Day Eleven: Something Old

My mother bought this ring for me on my 16th birthday. It has been on my finger ever since. It has become a part of me.

Over time its value to me has become priceless. It is a constant reminder that even though we are now very, very far apart in distance, we are always in each other's hearts.

And yes, I am very thankful for that.


Anna Jane

Day Ten: Nature

Even though this tree has no leaves, it is still quite beautiful. We have to respect nature for its ability to completely strip itself bare and start all over again, year after year. I am so thankful for nature.

There are many lessons to be learned from trees:

This seems incredibly appropriate as the year is coming to an end, and hopefully not the world!

In just a few short days it will be 2013, so do yourselves a favor; start fresh, let it go, be in the moment, choose positivity.

I know I will.




Anna Jane

Day Nine: Inspiring Person

I have thought about writing this post non-stop since my last post, however it has taken me a few days to do it because of the seriousness of the topic. Thankfully blogs are in writing because I most likely would not be able to speak what I am about to say out loud.  No doubt I would like to dedicate this post to all of the staff lost in the Connecticut shooting.

The six women killed were teachers, the school psychologist, and the school principle. These brave women sacrificed themselves for their students. The principle and the school psychologist ran straight for the gunman as soon as they heard bullets. They lost their lives trying to overpower and stop him.

These women will forever be in the hearts of the school, the parents, the community, and most of the nation.

There is most likely nothing I can say to bring peace to those whom have lost loved ones, but if I could speak to them directly I would say this:

Even though the media plays up the horror of what happened that day, the truth is that those that died did not suffer. What I have come to realize through events in my own life, is that when a person dies, their soul leaves the body before the point of impact that ends their life.

We have all heard stories of people floating above their bodies in near death experiences. This is the explanation for that.

I would also tell them to try and take comfort in that all of those students and staff are still together. They are free from pain, worry, and hurt. They will always be in your hearts. They will always be a part of you. And that they are taking care of each other as they wait patiently for the rest of their families to come home.

Their souls will always be in the hearts of those that loved them. Any many of ours even though we did not personally know them.

Don't stop remembering your loved ones. Don't stop laughing. Don't stop living.


You will be together again someday.












Anna Jane







* picture is from http://abcnews.go.com/US/sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting-victims/story?id=17984685

Day Eight: Favorite Color

Today is not about me. Today I will not be posting my favorite color. Today I am posting a rainbow:

May this rainbow represent the favorite colors of the children lost in today's tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.  20 children and 7 adults were taken in a heartless shooting.

No parent should ever experience losing a child. My heart goes out to all of the people affected.

I cried my eyes out tonight rocking my son to sleep. I did not want to lay him down. I just wanted to hold him because he is here and I am so thankful for him. So I did. Thankful that he does not know about the tragedy that happened today.

I pray that the families of the loved ones lost can somehow find peace and the strength to live, and to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. I hope they know that the souls of their loved ones will always be with them, and that someday they will be together again.

For now be thankful for every second we do have. Be nice to each other. Spread love. Focus on what you do have and slow down and appreciate it.

Celebrate all the colors, because you are alive to see them.


Anna Jane


* image is from national geographic. (http://blog.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Gobi-rainbow-2.jpg)

Day Seven: Something Funny

I am just going to go ahead and share my picture right away:

My son, literally stuffing his face with mommy's cooking :).

Tuna casserole, if your curious.



Anna Jane

Day Six: Books

Hello everyone! Day Six's challenge called for a photo of books.

At first I was not sure if I wanted to photograph my books or my sons' books. I LOVE books. But even more than I love books, I love that my son loves books.

He ransacks them. Pulls them out one by one and flips through all the pages. I love seeing his face while he is reading, and I wonder what he thinks the story is about.

Books are a great source of happiness for me, and I love sharing that with my son.

Once one learns something, it cannot be un-learned. So, learn something positive, and share it with those you love.

I am so thankful for books! But more importantly the information they contain :).



Anna Jane

Day Five: Morning Sky

Well I am one day behind on this challenge because I wanted to capture an actual morning sky.

The first is the view from my kitchen window:

This crystal is very special to me. It is something that my mom always had in the windows when I was a little girl. They fill the house with rainbows when hit by the sun, and it just makes the house feel special.

The next is the view from the patio:

Such a pretty winter sky. Possibly a snow sky.

I really could not decide which picture I liked better, so I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.

Keep Calm & Create Something Beautiful :).


Anna Jane

Day Four: Leaves

I got some disappointing news this morning. A job I had really hoped to get I did not. So my mood has been a little low all day long.

Since it is December now there are not many leaves to be found. I decided to go through my photos and select one that I felt best satisfied the challenge. I decided on this:

This is my son :). He is discovering the texture of the leaves.

This photo is a reminder to stop and slow down and enjoy every precious moment. And I consciously do. Every. Single. Day.

And for those moments that I am able to appreciate and recognize I am truly thankful.


Anna Jane

Day Three: Happiness

I thought a lot about what I wanted to capture for today's image. What is happiness to me?

These are chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake bars (with a chocolate graham crust).

That I made!!!!

This is a victory for me. I am not a baker by any means.

But the real happiness comes from accomplishing this goal, no matter how small it may seem to others. Accomplishing anything that is personally meaningful is a miraculous feeling, and for that I am truly thankful.

Anna Jane

Day Two: Smile

I woke up excited to see what today's photo challenge would be. To my delight it is a picture of a smile.

 

 

This is my son, my love! This smile has changed my life. Ugh there are no words for how much I love that face.

 

It is amazing how such a little person can fill one's life and heart with so much love. And for that, I am truly thankful. 

Anna Jane

Day One: Favorite Food

I knew immediately what I would select for the first days photo: coffee.

 

Now, some may say, coffee is not a food! No, no, it is not. It is much more.

Coffee has been my late night companion to keep me motivated to finish an assignment. It has been my savior in the morning after being up all night with a teething or sick baby. It has been my afternoon pick me up on rainy days.

However, my most favorite time spent with coffee is on a cool morning. That hot, fresh, cup of coffee right out of the machine is the best one. And I am truly thankful for that moment every day.




Anna Jane

What it's about.

I have been feeling pretty low lately, and as I was recently perusing Pinterest for pick me up, I came across this photo :

 

I decided this project is exactly what I need to feel better. I decided to start a blog to document each picture, so I can come back and remember what is most important to me.

 

I hope you all enjoy this photo journal journey.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anna Jane