Short Story Long

For the 113-in-2013 photo challenge, I did not manage to get a great shot of each item that I was pleased with.  However, it did inspire me to get out and take pictures of things I would otherwise pass by, and that's the reason I do it.  Here are three of my favorites, all shots which I actually took specifically for this challenge. #5 one word #41 trees in a row #99 somewhere to sit You can see the whole set here .  I'm pleased that I got as many as I did - 74.  Better than the previous year.  I signed up for the next group, 114 in 2014.  I'm not sure how much I like this list.  In the past year, I found my self struggling to go out and shoot things, like "a baby picture of yourself."  I just don't find much room for creativity there, unless I spend an inordinate amount of time coming up with a crazy concept.  On the other hand, I know it stretches my thinking, and I enjoy the camaraderie of the group.   One...

Just one more on Christmas, for my mom.  Christmas traditions from my childhood that we've adopted into our home include the Advent Wreath, which I previously wrote about , wow, three years ago.  This year we finally incorporated the Thanksgiving Chain.  Each day in November , we each write something we're thankful for on a slip of paper, a link in the chain.  Guests for dinner also get to write something, and become part of our chain.  In December , we hang up the chain around the room and attach Christmas cards we receive on it.  It's a festive addition to the decor, and cards don't get lost!  In January , we take down the chain and put all the cards in a basket.  Each night at bedtime, a card or cards are drawn out, and we pray for the sender.  I like that we talk about who these people are, since my kids don't know all of our distant friends and family, and I like that they are so good about praying for other people.  It's ve...

Rounding out the end of December so that I can move on to other things...! One of the things we did in December that I enjoyed, was getting up early a couple of mornings for some frosty, wintry pictures.  It's cold; people complain, but then the fresh air takes over and we see magical things.  Unfortunately, we did not have a white Christmas, even at my parents' in the mountains; the frost and snow was all gone by then.