2014 Project 365

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything." - Aaron Siskind

Although there were big events in 2014, the year's beauty truly rests in the tiny moments of discovery. My second year of Project 365 taught me to be ever observant and patient. Again, I experimented with composition, light, angles and editing, yet some of my favorite images were taken in one shot -- surprising moments that caught my eye. As always, my photos reflect a profound appreciation of nature and the seasons, as well as my favorite things. At the end of 2013, I observed that what was conspicuously absent in my photos what my love of sailing. After that year's hiatus, 2014 provided several wonderful opportunities to capture the beauty of a white sail against a blue sky or a brilliant sunset. Yet, in 2014 the obviously missing factor was photos of my beloved Paris. To make up for not traveling to France this year, I began a series called "French Fridays." Although not part of Project 365, my French Friday posts were some of the most popular features on this blog. I hope to return to France in 2015, but in the meantime, French Fridays will continue along with other thematic features to be revealed in the new year. I hope you continue to follow me on this journey of creative discovery.

December in Pictures

This month, I joined my colleagues in the December Photo Challenge. Although it was nice to have a prompt to guide my focus each day, it was also limiting. I struggled to be creative, to remain true to my own aesthetic, while fulfilling the requirements of the daily challenge. For two years, I've considered participating in the FMS Photo A Day challenge online. I'm still debating....

Celebration

December 31, 2014 (364/365): "Celebration" #decemberphotochallenge Day 31: Fun

First, a Champagne cocktail with a splash of lavender liqueur...

... and a view of the Milwaukee Art Museum at  Harbor House

Next, La Réveillon à Lake Park Bistro

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It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere (here in Milwaukee) ...

... but it's Midnight in Paris - Bonne Année!

Menu: Coquilles St. Jacques followed by Tournedos de filet mignon

Le dessert: Profiteroles & Champagne...

... with a view of the Eiffel Tower!

Joyeuse Année! Que 2015 sera pleine de joie et de grands aventures!

Hope

December 30, 2014 (364/365): "Hope"

(#decemberphotochallenge Day 30: Your Winter Wonderland)

I had hoped for a white Christmas, but no luck. Today it's definitely cold enough to snow (subzero wind chills). If we can't have a winter wonderland outside, I can enjoy this one. It was a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law. The colors caught my eye since she decorates in gold for the holidays, but what I loved best is the message: "Give a Little Hope: Portions of the proceeds from this item benefit shelters across the county. It is our belief that everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to call home. In the true spirit of the season, we have partnered with shelters for the Give a Little Hope Campaign to provide temporary and long-term shelter for youth and families." ~ Pottery Barn.