2008 - the year of the wedding!This year has been dominated by weddings and when I look back over the months of 2008 I remember all the brides I've photographed and how much I've learned over that period. I really hope I am lucky enough to be able to photograph more weddings in 2009 as I have enjoyed it beyond words! I enjoy my photography much more now it has a real purpose and I'm hoping I continue to grow and develop (bad pun!) all aspects of the art over the next 12 months. I've got a new (to me!) camera as well as a couple of new lens.
2008 was also the year of "Mamma Mia" and "Sex & the City - the movie" - both made me really happy and continue to do so now I've got them on DVD :)
Looking back over the year I have very mixed feelings. Phil and I spent quite a lot of time apart as he was away on his commission but although it was hard at first I got used to it and came to appreciate time spent alone with the girls.
I especially missed him on our summer holiday in Bath but my lovely in-laws made it a very enjoyable and special holiday for us Mann females! We had one of happiest ever weeks in the Lakes in October - it was great to be together again.
As I wasn't away so much I was able to put more effort into the garden and my success with veggie growing in a small way has inspired me to create a vegetable garden for 2009.
Work has been great, with the reading groups and other projects going well, but all the uncertainty about cutbacks and changes is making for an uncertain start to 2009 in the libraries. I'm hoping I have the courage to face the challenges ahead and above all make sure my staff are ok.
I'm enjoying RDA and my time at the stables more than ever and am proud of Sian's continued progress at riding.
The worst happenings 0f 2008 were the deaths of Karen in August and Kathy in November. I will miss them both so much and cherish every memory I have of them.
I've been thinking a lot about friendships, as I've mentioned in previous posts. I'm really sad that a couple of people I thought were close friends aren't anymore but I'm trying not to dwell on that or waste time trying to work out what, if anything, I did wrong!
I'm happy I've continued blogging for another year and made some new blogfriends along the way. I'm grateful for the challenges I've come across and the lessons I've learned and for all the great books I've read along the way.
Healthwise, I'm no better but thankfully neither am I any worse!!
I'm continually reminding myself how blessed I am with my loving husband, my wonderful daughters, a great extended family, brilliant workmates and loyal and supportive friends. They all have a lot to put up with as I'm not easy to live with!
I love my two cats so much, and they give me pleasure every single day of my life. Maybe 2009 will be the year I finally feel able to get another dog???
As another year draws to close, I'm thinking (as I often do!) when will I start to feel truly grown up? When will all that "wisdom", "maturity" and "confidence" arrive?
I hope everyone has a very happy New Year's Eve and I'll see you all next year!
2008 was also the year of "Mamma Mia" and "Sex & the City - the movie" - both made me really happy and continue to do so now I've got them on DVD :)
Looking back over the year I have very mixed feelings. Phil and I spent quite a lot of time apart as he was away on his commission but although it was hard at first I got used to it and came to appreciate time spent alone with the girls.
I especially missed him on our summer holiday in Bath but my lovely in-laws made it a very enjoyable and special holiday for us Mann females! We had one of happiest ever weeks in the Lakes in October - it was great to be together again.
As I wasn't away so much I was able to put more effort into the garden and my success with veggie growing in a small way has inspired me to create a vegetable garden for 2009.
Work has been great, with the reading groups and other projects going well, but all the uncertainty about cutbacks and changes is making for an uncertain start to 2009 in the libraries. I'm hoping I have the courage to face the challenges ahead and above all make sure my staff are ok.
I'm enjoying RDA and my time at the stables more than ever and am proud of Sian's continued progress at riding.
The worst happenings 0f 2008 were the deaths of Karen in August and Kathy in November. I will miss them both so much and cherish every memory I have of them.
I've been thinking a lot about friendships, as I've mentioned in previous posts. I'm really sad that a couple of people I thought were close friends aren't anymore but I'm trying not to dwell on that or waste time trying to work out what, if anything, I did wrong!
I'm happy I've continued blogging for another year and made some new blogfriends along the way. I'm grateful for the challenges I've come across and the lessons I've learned and for all the great books I've read along the way.
Healthwise, I'm no better but thankfully neither am I any worse!!
I'm continually reminding myself how blessed I am with my loving husband, my wonderful daughters, a great extended family, brilliant workmates and loyal and supportive friends. They all have a lot to put up with as I'm not easy to live with!
I love my two cats so much, and they give me pleasure every single day of my life. Maybe 2009 will be the year I finally feel able to get another dog???
As another year draws to close, I'm thinking (as I often do!) when will I start to feel truly grown up? When will all that "wisdom", "maturity" and "confidence" arrive?
I hope everyone has a very happy New Year's Eve and I'll see you all next year!
8 comments:
It's good to reflect on the year before it has gone - makes you realise it wasn't all bad!
I hope 2009 brings you good health and happiness m'dear and I'm you are still blogging. x
I love the sense of motion and 'every couple' in your photo.
I value our connection and look up to you as a Mom and a photographer and a person.
You already are those things you aspire to.
Happy New Year to you and your hubby and the girls and the kitties.
I'm glad you are still blogging too. It seems every year has its ups and downs. I really think they can be true character builders. I believe that's happened in my life.
I want to wish you a wonderful, happy, healthy new year. May the rest of your life be the best of your life.
Sue
I am spending a lowkey day wandering out in the blogosphere. I am happy that I landed here. I am a wannabe photogrpaher - and have spent the days since Christmas playing with my new camera. I have lots to learn!
Reflection is important. I hope that 2009 is full of happiness, good health and lots of love! Celebrate.
Hi Julie,
What a great post, a lot of what you say reflects my feelings. Happy New Year, cant remember exactly when I discovered your blog and how but I know it was pretty early on in my blogging days when I started a Photo A Day blog as a challenge at the beginning of 2007. Lots of cyber buddies have come and gone and there has been a lot of water under the bridge, good and bad, but I hope this finds you feeling a whole lot better and here's to a great 2009. My resolution is not to look back, I am going to look forward and build from that too much energy spent on resentment and what ifs!
((((Hugs)))))my friend.
Lori
Really nice recap on your year, Jules. For my part I've loved seeing your wedding photos (wish you could be here for Adam's ceremony!)and being able to share in your life generally. I hope 2009 is a great year for you and your family. Lots of love to you!
First off...I LOVE the shot of the couple!!
And what a beautiful, positive post! I've had very little time to reflect on 2008 but I count one of the best blessings is getting to know you better! You are a special person!!
I love this pic
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