3.six.FIVE.

my oh my.  what a year.  I can't believe that I'm done.  and I was ready with the picture by 4 pm today but I wanted to make this more than just a picture.  if I were to capture any year, I'm glad it was this one...so many things occurred in my life:

-greatest trip of my life to ireland, scotland, and england
-I crossed something off my bucket list : visiting stonehenge
-two of my best friends got married
-two of my best friends had babies (different friends)
-the first part of the last harry potter movie was released...can't wait for july!
-I rode the hogwarts express
-I attended my share of festivals
-my wyldlife kids are moving onto highschool
-I choreographed the greatest dance of my career...go dolls!
-I went to nine shows of the broadway variety
-imago dei church moved into its new home
-imago dei members moved to hondurus and I became closer to them then ever
-mhs basketball made history going to super-sectionals
-one of my best friends got baptized
-I moved out of my parents house and into my first on-my-own apartment
-my car got destroyed and then got fixed
-an 18 year old wonderful girl became one of my best friends
-I fell in love with the city of peoria
-I got sick...a lot
-I had the best trip to michigan that I can remember
-I made lots of new friends
-I officially became a stalker
-I started my own business

YOW.  crazy, huh?  what a year to capture!!  and here are some interesting stats for you, here are my photos, somewhat categorized:

nature: 34
feet: 10
lights: 11
people: 62
animals: 12
signs: 5
food/drink: 31
the sky: 28
reflections: 6
buildings/barns: 40
roads: 17
water: 7
festivals: 3

interesting, no?  and here's your final stat.  I thought it'd be interesting to try and figure out just how many pictures I took this year.  of course this is a rough estimate, there were so many deleted and discarded along the way.  my biggest month was july with 2,405 pictures...wanna hear the grand total??

15,266 pictures in 365 days.  holy crapballs.

my camera has been through the ringer!

and now to today's picture...

I was panicking.  I couldn't think of anything grand and glorious enough to encompass this journey.  but then I thought back...its never been about that, its about me and my camera and finding beauty in the simple pleasures of everyday life.  then I had a talk with some best friends of mine:) and they helped my mind go in the right direction.  so here it is...a conclusion to an epic journey...of a girl...and her camera.

heart of it all.

I didn't notice til right now, but that camera is right at the spot where my heart is...my heart is even racing faster as I type this and tears are coming to my eyes.  I can't believe its over but it truly was a piece of my heart to share with the world.  I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.  what a blessing from God.  I have a new journey in mind so keep your eye out for that update on facebook.

what a great way to end this chapter.

3-6-4.

hey!

so this is great.

I got to meet the sweetest little girl today.  her name is julia and she rocks.  she has an infectious toothy grin and the most awesome dance moves you've ever seen.  we took her out today to a park in springfield for a little photoshoot.

she did great...except for a small incident...but I got a great picture!

it was hard for me to pick.  there were so many great ones of her and her amazing smile.  she's quite hilarious.  but this one took my breath away, even on my small camera monitor.

take a look.

stunning.  ridiculous.  look at those eyes.  I just said her name and she locked me in.  what a joy to meet you, little julia.

one day left.

seriously freaking out.

363.

reserved day: especially for miss kelsey.

poor girl, just had major surgery on her foot...but it made for a fun "min-shoot" and I love this picture.  its so kelsey and I'm glad I could chronicle this crazy time in her life.

love you so so so so so so much, kels, you're my fave.

walking on air.

what a riot, love it.

three hundred 62.

what a great day.

karyn and I went to the manito wine festival...and while it was still a little rainy...it was a great time.

we got to sample some great wine, eat some delicious food, and listen to some great music.  we waited for hours though because there were supposed to be hot air balloons.  took forever, and then because of the dang wind, they didn't even go up!  but its ok, I still got a sweet picture.

up up and away.

isn't it cool??  love it.

three days left.  still taking suggestions.

361.

oh man did I get lucky.

I went over to "taste of morton" with every intention of getting a food picture.  however, fate had other plans.  I ran into one of my favorite families.  my little jeremiah and his mom were being so adorable just in their natural state.  this is perfect.

little big boy.

isn't he so sweet???  look at those pouty lips.  and the way their hands are folded is pure perfection.

three-sixty.

holyyyyycraaaap.

five days.

I'm getting extremely anxious about that last day.  I want it to be amazing, epic, exceptional, and final.  how can you do that when you live in central illinois?  on a tuesday???  there is nothing epic here.  any ideas????

anyways...I love this picture.

the detail is incredible and intricate and whimsical and "chintsy" - that last one is for nick.  I went to burger barge today for lunch.  I love that place.  its such a dive and its got so much character.  plus, the burgers are delicious.

tiki time.

YES.  I love the napkins, the little dollar bill folded oragami outfit, the straw hanging over the bar...awesome.

3-five-9.

ugh ok, I don't feel all that well so this will be quick.

I took a bunch of random pictures today, downtown washington, construction sites, and then this little friend turned up...

bunny ears.

hewwo!