Night Sky | Day 365 of 365

Good old Orion makes the last photo for the 365 challenge of 2014.

I have definitely enjoyed it, but if I'm honest, I must also admit that I'm relieved to have it over. I take lots of pictures just living life, but to be under the constant pressure of needing to take one to post was almost more of a challenge than I bargained for! This has been a very full year for me - in many areas of my life - and with everything going on, there were many days when my best photo of the day was very poor quality.
But overall it was a good learning experience, and I am glad I did it.

Fruit 'Tree' | Day 364 of 365

50+ Books in a Year | Day 363 of 365

One of my New Year's resolutions for 2014 was to read fifty books and, surprisingly, I was able to meet - and exceed - my goal. Some were books that had been on my 'To Read' list for months, some were old favorites, some were new introductions. Many were mine, many were borrowed. It was a great learning experience.
But I think it will be several years before I do it again.

Thanks to the friends and the libraries that loaned me material!

Old College Buddies | Day 362 of 365

When I was in college, there were several college-age young people in the church I attend, and we became pretty close. There are only a couple of us still in college now, and our group is scattered all over the country - some in universities in other states, some married and raising families, and some in mission work.
This week, the majority of us were back in town for Christmas, and Sunday night after church we got together (there were almost twenty of us, including a couple of new faces) at the home of one of the married couples for snacks and games, and to try to catch up a little bit on each other's lives. It was so good to be together again, even for just a little while.

Rain Boots | Day 361 of 365

W. M. | Day 360 of 365

Playtime | Day 359 of 365

Christmas Eve Party | Day 358 of 365

Stormy Skies | Day 357 of 365

Mother and Daughter | Day 356 of 365

Gift Collection | Day 355 of 365

One of the funnest things about gift-giving is when the opportunity comes to give a gift to someone who is not expecting it.
I've had so much fun putting this little collection together for a friend of mine who gives and gives of herself unselfishly to others. Christmas is a great 'excuse' to give a little something back.

Snowflake Earrings | Day 354 of 365

A pair of snowflake earrings I made for a friend this year.

Class Party | Day 353 of 365

Today was a very festive day at school. The students finished exams in the morning, and the afternoon was spent in class parties. It was cold and pouring rain outside, but that just seemed to increase the excitement and warmth inside.
I'm going to miss these kids for the next two weeks, but I plan to enjoy my break just as much as they do!

Gifting Granola | Day 352 of 365

I love to give, and receive, gifts like this. My boss found out that my family makes our own granola and wanted to try it. So I'm taking her a jar of it 'for Christmas'.

Wrapped With Love | Day 351 of 365

A tradition our family began several years ago was to make our own gift bags from fabric and ribbon. We don't strictly use these bags, but it is a bit more personal and adds a little more love to a gift.

Jesus Is the Reason | Day 350 of 365

Rudolf {and a photobomber} | Day 349 of 365

B. S. | Day 348 of 365

Christmas Greens | Day 347 of 365

Wrappings | Day 346 of 365

We had our Christmas party with the extended family this evening. It's so enjoyable to get together - we make a big crowd, and for a family of sociable people, it's always fun.

Christmas Cards | Day 345 of 365

J. J. | Day 344 of 365

L. R. | Day 343 of 365

Big and Little | Day 342 of 365

Miniatures fascinate me, and the miniature storage building on the front stoop of this storage building factory made me smile.
Another 'drive-by' photo.

Christmas Village | Day 341 of 365

Old Country | Day 340 of 365

White-berry Tree | Day 339 of 365

There is a beautiful bare tree by the highway on my way to and from work. It has nothing on it, save these clusters of three small, pure-white berries.
I have no idea what kind of tree it is, but I do know that I want one for my yard.

Silver Bow Ring | Day 338 of 365

Last year I stumbled across this little ring right before Christmas. I'm not really a jewelry person, but something about the fun, festive, plucky spirit of this little thing just caught me. It was cheap too; added bonus.

Decorations | Day 337 of 365

The high school students used their afternoon break to put up the school's Christmas tree today. The whole process was definitely entertaining, if not down right amusing, to watch. They certainly had fun getting it done!

{Note: The only editing done on this photo was the removal of the school's name from the ornament, for privacy reasons.}

Pink Bauble | Day 336 of 365

The whole school went on a Christmas field trip today, and the display included a pink-and-white Christmas tree. It was pretty, but I'm a little old-fashioned, I guess - I like the old green-and-red combo best.

C. N. | Day 333 of 365

One of my precious little after-school kids, hurrying off to some adventure.