Wow, I cannot believe it has been a year since getting on the "365" track. It has been a wonderful and very rewarding journey. When I was first introduced to this project back, sometime in May of last year by my co-worker Linda, initially I thought it was a nice idea, but I've never been involved in anything like this before, so I was a bit skeptical. She knew I loved photography, and she kept bringing up the idea, so eventually I checked it out, and low and behold, I fell in love with 365.
Now here it is, one year later, and I've met so many wonderful people, people, that even though I've never met, I feel as though I know you as well as some of my friends. Some of you have been going through some difficult times, and I have been praying for you, and will continue to do so. It is hard to believe that you can develop friendships like that through such a project as this, but many of us have found out it is possible.
All day I was thinking about my 365th photo, and my mind kept coming up blank. Then of course, several of you made the comment, "I can't wait to see what you have in store for your final photo...I will be on pins and needles waiting to see tomorrow's photo..." I cannot take the pressure, though, being in nursing, I do function better under stress. I comes with the job, LOL.
So on the way home I was thinking about the past year, and I couldn't help thinking about what this journey has meant to me. It moved me out of my comfort zone. It moved me back into writing, something I have not been doing for sometime now. And it forced me to expand my vision of photography. As I looked through the hundreds of beautiful photos being posted on here, my appreciation for the art grew. Photography will always be a big part of who I am, and it has the potential to compliment any writing that I might accomplish in the months ahead.
This simple photograph of one of the nearby railraod crossings became my 365th photo. For though only a simple railraod track, it represents a journey, my journey, and as you can see, it doesn't end here. I will be sticking around, perhaps not an every day occurrence, but I will be come and go, probably at a much more relaxed pace. I want to say thank you to all of you who have followed me, and who have offered your words of ecouragement. You have no idea what it has meant to me.
The best picture for today...I must make this a fav. I really like the effects, like a long lost but not forgotten photo. Congrats on finishing this step in your journey of life. Please do stick around. Your continued to support of me has helped me in so many ways. Blessings to you!
I have tears and goosebumps. What an amazing photo and words. I will miss you here. Thanks for all your kind words. You are so kind. Thank you! Good luck and God bless!
This is one INCREDIBLE photo and perfect processing - your best ever Rick. I love it. Worthy of a print on canvas. It is also a fitting end to this first 365. Take a month or two or three and then dive back in again. :) But do keep in touch. You have been a wonderful asset to the 365 community here. His Blessings!
PERFECT!!!!! I'm like you -- I have been amazed at the friends found here! I was so surprised to find so much care and support -- affirmation! Like you, it drew me back into an art form I had abandoned -- well, because of the constant criticism my "ex" threw on me about my photographs. I understand the re-emergence of the love of both photography and writing!! I was afraid this meant you would no longer be around -- please continue to journey with us!!
Congratulations and an excellent photo for your 365th!! All the best in future projects and hope to see you pop in at your own pace! Thanks for your time :)
Congratulations on hitting 365! I've enjoyed getting to know you through your photography, and I appreciate that you've been so kind to take the time to comment on my photos even when I'm not around to reciprocate. You have a great eye, a great mind, and a great heart, and I'm glad that you'll be sticking around!
Very cool processing on this wonderful and symbolic photo. You have made my year better by being here. Thank you! I am so glad you will be writing more as you are very good at it. Peace, blessings and hugs.
Rick wonderful finish for the year. Congratulations. I have enjoyed your photos, your wisdom, your stories, and mostly your kindness. I'll keep you in my prayers. :-)
Kudos to you, Rick, for finishing your 365! It has been such a pleasure to get to know you and talk to you almost daily thru our photos. As Melissa said, you have been such a loyal follower, always taking the time to comment even when I'm not around to reciprocate. I know you're a wonderful nurse and your patients are so lucky to have you. Your compassion saturates your writing, which you do so beautifully. This photo is perfect - universal for all of us on this journey together. I'm also glad you're sticking around, as I have. It's just such a nice place to come home to after a day in the world. Thanks for your friendship and lovely comments each day.
Fabulous and so fitting. I hope you will let us know when your first book is published. You are such a talented writer with a sense of guidance and insight. I can see you writing a book of devotionals and I would be the first to buy it. Congrats on completing your project.
