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

[Irene Lenihan]

You are right, holidays do sort of become more hassle than fun as we get older. You know how I can tell, I didn't take one Christmas photo this year. That is something I am going to change next year. Would love to have that printer to print out all the pictures I'm going to take next year.

[lizzy]

thank you for this month of giveaways. although i've never won a giveaway, your words have empowered my heart & boosted my creativity. thank you deeply for that...

[Charlotte]

thanks for the reminder... i am a rockstar! :)

[divrchk]

Happy New Year!

[psumommy]

Well, now, I know exactly the feeling- I find myself dreading the holidays more each year because there is so much to do, family to juggle- so much preparation going on in the background of boisterous, excited kids who get maybe a little crazy.

I fully intend on reflecting on the past year and making New Year's resolutions this time around- I haven't for years, but it's about time I do my best to try to better myself.

Onward ho!

[Cheryl]

This year has been interesting, and not necessarily in a good way, but onward and upwards. Love your pics.

[Heather M]

A new printer would be AWESOME! Thank you

[Karen]

Shutter Sisters is a daily necessity--love the photography and the writing. Thanks for all the inspiration.

[Kari]

Rock on Shutter Sisters!

[Charlane]

we are all rock stars and should be at the very least in our own minds. great shot

[Courtney]

Giving birth to my first child after journeying through infertility treatments for more than two years makes me a rock star. Now I can celebrate daily with documenting my long awaited miracle with photographs. Now if only I could print said pictures...hmmmm...

[Stephanie]

Each year I vow to learn something new that is only for me...that would improve me. This year is the year of the rock star, the year I learn to play the guitar!!!
http://slsmithphotgraphy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/not-a-christmas-present.html

I still sound like a 2nd grader, but I'll get there soon!

[AppleTree]

Here's to a new year...

[Gale]

Great NEW YEAR post and a wonderful giveaway. Yes the last night of the year does change with age!

[staci]

what a sweet post... really. we women rarely take time to celebrate ourselves, so today is the perfect occasion. Thank you for the reminder.

[mary]

Sisters ROCK! I'm an only child, and never really knew what it was like to have sisters until I started blogging and met such terrific and supportive women. Sharing your days and daily inspiration has been my joy this past year. I actually wrote a little about my small accomplishments here:

http://inasoftlight.blogspot.com/2008/11/road.html

Wishing you all joy this new year!

[Toni]

2008 has been very challenging and I have made it through. Looking forward to a brand new year and a brand new adventure. I discovered a little quote a couple of weeks ago that is my new motto for 2009 "Consume Less..Create More".

Happy New Year!

[Joelle]

In 2008 - I finally made some time for myself again - it's been a little tricky at times with two toddlers at home, but - I'm so excited that I made the effort. I just have one day left in my 365 Project with only one missed day. I enjoyed it so much that I plan on continuing the project in 2009. Thank you so much Shuttersisters for encouraging us all to express ourselves - it feels so wonderful!!

[Robyn]

we are all rockstars going into this new year! I can feel it! we are all so empowered :-)

[robin alias rstedem]

'that's beast".."rock on"..would love a new printer..and may the new year bring plenty of "Rock to your World"

[Kelly]

I love the life and passion that this photo captures! I just stopped and stared when I saw it - amazing!

[Angella]

My kingdom for a printer...

Thanks, ladies, for all that you do here.

[jfrancis]

Shutter Sisters___
a Rock Star
with many daughters
shining brightly.

[Kelley]

I bought my first "big girl " camera and jumped into the field of photography. I still have a lot to learn but am having a blast

[Julie Marie]

You all Rock !

Best to all this New Year !

[Stephanie]

Thanks for all the inspiration! And a new printer would be rockin'!

[celtcbuffy]

I played the rock star wild card in 2008 by quitting my career for a low paying entry level job in my new field, for which I am entering school in 2009; moved my kids to a new city to start life over after divorce.

[Becky]

A printer would be a perfect end-of-year gift, since the one I have went belly up for Christmas!

[deezee]

to a cheery and attitude adjusted 2009!

[anna]

I am so glad that I have discovered this site and have used so many tips, tricks and ideas to help with my photography. I feel like a rockstar when I get "the" shot, there is no better feeling!

[Emme]

2009 is definitely the year of me finding my inner rock star. And a printer to boot! yay.

[Christina]

Happy New Year Rockstars! :)

[Kimberly]

how funny that we went looking at printers yesterday~ i love the idea of acknowledging my inner rock star - especially as most of your examples applied to me this year! i have listed my new years aspirations on my site this year as there are things i want to achieve but don't don't want to set myself up for disappointment if life doesn't go exactly as planned...
have a wonderful new year sisters - you truly are the best!
xo

[Dawn]

So glad I found this site! HERE'S to continued growth for shutter sisters !! (clink clink) I am honored to be part of this group of incredible women!!!!
I have a camera I love.....would love to love a printer!!!

[Courtney]

Love your site. Happy New Year!

[Pamala]

Good Luck and Happy New Year everyone! May 2009 be a happy and safe year for everyone!

[hanna]

A new printer would be a rockin way to start the new year!!

[Sharon]

Happy New Year! It's time to pick up my camera more and shoot more freely. That printer would be a very, very nice part of the process . . . . Thanks for sharing.

[Lori]

My inner rock star huh? My inner rock star wants to find a stage somewhere and act my little heart out, but my practical self says I don't have time.

[Briana]

Oh a printer! That would be a dream come true....Ours recently went on the fritz, so winning this would be fantastic!

[nickythomas]

ooh a printer.
oh rockstar fashion..

thangewverymuch.. well, does elvis count?!

happy new year x

[Kaitlyn]

new year new printer? fingers crossed!

[Laura]

Happiest of new years so far to everyone.

[Toni]

I agree Tracy--well said.
Self confidence that springs
from within is very empowering.

Thank you Shutter Sisters for all you give here!!

[Francine]

Happy New Year to all the Shutter Sisters! it's been wonderful reading this blog all year long.

[heather]

My rock star plan is to really test my chops and regularly shoot some good old fashioned film. On a really old fashioned camera (a canon AE-1). If I can rock exposures without the safety net of digital, I will be convinced that I know my stuff. :)

Happy New Year!

[Regina]

I focus more on painting than photography (which I fell into in order to have my own ref shots), so my "rock star" moments have to deal with paintings. I sold 2 paintings from obscure settings. Yeah! I received 2 invitations to show solo exhibits in 2009. That really keeps me going.
Happy new year!

[Dina]

Happy New Year! Rock on!

[Susan]

I found you via Pioneer Woman and I'm so glad I did. I've gotten so much out of your site already.
Thanks!

[Marcene]

I've definitely done a lot this year. I'm glad I found this group!