The end of the road

First, I'd like to say that there is an unspoken pressure on me to make this last posting full of the most amazing pictures ever. Of course, that is a self pressure and I'm going to start by saying these are far from my best. But since I love abstracts, here goes.
Unveiling my sight:
This journey started as a challenge between friends, a challenge to grow and learn and complete 365 days of seeing the world anew. It was a way to expose us to the wide open universe of the ordinary and the extraordinary. And it was a way for us to expose ourselves as real artists, eccentric visionaries, and deviant risk takers. It worked. While sometimes frustrating, the challenge caused me to see that not only can I take a good picture, I can reach people with my photography on an emotional level. I feel confident in my abilities to see things differently and I know that I can capture a moment, memory or mistake in a totally unique way that is all my own. Exposing that unique way was probably the most difficult part, but it has helped me see my growth and potential.

Opening or closing the door?
We don't really recognize the importance of the journey until the end. Am I closing the door on this challenge? Yes...but I'm also opening the door to something new or to the next stage, whatever that may be. The tendons of my wrist are taunt with both worry and excitement as to what that stage will be. And the light just beyond the door assures me that my hard work in this challenge was not for nothing.

A hole left behind.
Sometimes, when we leave something behind, an emptiness becomes apparent in our lives. I am sure that not seeking out a new photo everyday will be strange and feel wrong. But I'm just as sure that the next stage of my photography will build me up until that hole is filled with new learning and acheivements and a sense of purpose. Emerson said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us". Journeys of the past and future will fade in time, but what we are deep down inside will never fade away. If anything, I've tried to make my "deep down inside" have a place in all my photos, so that someday maybe my great grandchildren can look back and understand what kind of person I was, what was important to me, why I fought for what I loved.

So I am officially signing off from this challenge. I may still post from time to time, but this journey is complete. I now take my first steps toward that which awaits me, a mystery and a blessing and a chance to use all that I have learned for good.

A great day

I woke up feeling much better so when Mike invited me to go to Queensbury for his son's soccer game, I was very excited to go. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, cold and clear and a lovely drive to the game. Michael did pretty well seeing as how this is the first year he has played soccer and only their third game so far. They lost 2-0 and he almost had a shot on goal. The sunlight was so intense, I had a little trouble controlling the light for the shots, but these I liked fairly well. Also, I wasn't quite as recovered as I hoped; the game took quite a bit out of me. ONE DAY LEFT TO POST AND I WILL HAVE DONE 365 DAYS!

The shadow of sickness

Well, I'm happy to report that I do not have a fever yet this morning! Still achy and all, but the lack of fever is a great lift. Hopefully, it is gone for good. I looked at Linda's shadow pose from yesterday and thought, hey that is cool. Then suddenly, I looked over at the floor and there was my sick shadow :) I know I look puffier than usual because I'm wrapped in a blanket and a huge sweater. So that's my shot for today. Incidently, I only have two more shots to take before I've officially completed the challenge. I'm really excited about that!

Sorry Phil!

When one is stuck at home, one can not do the assignment properly. In fact, one spends the day trying to sleep, drinking an annoyingly high amount of fluids and watching the Indiana Jones triology!

Grr

Well, I've got it all...the high fever, the congestion, the aches and pains, the on again off again chills and hot flashes. One second I was feeling pretty good and then in a span of a few hours, ick! This little mug is my saving grace today because it has held cool water numerous times. Best I can do, according to the doc. I hope this is the flu and that once I get rid of it, I'll be good for the rest of the fall and winter. In the meantime, I'm parking my sick self on the couch and praying for sleep!

Ghostly stairway

Took this shot this morning because I know I have a busy afternoon and evening coming up. Mike, good luck in your class tonight:)

Morning mist with tungston light