Oh Rick, this photo is a simply perfect end to the amazing journey you have had. It's a fav for me too. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know you. Your photos and words have touched me, inspired me and made me dig deeper. I wish you all good things with your writing and I'm so glad you will still be checking in here.
A big congrats to you Rick! I have enjoyed all your photos and especially your words of wisedom. You are such a kind and gentle man and I wish you and your family all the best. Such a wonderful pic to end with,fav!
What a fitting shot for your 365th, rick... still sooooo much possibilities out there.... so many more shots to take.... I LOVE IT... A FAV! CONGRATS!!!!
Congratulations on finishing the "race". I'm sure the Master is saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" Rick your photos have inspired me and countless times your thoughts, comments and devotions have encouraged me. I can't help but be a little sad that I won't have those things to look forward to on a daily basis anymore. But I am also glad that you will be working on your writing. Might I make a suggestion and encourage you to take some of those photos and commentaries (many are so like a devotion) and use them as a starting point for a writing project. I think you really have something there. This is a great final shot- not just because the track looks into the distance and holds an adventure, but also because it obviously comes from behind to and will always bring you back to fond remembrances of your stay here. God bless you and thank you for everything you've brought to 365.
Congratulations on 365. :) what a wonderful journey you have been on...
I really like the texture on this one.. and the symbolism of the tracks really works well.
Hope to "see" around.. :) Take care..
Congratulations my friend...your words are as amazing as your last photo. The day I see #364 on my screen, I'm going to think of how incredible your finale came to a close. Brilliant work Rick...you're a class act and a very talented man. Don't be a stranger! BTW...FAV'D!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an incredible shot - love the hint of drama in it and of course the picture tells a story. Your words to go with it are perfect. I've loved getting to know you.
I think it is the perfect image for your 365th photo! Love it. It's been an incredible journey and I've so enjoyed not only seeing your photos but also hearing what you have had to say. Thank you for sharing so many personal details, and for always offering up support when it was needed. :D Big hugs to you! Hope to see you around.
Instant favorite, awesome shot, beautiful post, it made me so sentimental now reading your post, and knowing your feelings.
It was a pleasure following you, you have a beautiful project, beautiful posts with very wise words.
I hope you will continue to post everyday, it will feel weird not seeing your comments everyday, you do comment everyday, I don't know how do you do it, and I so appreciate every word you ever said to me.
Congratulations, and I wish you always happiness on your way, you deserve it!
Congratulations, Rick, on completing the project, on taking beautiful pictures every single time, and on inspiring all of us with your work and your meaningful words. Cheers! =)
Got up this morning & of course you manage to find just the perfect 365th end ! Has to be a fav simply to remember you & your lovely words, they were always almost more important than the picture & I'm glad you are going down that track more !! Thank you for all your encouragement for my project, your name was nearly on everything I did & I appreciate the time you gave to those comments! Will look out for you now & again & God go with you !
Fantastic shot to commemorate your incredible journey - so well very done!!! I've loved your photos, your textual thoughts and reflections, your supportive comments, and your presence! A fav!
Fantastic effort, thank you for all your comments, they are always so personal and helpful. I also love your writing to match the photos. Best wishes for the future and I hope you visit the site when you have a moment.
Congratulations on completing this project. I agree with you that the people that follow us become our friends. I knew that I could always count on you to leave a comment or word of encouragement.
That is an amazing photograph--I would have thought it was Photoshopped. It's been so great reading your words, Rick, I appreciate greatly your thoughts on my mother's Alz., and I've loved your expert photos. Hope you still grace us with your words and photos of beauty. I'd particularly like to see your granddaughter as she grows into a young woman.
Congrantulations on your 365 picture. It is an amazing photo. I've always enjoyed reading your stories about your pictures and I could alway count on you posting a comment on mine. I will miss you and it has been a pleasure getting to know you.
Tears are rolling down my face...you are an inspiration and so thoughtful to all of us...This photo is a FAV for sure but most favorite is YOU as a person...your writing....your ability to make all of us feel important! I feel like you are a friend! Your words say it all for so many of us.
Congratulations, Rick! You made it and as all the comments show you will be missed here. Best of luck at work and with your writing. Hope you'll be able to stop by here once in awhile to see how we're all doing. Take care of yourself! ( =
(: No pressure, lol. I think what you chose as a final photograph is perfect, Rick. It's been a wonderful journey and I've enjoyed getting to "know" you through your photographs. Are you going to take a break? Continue? Whatever you do, the best of luck to you. (:
What an awesome photo, Rick and I love what you said about the 365 journey. I feel the same way as you do and YOU, my friend, has been a huge part of my experience here. You encourage us in our efforts and support us when we are
down. Just don't leave us!! You would be so missed. Look at all of the comments. You are truly loved by us all.
