2013 and Project 365 Year One is Complete!
Thirteen and a half years ago, this wonderful puppy – our beloved Nutmeg – came into our lives and brought us many years of joy, companionship, love, silliness, and compassion. Her last year was extremely hard, as many of you may remember from some of my commentaries. First was the unsuccessful surgery in May 2012, after which she could never get up by herself. Second, the surgical recovery, from May-June, 2012, when we learned what long term care would mean. Third, she began rehab treatments 3 times a week at Integrative Pet Care in Chicago. Fourth, vet sign off to Beaver Island in late June, where she had a summer of swimming and gained sufficient strength to work with us on return to Chicago. Fifth, she restarted twice-weekly rehab, and Jim and I cared for her at home, carrying her up and down 2 flights of stairs (about 20 steps) three times a day when it was time for her to go outside. She walked with the help of a harness. We cancelled all travel and worked our schedules so we were both home every 4 – 6 hours, in case she needed to go out as it took us both to handle the stairs.
With our lives on hold, I looked for something to do while hanging out with her. At a conference in December, I heard about Project 365 from a researcher who had studied the ‘discourse’ on the site as part of a project on social networks. What I heard in his talk was “photography site” where people were “friendly and supportive rather than critical.” That sounded great to me. I would never have thought about joining 365, nor taken the time to participate, if it hadn’t been for Nutmeg. Who knew what a lifetime legacy she would be leaving me in her final year.
So I thank you all for how much you kept me company, albeit unknowingly, during her final 6 months; thanks to those of you who responded to ‘her’ postings in May and June, and thanks for your support as I re-entered the broader world again on June 23rd. I’m forever grateful and look forward to continuing into Year 2.
Happy New Year and wishing everyone a great 2014!
What a wonderful tribute to Nutmeg! Precious memories that you will always hold dear to your heart!
May 2014 bring you love, laughter and many good times!
what a beautiful tribute...and story about how you came to the 365 family. I am a terrible member of that family.......after almost 3 yrs, just barely commenting on anyone's photos anymore....so I apologize....I know what it is like to care for an ailing member of the family, then have to let them go.....then have to hear everyone say "just get a new dog!".....which always made me want to punch someone in the throat - - but maybe that's just me.....lol. Anyway, hugs - and congrats on finishing!
What a beautiful puppy, how wonderful that she was yours and how lucky she was that you loved her so much. Looked back through your year and feel quite emotional. I am such an animal person (you may have noticed) so lovely that you are too. Thanks for sharing this.
Great to follow the beautiful Nutmeg's story. 13 is a good umber of years for a big dog so she would have had a good life till things became difficult! I can't say anything better than @sticksandstones and @lucypics !
that's beautiful taffy - animals give us everything without holding back & it seems your dog gave you even a little more than you imagined by directing you to a project where you have shone ! more shining next year i hope :o)
What a wonderful tribute and story. I am so very sorry I started 365 after Nutmegs passing.I would have loved to know her through you. I love these images and the one in the Drive By thread.It is so hard to say goodbye to a family member,but Nutmeg has left you so much.I am grateful to her for bringing you to 365!
@mzzhope Thanks Hope! You would have had fun exchanging ideas with Nutmeg. She only posted a few times (started the end of May and maybe posted two or three times after that), but she was in several of my shots from the first half of the year. I appreciate your kind words, as always!
Oh this made me cry! Such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful companion. Being a mommy to two special dogs (one with a health challenge) I understand and applaud the journey you took with Nutmeg. See what a legacy she has left you?
Happy New Year, Taffy!
wonderful tribute Taffy ... very touching .. have really enjoyed sharing this journey with you ... although we really connected for a smaller portion but you have been so supportive and encouraging ... privileged to enjoy your company!!
@virtualbrownie@humphreyhippo@pixiemac@gozoinklings@gozoinklings@maggiemae@kass@lucypics@sticksandstones@salza
Thanks to you all for your lovely responses. Jenny -- I know what you mean and had a little smile when I read your comment! Nutmeg will most likely (I never say never, but if I did, this would be a time) be our last dog. I don't think I have it in me to go through this again. And with a large dog -- which I would always want -- caretaking gets increasingly complicated just because of their weight. But I'm the best dog sitter around!!
