A photo a day for a whole year???

I have been attempting something this month with what I will timidly admit a success. It is very daunting to take on a project without knowing what time will bring. Who knows where I will be or more importantly, how busy I will be in 3 months, 6 months, or 9 months time? Regardless, today I am not so busy and ready to advance to the next level (whatever that may be) in my skills as a photographer. I was reading somewhere that taking a picture a day can of course, encourage you to really get to know your camera, but it could also allow you to hone your skills in terms of things like framing, perspective, etc. So, what the heck? I am going to attempt this in hopes of growing as a person, learning to see and appreciate beauty in everyday life and unexpected places, and building a really cool souvenir of 2011. I may not succeed, but a girl can try!

With the perma-snow and below freezing temps this month, the January part of my 365 project has turned into Maxuary. We are both very bored, stuck inside, and lately every time I pull my camera out and point it at his face, I actually see an eye roll. Did you know dogs could roll their eyes? I didn't either! Anyhow, I think I will start sharing a few of the pictures from my project every once in a while.

However, I would first like to share the contents of a very special package we received in the mail a few weeks ago. I worked at the business office of the university I attended for over six years, and it was one of the best parts of my college experience. The women in that office really became like a second family to all of us student workers. I was assigned to work with Nancie my sophomore year, and assisted her until I finished grad school. She was there listening through all of the homesickness, roommate issues, triumphs and disappointments in class, break-ups, and even the day I would  meet my future husband:). Looking back, I am pretty sure I wouldn't have made it through college as easily had she not been there to offer her support, guidance and encouragement! Anyhow, on top of all of this she is an incredibly talented quilter! She used to hang one of her beautiful creations on the side of the cubicle we sat in every month or so, and the compliments would pour in like nobody's business:)!

I was brought to tears the day our mail lady showed up with a box containing a quilt Nancie had made especially for J.R. and I as a wedding gift. I know a picture cannot do it justice, but I wanted to share it anyhow. She incorporated pictures from our blog and a gorgeous outdoor scene to create this beautiful wall hanging:

Nancie, I still look at this and am amazed at how beautiful and thoughtful it is! I cannot thank you enough!

Now, here are a few pics from my afore mentioned 365 project
(remember this is to improve my photography, so hopefully January will be the worst ;)):