Beginnings

The theme for NaBloPoMo January is Beginnings. The new year always gives us a clean slate, a blank page on the journal, an empty photo file, and a new beginning. Today I am going to reflect on the past year and my hopes for the new year. I will continue to post this month each and every day on beginnings. What beginnings do you have planned for 2012?

Winter Beauty in Northeastern Washington

Growing up in north Idaho winter meant deep snow, hillsides covered with evergreen trees that looked like they had been flocked, snowmen, and frosty windows.The beauty that surrounds me now is different, yet beautiful in a different way. The moisture and the clouds today created a lovely sight with the trees along the highway.

The creek close to home created a stark beauty combining ice, water,snow, gray, and black.

Lake Roosevelt is a vast body of water behind Grand Coulee Dam. On days like today it looks like we are along the ocean. The gray, cold water set off the setting sun at the horizon. Gray, black, and white were dominant colors today during my photo walk, but JEJ brought some red into focus with his bright red coat.

Savoring the Season: Capturing Images of Christmas

It has been a week since I have been here to write. The week was a very quick one. I did continue to take time to savor the holiday season, but with tasks that go with Christmas this blog was moved to the bottom of my to-do list. I did carry my camera the last week and will now share some images of Christmas preparation at my house. I really love to wrap gifts... as you can see above.

Mr. Snowman greets people at the front door.

The holly is ready to harvest!

Another snowman greets people in Annie's room. Below the lights on the top of the piano set off the snowflakes and poinsettias.

Savoring the Season: Capturing Images of Christmas

It has been a week since I have been here to write. The week was a very quick one. I did continue to take time to savor the holiday season, but with tasks that go with Christmas this blog was moved to the bottom of my to-do list. I did carry my camera the last week and will now share some images of Christmas preparation at my house. I really love to wrap gifts... as you can see above.

Mr. Snowman greets people at the front door.

The holly is ready to harvest!

Another snowman greets people in Annie's room. Below the lights on the top of the piano set off the snowflakes and poinsettias.

Savoring the Season: Homemade Gifts

It is that time of the Chrstmas season I love. I get to pull out my cookie cutters, fancy sprinkles, Christmas cupcake holders, and lots of butter and sugar! I get to create homemade gifts for family and friends.

I also love to pull out the fruits of our summer harvest to gift to speical people in my life.

It is all about savoring the season.

Savoring the Season with Flowers

Usually in winter I don't get to capture as many bouquet pictures. A dear friend of mine is retiring from our school next week and she loves roses. This was arranged just for her.

I also couldn't resist the grocery floral section and grabbed a bunch to create bouquets for home.Flowers have a way of adding beauty to the Christmas decor.