I ♥ February

February 1, 2015 {32/365} "Heart"

Yesterday, I mentioned my disenchantment with the January results of my 2015 Project. A month ago, I felt focused and excited to implement my new ideas for photos and writing. Yet rather than facilitating my daily creations, I became increasingly confused and frustrated. As the month progressed, I worried that I would fail in my attempts to implement my plan, not wanting to disappoint myself nor those who enjoy my posts. But it ultimately occurred to me that professionally, I always encourage others to be creative and innovative, to take risks and try new things.  I assure them that setbacks or unsuccessful results should not be viewed as "failures" but rather learning opportunities that enlighten and encourage further innovation. Should I allow myself to "fail forward" as well?

So after reflecting on what I learned in January, it's time to try something new again in February. I won't hold myself to unrealistic parameters and expectations, but rather post only what I love. It may seem funny, by I love February! Although many dread another month of cold winter days, I rejoice in these 28 crisp, snowy days, punctuated by celebrations of la Chandeleur, Valentine's Day, Mardi gras, and my birthday (the exclamation point at the end of a lovely month). February posts will be filled with pretty hues of crimson and pink, flowers, hearts, and beautiful snowscapes. Cheers to failing forward, to life-long learning, to new challenges, and to February!

Lavender Champagne cocktail at Harbor House

January Confusion

OK, a month ago I thought I had it all figured out. I had determined themes for each day of the week to theoretically make it easier to blog everyday. I also dabbled in the #FMSPhotoADay project and enjoyed sharing and comparing other interpretations of the daily prompt around the world. Yet, somehow rather than being more focused in my purpose, I became more confused. I ended up posting two photos each day (unless I could find a way for both prompts to coincide). My own themes required choosing archived photos (especially on French Fridays) so the monthly calendar no longer reflects all current images.  So tomorrow, it's back to the drawing board.

French Friday: Petite

Photo prise en janvier 2013

Connaissez-vous cette très petite maison au no 13 quai Voltaire 75007 à Paris? Elle est si étroite, mais je la trouve absolument charmante avec sa porte bleue, sa belle fenêtre, ses jolies sculptures, et ses deux petits balcons. J'aime imaginer l'intérieur qui ressemble à une maison de poupées. C'est un bel exemple que les meilleures chose sont souvent aux plus petits paquets!

Homestead

January 29, 2015 {29/365} (Original July 2013)

Some things never change despite a change of season. This will always be "home" for the Larsons. My great-grandfather owned the store and my grandparents owned the house since the late 1800's. My dad grew up here and my Grandma Dodo (my mom's aunt) lived upstairs in the apartment. I spent summers and weekends here and even have a scar on my lip from where I feel on the stairs. Yep, some things last forever!

Colorful

January 28, 2015 {28/365} Colorful

"I never met a color I didn't like." - Dale Chihuly

Many view winter in Wisconsin as drab, devoid of color; however, I love our winter palate: the snowy white canvas, a steely blue-gray sky, the lacy dark branches of barren trees. Yet after a while, especially after a January thaw, I begin searching for brief glimpses of brighter color like berries or song birds. Today, the mild temperatures beckoned me to explore, but the only bright hue I found was the blaze orange of ice fishermen's jackets out on the lake.  Thwarted in my quest for natural color, I looked to art to satisfy my craving. Dale Chihuly's Isola di San Giacomo in Palude Chandelier II (2000) at the Milwaukee Art Museum never disappoints!