Happy New Year to you all!
@friend2303 Right back at you, Vijay! It's been a joy to follow your album, and inspiring as you have so many creative ideas! I hope to see you into my second year!
@jankoos I've watched your dogs with interest and good thoughts. I know how hard it is to have a health challenged pet (even while I know that there are many of us on the sight who have far more tragic issues related to human family members). But, our pets become a part of our family and they have a very special place in our hearts because they are dependent on us their entire lives. All the best in the new year!
What an adorable puppy and touching story! I only joined 365 this past Fall and have so enjoyed all your amazing photos along the way. Thank you Taffy for your fabulous photos, personal commentaries and photo hints, not to mention your supportive comments to me and others.. I'm sort of a night owl like you so it seems we often post around the same time. Congratulations on completing a stellar 365 year and much happiness in 2014!
Congratulations Taffy on completing Year ! ! I love the collage of adorable Nutmeg, she was so lucky to have you in her life. Your tribute brought a tear to my eye, thank you Nutmeg for bringing Taffy to 365 so we could enjoy her wonderful photos x
@pixiemac It would be GREAT fun to meet up! Though Chicago photography in winter can be daunting -- but we can usually find somewhere warm and interesting or just dress for it. When do you think you are likely to be here?
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Taffy~ My heart is melting! Wishing you to most wonderful New Year and congratulations on your finish~~ "see" you next year~~ Thanks for all your inspiration these months~~
Congratulations, Taffy, for completing your year. You and your photos are such a wonderful inspiration, and they have that special "Nutmeg element ." I do think the 365 community is warm and unique. Here's to a fabulous year ahead for all of us!
@taffy hello taffy, I was just debating to continue or not to continue into 2014. I was keeping up so well in 2013 until the peak wedding season hit me. after I lost my momentum I just never kept up. I guess I need to make my decision soon. 2014 is only hours away. hard to believe
@photodude Oh, you should definitely do it if you have any inclination at all! Winter months are so dull that it's a great time for challenges and themes to push ourselves. Just keep in mind the 'your project, your rules' philosophy and set some reasonable goals. I'm thinking of something along the lines of a photowalk a week, and then use photos for up to seven days. Or take a photo on the weekend, and then process seven different ways (I'm starting to think about PS and learning it). Or take an object and photograph it daily from a different perspective. Just fun stuff like that. It would be great to have a few others who want to be lower key than a photo a day taking/posting, but still want to 'commit' to a project. What do you think?
@taffy I'm easily talked into this. hahaha. I'm in. I look forward to what the year will bring in photos. I will most surely keep following your work. you have so many awesome images.
@photodude Loving this feeling of the power of persuasion! I don't know if I have it in me to organize something, but I wonder if it would help to have a thread of weekly theme/challenges that 2nd year participants could share for ideas to push ourselves but to get our lives back at the same time? I need to be more sane about the site, but think it will be hard to do as I'm so addicted!
Taffy you have had me in tears once again!! Nutmeg was such a gorgeous dog and so much more to you and Jim - real family!! To read again all about those last months with her just breaks my heart for you both!! How wonderful to think that Nutmeg brought you to 365 and what a difference 365 has made to your life!! I have loved following you this last year - congrats on reaching your final shot and what a great way to celebrate with such a lovely collage!! Bring on 2014 and all the new challenges it will bring!! You are such a talented photographer and a real inspiration to many of us on 365!!
This is a lovely tribute. I didn't start following you until later in the year so I was unaware of most of this, but I know from experience how much a part of the family a dog becomes and how sad it is when they die. Well done on completing your first year and I'm glad you're planning to continue. Happy new year.
Didn't start following you until later in the year so did not know this story. You've written a lovely tribute to Nutmeg, it is always hard to lose a pet that's been in your life for so many years and has become part of the family. Congratulations on completing your 365 and hope to "see" you around here.
Aw, Taffy. I'm so sorry I didn't know this sooner. Bless you and your husband for being such loving people! What a wonderful life you gave Nutmeg. Congratulations for finishing your 365. What a remarkable person you are.
