in gratitude

November was a dark month. Here in New England, it feels like the slippery slope leading down down down into the darkness of short days and long nights. November is the hardest for me. Others might argue that February is hardest here in the north country but I would disagree (having only had one under my belt, ahem!) February for us is a busy time filled with birthdays and a visual expression of pulling oneself up into light with each day growing longer by the minute and the ever elusive Springtime always just around the corner. Yes, February is easier for me to swallow with birthday cakes and ice cream.

November was another story.
And thus, a gratitude project was born.
last year it was what carried me through.
It's a great practice in daily mindfulness.

This past month I found myself thankful for:

• reclusive artists and the partnership that flows between.
• radical acts of love
• laughing children, hide and seek, and cornfield picnics.
• photography and the inspiration that comes with the first snow of the season.
• the nights my mom visits me in my dreams, even though it's absolutely heartbreaking.
• this colorful world.
• this messy life and the lessons we learn together.
• sunday drives that lead us to thrifted bliss.
• this art of juggling, crazy as it makes me.
• for technology that allows these conversations that float through this very sky connecting maine to london and canada. thankful for these connections, these women, this laughter.
• strangely, grateful for the broken washing machine... it gave me this day in town with my loves.
• for sunshine and friendship
• this boy who made me a momma.
• this day. this moment. this life.
• the little things like hanging curtains in our new bedroom yurt.
• this epic day of gatherings and blended families, thanksgiving feasts. this is the reminder that our past does not define us, it simply brought us to where we are now... which is as amazing. 
• my love, my partner, and an impromptu date night in portland.
• this day to finish my work week, this laughter to finish the month, and true smiles that come with real life.

So, while I was silent in blogland I was shooting images every day with my iphone because that little device often acts as a lifeline and keeps me present in the moment of everyday photography. Have you done a gratitude project? If so we'd love to see it! Do you prefer your smartphone or your dslr for everyday shooting?

What have you been grateful for? Please leave your words (and images!) in the comments below.

Comments

[Caryn]

Lovely post and photos. Like you, I'm so grateful that my past does not define me and that I'm finally able to live the simple, minimalist life that I wanted all along. http://instamaticgratification.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/334366/

[Anna]

Love those pictures. I am grateful just to be breathing. Some days that's all I've got!

[joanna]

Great post. i should do a grateful project in January. that's the month i hate.:)
I am using my phone for everyday stuff. i dont upload from dslr daily. beautiful images!

[Caro]

I've started a gratitude project the very same day I started my 365 and I love both (today is day 325).
While my words are safely stored in my diary, I can at least share my 365.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carito345/

[Valerie]

After fifteen years of trying to get back, I'm finally living in my hometown again. Watching my boy fall in love with autumn in the South just like I did. So grateful.
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2012/12/mild.html

[Kim Klassen]

oh Mere.... i appreciate this post so much....... so special....

today I'm so very thankful for my simple quiet life...... so much gratitude....

and for technology.... connections I never dreamed of... such a gift...

big love... xo, Kim