Rick, it has been a great pleasure getting to know you through 365. You have always been an encouragement. I hope to see you back. Prayers for you and yours.
I love this processing (as I type this through tears in my eyes) I have enjoyed your photos and your words, and I am thankful for every comment you have made on my photos (it was always nice to know there was someone out there :) ) and I wish you the best in whatever you choose!
Rick, I've enjoyed your photos a great deal and equally so what you've written about them. More often than not, you've put a theme to your shots. I think this is what I've liked about following you, that each day they'd be something of interest not only in the photo, but in your deliberations. At times, it's reminded me of a diary, at others it's felt like you've just been enjoying getting back to writing, and it's been a great journey, looking over your shoulder as it were. Now you can take it easier, but not too easy! Make sure you come back now and then. :)
Perfect shot for the end of your first year on 365. I have enjoyed this journey with you and look forward to seeing more of your history, area, and family. It have been wonderful to follow your year. This is a fav.
Congratulations Rick on a job VERY well done! You were one of the first people I began to follow when I started back in November. It's truly been a pleasure following your photos and stories over the past months! This is the perfect picture to finish your project with! :)
Rick, you've summed up how I feel about this project, and I'm not even half way through yet. Wishing you wonderful things for whatever your photography and writing holds in the future.
What a magnificent shot to end your project with!! ...and I'm so glad that you will be here sometimes, I love your pictures so! Once again good luck with your writing and any other project that you tackle in the future.
Wow. What a fantastic picture. Fabulous. I was not aware that you are so close to the end of your year.
congratulations.
The road as your picture show does not end though. I love looking at your pictures and words and hope to see more.
A very appropriate photo! and love your words once again. Glad we will still you some and I pray you are able to spend some time with your writing. I wish you all the best!
Congratulations Rick! You've been a wonderful 365 friend...this is a really lovely photo. I am almost at my end too....this photo is telling me "end of the line...stay tuned to new beginnings". I am glad you will be around from time to time.
Holy cow! 365? Really? And I missed it yesterday? This is awesome and please don't leave. I would really miss your comments and your photos and your wonderful posts. I know life happens and it gets hard and it's so great that you made it for 365 days but don't leave us. :)
I have always appreciated your comments Rick. I love the processing and the symbolism in this shot.
Hang in there - i have and it is nice .... without pressure t.... o just love the photography again :)
I just read ythrough the comments on today's picture and saw how many people's lives have been touched by your project. You have been an inspiration and a role model for all of us. It feels something like summer camp where you make friends all the while knowing you will be saying good-by at the end of the summer. I for one couldn't say good-by so i'm still here, and I hope you will stay on too.
Congrats on this milestone! You certainly didn't let us down with your final shot of year 1, this is an excellent shot! Hope to keep seeing some of your work around here!
Ah, don't go. I have so enjoyed all of your pictures and especially all of your writing. You are very talented and seem like such a great guy.Congratulations on finishing the project.
Wow, super huge CONGRATS on an incredible album. What a fine accomplishment!!! I have so enjoyed following you--an amazing journey indeed! This is a fantastic "final" image, but I for one am really hoping to see more of you. WTG!!!
Wow! What a fantastic last-shot! I have enjoyed your posts, your comments and your openness & honesty, Rick! Best wishes for good health and success in writing!
Congratulations on 365 days. I've enjoyed sharing this year with you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your diligence in posting every day. This is an excellent image and a nice way to finish your year. Glad we'll still be seeing you around. :)
This wonderful 365 photo of a railroad crossing looks kind of deserted and no pun intended that's what we would feel like when there will be no more amazing pictures not to mention your interesting captions and that's why I'm so happy that you decided to continue even if its only on a come and go basis. each and every comment you made on my pictures have been truly appreciated and I always looked forward to reading them.
