12of12 | a new year

january | wednesday

february | saturday

march | saturday

april | tuesday

may | thursday

june | sunday

july | tuesday

august | friday

september | monday

october | wednesday

november | saturday

december | monday

I had this big plug about capturing the everyday all written out, but I'm setting it aside and letting the 12of12 speak for itself. Once you begin to see your life and capture your favorite people, your routines, and the bits and pieces of your day not only will you have an assortment of photos that you love, but you will begin to see how beautiful your life is. I like to think of it like gratitude. When you express it daily you begin to see your blessings more and more, and so it is with photography. The more you become acquainted with what's around you the more you appreciate what you have.

So it goes without saying that I am looking forward to another year ahead of capturing my everyday. If you are new to the 12of12 challenge please check out this post where I explain it's origins and the reason I started doing it. Also there is a link to the template I use and a few pointers to get started. Again, like I've done in the past, I will remind you on the 11th and have a post up on the 13th that you can link to (i may try a different link if I can get my act together).

My hope this year is that we will all see the good in our days and by doing so we will begin to see our hearts desire. Meaning, by looking over a years worth of twelves you will begin to see a common thread that links them all together -- the things you go to most are usually the things that light you up.

Have fun!

another year, another 12of12 challenge

It seems like just the other day that I invited all of you to join me on the 12of12 challenge and yet here we are, a year later, ready to start a new year of twelves. This challenge continues to be a part of my year that I absolutely love. I still take photos everyday and have so since 2008, but if you asked me which one I would choose to do if I only did one it would be the 12of12 challenge. I think it's the perfect way to capture your life and see the goodness you are creating.

I hope for those of you who were hesitant to do it last year will give it a try this year. If you followed along in anyway you will see there are a number of ways to do it. It doesn't matter what you use to capture your day, there were several people using phone cameras, just start taking photos and enjoy the process--and before you know it you'll have a year full of photographs that represent your life.

Here is my year at a glance in 12.

January 2010

February 2010

March 2010

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

September 2010

October 2010

November 2010

December 2010

If you are new to this challenge you can go here to read all about it and here to download the collage file & instructions to use each month if you choose to.

Thanks for playing along with me in 2010. I am really looking forward to another year and another set of twelve.

xo

the climb

For the past few weeks whenever there has been a date to jot down I've been too quick to write 2011. I guess you could say I've had the desire to move 2010 along and be done with this year. I spent some time yesterday going from room to room digging out from Christmas thinking about my goals for the upcoming year, what I want to accomplish, and my word (which I have not been able to come close to choosing) when I quickly shifted my thoughts to 2010 knowing I should give it a proper goodbye.



You see it's been a hard year. Not in the way you'd imagine. My marriage, though had it's fair share of stumbles, continued to move forward. We are tight financially, but have been able to keep up so far. Besides my little scare in February we've all been healthy & safe--no tragedies to speak of. All is seemingly well. No it wasn't those things that made 2010 a hard year, it's what I personally chose to do that became my biggest challenge.

The best way I know how to explain it is using a metaphor--

Around 2006/2007 I was moving along looking up now and again at the mountain that would eventually need to be tackled, afraid to give it ago due to prior experience, knowing though, that there was no other way around it. I had been sitting on my plateau for a while, feeling nice and comfortable, and knew it was time--the only way to grow, change, and get to the top was to climb there myself. So I continued the course. It was challenging in it's own way to get back out there because the last time had been so tragic. The last time no one asked me if I wanted to leave my safe place--I was pushed. Abruptly so. I was lost then for a long time until about 2006/2007 or there abouts when I sucked it up and started to embrace the changes, stop fighting about something I couldn't control, and move on. It was uncomfortable, like all growth tends to be, but I made it through.

After I successfully reached the point I had set out for--the next plateau--I thought, well let's not do that again. It was hard and I needed sometime to recuperate. So I took a rest--until last year. With BYU Woman's Conference looming on the horizon and my surgery, I was teetering on the edge. I knew I wouldn't be able to stay where I was and rather than be pushed, which I've found out does not work at all, I chose to step off my comfortable place and move forward once again. It was different this time. My 7-8% grade increased immediately to 12-15%, and although I was moving at a manageable pace, it was still quite challenging. I knew it would be difficult, that it had been difficult, but I never imagined how difficult. I was facing breaking habits I've had since my beginning and completely trying to change the way my mind worked/thought. I had to sit down a time or two, get reinforcements, and remind myself that I was choosing to make this climb, that I could do it, and that it would be okay.

I guess what I didn't realized when I embarked on this journey a year ago is how with each step you take the harder and harder it is to change. I always thought change was change and that it was created equal, but am beginning to realize that each time you leave the plateau and attempt to make "you" better it gets harder and harder because you are moving more and more into uncharted territories--getting more and more specific.

