Picture the Holidays--Off to a Good Start

by Kristina

I can't believe it is December....that 2011 is coming to a close.  Once again, another year has flown by.  But this month, I'm going to try and slow down and savor each day with a little help from Tracey Clark (of Shutter Sisters and so much more) and Paper Coterie by participating in Picture the Holidays.

For the next 31 days, I will receive a seasonal prompt that will remind me to take a few moments for myself and capture an image that documents this holiday season.   I  have never done a project like this before and all I can say is that I'm so excited each morning to wake up and see what is waiting for me in my inbox.

Another fantastic aspect of taking part in this experience, is seeing the inspiring photos taken by other participants in our private Facebook group.  The images are so creative, beautiful and amazing.  I feel like I will learn so much over these next few weeks.

Anyway, here is my week in review.....


Day 1:   "Holding onto Gratitude"
I picked the image below because it reminds me of the fun I have every year crafting with a group of friends.  Each ornament holds cherished memories.

Day 2:  "Reframing the Season"  

Today's prompt was to use a frame and to look at things a little differently.  I truly feel that you must always believe in the magic of the season........

Day 3:  "All You Need is Love"
For this prompt it was suggested that if you used a heart as an image that you find one that might be out of the ordinary.  I went on a photo walk in San Francisco and found this graffiti wall.  Yes, I may have embellished it a bit--but the heart was already there. :)

Day 4:  You Hold the Key

The idea here is to think about something you do or enjoy to give you a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  What is it that gives you piece of mind?  For me, it is putting my feet up for a few moments and reading my favorite magazines.....

Day 5:  Your View

The idea here was to take a few moments to enjoy the view.  Instead of doing a nature landscape photo, I thought I'd share my view while listening to my son read to me before bed.......

Day 6:  Every Little Thing

Today the prompt was about finding the little things around us that enhance our day.  I decided to photograph the frost on the grass---an unusual occurrence here in Northern California.  

Day 7:  Express Yourself

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays it can be difficult to stay balanced. Today we were reminded to take time out to check in with ourselves---to take that deep breath and allow ourselves to be and feel.  In the photo below, I attempted a self portrait (something new I started doing since Camp Shutter Sisters).  Here I am taking a few minutes to read through a book I bought as a Christmas gift for a friend.  I love this book  Love Life and the series of other titles by Dan Zadra and Kobi Yamada like Believe  and Live Good.  (If you are looking for special holiday gift s that are filled with inspirational quotes about hope, courage, and love these are the books for you).