement mode! It’s been an ongoing struggle to bounce back from a bad case of anemia and exhaustion, but I am slowly starting to feel better. I didn’t accomplish much artwork or crafting in 2012, but all of my photography practice and studying finally started to pay off in results. Gosh, I even “accidentally” sold a license for one of my photos! That was an unexpected thrill. We also had a few projects completed around the cottage, mostly of the landscaping variety. We passed the 2-year mark for our new cottage this year, and it is definitely feeling like home now.

So where do I go from here? Oh my, where to begin. Decisions, decisions! Of course, photography will continue to be a big focus. More image editing and additional training are on the agenda this month. In case you missed it, I have a survey over on my sidebar, asking if you would be interested in me hosting photo challenges this year. If there is some moderate interest, I could hold these on an approximate monthly basis. (I wouldn’t have a set day of the month for the challenge because our travel schedule is a bit too unpredictable.) What do you say? I think it would be fun, and we all know that regular practice helps us all learn and hone our skills!

I’m going to start tinkering around with printing up greeting cards, without any cutting and gluing involved. I may also fiddle around with creating more photo books and calendars. May I see a show of hands if any of you would be interested in purchasing such wares? Now that I have resettled into retirement mode, I need some motivation to adopt a “get ‘er done” attitude.

I’ll be continuing with the Wordless Wednesday posts throughout 2013. It seems that my posts last year were a big hit with my readers/followers. Look for more Alaska and Churchill travel posts this month. But if you get bored with seeing them, please tell me and I’ll switch over to Montana, Nova Scotia, or something else. Tell me, I can take it!

My studio room has been painfully neglected because I spend way too much time on the computer. It is a big, beautiful room. The work computer has been removed. I have plenty of supplies. So I have promised my dear studio space that it will see more of me this month. Scouts honor.

If I get a sudden burst of energy, I’ll do some general clean-outs and organization here at the cottage. Oh, I have visions of a garage sale this spring! The thought of some newfound pocket money will give me some incentive to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

We’re going to get cracking this month on planning out our next grand adventures. We have Yellowstone/Grand Tetons and Newfoundland/Labrador on our tentative travel list this year. Yes, we like our vacations a little on the wild and natural side. No beachside resorts and lounging around a pool, sipping a cocktail with a paper umbrella, for us. It’s just not our style.

Before I tootle off from this monthly missive, I wanted to pass on a refreshing blog post I read the other day. If you have children or grandchildren, it may be of special interest to you. It is written by talented Rita on The Coffeeshop Blog: "Dismayed by Out Entitled Society? Why This Mom Stopped Blaming the Government."  Now, there is a woman on a mission!

Best wishes for a great January. Stay safe and stay warm!