Last But Not Least

365/365
11:54p.m.

And so it is poetic to end the year with an image recreated from the first.

The project has been bittersweet; I would say mostly rewarding, occasionally annoying, but always worthy. While at times it felt monumental, I'm grateful I made the effort, if anything, to know exactly when we can expect to welcome the first weed of 2010 (March 15, mark your calendars, Wisconsinites).

Surely I got to know my camera, especially after the Elph experienced that horrible Death by Toddler in June and I had to rely only the Rebel the remainder of the year. I saw my children differently; pausing for a good shot forced me to step back and allow them to proceed in play independently. During these moments I became a thoughtful witness instead of a Know-It-All (you know the kind...the adults who believe they do all the teaching, the kids do the learning). I was also surprised by my own patience and dedication, demonstrated at times when my passion waned and I really wanted to throw in the digital towel. Namely, after Tom died in September.

Most importantly, I love that I have a nanosecond (or titch more) of each and every day in 2009. Some are good photographs, some lovingly say family, some will, um spark, a memory, but I own all of them as a fragmented moment of where I stood this year. Absolutely there are many, many, many wonderfully shared memories and points that we created together this year, but these 365 images are mine (ok, minus the 2 that John shot). Mine. My view, my experience, and that's wholly rewarding because, as a parent, the kids and the house and all the incredible and non-trade-worthy things that come with it all are always such a priority that I often never even check in with myself. It's in retrospect that I realize I did this year; I allowed myself to be present while capturing the moment.

It's now January 20 and I haven't touched the camera in 2o whole days. I knew I didn't have it in me for another 365 with a baby on the way this summer, but I know I'll continue to shoot and document and hopefully learn. I'm ever grateful for the encouragement along the way--the messages, the comments, the phone calls, the followers--and I hope you'll stay tuned to see what happens next.

Cheers.