Thursday, January 2, 2014

Photo Heart Connection December and 2013 Selections

Kat Sloma masterminded a photography practice she calls "Photo Heart Connection," where she encourages photographers to review their photos once a month and choose the one which most touches and connects to their heart. For December, I have chosen this sunset photo (filtered in instagram) at the local light house. We have had a spectacular month for winter sunsets, and Clara and I have enjoyed chasing and capturing them together. Happy memories flood my heart when I look this photograph. But there's more. A lighthouse is a beacon, a signal of hope, a marker of reaching landfall. And as 2013 draws to a close, I am filled with hope. Happy to be through with the turbulent seas life threw our way in the past year. Ready to follow the beacon to a safe harbor and a wonderful 2014.
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This month, there were two other contenders I wanted to note. The first from our trip to the tree farm:
Once more, a girl and her dog. I never tire of looking at the connection between these two. And there's more. It represents Clara's intended future - she plans to become a dog behaviorist and have a business boarding and grooming dogs as well. And it's one more piece of photographic evidence of a happy, healthy, directed Clara.
The second is from our trip to Southern California:
This is Henry and Clara, with their cousin Maddie, visiting the cemetery on Christmas morning to honor and reminisce about my parents. I was so touched that they all wanted to go. But, again, there is more. They all took time while we were there to tidy up some of the other grave sites where Christmas decorations had fallen over or come apart. Their sweetness and caring revealed their good hearts and touched mine.
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I have done PHC every month this year, and I'm really glad I did. I reviewed my PHC posts this morning (you can see them all at this link) and they are definitely some of my favorite from the year because of the photography and the writing. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think this is my favorite photograph of the year:
My favorite photo-heart journaling can be found in this post.
Thanks Kat for hosting Photo-Heart Connection. You can link up with Kat's December PHC and see other photographer's selections at this link

22 comments:

The Mann Fam said...

Your lighthouse picture is stunning! You have captured two of my most favorite things in the world: sunsets and lighthouses. I should put review photos on my list of things to do monthly. That would be a good practice. I noticed you change your profile picture. Nice photo of you and you look great in your hat!

Lesley G said...

Beautiful photos Rinda - may 2014 bring you health and happiness :) x

Kerry said...

So many beautiful ones to choose from. The lighthouse one has a definite WOW factor though.

helena said...

your lighthouse shot is a beautiful beacon for a new year and the other two touch my heart (as your photo-heart photos often do)

Susanne said...

I like that idea of a photo-heart connection - maybe I should start choosing one a month too. But like you it might be hard to decide.

Cheri said...

I LOVE the Lighthouse/sunset photo - it is a great photo on its own, but with all it represents for you, it really does have so much connection to offer. I think I will join in Photo Heart Connection during 2014.

Anne said...

Happy New year Rinda. All the best for you and your lovely family, not forgetting the 4 paws. xxx

Irene said...

Love your photos especially of Clara with her dog.

Melissa said...

I love this photo, it has such a moody feel to it with the sky and the lighthouse looming from above.

Andria said...

What a lovely post! I enjoy hearing "the story behind the photo." Wishing you the blessings of a new year!

Alison said...

I have so enjoyed your series, Rinda...and what a way to finish!
Alison xx

Missus Wookie said...

I've enjoyed reading the background to the stories and connections you find in the photos. Meaningful stuff is always a good thing to share.

Karen said...

A beautiful post, and a stunning lighthouse photo!

Simon said...

Such positive vibes come thru in this post. I can see why the lighthouse image appeals....that sky put on a beautiful show for you.
Your Clara sounds like an extra special little lady.
And wait there's more-that last image is fantastic.

Sarah Huizenga said...

Love lighthouses. What a great future Clara has ahead of her working in the dog world. A special gift.

Melissa said...

That sunset is absolutely beautiful! I don't know how you chose with those other fantastic contenders, too!

gina said...

Your lighthouse image is a beautiful selection for your P-H Connection -- I like you hopeful interpretation of it. Thanks for sharing the other contenders too. Happy 2014!

Kat Sloma said...

What a beautiful post, Rinda! I am so happy that you are entering 2014 with hope. Your lighthouse photograph is perfect for expressing your thoughts. I'm so glad that the Photo-Heart Connection practice has brought you much in 2013. It always does for me too. Here's to 2014!

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy seeing and reading about the ones you pick each month and this is a wonderful one to end the year on. Best wishes for 2014.

seabluelee said...

A beautiful image and a beautiful post. I love the lighthouse sunset and what you wrote about it, but the other "contenders" touched my heart too. All the best to you in 2014!

Prairie Jill said...

Beautiful post and beautiful images! I love the lighthouse and your thoughts about a beacon. Your other images are very touching, too.

smiles, Sharon said...

I am touched that your family wanted to visit the resting place of their grandparents. There are so many kind and loving people in this world, and obviously you are amongst the many. You are raising your children right....or they would have preferred to be elsewhere.