Ruff

Ever since the holiday season there has been a common theme around our home. Namely of the canine persuasion.

First the decision a furry friend. Immediately followed by the trail and error period which led to the contemplation that perhaps we're more cat people than dog people. I even sat in on a panel with the people behind the upcoming show on PBS called "Why We Love Cats and Dogs" where I actually asked for their help in the matter. They were very gracious. By the way, I cannot wait to see that show! A day or two later coincidentally began the dog sitting days. Believe me when I tell you if nothing else, dogs give you one more perfect subject for a 365 project. Then, today we topped it all off with an afternoon at the movies seeing Hotel for Dogs. Things are getting ridiculous, I know. By the way, it's a darling movie!

After all of this, we still don't have our family pet question answered (except of course that we know fish are cool) and and truth be told I'm OK with it not being decided just now. We're just going to sit with it. It's always fun when the puns come easy.

So, why the long drawn-out story then? No reason at all except to preface My Best Shot Monday offering today.



This shot was taken on the pup's last morning with us waiting for his true mommy (my mom-in-law) to come get him. I call it 'the final stretch'.

How about you? Share the story of your Best Shot.

Oh, The Possibilities

I know we're already almost half way through January but I am still settling into this whole New Year thing. In past years, with the hustle of the holidays I think I have passed over the event of the New Year with little attention. But, this go 'round has felt different. I have done a lot of musing about what it all means. It's a clean slate (not that I consider mine dirty) that can offer new beginnings. Possibility. Potential. Growth. So much to look forward to.

I'm not into the idea of resolutions really. I think breaking them can feel icky so I'm more about intentions. With intentions, the best intentions are enough. At least that's the way I can let myself off the hook if I don't keep up with a project like, let's say, 365. Yes, I have started a 365 project with no other rules except to shoot at least one photo every single day for 365 days (the entire year of 2009). Although I am not making myself post every photo of the series, I'm sure you'll all be hearing a lot more about the project in future posts. So, why the confession? I thought it was only right to at least admit that I am intending to do it. If for nothing else, to document this year in a routine of photographs. It's a small gesture that I know will push me creatively and encourage me to keep seeing things through fresh eyes. Every day. It may seem small but I think it's a good thing.

Behold, images 1-9. They are all in my 365 Flickr set.

As far as My Best Shot this week, is the opening image of this post. It reminds me that even the tiniest gesture can feel important. I'm sure that among a million other creative projects I am participating in (big and small) and/or future projects I'm sure will reveal themselves this year, each one will be worthy of my attention and will be meaningful (if not to anyone else, to myself).

Here's to all that the future holds for each of us. May we honor each day and make each of them meaningful in our own way.

What kinds of meaning are you discovering in your life these days? Do share with us your Best Shot this week. Whatever it means, I'm guessing it's wonderful.

Anyone else attempting a 365 project this year? I'd love to know the company I am in.

Edited to add...as it turns out Stephanie Roberts shared the perfect 'how-to' 365 guide over at Shutter Sisters. I am delighted by this timing! Too cool. Thanks Stephanie.

Sparkle Plenty

Superhero Andrea wrote post yesterday at Shutter Sisters challenging us to capture the weather in our images. I love the idea. Lucky for me, even here in Southern California, we've actually had some weather this winter.




This morning I woke to the cloud covered sun lighting up a million water drops that blanketed my backyard. I set my camera down on the patio right against the wet grass and shot photo after photo. The sparkle of magic and impossible hope left me enchanted.


As we being a New Year, it certainly seems like a great way to start. Have you found any magic from behind your lens of late?

Raising a Glass (or a plastic tea cup)

Well, I managed to let the very last Monday of 2008 pass me by without posting My Best Shot. Heavy Sigh.

My husband and I took a few days off without kids or computers (very late notice) and Monday came and went while I was gone. It wasn't until the long drive home that it dawned on me. I totally missed it. I apologize! But, alas, I will not let the end of this year pass without taking notice. And so, I am considering this a kind My Best Shot as we give a farewell toast the year that is almost behind us and a welcome toast to 2009.




It's a big deal to wrap up the year. And it feels particularly good to have a fresh start come Thursday. I want to honor both the coming and the going. Please feel free to join me.

If you've got a shot you'd like to share (something you had ready for Monday or something new) please leave your links.

Farewell to all that 2008 was and Cheers to all that 2009 will be.

So Many Things

I have been meaning to post this week about so many things...

Last minute gift ideas (in the video game genre), places to visit to help get you into the holiday spirit, DIY gifts to make for the grandparents, the list goes on and on.

But, I have a stack of holiday cards with no addresses on them and I am pretty sure they aren't going to address themselves, darn it. You'd think with technology these days, there'd be a way. I digress.

My intention for these next few days is remain grounded, centered and mindful not allowing the chaos of the world around me to distract me from enjoying this time of year. Are you keeping your head and heart in a sacred, nurturing place these days? I'd love to hear how you're keeping yourself sane amidst it all.

Past, Present and Future

I just revisited this interview I did with Maile of Daily Relish and couldn't believe how time flies. It's been a year!

Then there is this new little tid-bit at Our 365 about baby's first holiday photos which I wrote a while ago but was just published this week.

And last but not least I can only share three little words that you never want to hear in the same sentence with The Oprah Winfrey Show...cutting room floor. Which leads me to the Future part of this post where I reiterate what I know deep in my heart; all I have experienced up until now is merely the tip of the iceberg my friends. A dress rehearsal as my sister calls it. Despite my obvious disappointment, I take comfort in knowing the sky is the limit and I am flying.

How about you? Have you had any chance to reflect on what you've come from, where you are now and where you are going? This time of year is the perfect time to be thankful for what we do have and to look forward to the bright and brilliant future. I know it's going to be amazing. Can you feel it too?