the only way to go forward in life is to look to the future and leave the past behind. but then again, you make your future decisions based on the past ones you've made, to avoid the bad ones and to replicate the good ones in the hope that it will continue to enrich your life.
the start of 2016 saw me living for a month on a suitcase in a dark hotel room. there were only plus sides: i did not have to cook meals even though i missed cooking; i enjoyed not having to clean house, and the hotel staff pampered me with a clean room and new bed sheets everyday; and the hotel was right next to the beaches - okay, it was the middle of winter, but i was there a few times!
in the late spring a long-time 365 friend
@maggiemae and her husband john came to visit toronto. it felt like we knew each other so well and we're thankful for our rapport here on 365, a truly great community.
in the summer i got to travel back to lunenburg to visit louise and ken
@Weezilou and meet up with
@nova and her husband. i can never get tired of their company and the places around lunenburg. i've really narrowed down my retirement option to just one.
although my zest for photography has waned quite a bit, i am still in love with it. i have dipped my foot so to speak with processing using photoshop, although lightroom (which people say is much better) would have to wait. i go into these things when i am ready, you know.
i have discovered how much i missed reading and have read over 50 titles since the spring. i have a side gig reading manuscripts of to-be-published novels and giving reviews for the use of the publishing house. there's so many bad books being given a once-in-a-lifetime chance but there are more than many great ones; some of them will never be bestsellers but they were great writing just the same and wish the reading public would give those a break. and bit by bit, i am writing again.
in the fall, i have the privilege of being invited to join the self-portrait group of "five plus two" and i am enjoying the company and the ride with six great artists; the task of self-portraiture with those daunting themes is not easy but my creativity is being put to a test every time. check us out, will ya?
for 2017, there are a few people i plan to visit and hopefully i can make it across the pond and make that long ago promise to visit england and italy. but a trip to alabama is at the top of the list. there's someone there i would so much love to give a hug. she's been very supportive of me from the get go and i long to finally meet her. of course a niagara falls visit to meet with other friends is also in the offing.
i hope to really hone my skills more with the camera if and when i have the time. there are challenges in this site that i love doing, the artist challenge, for one - i am a shameless emulator! :-)
finally, i may not be as active as before, work and health issues (which come with age) interfere, but i will stay on, i will be here. if you need me, tag me.
happy new year, everyone! thank you for your support and friendship.
(note: the 12 smaller images are from each month of the year, starting on the top left for january. the middle one is my most favourite of the year. well, okay, there were others but that one is very dear to me.)
My first get pushed challenge is definitely even more of a challenge trying to think of a suitable challenge for someone as experienced as you. Your list made this a little easier so thank you for that.
My challenge to you is to capture a street image that evokes emotion in the beholder. Hopefully your winter weather will allow you to get out and about on the streets.
the awful things should make one to look within themselves and get to know themselves. how's that for perspective? hope you fully recover soon, my lady. mwah!