Photo Friday: Best of 2005

caterpillar.jpg
macchiato, Canon Digital Rebel

Photo Friday’s theme this week is “Best of 2005.” It was hard to choose which photo was my favorite this year. I was torn between this shot and the above image of the caterpillar. I chose this image because I had a more visceral response of wonder and delight to this beautiful little guy. He somehow gives me hope.

What are you most proud of from 2005?

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Hi, I’m Andrea

On this blog you’ll be learning with me how to use our voices, share our creative superpowers and live life in full color.

As an artist, photographer, life coach + mentor, I’m redefining what it means to be a SUPERHERO — ‘cause in my world, it’s got nothing to do with capes, spandex or sidekicks and everything to do with tenderness, intuition & baby steps of bravery.

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36 Comments

  1. lynn

    I became “retro Lynn” again. Loud and noisy and clumsy and all. I am able to pull myself out of the lows again and able to lose myself in the giggling highs.

  2. nadine

    So many things this year…
    Proud to have (finally!) created a real studio for myself after years of coffee table papier mache, acrylic tubes in the kitchen drawers and canvasses under the sofa. One day a few months ago, I realized the master bedroom has the best light in the house, and all we ever did was sleep in it! A little inspirational nudge from your and Keri Smith’s blogs, and I now have a beautiful, bright happy space to call my own (and my husband and I are happily sleeping in a small, cozy corner of the house). I pulled up the carpet, painted the subfloor a Mondrian pattern of blues and greens and red and orange, and although it is all rather intimidating (after all, I kicked us out of our bedroom – does that mean I have to be super creative?) I love it 🙂

  3. natalie

    I am proud that I successfully completed a semester that contained a lot of milestones (dissertation proposal, internship applications, teaching, research, and clinical work) that I was afraid I couldn’t reach in time. I took a lot of inspiration/determination from what I read on this site. The caterpillar photo was particularly moving to me at the time you first posted it, and I made reference to it often while struggling with demands that felt insurmountable. It was so helpful to remember that there is beauty in the becoming, in the doing, and no need to hurry things along. And of course, once I let go, everything fell into place. Thank you, and all the best in 2006!

  4. Felicity

    Jeez. Not a great year overall for me so I suppose I am most proud of having made it through. And proud of my humanity that keeps me hopeful about ’06.

  5. chrissy

    i am most proud that i stood up to an ugly mean cinderella stepsister boss and quit a job where i was being bullied in the fall. i went to san miguel de allende and worked with amazing kids who were orphans, using art therapy this summer. i won a national award for my arts curriculum in the spring.and in the winter i made art with homeless men and women in a shelter. a powerful year. creativity heals.

  6. Jen Downer

    Its been a really challenging year for me and us… lots of stresses, challenges, disappointments, adjustments, compromises, and some sadness.
    But so much joy too! I’d say that I am most proud of the birth of my son, my second child. I did an awesome job birthin’ the little guy!
    I am also proud of myself for not completely losing my shitte amidst the chaos of 2005.
    lovingly,
    jen

  7. Marilyn

    Love the caterpillar (gorgeous!)…love the bellies, too. My first thought was “proud of?”…and drew a blank. But then I remembered that last Spring we completely transplanted our lives to a new location thousands of miles away…and I’d have to say the seeds planted in our new environment are beginning to sprout…so I guess that’s something. 🙂 I also loved this year that serendipity (never far away) had a much larger presence in my life once I returned to familiar ground…it lets me know I’m in the right place…for right now. 😉

  8. maria

    I simply love that photo. It’s breathtaking.
    This year, I realized that after many years in the corporate world and five years as a life/business coach, what I really want to be do is make my living from my creativity, as an artisan/artist. So, inspired by you, Keri, Swirly, and many other creative and supportive souls, I started heading in a new creative direction, learned how to make jewelry, launched a business and website, and got out there into the craft show fray this fall to see how it would fly. I’m happy to say, it’s me, and I plan to invest a lot more of myself and my energy in it in ’06.
    I’m also proud of launching my blog this year (which has led to so many great connections), and of being a good partner/lover, mother, sister, daughter, and friend (… or at least trying to be!)

  9. Lisa

    I’m glad you picked the caterpillar photo! Hey, I liked it so much I bought a print of it from you as my birthday gift to myself–it hangs in my bedroom where I see it first thing when I wake up each morning.
    Like a few others who’ve posted here, I’m just proud to have survived 2005. I guess the thing I’d have to say I’m most proud of was that I FINALLY went to treatment for an eating disorder I’ve had for over 20 years. I actually planned to only go for a six day intensive workshop and ended up staying for about six weeks. I’d like to say I’m all better, but I’m still struggling. But like the caterpillar, I have this sense that if I’ll be patient enough to go through all the stages of metamorphosis, I’ll someday emerge as my true butterfly self.
    I think the thing I would most like to do in 2006 is come to SF with Jim and take you and Matt out to lunch…

  10. Anshu

    I’m proud that I have finally fallen in love with myself. I don’t know why it’s taken so long, but I’m glad I finally did!!!!
    Thank you for all the beautiful pictures and words of wisdom throughout the year!

