{Celebration} 52 photos project yr2 wk28 and photo art friday

"Dinner & drinks, 

coffee & cake,

ceremonies, gatherings,

candles, dancing or twinkling lights -

all beautiful ways to 

uplift & recognize the people

or occasions in our life."

~ Bella Cirovic

This month I am celebrating one year as a blogger!

A year ago today I asked my best friend Mr. Google 

for websites that might provide some inspiration

for my rekindled interest in photography.

I discovered Bella's 52 Photos Project

and, as they say,

the rest is history!

It took me a few weeks to figure out the blog thing... 

My first blog post was for Bella's 'something borrowed' challenge 

- a drawer full of pens I had 'borrowed' on my travels through the office -

I was trying to get caught up on past challenges and had watched a video tutorial

 Bella had made about how to fake a "Lensbaby" look..

So I combined that with the next challenge, which was to go for a photowalk...

and this was my submission

Nothing could have inspired or motivated me more 

than receiving an e-mail from Bella asking if she could feature my photo

and seeing MY picture posted here on 52 Photos Project the following week!

Bella had also featured Vivienne McMaster around that time

which led to my taking Vivienne's 'Rule Free Photography' e-course

I had two wonderful regular 'followers' (Nancy & Angie) who encouraged me 

with comments each time I posted...

and as I began visiting the blogs of other posters 

to 52 Photos Project and Nancy's Rural Thursday

I discovered more blogs, more tutorials and more friends!

I learned how to use PSE from Kim Klassen 

and I discovered textures

and Bonnie's Photo Art Friday!!

I had it in my mind to celebrate my year of "blogography" 

by taking my 'featured' photo from 52 Photos

and apply Bonnie's pdpa Cobblestone background/texture.

I thought I could create an image that would mimic the way leaves leave their outline

on the a sidewalk or Cobblestone after several days of dampness...

which we have certainly had!  

It didn't exactly turn out as I had planned but I sorta like it!

It reminds me of fireworks or colourful party streamers...

Perfect for a celebration... 

of 

discovery & learning,

encouragement & inspiration 

and worldwide friendships.

Seems like the perfect time to recognize you, the people in my blog life with a huge

Thank You

to everyone who has ever left an encouraging comment
and to the wonderful folks who
take the time to come up with challenges and provide space,
 who design textures and provide tutorials
and to new found friends.

Everything I have learned,
I have learned from them
so don't forget to visit the amazing people
who unselfishly share their knowledge and work!!

Awesome weekend, all!

Janet xo

       

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That first blog "The View from Here"

was laid to rest when my father passed away in February, 

as I had borrowed the name from his newspaper column.

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