Rockin' New Year

Is it just me or as we get older do holidays lose a little bit of their kick? The big events we looked forward to as children (and even young adults) tend to loose some of their magic as time goes on. I hate to even say it out loud, but I think it’s true. Even our own birthdays are often swept under the rug with minimal fanfare. What is it about growing up that causes us to grow out of our excitement for momentous occasions?

Perhaps it’s because we often experience more stress than enjoyment from some major holidays. Or that practicality gets in the way and leaves no room for childish enthusiasm. I mean many of us toss out making New Year’s Resolutions just to keep the disappointment (and even guilt) of our own realities at bay. Self-preservation I guess.

How about doing something a little different this year. No, I am not going to insist that you make a New Year’s Resolution, I promise. But, I am going to take this opportunity on the last day of 2008 to encourage you to take a look at the past year and amidst all the ups and downs that the year may have dished out that you claim your inner Rock Star. That’s right, you heard me; you are a Rock Star.

Maybe you dusted off your camera and tapped into your long-lost love of photography, maybe you started (or expanded) a blog, maybe you treated yourself to new equipment, maybe you got a photo published or got paid for shooting a session. Whatever creative accomplishment you choose to focus on today, celebrate it. And whether you have plans to ring in the New Year with lots of bells and whistles or in quiet reflection, do it like the Rock Star that you really are.

You didn’t think we’d forget our very last giveaway of the year, did you? We’re ending the month of giveaways with a bang as HP is offering one of their awesome All-in-One printers to a lucky reader. Leave a comment today (in true Rock Star fashion) for your chance to win. Comment by the stroke of midnight to be entered in the drawing. Best of luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Comments

[Kylie]

Oh a printer would make me so happy! It would start 2009 perfectly! Thank you for all the great inspiration and motivation over 2008. Happy New Year!
Kylie

[Michelle]

A new blog, a new printer, a new year.

[Nathalie]

I discovered your blog a couple of month ago and it really is a beam of sunshine in my week when I consult it. I don't have any creative achievement to celebrate ( apart from a dove in textile I made for our door at Xmas), but I do feel like a rock star from time to time.
Thank you.

[patricia]

2008 made me feel like a rockstar because I shifted to my first love-teaching. and I am now being adored by my 5-year old fans. :)

in 2009 I am looking forward to creating something with my photographs and starting a new arts and crafts hobby - letterpress and scrapbooking. :)

wishing everyone here at shutter sisters a wonderful and life/love-filled 2009 ahead!

[Kathryn T]

wowsers trousers! what a super fabulous giveaway! I'm ready to be a rock star. I'll give the air guitar a whirl tonight.

Happy new year!
xxxx

[Vanessa]

happy new year, sisters!
i'm definitely feeling quiet in my celebrations this year.
my new year's wish? for 2009 to go nice and slow...

[sandi]

I love playing Rock Band and Guitar hero with my boyfriend and his kids....it truly makes me feel like a Rock Star!!! I would love, love, love a new printer.

[Jenny]

Awesome post and great giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity.

[vivienne]

i love this!

one of my favorite comments i got from a friend i was doing a photoshoot of was "vivienne makes me feel like a rock star"! i love that we have the ability to help people feel so sassy, beautiful and downright special! i feel like a rockstar because i followed my dreams this year, went to school for photography, made a website of my work and did so many portrait shoots this year (some i even got paid for)!

happy new year rockstars, superheros and fellow big dreamers!

[Renee]

Happy New Year!

[Kizz]

I have a camera I love and I've been paid for a couple of sessions but I'm still working with the printer I got free with my computer 7 or so years ago. It's terrible.

Happy New Year!

[sebrina]

Happy New Year!!!!

[Wendy]

I have the worst printer ever so this would be awesome!

[Suzanne]

Happy New Year! This year, I decided that I was a photographer. Maybe an amateur one to be sure, but a photographer none-the-less.

[Emma]

Yeah, I am a rock star too! Well, erm, maybe a jazz star. I took a leap into the dark this year & sang my first gig in a long time in Paris. Was super fun and the best part was that I got paid to take pictures of the other singers on the night! Whoohoo!
Shutter Sisters brings me so much joy each day I check in - I love seeing everyone's contributions and words of encouragement.
So I wish you a fabulous new year girls, and I hope 09 brings much happiness your way!

[jenney]

What an awesome, inspiring post! 2008 was my first year in business and I had so many great clients. Getting that first check was an amazing experience. Thanks for reminding me to focus on that!!

[shelli]

I agree - holidays can lose their sizzle. For me, it's the stress of bringing together very different kinds of families. But this year, with a two-year-old, Christmas had a little more of its old happy fun.