*Bravo!*, Rick! You've compiled a wonderful album of photos, and it's no surprise that this wonderful image made the Popular Page! Congratulations for being a rock to so many in the community and a heartfelt friend. I can already see how hard it would be to completely walk away from this site and understand how it is that many continue to grow their portfolios. I look forward to seeing more from you as I enjoy your writing as much as your pictures. Thanks for the journey!
loved reading this ...didnt realise you had completed missed your uploads well done i cant imagine not being on 365 now and understand your words great last shot btw
It has been wonderful getting to know you through your 365 journey and I hope to still see you around here and there. Thank you for all the wonderful words of encouragement you have given to me. Best wishes to you and your family. Oh yah and I love this shot, the texture you used is perfect for the feel.
Congratulations! I've so enjoyed getting to know you through your pictures and writings. What a journey! I hope you continue - I can't imagine you not sharing your images and thoughts, at least occasionally. I have to Fav this - for one thing it's a wonderful photo, for another it represents that potential for friendship and inspiration in this community. Okay, enough sap. Have a great weekend, Rick :D
Congratulations on making the number 5 slot in the Top 20 this week!! This is a spectacular photo! I wish I had more time to leave an extended comment. May have to try to come back later....been meaning to since you posted it on Wednesday. Congratulations, again!! Well deserved!
I have enjoyed getting to *know* you this past year, Rick. This photo is a great ending shot...but am glad to see that you will be sticking around, if only now and then! In addition to your wonderful photos, keep up the writing as you certainly have a talent for it!
Wow you did it and as can be expected of you and the calibre of your photos and writing this is astounding and befitting. Thank you for your friendship and I hope you manage to keep in touch. Oh Congratulations on reaching the Milestone that's 1.
This is a wonderful picture to finish up 365 pictures down the line, its been a pleasure to see all your pictures and read your stories over the year Rick , and thank you again for all your comments. I agree with you its a marvellous project and its amazing how friendships develop . So glad you are continuing ,we have had our granddaughter and her boy friend over to stay for a few days , so have some catching up to do, I love your picture of the dog in the car
Congratulations on achieving 365 photos Rick. I love your final photo because indeed, it has been a journey. Whilst I don't contribute to 365 now, I want to acknowledge how much I appreciated your comments and the time you took to look at my photos and so many others, from so many people. You have been remarkable!
What I loved were your photos for the themes ... always so imaginative and fun. Oh, and remember that wonderful story that had us all glued to the net waiting for the next installment?
How awesome that your 365th photo made the top 20. congratulations on that AND just finshing your project. Along with a few others, you are one of the 365ers I will truly remember if I ever do decide to move on from this site... I can't see that happening... but life gets in the way. you are so wise, always enjoy reading your thoughts. and thank YOU for all of YOUR words of encouragement as well. I know you have been more faithful to comment on my photos than I have on yours... I hope to get better with that and am so so gladyou are sticking around :)
Rick, this photo is STUNNING!! Congrats on finishing your project and making it to the top 20!!!! It's been a pleasure following you, looking at your beautiful photos and reading your wise and wonderful captions! I always appreciate your comments and I am so happy to have met you through 365!! It's great to see that you are still posting! Although I haven't been around much lately, I always try to take a look at your album whenever I can! Keep doing what you do and taking these amazing photos!!!
Wow - I can't believe you've done 365 - congratulations - what an achievement and so glad you've got so much out of it. Thanks for all the comments on my pics and apologies that I've never been even remotely good at keeping up with my followers! I can see from the thumbnails that you haven't quite given up yet - so that's good news!
Simply magnificent as the crowning glory for your first year on 365! I realise I am way way WAY behind .... but now following ... thanks to Ann's "very first fav's photo" @olivetreeann
July 11th, 2014
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I really like the texture on this one.. and the symbolism of the tracks really works well.
Hope to "see" around.. :) Take care..
It was a pleasure following you, you have a beautiful project, beautiful posts with very wise words.
I hope you will continue to post everyday, it will feel weird not seeing your comments everyday, you do comment everyday, I don't know how do you do it, and I so appreciate every word you ever said to me.
Congratulations, and I wish you always happiness on your way, you deserve it!
down. Just don't leave us!! You would be so missed. Look at all of the comments. You are truly loved by us all.
congratulations.
The road as your picture show does not end though. I love looking at your pictures and words and hope to see more.
Hang in there - i have and it is nice .... without pressure t.... o just love the photography again :)
What I loved were your photos for the themes ... always so imaginative and fun. Oh, and remember that wonderful story that had us all glued to the net waiting for the next installment?
All the best to you Rick and well done! :)