Well hello to 2016. It's a new year and it's a new beginning for me. I am hoping to make 2016 my best year yet and I'm doing it by getting healthy and staying healthy...both physically and mentally. I have developed such a habit of thinking that everything is my fault and that I should have done better. Well, that stops now. Just as I cannot take credit for others successes, I shouldn't take credit for failures either. Thus begins the "taking care of me" phase of my life.

 One way I am doing that is allowing myself time to photograph without the guilt. I always tell myself "I should be cleaning, or doing laundry or something constructive" rather than taking pictures. In the past I couldn't really fully enjoy photography, especially still life photography, because of the feelings of guilt. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I've realized that it's ok. The time I spend on photographing my pretties is time I allow myself to be free and not worry about anything...I am taking care of me!

In 2015, the best thing I did for myself was to join Kim Klassen's The Studio. I've made some friends and found some kindred spirits. I've learned a lot about still life photography and in 2016 I'm looking forward to learning a lot more.

This morning is a cold grey day.  We are expecting rain/snow later.  My beloved Steelers are playing in the playoffs this afternoon and I plan on snuggling under a blanket to watch the game.  BUT...this morning I took time to play with a new pretty I got this week.  I got these beautiful hydranges and the jug from Save-on-Crafts here and here,  The light is not very pretty but I worked with what I had.  I also lean toward dark and moody....

I am obsessed with up close and personal photography so every time I shoot, I make sure to get some extreme close-ups.  This is my favorite way to shoot.






Any Thoughts?

I'd love to hear any thoughts you may have.  How are you getting healthy in the new year?  I love and appreciate your comments and I read them all.