For 1,096 days in a row (9/1/2010-9/2/2013) I took at least one picture every single day. I narrated why each picture was significant, creating a photo journal that became a raw and honest but beautiful reminder of my journey. I was, however, pretty hesitant when the idea was first presented to me. Two of my friends had already begun when I was considering taking on the project, and they were loving it. In theory I loved it too, but it did seem like a huge commitment. There must be reasons why I committed not only to the year, but also continued for a second and also a third year! Now I’m ready for year four, and I’m going to try and explain why everyone can benefit from a project like this.
First and foremost, I have always been interested in photography. I have always loved taking pictures. In fact, I have boxes and boxes of photos and negatives from the years before there was digital photography. I knew that a project like this one could only improve my photography skills, which is something I’m always eager to do. With built in support thanks to my friends (shout out to Alex and Carol!) and our private Facebook group, I finally made the decision to start my first Project 365 on September 1, 2010.
September 1, 2010:
Teacher in-service for the new school year! “The three musketeers,” Alex, me, and Maddalena.
(This was my first P365 post ever!)
When I joined the Facebook group, I met a whole group of amazing women (and a few pretty cool guys, too!) who all shared a passion for photography just like me. Through the sharing of our photos and commenting on each others’, friendships blossomed! We really had gotten to know each other well, even though we only hung out together in cyberspace for the longest time. They were with me from day one, all the way through day 1,096. We have taken our friendships beyond cyberspace, and now we hang out in real life! Whether we are taking photo “field trips”, or simply hanging out, I just love spending time with my “photog” friends (another shout out for Marlene, Nancy, Megan, Kim, and Jaime!). They are all extremely talented photographers aside from being awesomely cool people, and I am humbled any time any one of them “likes” or comments on any of my photos.
Day 1: 9/2/2011
Today i remembered to park in my special parking spot, pretty much the only “perk” for being teacher of the year. Well that and this snazzy star given to me at the district convocation yesterday! Sorry took your spot, Alex!
(This is day one of year 2!)
But the most amazing part about Project 365 is how it makes me see the world. There is something very powerful about seeing things through my camera (or iPhone) lens. I seek out beauty in the little things that exist in every day life. In a world where negativity prevails, Project 365 allows me to find something positive in every single day. When I look at the books I made after completing each year, every picture and narrative brings on a slew of memories. The lessons I learned during the course of those 1,096 days are far more valuable than anything I learned in all my years of school. It took me having some sort of camera practically permanently attached to my hand for me to appreciate every single day, no matter what. Not every day is a great day, but there is something great in every day. Thanks to Project 365, I know how to look for those moments.
Day 1: September 3, 2012
Tomorrow I’ll be wearing these items for the first time since June. They are seldom thought about during the summer months, but during the school year I wear them every single day. They aren’t the most glamorous of accessories but I love them because it means that I have a job and that I am still healthy enough to work.
(Day 1 of my third P365.)
My photog friends and I are starting a Project 365 tomorrow. For many of us, this will be our fourth time! I’m not going to lie: I am a little nervous this time around. Many of my photos in the past centered around my job and my students. At first I wondered if it would even be worth doing because I think I’m pretty boring these days! Some days I don’t even leave my house. But that’s exactly the point. Even if I’m sitting home in my pajamas with my butt on the couch all day long, there is still at least one precious moment to be had that deserves to be remembered when I look back. Because my life has changed so much in the last year, I’m picking up my camera so it can help me see clearly again. If you’re having a hard time seeing what’s right in front of you, might I suggest looking through a camera lens? It works!
Day 365: 9/2/1013
PL365 – preparing
#preparing for the upcoming school year involves so much….the classroom is just one part, and probably the easiest. The psychological preparation for me is much more difficult as the pressure mounts and MS continues to hinder me in ways I always assumed impossible. Project 365 has been a great experience for me, and even though I am not starting year 4 right away, I continue to take photos multiple times every single day. Looking at the world through my lens (and sometimes through my iPhone camera) has taught me some valuable lessons. What I know for sure is that we can all find beauty in simple things, and we can find moments every day that we can capture to remind us of the memories we create even on the most humdrum days. Bruce, thanks for indulging me and my hobby as you’ve waited endless times for me to set up my shot…and for getting me my Rebel in the first place! Also to my special p365 family Alexandra Peterson, Kimberly Stepowany Curren, Nancy Burgos-Boyle, Marlene Christopher, Megan Boyle Curren, Carol Tare Curren: I never knew that pursuing my hobby would lead me to such a fabulous group of women and friends. Who knew I could feel so close to someone I met just through our shared passion?!! Thank you, ladies. You all rock!
(My last P365 post at the end of my third year. I’m sure by looking at these pictures you can see why I am a bit nervous. There is an underlying theme here that is no longer present in my life!)
