Happy New Year!

It is just crazy to me that 10 years ago we were worried about Y2K and welcoming in the new millennium. But here we are at the starting line of our 2010 journey. Alaska welcomed the new year in at chilly below zero temperatures. But the coldness allowed for a crisp clear day. I took a drive that I have taken many a new year day, up to Hatcher Pass. It was nice to sit in my warm car and gaze at the beautiful, shining world and think about the past year and dream about the future. Here was my view on New Year's Day at noon. Not a bad view with which to ponder life.


Looking back at 2009.
This was such an amazing travel year that took me through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Brazil, Alabama, California, Idaho, Montana, England, and landing back in Alaska after a 3 year departure. In 2009 I walked on perfectly wind-shaped sand dunes, touched ancient cactus, hiked through the jungle in search of monkeys, picked tropical fruit, swam in the Amazon, gazed at the perfect shade of red ever to adorn a mountain in Sedona, drove thousands of highway miles pulling a 23 foot camper trailer, had high tea at Princess Di's house, took an elevator deep inside Carlsbad caverns for a spectacular site, saw the Rosetta stone and several mummies, wore a beautiful bridesmaid dress for a dear friend, toured the home of Henry the VIII and his unfortunate wives, photographed an uneasy volcano at 2am, soaked in original paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet, and picked blueberries with an incredible view... just to name a few.

The biggest change in my world this year is that I get paid to use my camera! Starting my own business has been an amazing journey of learning and growing. So I must include in my review of the year... photographing blushing brides and handsome grooms, stylish high school seniors, sweet babies, and fantastic families.

However, with all of my travels and experiences this year, I cherish the time I spent with my family and friends, old and new. The many, many games of Hand and Foot, stories, shopping, hiking, laughing, sledding, talking, eating, crying, swimming, photographing, listening, learning and sharing. My life is rich because of you. Thank you for sharing your life with me.

Happy New Year!