I’m just not a photographer who posts 12 of my favorite/popular images of the year. It seems 12 images is too small a number as I enjoyed more than that number. Lightroom shows just over 5,300 images archived for the year. Almost the same number as 2013. Over 50% of my images were taken with the Fujifilm X-E1. My peak shooting months were May and June, signifying I prefer fair weather shooting. But, the year was not just about photography.
Fulltime retirement started in March and life not the same. I’m now on a fixed income, which really is not much different than while I worked. Pay raises are only for the higher ups. I now know how much of my income was spent on the luxuries of life. I worked more for the “extra” spending money than just paying the bills. Spending on unnecessary things is what our culture throws at us on a daily basis. I learned that well. The flying was definitely taking a toll on my body as I have less trouble with my back since I stopped flying.
I travel less now that I’m not flying, staying around home more. Some of that is because I want to stay closer to home and I no longer have someone paying for a hotel room. My street photography is almost entirely focused on Fort Collins. I did make a couple of road trips in the car, taking my time driving rather than hassling with air travel. And, I spend more time in the local nature areas in Fort Collins.
My daughter and two grandchildren moved out in July so I now have my condo to myself again. I no longer need to knock on the door to use my bathroom. That also means I don’t have to close the bathroom door. And, flatulation sounds are again the norm in my kingdom. On a more serious note, I so enjoy the solitude in my life for reading and my prayer/meditation.
I picked up a carving knife and couple gouges, gifts from my dad, and have successfully not cut myself, yet. We will see where this leads me. It supports the quiet and solitude I enjoy.
I made a second Blurb book as a gift to my family for Christmas. I have about 90 images in the book from the over 60,000 images in my archives. I included a few words and thoughts of my own words and added some of my favorites. I’ve also created a portfolio book of black and white portraits. I would like to be able to shoot more portraits over the next few years.
I ate way too much fudge this season and may have to buy bigger pants. 🙂 But, I did that last year. And, my New Years Eve plans: hot apple cider and reading or carving in my recliner. I’m pretty wild, ya know! Enough babbling. My wish is for everyone to have a safe New Years Eve and that the coming year bring you joy, adventure and good health! Happy New Year!
10 Comments
Steve Skinner
It appears that 2014 wasn’t a bad year. Wishing you the best in 2015!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Steve. Enjoy you 2015!
Earl
Happy New Year, Monte! Carving, good for you…I use to do a little of that but found I’m allergic to certain types of wood dust.
Monte Stevens
I’ve read where some people have reactions to the wood and dust. Some woods are even dangerous. I think your coming year is going to be a wonderful adventure. Have fun!
Cedric Canard
Those are impressive carvings. I dread to think what I would do to myself if I tried my hand at this. Knives and I don’t get on well.
Have a great year in 2015 Monte.
Monte Stevens
It means taking a risk. One old carver was asked to mentor a younger carver and asked if he’d ever cut himself with his knife. When he said he had then he agreed to mentor him. Not getting frustrated with myself will be my challenge.
Mary Ann
Sounds perfect. Have a great evening and a fantastic New Years.
Monte Stevens
Always good to hear from you. Have a great 2015.
Tom Dills
I’m with you on being reluctant to post the “Greatest Hits” photos for the year, although I have no issue with those who do. For me, I’m still finding new ones as I process them, and I’m a bit behind on my processing.
My Dad was a woodcarver and the one thing I was never able learn was how to really sharpen a knife. To this day I struggle with it. One of his lines was there is nothing more dangerous than a dull knife. Good luck with the carving – it does require patience and you’ll either find it or you’ll quit. I hope you find it.
And what’s the deal with these pants? Must be the cold weather. 😉
Happy New Year, Monte!
Monte Stevens
The pants really confuse me. -:)