January 4, 2013

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!

19 comments:

  1. studio! i want to see what you'll create! :)

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  2. Well Donna, It looks like you are planning on staying quite busy. I will be looking forward to more of your photos.

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  3. You have a lot on your "to do" list for 2013. Fun things, challenging things. Enjoy learning and growing.

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  4. Sounds like you are filling 2013 up quite nicely.
    A challenge sounds like fun. I used to enjoy doing the Brenda challenge.

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  5. Sounds like you are filling 2013 up quite nicely.
    A challenge sounds like fun. I used to enjoy doing the Brenda challenge.

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  6. Hope your health continues to improve. I just was looking at this site thought you might like to see this photographer!

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2257088/Starving-polar-bear-attacks-BBC-cameraman-pod-Arctic-Norway.html

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  7. Hi Donna, I have truly enjoyed your blog this past year. Your trips and photography have been so enjoyable... Keep traveling and sharing in 2013....


    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. I know you packed a lot into this past year and hopefully you'll be able to pace yourself this year and feel better. It sounds like you have lots of plans though so we'll see! I want to make some lists of things I would like to accomplish. I love a new year all fresh with all things possible! Sweet hugs to you my friend!

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  9. Looking forward to another wonderful year of your travel photos.

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  10. Donna You've definitely found your niche with your photography. I have to say many of yours are better than any I've seen in nature magazines!
    I look forward to following you on this years coming adventures. You're definitely a kindred spirit-No sipping drinks on any sandy beach for me either!
    Blessings for this new year!

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  11. A resounding YES to ALL of the above!! You know we All love a photo challenge as well....
    Can't wait to see where you take us on our Next adventure!!
    Hughugs

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  12. Greeting cards? That is a definite Yes as, oddly enough, I send more notes since blogging than ever before. Your year sounds so full...hope you left some time just to be. That is my favorite kind of time.

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  13. I'd love to see a little bit of Nova Scotia, I don't believe I've ever seen photos of that place.

    Tell me more about the photography thing... you know I don't get out much but I do love taking photos and have just a few here that I could share. What's that all about?

    Lots of family drama - I'm taking any and all prayers for my daughter's family and what they are going through right now. Thanks! Hugs!

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  14. Looking forward to whatever adventures you care to share with us! Not much of a card sender anymore so you probably wouldn't get much business from me but I look forward to seeing what you create! Have a good weekend, Donna!

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  15. I can't wait to see what you create! You have some great plans and it will be fun to be part of them through the year. Hope you'll accomplish all your heart longs for!
    ~Adrienne~

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  16. Just the other day I was wanting some neat thank you cards to include with etsy orders and I thought of you! I remember the cards I won from you and was wishing I had more of them!

    I would be interested in joining a photo challenge again.

    Hope you have a wonderful year, my friend!

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  17. It looks so pretty and wintery in here. Good luck with all the projects; I know they'll turn out well. :)

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  18. Yellowstone/Grand Tetons and Newfoundland/Labrador sounds retty awesome to me!! have a great year my friend! That blgger you recommend had an excellent article on her blog about teaching kids responsibility..thanks for sharing..I shared it on fb as well. Hope your health( anemia ) is better now. Cindy

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  19. A belated happy new year to you!

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!