I don't know what to say to one of the most inspirational friends I have had this year. You are a marvel, a good friend, a fantastic photographer, and an educator to boot. I just celebrate you at this time and love your love for Nutmeg. Happy New Year Taffy. We shall meet some day; I'm sure of it. with @jyakota :)
A beautiful tribute - one only has to glance at the photos to see instantly the love between the two of you.
Congrats on your 365 one year anniversary...I have only been here a few months and it has brought me such joy!
Have a blessed New Year - I look forward to your captures in 2014!
@redy4et Thanks so much Elizabeth! Your words are so kind and I'm enjoying being able to follow you as well. You're right about being a night owl -- it's fun for me to see others like you who do their posting and commenting late into the evening. Have a great start to the year -- I look forward to continuing to follow you!
@cazann Thanks Caz! It's been great to 'discover' you on the site and follow. I appreciate your moving comment about my tribute to Nutmeg. She was quite a special dog so it makes me feel good to honor her like this.
Such a beautiful tribute to Nutmeg (love that name, btw), Taffy! SO glad you found 365 and sure have enjoyed following you and look forward to this next year!
@pamknowler You are tooooo kind!! But thank you so much for such wonderful words, not only about my photography, but about Nutmeg. I know you know how important a dog can be as I read it in every entry about Finlay. It's been a joy to be on this journey with you and I look forward to continuing to follow into next year. Someday I may make it to the UK!
Nutmeg was so very lucky to have had you in her life! Thank you for sharing this treasure of a story. I am so deeply touched! I went beck to look at Nutmeg in Memoriam. I cried, good tears! I especially loved her listing of favorite things, and all of the photos.
Congratulations on your completion of year one. I look forward to seeing your captures of the New Year!
This is an absolute thank you for sharing these precious photos FAV! I sincerely appreciate the connection and your willingness to be a kind, open, caring and diligent communicator! Hugs!
@leonbuys83 Thank you Leon. I've appreciated your visits and comments and look forward to continuing to follow you into 2014. And thank you for your understanding comment about Nutmeg.
@riverlandphotos Thank you so much! Really, it was Nutmeg who was such a remarkable special dog. She brought out the best in everyone she connected with.
@twinsplusone@summerfield Thank you Sharon and Summerfield. I really appreciate your continued support and your kind thoughts about Nutmeg. All the best to you in the new year!
@nanderson Thank you Nancy, but I am sorry I made you cry! That wasn't my intent -- but I do appreciate your empathy! All the best for a great year ahead.
@exposure4u Thanks Wendy! Nutmeg's name really fit her -- she could be a nut, and she loved eating them. I look forward to continuing to view your work over the year and appreciate your support. Happy New Year!
@yaorenliu Thank you so much RL! Nutmeg was the kind of dog who just made you want to take care of her. We did have a great life together. She used to try to knock my hand off my computer while I was working on photos and uploading, so that I would pet her instead. It usually worked!
@sunraye Raye, I so appreciate your comments. Thank you for taking the time to go back and read about Nutmeg and see the collage of her life. I still have trouble thinking about that night without crying even though it's been six months. She was a very special dog and we still miss her so much. In a way, she lives on by her presence in my album. Have a wonderful 2014 -- I look forward to continuing to follow your work!
What a gorgeous pup she was. Thanks for sharing these photos and your words. You know, 365 has helped me through a huge cross country move...I didn't have friends right away and still had tons of interaction and support through being a part of this community. It has been amazing.
@amandal Thank you Amanda! You are so right about this site. I would never have imagined what a wonderful community I was joining when I first signed up. I remember your album from the beginning -- it's been a joy to follow you! All the best for a great year ahead, friend!
A beautiful story to narrate, Taffy. Nutmeg must have appreciated what you did for her during those hard times. I have enjoyed seeing your beautiful photos and am very glad I will continue to do so in 2014.
Congratulations Taffy on your finish! A wonderful collage to remember your much loved puppy. She certainly brought smiles to our faces! It's been a pleasure watching moments in time in your life this last year. Wishing you a brilliant Year 2 and beyond! xoxo
@kazlamont Thanks Kazzy! I remember your posting to her -- she really was pretty amazing and special. I've loved your photos as well and hope you'll continue.
