I was reading another photographer’s blog and she had posted her 12 favorite photos of the past year. With a nod to Kim Manley Ort, I culled through 4,142 images to pick 12 photos that were my favorites. Some have personal meanings, like the family photo after my mother’s death or the Royal typewriter that has been passed down through my father’s family. Others transport me to a cold winter morning (much like today!) or an unusually emerald-green lake with a sandy beach in north central Minnesota. The year took twists and turns that weren’t expected, yet I’m learning to embrace the changes, meet the challenges, and appreciate each day that is given – with joy and wonder. May the coming year be filled with 365 such days!
Author: lindastaatsphoto
Free air in a winter landscape
After a “brown” Christmas with many Minnesotans grumbling about the lack of white, we awoke to a 6-inch snow on Saturday morning. The landscape was once again white and clean. I was wandering around the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota and found these bicycles and “Free Air.” The snow had piled up precariously on top of the handlebars, tires, and bicycle seats – almost like frosting on a cake. The colors of the bikes and the chains added a bright contrast to the white and brown scenery all around. With the forecast of colder temperatures I doubt this snow will be melting anytime soon.
This week of Christmas
Amidst the hustle and bustle of this week of Christmas, I wish for everyone the quiet moments to remember the family and friends that contribute to our lives, the events both small and grand that make us the people we are, and the love and caring that’s exemplified by the celebration of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
A quick trip to New York City
We’ve just returned from a quick weekend trip to New York City, my first time in the Big Apple. So much to see and do, as well as to revel in the atmosphere and festivities of the Christmas holidays. Thanks to the experience and knowledge of our family guide, we covered much ground and got a true taste of the different boroughs and much of what makes the city so unique. The architecture of the city amazed me with its blend of new and old, so often within the very same block. Our trip included a stop at the 9/11 Memorial – a reflective and moving tribute to those that died at the site. The new One World Trade Center Building rises above in a fitting tribute, and on this late afternoon, it soared into the sky reflecting the blue and the surrounding clouds.
An old dusty typewriter
We stopped to pause many times while cleaning out my mom and dad’s house last weekend. There were hidden treasures with memories and stories shared, along with mysteries that were uncovered. We found two old Royal typewriters that belonged to our grandfather. One was a portable model, secured in its case. When we clicked opened the case, it was as shiny and clean as the day it was purchased. The other was an old heavy tabletop style. This one was weathered with age and dust-covered. The keys and the carriage return still worked and the ribbon still had some color to it. I wonder at its age, and all the stories and reports that had been typed on it. The desk that my grandfather used remains in the family, and perhaps this old typewriter will feel at home where it once sat.
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