It was a gorgeous frosty morning in beautiful Kuna, Idaho. I took my camera out and tried to capture some of the scenes around the neighborhood.

This is an old picture from this fall that finally decided to do something with …

So, as you all may remember, I failed miserably at my first attempt at 365 pictures in 365 days. But THIS is THE YEAR. 2010 – a year in pictures. I’m trying again and I think I’ll make it this time.

Some branches that we stole borrowed from someone else’s tree in town. And I’ve been playing with making some of my own textures again … lots of fun!

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, I thought I would mention that one of my resolutions EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. is to get organized.  And the reason it is on every year’s list?  Because I have organizational issues, people.  Serious issues.  I blame ADD.  Did you guys see Julie & Julia?  Remember when she is talking about how she never finishes anything … she says it’s because she has ADD – and that is also why she is so bad at housework.  My husband looked at me and said “is this a movie about you?” ANYWAYS.  This year I have broken down “get organized” into a few smaller more specific goals … but I really think that I must have one of these camera bags to help organize my photography gear.  But … which one?  While I decide, take a look at these super duper cute totes and drool along with me …

• So, first is the shootsac, designed by Jessica Claire.  They are slim and light, designed to be used while you shoot. Love it! You can buy all sorts of cute covers for them …

(I totally stole that picture from the shootsac website, so it is of course not my photo).

• And another new discovery is Epiphanie Bags. These look just like super cute purses, but inside are padded compartments for your photo equipment. So cool! (I couldn’t figure out how to get a picture from their website, so you’ll have to go visit and check it out!)

• On Adorama I found this cool bowling-style camera bag. How fun is that?

(again a stolen picture … )

And of course Etsy is full of fabulous finds … I love this camera bag from seller gypsyrosehandbags. She’s got lots of other colors in her shop – check it out!

(again – stole this pictures from gypsyrosehandbags’ shop!)

I’m positive that if I had one of these great bags, I would be all over that organizational resolution of mine. At least as far as camera gear is concerned. Now, the office … that’s a whole other story.

This time of year is so optimistic, hopeful, happy.  I love making New Year’s resolutions.  I always feel like anything is possible.  I can do or be anything next year.  This year is done … no matter how good or bad it was, NEXT year will be THE YEAR, I just know it.

I have a lot in store for the new year … first up is a bit of a website re-design, to come in the next couple of weeks.  Some new pricing on portraits, and new art photos to share …and my abandoned 365 project from last year is making a reappearance starting tomorrow.

And personally, I plan to join the millions of other people throughout the world who plan to lose weight!  30 pounds by my birthday, to be exact.  Brian and I are headed back to the gym!  And to celebrate, on my birthday in May we are going to run in a 5k.  This is huge for me.  I don’t think I’ve ever run a mile in my entire life.  Even in high school PE – I was totally walking in the back with the chubby kids.

But – I know I can do it this year!  THIS is the year!  I have my workout plan all in place and my shoes are ready for my first walk in the morning (gotta start somewhere, ya know?)

We really had a great year … and here’s hoping 2010 will be even better!

Cheers,

-J

This week I start a new feature – Tuesdays I will list fun, creative, interesting content that I found interesting from the week before.

• The picture above is new this week in my portfolio at Dreamstime.

• Have you seen the couture de jour features on lillyella? Every day she features a complete outfit (with shopping links!) including accessories – submitted by readers. Many of the items are handmade or indie artists as well. Fabulous for those of us who are fashion impaired!

• Trent at The Simple Dollar gives tips for handling all those extra garden veggies many people end up with around this time of year. There are some pretty typical ones on there – canning your extras, for example – but he also offers some other really fun ideas. What about having a harvest party? What a great idea! Or make your own salsa and give it away as Christmas presents … some creative and frugal ideas for you!

• I recently discovered the blog Simply Hue – I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it, but I have been following for a month or so now, and it is filled with lovely, inspiring finds! Last week she ran a series on inspiring designers, and a few weeks ago she ran a series on lovely photographers. Go visit!

• The White Hot Truth – a fascinating blog that I just discovered this week. Written by Danielle LaPorte – writer, blogger, spiritual diva, business guru. Very thought-provoking.

PS – don’t forget to go enter the photo giveaway at Akane Designs! Only three days left!