Congratulations on your finish and happy new year, Taffy! Your final capture is a wonderful tribute and I can understand you miss her. Thank you for being such a good follower and I apologize for being such a bad commenter. I wish you and your camera a great year 2014 :0)
What beautiful tribute to your gorgeous Nutmeg! Our dogs are so precious to us and what a wonderful life Nutmeg had with you - you must have so many happy memories and obviously some lovely images. When we lost our gorgeous hound Beck after 17 happy years, I was totally heartbroken, so I completely understand what a tough, tough year this must have been for you.
Congrats on completing your 365 Taffy - Happy New Year and good luck with your project next year! : )
Such A wonderful tribute for sweet Nutmeg!! Congrats on completing your first year! Look forward to seeing your lovely pictures in 2014! Happy New Year :)
@taffy Great tribute for Nutmeg. Have just been looking at your albums for your get pushed challenge - very difficult as you have such a variety of styles. All very good. However, your challenge is this, seeing as a lot of your photography is night time or on the darker edge, I would like you to explore high key photography / lighting and see what you can do with it. Looking forward to your challenge for me.
What a fitting tribute and beautiful Nutmeg. Congratulations on completing your project and I certainly have enjoyed your amazing pictures. I hope that you will continue posting as you are truly talented and inspirational. Happy New Year!
@taffy I am so sorry about your beloved Nutmeg. What an adorable puppy! It is so painful when our pets pass away.
Wishing you a wonderful New Year in 2014.
I always say whenever something awful is happening something good comes out of it. She looks a darling and you must miss her very much, but I think all your followers and friends are glad you have become a 365er, we'll look forward to your photography in 2014. Happy New Year.
A beautiful memorial to Nutmeg.I feel Gemma is starting on her final journey this year,just hope we can keep her comfortable in whatever time she has left.Congrats on completing year on 365!! Look forward to more great shots in 2014!!
What a lovely touching story about how you came to 365 but how fortunate for all of us that you did. I have so enjoyed looking at your wonderful photographs and seeing your part of the world. I'm really pleased to hear that you're continuing into year 2. Happy new year.
Hi taffy, I just read about nutmeg, what a beautiful dog! I had a little cry, my little poppycat Is my baby and I don't know what I do without her. I'm sure she is very proud of her beautiful tribute.
Looking forward to looking through your photos, and being a part of project 365 this year.
X
@rennes Oh, I'm sorry about Buck -- and know you understand how I felt. Thank you for your kind words. All the best to you for a wonderful 2014. I look forward to your photos to come!
@carolmw Oh Carol, my thoughts will be with you this year. Gamma has been such an important part of your life, it's clear. I know you will treasure the time you have left with her. Here's to the community of 2014 who helps us through trying times!
@espyetta Oh, Mary Beth, thank you so much for your kind thoughts! I really am so grateful that Nutmeg's situation led me to join the site and I've loved following you this year -- looking forward to 2014 together!
What a beautiful tribute and final post to your 365 Project. Although I have followed Nutmeg's story, I had no idea how she led you to this Project. It was meant to be. Congratulations to you on an amazing year. It has been wonderful to get to know you - and I really feel I have! - and to follow your beautiful work. I have always been inspired by you willingness to try new things and always push yourself to learn and grow. Happy New Year to you and all the best in 2014!
What a fitting tribute... and a really touching story! Congratulations on finishing your year one... I hope to see you continuing into year two and beyond... it has been an absolute pleasure following your project =)
She was certainly a cute pup! Yes, I remember your postings about Nutmeg's challenges. How wonderful that your 365 participation was a lasting gift to you from Nutmeg. Congrats on your year one completion!
Wow- it's not surprising that such a cute puppy grew up to be such a special dog. Congratulations on finishing your first year! I think a lot of people have come here through some "crisis" or another. My teaching contract had not been renewed and 365 became a real pick-me-up activity. Now it has fostered some dreams and the hopes to make them come true. I'm glad you'll be continuing on as I really love your pictures! I'll be starting year #4!!
