February 5, 2015 {36/365} Urchins
Once again, Mother Nature reveals herself as a masterful stylist combining color, print, texture, and shine to adorn these lovely sea urchins. Her beautiful pastels and perfect Fibonacci patterns eclipse the work of any grand couturier. Lacking a sandy beach to properly showcase such finery, I opted for the sparkle of powdery, white snow -- a celebration of opposites that transcends the rules of fashion. Natural beauty is never out of season.
le 4 février 2015 {35/365} "Une tache"
Des fois, c'est juste une tache, une petite imperfection, qui rend l'ordinaire à l'extraordinaire!
February 3, 2015 {34/365}
"Belladonna, n.: In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison. A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues." - Ambrose Bierce
In keeping what seems to be a theme this week (cherries on Sunday, strawberries yesterday), here is another photo featuring red fruits. Now before you panic, no, I didn't eat any of these beauties! I know that they are belladonna (deadly nightshade). Yet, just as I alluded to last week, on winter days while I love the pure white snow, the velvety gray skies, and the lacy bare branches, I still crave vibrancy. These crimson stunners certainly fit the bill, so feast your eyes!
February 2, 2015 {33/365} Groundhog Day | La Chandeleur
I definitely prefer the French holiday and its tradition of eating crêpes. Yet la Chandeleur also comes with weather predictions: « À la Chandeleur, l'hiver cesse ou reprend vigueur; Chandeleur couverte, quarante jours de perte. » ["On Candelmas, winter ends or strengthens; If covered with snow, forty days to go."] It's almost like waiting for the groundhog to see his shadow, but much more delicious! Today was sunny and cold here, so we are destined for forty more days of winter. The groundhog confirmed it. Only 40 more days of Wisconsin winter? Not bad!
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
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.