I wish I could say I moved further, that I had made bigger strides like I did in prior years, but this particular climb has taken more time than anticipated and I will be bringing some if it with me in 2011. I was upset by that earlier in the month, wishing the year would end and so would my climb, but I know it can't be avoided. I'm not ready and I realize that now. You see, I learned a very valuable lesson as I made my way this year--with each climb you are collecting tools you will need for the next one. Line upon line. It all made sense when it came together like that. It's exactly what I have been taught since I was a child. You can't learn to run before you can walk. Each climb is necessary to get to the top. Each climb must be giving it's own due time.

And so I continue....

I hope regardless of what 2010 held for you that 2011 will provide and be everything you need.

xoxo,
amy gretchen

a lot can happen in a decade

Once I started thinking tonight about closing out this decade of my life I started to think about all the things that's happened in the last ten years.

*The first one that occurred to me is I became a mother. It was the one thing I always wanted and the hardest thing I've ever done that has challenged and taught me in ways I would never have learned otherwise. Though, it has been challenging it has been the best decision (tying with marrying Adam) I've ever made. It definitely taught me the most important things in life are usually the hardest and the most rewarding.

*Adam and I came up with the concept of SEP, which completely changed our marriage and life together.

*I began my love for photography. By focusing mainly on the everyday it's definitely been the source for me to see life in a totally different way and appreciate the little things.

*I bought my first film SLR camera which quickly turned into my first digital SLR camera (2005). And what would you know, now I'm considering going back to film and having my own darkroom.

*I turned 30. For some reason and I'm not sure why this seemed like a big turning point in my life, like for whatever reason I actually understood things differently and had the desire to live my life more fully. I've loved my 30's.

*I went to Europe for the first time and hopefully not my last.

*We moved homes twice, which actually doesn't seem too much considered how much we've moved our married life.

*I started blogging. This has been a big one for me as well. I associate the start of my creative boom because I started blogging and it certainly helped me during those lonely days at home making friends over the internet.

*Adam and I became owners of our first Tivo in 2001. We've been enjoying the deliciousness of being able to record television ever since and don't know how we got along without it.

*I got my first cell phone. It's funny I remember when Adam got one after we were first married (1996) and thinking, why in the world do you need that. Of course he was traveling a ton so it was nice that he could get a hold of me whenever he needed/wanted. I really only used mine for emergency purposes until I got the iphone 2.5 years ago.

*I began to explore my world through paint. Never in my life did I ever think I would paint.

*I became a reader.

*911 happened. I never in my life thought I would witness an attack on our country let alone be alive when the world now readily uses words like terrorist attack and War on Terror. It definitely changed the way we all live. Strange to think it wasn't even 10 years ago that we could walk up a terminal without having a ticket and welcome our family or friends home.

*With 911 came the beginning of homeland security.

*Hurricane Katrina hit and really made me think more about being prepared and how important it truly is.

*Technology is always changing and no surprise to make it on the list, but it's fun to see how far it's come in 10 years. Things that make the top of the list for me are ipods (how in the world did we ever go without it), apps, wireless (I'm hoping the next time I make this list I will say that wires no longer exist), flat screen TVs/monitors, and HD.

*With the popularity of the internet came sites like youtube, myspace, facebook, twitter, gmail, and ebay. Of course Google is now a household name.

*Other pop culture notables that I can recall: reality TV, Michael Jackson died, Twilight saga, Ugg boots, and skinny jeans (not a fan though I do own a pair).

*other significant events:
first African American President in America
the economy going from good to bad to worse
Winter Olympics came to my town
Swine flu aka H1N1 virus made it on the scene

It's crazy to think how much goes on in a 10 year period and how drastically my life changed. Makes me excited to see where the next 10 years will take us.

goodbye 2009

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
a photo of mine was published, went to the SYTYCD tour, put my house up for sale but didn't end up moving, sold some prints and handmade cards, reconnect with high school friends, taught a class on photography, RAW nights, made jam, discovered Pioneer Woman, let adam post on my blog, went to the Keane concert with Lori, and had a Halloween party.



2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I kept most of my creative ones like taking a picture a day & photos all day on the 12th of each month, but there were a few that alluded me, like writing in my journal everyday, and yes they have made it onto my list once again.

5. Did anyone close to you die?
my neighbor, friend, and girls school teacher Debbie Thompson



6. What countries did you visit?
none...I'm sad to say. I did go to Vegas though. That could be considered a different country...couldn't it?

7. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
confidence



8. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
*The 12th of each month. Every time I heard it I knew I was suppose to be doing something. Especially the 12th of June when we put our house on the market. Not what I thought I'd be doing in 2009.
*Also I remember loving our summer together. While we were selling our house it was a crazy time, but I felt at my happiest. We were out of the house a lot (showings everyday) enjoying each other, the house stayed clean, and we had the best summer ever when my sister Jeni came to town.



9. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
One of my photos was published in Simple Scrapbooks Magazine.

