Friday, December 31, 2010

(Day 365) It's TIME

There seems to be something magical or mystical about the midnight hour on the eve of New Year. The clock turns over a new hour, new day, new month, new year, and sometimes even a new millennium. There's something refreshing about closing the chapter on the year gone by, and seeing all the new possibilities in the year just started.

For me, and many fellow bloggers, today marks the last day for our Project 365. We set out exactly 365 days ago to make some photos every day of the year and post (at least one of) them on our blogs. It's been an exciting time, an exasperating time, and a time full of learning. It's now also a time of relief (unless some out there are going to start on year 2 or 3 or 12 !). No more daily thoughts about what to shoot, and to set aside time to do so once a subject is chosen. It feels great to have successfully achieved this goal. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you're interested in learning a lot more about photography, I recommend it.

As for what I plan to do now, ideas are still floating around in my head. I've promised my wife (and myself) not to do another 365 project. I'll put down a few thoughts on what it was like and what I learned from it in a near future post. I do intend to maintain this blog, but without the promise of shooting daily. I will continue to visit fellow bloggers. And I will make/take time to continue with my photography.


In the meantime, I wish all of you health, happiness, and a great deal of pleasure in your photographic endeavours in 2011.


H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R !!!


(18-55mm  f5.6  1 sec  ISO400)

29 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

HAppy New Year.Please do continue to share your photography skills on this blog.

Scott Law said...

First of all my most hearty congratulations on a job VERY well done. It has been a joy for me, and I'm sure for many others to follow you through this past year. I know that we'll never know exactly but I'll bet there are many who start this project and never see # 365 and you went above and beyond by posting two or three photos most days and the large majority of them were excellent.(Whew, I'm out of breath from that sentence.) WAY TO GO RICK!!!!!!! I look forward to seeing what you do in 2011

darlin said...

Well Rick, you did it, congratulations! And a job extremely well done I must say. Thank you for all of your tips, comments, encouragement and inspiration. I'll miss not seeing your posts every day but I'm glad to hear that you're keeping your blog. I can't wait to see what you do next!

Have a very Happy New Year and may the good Lord continue to bless and be with you and your loved ones. Take care and God bless.

Leovi said...

Congratulations on your fantastic project, has been a pleasure to accompany you during this stretch, enjoying your beautiful and interesting photos. The latter I really like a nice closure. And now? another blog? Happy 2011. Leovi

Dagmar said...

Welcome in this new year my friend. Can't wait until your new post is posted....and all there is to come in this wonderful 2011....

May all your days be filled with laughter (at least once a day).

Oh and I do hear the misses...can't hide in blogland everyday...although I loved to visit.
See you around my friend.
Geniet van het weekend en daarna volgt het 'gewone' leven weer. Ik ga er weer voor dit jaar. Hoop dat jij hetzelfde voelt.
Liefs Dag

Oh and about the curves....hmmmm....oliebollen lekker he wist niet dat jullie die ook kende daarzo. Ciao

Chris D. said...

Congratulations Rick on a year of stunning and inspiring photography. I hope you continue to share your skill and enthusiasm throughout 2011.
Good luck and best wishes for the New Year.

Charlotte Weychan said...

Wonderful pictures - thank you for making so many days extra special with your inspirational work in 2010!

Teté M. Jorge said...

Congratulations on your project you have led to the end and congratulations for the wonderful work you have accomplished.
I just have to thank the opportunity to see your photos and delicious writings, and also have "known" someone as sensational.
I wish you health, love and accomplishments. Many joys with family.

Many beijos with love and admiration.
Happy new year, honey!
Thank you for all!
Yours.

Dawn said...

Great year Rick! Just sorry I wasn't here at the start of it!
Wonderful shots....enjoyed getting to know you through them all, and very glad you're still "going to be around"!
Happy New Year!

becky said...

Congrats, Rick & Happy New Year to you & your family! Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

imac said...

Congrats my friend.
Maybe - just maybe, its time to think about the Headbangers?? Challenge. Rick??

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

I hate to see you leave, Rick, but will watch for any new post. Good luck and have a blessed new year.

Soraia said...

Cool photo

Have an awesome year :D

Rick said...

Ruth - thank you for your continued visits and encouragement. I plan on staying.

Scott - I sincerely appreciate your kind comment. Thank you. I've learned a lot this past year, and I count you as one of the photographers from whom I've learned most - you have provided inspiration as well as encouragement throughout the year !

Thank you so much Darlene. You've also been a real source of encouragement, not just with your visits and comments, but with your sense of humour - you're good at keeping things in perspective (no pun intended). I hope we continue our 'blogland' friendship for a long time.

Katherine said...