I did get my SLR this year (yippee!) and I really got back into my love of photography thanks to my friend Maya and because of you, Shutter Sisters! I also started a photo blog. (http://www.mamaofletters.com/Site/The_Focal_Point/The_Focal_Point.html)
I bought a used 50mm f/1.8 lens, though unfortunately it's not auto-focus on my camera....I still get some great pictures from it though. I participated in NaNoWriMo and finished! Not bad. Thanks for reminding me that I can accomplish some things! Happy New Year!

[HSY]

Well, I'm not a rock star, but this year I did really learn to use my DSLR. I think the counter is at about 14,000 photos... throw out the 13,800 learning opportunities, and I got a couple hundred great shots! Next year's rock star goal: learn to finish and print my photos!

[Tracy]

A new printer in a new year! What a great idea!

[Stephanie]

I feel like I did alot this year. I got a DSLR and started taking more pictures. I went back to school for graphic design. and I started my blog this year. I kinda do feel like a rockstar. I'd love to have a new printer especially since the old one hasn't had ink since last year.

[Tracie]

I dusted off my camera and its manual and started a blog this year. I love visiting this site for inspiration and tools to give me the courage I need to just keep on using my camera. Here's to 2009!

[Mod Girl]

Ahhhh, perfect for printing 8x10 glossies! Enter me.

[Shawna]

Had my first paid photography gig this year and yes, it did make me feel awesome!

Would love to win this. I'd put it to good use.

Happy New Year and good luck all!

[renee @ FIMBY]

no rock star fashion comment from me. Just a thank you for all the thought provoking and inspiring posts you all post here at Shutter Sisters. I have done some contemplating the New Year during this in between space after Christmas. I have been challenged and encouraged in many aspects of my life, not just photography, by reading this blog and I can see those reflected in some of the thoughts I have for the new year.

Happy New Year to you all!

[spencercasa]

happy new year!

[Puna]

I feel like a rock star this year. I found my mojo with the camera and I found this site! Rock on!

[e.l.berge]

I know what you mean about the holidays losing their kick. They also seem to just fly by.
Thank you for this chance to win, and Happy New Year!

[Jen]

What a great prize. This would inspire me to take my pictures off my computer. Happy New Year!

[diane*v]

This rock star hopes she wins that printer! Happy New Year!
xo
D

[Sandy]

Have a Resourceful and Happy 2009! :)

[deena]

I'm definitely ready for 2009 to move along.

[jude]

I joined a local camera club in Sept, and it's been wonderful. So nice to have other people who want to chatter endlessly about photography and who inspire me to wake up at dawn on cold winter mornings.

Here's to a rollicking 2009.

[lisa]

Heck yah, I'm a rock star! I've started displaying my art in my home and to others. I've fallin in love with my little boy and husband again. I've run in quite a few races and made personal best times. I've gotten over some junk that has been keeping me prisoner for years. It has been a rockin' good year and I'm excited for 2009!

[Lesley]

Thanks for reminding me of my rockstar status...Happy New Year!

[abbey]

I hope everyone there has a wonderful New Year as well!!!!!!
What a FUN December!!!!!
This is my last shot at winning!? ahhhh!! :)

[Katie Malone-Smith]

Happy New Years!

[Risa]

Wow! Way to go out with a bang! Happy New Year!

[Lu]

Ups and downs included, this has been one hell of a year. I can not say I would exchange any of my experiences, for that would change who I am right at this moment. And, right now, I think I am pretty Super!

[Bunny]

I would love to put together a retrospective look at my photos form this year...this afternoon's project.

[Jennifer]

Oh to be fearless again.
Definitely on my "to do" list for 2009!

[Cindy]

What a great giveaway! Happy New Year!

[Jeannette]

The Shutter Sisters community has given me the belief that I can do this photography thing. That what I can do now is good enough and that I can reach out and learn and push myself as much as I am able. You have given me the courage to come out of my head and try, try, try.

Thank you so much!

[Grey Street Girl]

Happy New Year to everyone! And, thank you Shutter Sisters for being so inspiring to my photography and my life this year!

[MelodyA.]

Happy New Year!

[Allison]

Ahh! I'm currently printerless and would absolutely love to win this.

Happy New year!

[claudia]

Thank you Shutter Sisters for the daily inspiration this past year.
Ending the year with my finger on the publish button of my first blurb photo book!

[Puanani]

I promise not to throw my new printer against the hotel wall in a rock and roll fit!

[n.]

a new printer would be lovely!

[kath]

I did rock last year! And so did all of you. Happy New Year my new friends....

[Erin]

Happy New Year Sisters!!!!