10. What was your biggest failure?
Not running the half mile marathon in June



11. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, I injured my back which caused me not to run in the race.

12. What was the best thing you bought?
boot camp classes that got me out of bed at 5:45am each morning in the summer



13. Whose behavior merited celebration?
*Adam's for having patience with me as I grappled with the thought of turning our lives upside down and moving. For his positivity and always seeing the greatness that is possible.
*Bella for winning the school reflections contest in Literature.
*Tess for showing true compassion to her sisters & friends.
*Megan for trying her best to get her chores done around the house by herself.



14. Where did most of your money go?
hopefully on time together



15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
my monthly giveaways and making & giving the gratitude journals for Christmas

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
girls: Love Story by Taylor Swift
adam: crawl by kings of leon
me: colorblind by counting crows



17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
A. happier
B. in shape.
C. no change. (grateful for it)



18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
give. while i was please with what I did give I think I could have given more.



19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worried about the things I have no control of.



20. Did you fall in love in 2009?
yes with Adam...all over again. I know sounds hokey, but true.

21. What was your favorite TV program?
Damages & So You Think You Can Dance



22. What was the best book you read?
Thank goodness for goodreads or I wouldn't have remembered what I read. The list doesn't seem long for a whole year, which is discouraging. I feel like I'm missing some, but of what's there I'm going to say The Help by Kathryn Stockett & To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (this was a reread though)

23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Meiko



24. What did you want and get?
understanding. I felt more understood this year.

25. What did you want and not get?
a chef

26. What was your favorite film of this year?
I can't say that I know. I remember being excited about Harry Pottery #6 because I loved the book, but it wasn't my favorite. Hmm...I think I'm going to have to say UP because it made me cry.



27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 33. Adam and I went to dinner at Settebello, my now favorite pizza restaurant. It's like being back in Italy. Afterward we went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to enjoy Brad Pitt grow young before my eyes.



28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
art. lost a little bit of my creative self this year I hope to get back in 2010.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Is it going to be sad to read the same answer year after year? What can I say, I like what I like...jeans and not the skinny variety.



30. What kept you sane? Adam, time with my girls, my faith, photography, time with friends, and reading.

goodbye 2007

I was in such a hurry to start a new year, so unlike me, that I didn't give 2007 a proper goodbye. I think I may have done that last year which bothers me because it's such a great opportunity to look back and be grateful for all that has happened and the changes you've made.

So here's to 2007. It was my best year yet.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Traveled to Europe, cruised around the Mediterranean for 13 days, lived with one outfit for 10 days, left my children for 16 days, and went to a photography workshop.



2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept many of them and am proud of myself for that. My favorite being my project a week which I will be doing again.



3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. My sister-in-law, my good friends Crystalyn, Dani, and Johanna, and many blog friends.



4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. Thank goodness for this one.



5. What countries did you visit?
Italy, Greece, France, Spain (more stop in than visit), Turkey.


6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
food storage

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 1st. The day of my controversial surgery that helped me feel like myself again.



8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
My marriage grew 200% this year. Adam and I came closer together than we have our 11 years of marriage. If I could define 2007 it would start and end with us. But something more just me...definitely letting go of my love and need for a mac.



9. What was your biggest failure?
Not living enough. Letting what other people think get in my way.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, however, I did have sleeping issues. Does that count?



11. What was the best thing you bought?
My passport and IKEA bookshelf




12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'd have to say Adam's. He was a rock for me this year. Supported and loved me through my craziness and helped me find where it is I want to be.



13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Let's just say enough people.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Definitely target and costco and toward my projects.



15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Photography and Working on my projects



16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
First thought I'd have to say Bubbly by Colbie Caillat because every time my kids got in the car they would ask for it. For me it would be Gravity by Sara Bareillis.



17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
A. Happier.
B. I don't really know, but my clothes fit the same so I'm going to have to say the exact same.
C. Richer in more ways then one.



18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent more time with my girls, written more of my thoughts down, created more, and also I wish we had taken a real family vacation.



19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being afraid and complaining

20. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Yes, with reading.


21. What was your favorite TV program?
30 Rock and So You Think You Can Dance.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. Does anyone really actively hate?

23. What was the best book you read?
History of Love by Nicole Krauss



24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Fray

25. What did you want and get?
a best friend, happiness, and an iphone



26. What did you want and not get?
food storage, kids who eat, and a new lens

27. What was your favorite film of this year?
Becoming Jane.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 31. My birthday was on a Sunday this year so I went shopping Saturday and then to dinner with Adam at Flemings that night. On Sunday I was spoiled by Adam and my girls (he helped them give me my favorite gift ever...their art framed) and I remember it being a lovely day at home.



29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I could have lived life fully everyday.



30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Same as always...Jeans and a t-shirt, though I did branch out a bit and bought some trendy new shirts.



31. What kept you sane? Family, photography, time with friends, blogging, and reading.