What an amazing feat to post everyday of the year.... a congratulations is well & truly in order. I know I wouldn't be able to do it! Your images and your words have left an imprint in the hearts of many, myself of course included.
My wish for you & your family is a year of good health & happiness. Happy New Year Rick!

Cat said...

Congratulations Rick - what an awesome accomplishment! You have made some amazing art and it has been a pleasure to witness. So glad to hear that you'll continue blogging. Thanks for all your kind words and thoughtful comments these past few months - very much appreciated! Happy 2011!

Rick said...

Thank you Leovi - I thought I'd try my hand at abstracting time a little. Thank you for your visits and comments.

Hi Dag - thank you for sharing a chuckle and putting up with some of my nederlands - ik kan het hier niet vaak gebruiken. En ja, natuurlijk kennen we oliebollen - die maak ik elk oudejaarsavond ! Heerlijk ! See you. in blogland ;-)

Rick said...

Thank you Chris for your visit and comments. I plan to continue with the photography and the blog - just not certain on direction and pace yet. Happy New Year to you and yours !

Charlotte - thank you ! I appreciate your kind words, and visit. (I was over to visit your blog - beautiful gardens !).

Teca - it's been wonderful to get to 'know' you and visit your inspirational site - always with thought-provoking poems and quotes, with so much feeling. Thank you too for your many visits and kind words - and I return the many warm beijos ;-) The best for 2011 for you and those you hold dear !

Unknown said...

My "Happy New Year" comes a little bit late, but better late than never, am I right or right? . . . LOL :-)
All the best for 2011!

The long exposure gives the image "THE TOUCH" :-)

Greetz,


Joseph

Rick said...

Dawn - thank you also for your visits and encouraging comments over the past months ! I'm similarly glad I 'discovered' your blog and I always enjoyed your wonderful posts and photos. Have a great 2011 - I'll be over for regular visits.

Thanks Becky - although it's a (time) struggle to visit all the blogs I'd like to, I'll be over to check out what you're up to, as often as possible. Happy New Year to you !

Thank you Stewart ! I may consider your fine offer after we've completed our travels over the next few months.

Rick said...

I'll still be here Laura - just not doing another 365. Thanks for your visits and I likewise will look for more of your work this year.

Soraia - thank you. I appreciate your regular visits !

Thank you so much Katherine - you've encouraged me over the past year. When I hear about all the flooding in Australia, I hope that you and your family are spared. All the best for 2011 !

Hi Cat - I know I couldn't have done it without the support of so many followers, and I've appreciated your encouragement and regular visits. I've also found inspiration from the many great photographers out there, and I could you among them. I wish you happy 'shooting' (and gardening) in 2011 !

Rick said...

Cat - 'could' = 'count'. oops

Rick said...

Joseph - as always, you are right ! ;-) I've appreciated your visits and witty comments over the year, not to mention your great photography. Happy New Year to you and yours !

Katherine said...

Yes Rick we've been very fortunate, only having had a little bit of rain leak under the house due to a blocked drain...no permanent damage though. It is terrible though the damage that some towns further north up the coast have sustained... it will take ages for them to recover & get back on their feet.

Rick said...

That's good news to hear that you've escaped with only minor damage. From what I've seen/read it appears that many others aren't as fortunate. Hopefully no more lives will be lost.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!
I do hope you continue to share your photos and stories and continue to stay in touch!
I really enjoy getting your comments as I'm sure others do.

Please don't TOTALLY forget about us! ; )

Rick said...

Hi Avery - I was just trying to catch up on comments (impossible task ;-) when yours came in.

First - thanks. I've appreciated your many visits and comments, and also visiting your blog - you do wonderful stuff and I'd like to be young(er) and set out on a photography career like you !

Next - I'm not leaving; I'm going to be shooting as often as possible and trying to post daily (just a slight variation from a 365).

Last - I won't (intentionally) forget about anyone ! I've made way too many good friends in bloggerland to leave behind - YOU included !!

I hope you have an awesome year, not just in school, but especially with your photography !

Anonymous said...

No, thank you Rick!
I've made so many friends just by blogging and sharing the same interest as so many other people, I don't know what I would do if I just quit.
That is great for you to accomplish your 365 day goal, and it will be great for you to keep up your hobby and stay busy ; )
I forgot to mention that I liked what you did for your 'new year' post.

By the way, I have sorta been taking a break...with it being winter, there hasn't been much motivation to go outside and shoot nothing!
BUT I am going to make up the days I was gone (probably later tonight-I'm such a night owl, and what better to do when you're homeschooled!?) with some archives and get back to it.

Rick said...

Oh how I wish I was home-schooled - getting to sleep in and being a night owl ;-) (which I am)

I'll look forward to your 'night owl' shots then !

btw - you could post unique photos from NC of the SNOW ! (doesn't happen that often, does it ?)