Monday, December 31, 2012

Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2012


                                                       

Hi everyone! Happy New years to each and every one of you! I hope 2013 is a year of fulfilled dreams, good health, happiness and prosperity for each of us! Last year, I joined Ashley Sisk's Memories, 
Dreams and Reflections challenge. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to do it again this year. Here are my photos for the year.
ME
My beloved Maddux and I.

I LOVE YOU
To me, this picture represents love. You can just see it in all their faces. This is my newest Grandchild Brady, his Mother Jess, and my Dad. We dont know what the future holds, Dad has a brain tumor and has been steadily going downhill. In this picture, you would never know. Taken at Christmas this year.


STILL LAUGHING


It takes 2 pictures to explain this one. My Sister-in-law Kim and I were on a nature walk this past fall, 
when we came upon this snake on the trail. Without thinking, I laid right down on the ground close to it and began shooting many pictures of it. At one point, I decided to get my macro lens out (Top picture) and take several shots that way. My hand was actually on the lens cap in the bottom picture for a few 
shots. The snake was very patient, letting us take lots of pictures, but eventually he started sticking his tongue out. I said to Kim "Isnt that how they smell"? Right about then, the snake has had enough and 
instead of coming after me, the person who is 6" from him, he decides to go after Kim, who is a good 6 feet away! She lets out a scream and goes running down the path away from the snake who is chasing her a good way down the path. I was laughing hysterically, and so was Kim, once the snake veered 
off into the brush! We still laugh about it today, and I am still shocked I was so close to the snake. 



WINTER WONDERLAND
No explanation needed!

BIRTHDAY
My newest Grandchild, Brady Alan, born August 10th, 2012

FRIENDS
Maddux and Kileigh were the best of friends. He loved her as much as she loved him. 



I WAS INSPIRED
Inspired by nature, one of my goals for this year was to get some larger birds of prey pictures. While 
out driving around, we came upon this hawk on the side of the road. He was very nice to me and let 
me takes lots of shots of him before flying off.



SPRING FEVER 
Early last spring, Kim and I came across these beautiful Coma Butterflies drinking the sap from the 
trees. I loved how the background is such a soft brown, and the tree bark is almost the same shade, 
then there is the pop of orange in the butterfly. One of my favorite shots of the year.



TRAVEL OR VACATION
We couldnt afford to travel this past year, so instead we take lots of road trips and I take pictures along the way.


AUTUMN HARVEST
Not exactly a harvest, but a beautiful fall sunset!



SUMMER DAYS
Kileigh in her pool last Summer.

A DAY IN MY LIFE
I spend as much time here as I can, all year around. It is heaven on earth for me.

ALL SMILES
Grandson Ethan opening his box of Dinosaurs for Christmas.

FAMILY OR HOME
I love coming home to this face.

CELEBRATE
Ethans 3rd Birthday celebration.

LET'S DO IT AGAIN
Hubby and I went for many long walks in the woods this past year. I hope we get the chance 
to take many more. This was one of a set of twin fawns we saw on one of our walks.

I MISS YOU
Maddux. As many of you know, I lost my best friend August 28th to renal Failure at just 8 years of age. I miss him every second of the day. I love you Maddux.

BEAUTIFUL
Simple picture of a dead thistle against water. It came right out of the camera like this. I dont know why,
but I like it. It is a natural black and white. Think this one is going an a canvas.

DRESS UP
My daughter Courtney and her daughter Kileigh. We did a photo shoot
for their Christmas cards this year.

MACRO
Brown Fruit Chaffer Beetle on blossoms. Love his little antennas!

HOLIDAYS
Ok, getting these 3 munchkins to cooperate was next to impossible! Still cute though. Left to right, 
Ethan, Kileigh and Brady.



 MY FAVORITE
Ok, so I couldnt actually PICK a favorite. This is one of many! This little Mink was so curious about me. He would keep poking his head out in different places and made little noises at me. Finally he couldnt resist and just ran out and by me.

DON'T EVER CHANGE
My son Aaron and Grandson Brady, both born August 10th.

JUST BECAUSE...SO THERE!
I dont know why I like this picture of a Blue Heron so much, but I do, so there!!


HOPES AND DREAMS
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

8 comments:

Thoughtfulhands said...

AWESOME!!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR TRACEY...

K Hutchinson said...

These are all so amazing to look back at! I can tell how much you grew as a photographer this year! You shots are AWESOME! You know I can't look at that snake and not giggle! I can't wait to spend more time out in nature with you and our cameras! Love you bunches!

Unknown said...

Wonderful! I love all your animal shots! Amazing job!

Lauren said...

GORGEOUS!!! Your "I love you" shot is very touching.

Lies Koster said...

Though your blog is called beadyful mess I see a lot of beutiful pictures!! I like them and I can hardly stop scralling back in your blog. I like the flying gooze. Beautiful atmosphere! I look forward to more, more, more. See you in BJP.
Lieskoster.blogspot.com

Jaymi said...

great shots, i love all the macros!

Adeena said...

Fantastic shots! Love all the animal shots. And the "I love you" and "Birthday." Aww. ♥

Pam said...

Great post I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. Love the shots of your family.