Often when something is ending we discover within it the spore of new beginning, and a whole new train of possibility is in motion before we even realize it. When the heart is ready for a fresh beginning, unforeseen things can emerge. And in a sense, this is exactly what a beginning does. It is an opening for surprises. Surrounding the intention and the act of beginning, there are always exciting possibilities.
John O’Donohue
I’m not going to offer a list of my favorite images for 2023 because they’re all my favorites. That is not arrogance but an acknowledgement of a love I have for this craft of photography that even the ones you don’t see are teachers for me. This will be my final post of 2023. It is time to say goodbye to the year and look to the possibilities in 2024. Last year began with a lot of unknowns with my health and this year I have other unknown health issues. Seems to come with this age thing. Yet, I am looking to this coming year with exciting possibilities in all areas of my life. I’m not sure where this year will lead me, what spirit of adventure awaits, whether those are good or bad, what adjustments to my sails I will need to make, what will I need to learn, and what new ground will I walk? Exciting possibilities.
I started this last day of 2023 at Pineridge Natural Area to take in the cold, in the silence and the amazing colors of predawn. Nothing more energizing for me than beginning the day and ending the year with time in nature. And, I also enjoy witnessing creations ever changing works of art. I then made my way to Starry NIght for an Americano and a croissant. I end this post with a prayer and wish for all your new possibilities in the coming year.
7 Comments
Mark
Your mindfulness and gratitude are inspiring Monte. This age thing is definitely overrated. However, all it seems to take to put us in our place is to ask someone older. They would likely say “kid, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” 🙂
Best wishes and health to you for 2024. I can’t think of a better way to end a year than time in nature.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Mark. I got in my cardio and steps today and feel sore in my left hip. Starting to see more of that sutff.
I just made a trip to the grocery store and witnesses a beautiful sunset. So this last day of 2023 opened and closed with a bright red sky. Happy New Year!!
Earl
I hope you have a happy and healthy 2024, Monte! I have been a little quiet online this last week; a Christmas guest accidentally brought Bonnie and me the unexpected gift of COVID. A week later, we’re still feeling the effects and testing positive. We have all our boosters, but we haven’t even had a cold in the last four years. I guess we were due! 😷
Monte Stevens
Oh no!! Sure not what any of us want, nor at this time of the year. I hope you both get to feeling better. There seems to me to be more people wearing masks when at the grocery store or any place public. I know someone who has contacted it for the second time. I also have not had a cold in four years, knock on wood. However, I did have a 24 hour bout with the flu two years ago. I tested negative for COVID at the time. Please take care and I will send prayers and positive thoughts out to the Universe for you!
Mark
Oh no is right. Hope you both feel better and have a speedy recovery.
Faye White
Wishing you good health and happiness for the new year, Monte. Exciting possibilities indeed! Let’s do this! 😃
Monte Stevens
Yes, let’s do this!! It’s rather cold here this morning at 19 degrees but should reach 50. Just arrived at the coffee shop and enjoying a mocha with Diana Ross singing to me in the background. Have a wonderful day and coming year!