Wow didn't realize the big part that Nutmeg played in your 365 journey. She was the cutest little puppy too! A very touching tribute and a wonderful way to end your amazing project! Always enjoy following your photos as they are so inspirational. Congratulations on the 100%! :)
@olivetreeann Interesting that a number of us found our way to the site for reasons that are only peripherally related to photography. Fantastic that you are onto Year 4 -- that truly is inspiring!
@cjphoto Thanks so much, Chris. Yes, Nutmeg really did play a major role in how I ended up on 365. So many evenings between January and June were spent with me going through photos, editing, posting, commenting as I sat with her on the floor, while she spent her time poking my hand to get it off the computer so I could pet her. I can't think of 365 and not have those memories -- a good thing. Happy New Year to you and thanks for your kind comments.
Congratulations for finishing your project and with such wonderful tribute. I started following you a bit before you lost Nutmeg but I remembered being very sad for you, it´s terrible to lose a fiend. I lost my dog long ago and haven´t got a new one yet but it´s been clear to me for many years that Bernese will be my choice for a new dog -what beautiful & wonderful dogs they are! Also I want to say that I´ve enjoyed reading your narratives and I really admire how much of yourself you have given to this project.
I didn't realise it had been such a long and difficult journey towards the end, but what a marvellous tribute and a wonderful way to look forward using 365 as the medium. Looking forward to more of your wonderful pics.
Congratulations on finishing your project. Nutmeg has indeed left a lasting legacy, but not just for you. You have become an integral part of this site, a mentor, a coach, and a friend to so many people. This a wonderful tribute to her.
Well done on completing your journey Taffy, it has been a pleasure to follow you, and witness your transformation into the most gifted photographer. I doff my cap to you.
@susale THank you Suse! When you get a Bernie, you will absolutely love him or her. These are the most wonderful breed. We've had two and both were special. Nutmeg just happened to be one of those truly amazing animals, above and beyond what anyone would expect. Thanks for your support all year -- I look forward to following you into 2014!
@busylady Thanks so much Judith! It really was quite a year, but what a legacy -- to have found 365 was one of those life-changing events, which I would never have anticipated given that it is a website! All the best in 2014 as we continue on this photo journey!
@danielwsc Aw, thanks Daniel. And congrats on finishing yours! That was quite the effort over the past few days and while I didn't see all of the photos, I saw most of them and you really have quite an amazing album! Looking forward to our next walk (but passing on the lighthouse one -- too early, too cold, and still coughing). Let's do a photo walk soon, though!
@seanoneill Thanks so much, Sean, for all your kind words and comments today (and always!). I look forward to continuing to follow you in 2014! Happy New Year!
Awwww .... nutmeg was so beautiful :)
Lovely collage and a very fitting end of year shot. Congratulations on completing year one ..... look forward to more of your fabulous shots in year two! :)
p.s. a fav! :D
@michaelelliott Thanks Michael! We're still thinking about a trip to NYC in February! Hoping it works out and we can do a photo walk together! @jyokota
@nanalisarocks Thank you Lisa. Nutmeg was very very special -- I've had three wonderful dogs in my adult life and she was off the charts in sweetness. And thanks for your kind words re completing year one -- what a great ride!
Taffy, this tribute to Nutmeg and the one from June brought me to tears. I had not really known about this since I had not started following you till after her passing, and I am so sorry that you lost such a dear friend. Our animal companions come into our lives for many reasons, and obviously Nutmeg's legacy will stay with you forever in this project. I would have loved to have met her; she seemed like such an amazing dog, so beautiful and smart, and such a joy. When I lost my cat Lambchop to kidney disease after months of administering IV fluids to keep her alive I was heartbroken. They leave such a void in our lives, and yet their memories stay with us forever. She knew she was leaving you in good hands here!
I am so impressed with your dedication and success on this site. You are really an inspiration! So looking forward to following you for another year.
a very touching and beautiful tribute! congrats for finishing your year 1 project! it has been a pleasure to follow you and i'm eagerly waiting to see what you do in 2014! best wishes! :)
@panthora Thank you for all your kind words! Given what you went through with Lambchop, I know you do understand what it was like. Nutmeg was really very special and I'm only sorry we couldn't do more for her. Even though I've had two other wonderful dogs before her, she was just off the charts in sweetness. This site was a lifesaver in many ways, and now I feel it's my continuing connection to Nutmeg in some ways.
