With our brown grass and unseasonably warmer temperatures it really hasn’t “felt” or “looked” like Christmas, let alone winter.  For New Year’s Eve we planned a quiet day of running errands and making turkey soup, and then headed out for an evening movie at the historic Riverview Theater in Minneapolis.  And as things seem to have a way of cueing up at just the right time, we came out of the theater around 9:30 to the sight of a beautiful snowfall.  We walked across the street to a lovely cafe and wine bar, and enjoyed the mixture of lively conversation and a band while watching the snow collect on the sidewalks and trees.  This was a wet and heavy snow, and the flakes were the biggest I’ve ever seen.  Some could easily have been over an inch and half square!  It was as if 2012 had taken its cue to enhance our mood with a much-needed and appropriate snowfall.
As I look back on 2011 I am thankful for so many things – friends, family, and good health (including one repaired thumb).  I’ve had the opportunity to make over 5,100 photographic images this past year.  Granted, not all of them are the “perfect” image, but many have served as “sketches” for a final image.  I’ve also taken two short videos – one was intentional and one was not.  And, for the 3rd year I have posted a photo and entry to this blog every week.  I started to blog in 2009 as a challenge to maintain my love of photography.  Some weekends I approach my computer and blog with joy, wanting to share a great photo and a wonderful experience I’ve had.  Other weekends I start to panic on Sunday realizing that I haven’t had my camera out and I feel a deadline fast approaching.  Each of those scenarios have taught me things about myself and my photography.  Thanks to all of you that follow my blog, and to those who comment.  Your interest in my scenes and stories, coupled with your comments and your stories keep me coming back week after week.
May this coming year be filled with peace, hope, beauty, vision, more photographs, experiences, and a life filled to the brim!