  11. Stephanie

    Finishing my book was a huge milestone for me, and I must credit inspiring friends like you for helping me to make it happen. The entire experience of writing and sharing this memoir continues to be a wild ride. I made myself vulnerable by saying “yes” when earlier in my life I would have been too afraid or guarded. This is a philosophy we should all carry on into 2006. As Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” I continue to be inspired by your blog Andrea!
    Love, Steph

  12. gkgirl

    i love that photo..especially
    what looks like a little green and pink
    gnome hat blurred out in the corner…

  13. Corey

    That I stood my ground, shakey as it was, took a leap of faith and trusted my heart to lead me..
    and the year unfolded, page by page, into a story that I am proud of–my choice–in a difficult situation. And like your caterpillar I have been transformed!

  14. Megan

    This was one of the best years of my life. I got my dream job and it is everything I ever wanted and more. I became deeply involved in service. I’ve organized a book drive and doubled the library of a Honduran elementary school. I’ve discovered what is important to me.
    Happy New Year, I hope that all your dreams come true in 2006!

  15. Jodi

    I would say I am most proud of how much I’ve learned about myself this year, most importantly, that I needed to slow down my life and enjoy the quiet moments…that it is okay to not be in constant motion…that I could make our home a place of solace for my famiy. After a few weeks of withdrawel, I am happy to say I have found a good balance and allowed myself the alone time I (and my family) need.

  16. la vie en rose

    i’m most proud of who i’ve become this year…how i’ve grown, what i’ve let go of, the risks i’ve taken, the love i’ve given, the choices i’ve made despite all the voices telling me “no”…i’m proud of me…
    thanks for asking
    lovely pic…great choice

  17. ilongga70

    I’m proud that I’ve finally learned to relax and let go. I’ve finally admitted that there are things I can’t control and that letting them be is the hardest thing for me to do but I did it.
    Love your photos. Happy New Year!

  18. Jenn

    Andrea,
    I think my most proud moment of 2005 would be having faith to move to Erie. I didn’t understand all that was happening with Connie. I was told this move would be good for us but it was still really hard. I just decided to trust and move. It was hard, still is sometimes because I feel I don’t always know why I am here. Above all I am still really proud that I was able to move. No matter what happens I did it and that is really big for me.
    Happy New Year Sweet Lady.
    Jenn

  19. Julia

    I am most proud just to still be here…still standing, walking, breathing….. 2005 has been a tough, tough year, but I have perservered. I have learned where I make my mistakes in life, and I’m doing so much better at making the right choices for my own happiness. So. I’m really proud about that as well. I’m also proud that I learned that it’s ok to be selfish sometimes. To say “NO” to others and “YES” to myself. Oh…Lovely photo choice Andrea. The tenatious, little caterpillar is a perfect mascot for all of us who hope,and strive. Happy New 2006 to all!!! 🙂

  20. marcilambert

    happy new year, andrea!
    i’m most proud that i’ve let myself get inspired by you (and others) and have pointed my life toward creativity. back in september i read about your time capsules, and my husband i wrote our own and put them in a sealed envelope on our frig. they will be opened tomorrow! we just wrote down three things we wanted to achieve by the end of this year. one big one for me was to turn our spare bedroom into an art studio. done! thank you for your wonderful inspiration. i often ask the universe to shower you with blessings!
    marci

  21. delia~rose

    Welllllllll, Miss Andrea*
    I would have to say I am most proud of 2 things
    1) that i am still here, regardless of Health Problems
    2) i am beginning to wo-manifest the amazing things i want/need in my l’il precious Life.
    Thank You, Honest One for (poss. unbeknownst to U) being a Woman I look to for InSPIRation.
    bless.

  22. Jennifer

    Happy New Year everyone!!! Y’all rock!!!

  23. leah

    did you do a mondo beyondo list this year? i’ve been watching for it… 🙂

  24. Loony Lindsey

    I’m proud that I took risks.

  25. erika

    I’m most proud that I pushed myself in 2005. Mainly in photography. I went down to Taos and shot people and the culture without asking for permission. Just going and enjoying the experience. This lead to my first exhibit and I didn’t think I’d ever be a part of one. 2005 was exciting and full of new things, 2006 will be more of the same.
    Happy New Year!!!

  26. Georgy

    WOW! I love this picture.
    Thanks & Best year Ever to You.

  27. kelly

    i am most proud of resigning from my design position to freelance from home. i am a better mom and wife, plus i get to be more creative – which is huge.
    my favorite images of yours this year were
    the dahlia shots [you have inspired me to
    plant a dahlia garden this spring] and of
    course, your shot with ben harper…i am so envious!
    thanks for all your inspiration

  28. Meg

    Funny enough, I think I’m most proud this year of saying NO – no to a awful abusive job situation. Yes is very powerful, but sometimes it’s no that is really hard. At least for me.

  29. kyra

    SUCH beautiful photographs! both of them! i love your site and always feel so inspired whenever i come over.
    i’m most proud of being there for my son through this first year of discovering his asperger’s. he is a phenomenal guy and i feel blessed to know him and hope i continue to be deserving of the love and adoration and complete trust that he gives me.
    happy new year to you!

  30. phlegmfatale

    Breathtaking – all your photos are exquisite. Love the caterpiller, love the image of hope with the expectant mother and child against the backdrop of a beautiful city. Thanks for sharing.

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