Oh Taffy this brought tears to my eyes! I'm so sorry to hear of poor little Nutmeg, such a sweet looking dog, but am so pleased for you that you have found 365 and I'm sure she is too! Congratulations on completing 365 and good luck for year 2!
...also brought tears to my eyes again...remembered reacting on the photo in june where I felt very 'near' to you. Very glad to follow your project although it's very irregular and always very glad with your kind and clear comments! Wish you a great 2014 ! And Congrats on finishing this year!!!
Soooooo cute! What a great memory collage of nutmeg! A big congratulations on one year, I'm glad to see your still posting. I have a lot of catching up to do.
@colie And to you too on finishing! I still remember those few days when we seemed to keep posting on the same subject -- I'm so glad I 'found' you as I've really been inspired by your creativity! Looking forward to year 2 with you!
Sorry, I somehow missed this (i have been limping, lamely towards the end of my project).. First if all congrats on completing your project! Such an achievement and such a joy to view your work. Thank you also for all your kind comments and support on my project. So glad you are staying on. This is a lovely tribute collage for your beautiful Nutmeg.
@happysnap Thank you Linda! This image, of course, carries so much meaning to me that I really appreciate your comments. I've really enjoyed your album!
@archaeofrog I sent you an article and a link to the talk via email. It's about halfway into his talk that he gets to the part about 365. Lasts about 6 minutes when he does get to it. Have fun!
There's nothing more selfless than to take an animal into your heart and home, knowing that most assuredly you'll outlive him, and yet you're willing to make that one life as blessed as you possibly can. Needless to say, that love is returned in a myriad of ways, which makes it so worthwhile for all engaged. You and Jim did an amazing thing to care for Nutmeg to that degree to the end. I thought the loss may have been a recent one, but though my "Jack-the Canary" left us only recently, a favorite cat took his leave two years ago, and I still think about him daily. I hold the thought that that represents a lot of love...for us both...that's a good thing.
@Weezilou Thank you for visiting this page and your lovely comment. You are right about what it means to bring a pet into your life. One of our friends said that the minute you buy your pet, you know they will break your heart. It's so true, but I wouldn't have traded those years away, even knowing what would come. Though this was the hardest situation I'd ever faced with a pet.
May 31st, 2014
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May 2014 bring you love, laughter and many good times!
Congratulations on completing 365, looking forward to following you through 2014, hoping to come to Chicago next year, so maybe meet up?
Congrats on your 100% Happy New Year. :)
Happy new year
Happy New Year, Taffy!
Thanks to you all for your lovely responses. Jenny -- I know what you mean and had a little smile when I read your comment! Nutmeg will most likely (I never say never, but if I did, this would be a time) be our last dog. I don't think I have it in me to go through this again. And with a large dog -- which I would always want -- caretaking gets increasingly complicated just because of their weight. But I'm the best dog sitter around!!
Happy New Year to you all!
@jankoos I've watched your dogs with interest and good thoughts. I know how hard it is to have a health challenged pet (even while I know that there are many of us on the sight who have far more tragic issues related to human family members). But, our pets become a part of our family and they have a very special place in our hearts because they are dependent on us their entire lives. All the best in the new year!
Congrats on your 365 one year anniversary...I have only been here a few months and it has brought me such joy!
Have a blessed New Year - I look forward to your captures in 2014!
Congratulations on your completion of year one. I look forward to seeing your captures of the New Year!
This is an absolute thank you for sharing these precious photos FAV! I sincerely appreciate the connection and your willingness to be a kind, open, caring and diligent communicator! Hugs!
@twr Thanks Timothy!
Congrats on completing your 365 Taffy - Happy New Year and good luck with your project next year! : )
Wishing you a wonderful New Year in 2014.
Looking forward to looking through your photos, and being a part of project 365 this year.
X
Lovely collage and a very fitting end of year shot. Congratulations on completing year one ..... look forward to more of your fabulous shots in year two! :)
p.s. a fav! :D
Congratulatios
I am so impressed with your dedication and success on this site. You are really an inspiration! So looking forward to following you for another year.
I don't think I ever heard your story about finding out about 365. I would be very curious to read that article!