“Experimenting with our point of view in a photograph allows us to establish a setting, tell a specific story, or rethink our own perspective. This week, consider your point of view as you respond to this challenge’s theme, “Atop.” If you’re physically on top of a thing or a place — a mountain, a skyscraper — what type of scene do you want to share in your frame? Consider, too, other interpretations of “Atop” — what does it mean or look like to be on top of a soapbox? A bestseller list? The world?”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/atop/)

Views from “atop” the stairs.

“This week, share a photo of a satisfying pairing from your own life. You should by no means limit yourself to edible stuff — You can mix and match places, people, objects, and activities that represent your idea of a harmonious, pleasing combination.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/a-good-match/)

A VERY satisfying pairing…

“This week, hunt for shadows and incorporate them into your shot. The shadow can be the focal point of the image, or simply a detail that adds texture and makes the scene a bit more dynamic. We look forward to your submissions!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/shadow-2017/)

Taking advantage once more of the amazing snow pictures I took yesterday!

“This week, show us what being alone means to you. If you’re finding yourself surrounded by too many people, or too many sensations, or too many obligations, take a quiet moment for yourself. Seek solitude, and reset. Or, perhaps you find yourself isolated too often, and solitude evokes negative emotions that photography can help you work through.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/solitude/)

“For this challenge, show us something you’ve put to new use. Maybe it’s an old hammock that now forms the climbing wall for your clematis. Perhaps it’s as simple as the matchbook that supports the short leg of your chair. It could be the shedding hair you comb from your dog that will warm the birds’ nests around you. All out of clever? Look to your family, friends, and neighbors — what canny bit of DIY recycling ingenuity has recently impressed you?”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/repurpose/)

In today’s Daily Post, I mentioned we had cleaned out some things from the backyard at our rental property that we have sold.  This is one of those things.

This is an old stove that we rescued from Kevin’s parents’ home when we moved his mom into a condo many years ago.  It sat in our backyard in Regina, and then we moved it here but had left it behind in our rental’s yard until yesterday.  Now, in the next few weeks as I clean up the yard for Spring(!), we will be thinking about its permanent home in our backyard here.  When we have it sorted out, I, of course, will show it off to you!  Now, what plants should I put in it??

“For this week’s challenge, share something that says “graceful” to you: from a couple dancing a smooth tango or a skyscraper soaring with ease above the skyline, to a leaf that dropped just so atop a moss-covered rock. You can focus on people, animals, architecture, or objects — or go for an abstract shot where the composition itself channels a fluid, streamlined essence.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/graceful/)

I posted this picture earlier this week, but I do think it also fits the theme of Graceful.  Lovely little Hellebores ready to pop!!

“What have you photographed with exceptional ambience? Perhaps you’ve visited a spectacular garden, indulged in a candlelit dinner, experienced a roaring fireplace on a cold night, or enjoyed some laughter with friends in a wonderful place?  We look forward to seeing the photos you share!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/ambience/)

A little ambience in our office…

“This week, share a photo that includes a name. When you stop and look around, you realize that we’re surrounded by names: street signs, name tags, vanity license plates, boat names, brand names, the spines of the books on your shelf… there are possibilities everywhere.  Look for something esoteric, or keep it close to home with a photo of a building that’s important to you or of your favorite person wearing a monogrammed sweater. Whatever you choose, make sure we can read the name!”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/names/)

Here are some names of restaurants from 2016 dining (and imbibing) experiences1

“This week, share a photo of something that says “resilient” to you. It could be a local landmark that has survived through the decades (or centuries), or a portrait of a person you know who never gives up. You could snap an image of a bed of perennials that never fail to bloom in season, or of a ritual or tradition that you (or people in your community) have successfully preserved. Show us something that has endured. ”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/resilient/)

While waves are ethereal, I think they are also pretty resilient…

“For this photo challenge, show us what path means to you. Consider the journey you’ve taken this year (or where you hope to go in 2017) and share a snapshot of this personal path, whether figurative or literal. A path can look like the one in the photo above, but it can also be a glimpse into your interests and passions or personal and professional goals.”  (https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/path-2016/)

A year of paths.

From a January path on a work lunch-hour walk.  Ironic, considering how work ended up going for the majority of 2016.

February, and the path to an annual Hellebore gathering excursion to Salt Spring Island with Sue and Isla.

March, and a path of cherry blossoms.

April, and a path past a field of Camas.

May, and another lunch-time walk, again, heavily ironic.  Which way to go?

June, and one of my favourite paths.

July, and a path up Mt. Tomie through Garry Oak meadow-land.

August, and a path across one of the bridges in the park.

September, on the path beside the fence.

October, and bacon along the path of the half-marathon stroll!

November, and the path into autumn.

December (just this week), and the path to finish Christmas shopping…

What paths will I follow in 2017?  Who knows.  I just need to remember to find joy in the adventure.