Saturday, January 1, 2011

1-1-11



Most years, I don't really get into the whole New Year's thing -- making resolutions, turning the page, choosing a word to guide my way... But this morning I woke up to a beautiful, warm and sunny day, and it just felt right to consider where I wanted to go this year and how to get there.

If I had to choose a word for this new year, as so many bloggers have done, I think it would be the word accomplish. There are so many things I have wanted to do, but have been afraid or, worse yet, too lazy to really try to do. But this year, I am making a conscious effort to change my drifting life, and really accomplish some of my goals.

And those goals are both big and small: exercise every day, eat more vegetables, paint my bedroom dresser, put up wainscoting in the kitchen, start a portrait photography business.

Start a portrait photography business -- yup, there's the one that scares the pants off me. I am so not a business woman. But I know that I'm smart, and if I just read and learn, I can find my way forward. I may need to make a trail, follow a path, without quite knowing what is over the horizon -- but sometimes a little faith is called for, no?

So that is what I'm going to do. Walk forward, with as much knowledge as I can find and a little bit of faith to guide me, and work toward accomplishing some of those goals.

Wish me luck!

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Don't forget to check out my giveaway, to see if you won!

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Are you ready for the first Mosaic Monday of the new year? The linky thingy will be up by 8:30 pm Eastern time Sunday. Hope to see you there!

36 comments:

  1. How exciting, have faith - lots of FAITH. How do you know you aren't a business woman? And, I like to do business with someone down to earth, humble who has faith in what they do.

    You are going to excel.....I just know it. Please, follow your dream.

    Blessings,
    Joyce

    ACCOMPLISH. Perfect word for you. (o:

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  2. Happy New Year!

    As long as you are always moving toward accomplishing those goals, you will have a successful year.

    Best of luck in the coming year. La

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  3. Good Luck! I think a new business is a wonderful idea! Every good path begins with one step! Carla

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  4. Mary what a wonderful photograph, the snow doesn't seem too deep. Did you go out and walk to get some exercise today and then come home for a healthy lunch with lots of vegetables?

    I am sure you succeed in whatever you do? I am sure by the end of 2011 you will have accomplished a well run portrait photography business with the support of family and friends. Go for it gal!! Good luck for 2011.

    I have quite a few mosaics in my post for tomorrow which I have already published. Off to bed in 2 hours so I will link when I get up.

    Jackie in Surrey, UK.

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  5. I woke up to a sunny day, too. And, much like you, I'm not one for resolutions but that sunny sky seemed to hold possibilities. If I were to choose a word, it would probably be "attempt".
    Good luck in all your endeavors. You have a gift, my friend. ~~

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  6. Mary, what a fantastic goal for the new year! Your photography is so wonderful (how I wish I could take pics like you!), and it's obvious your heart is in it. Surround yourself with someone who understands the business side, and stay focused on what you do best. It will make your life much less stressful -- and successful! Now, go forward and ACCOMPLISH! Can't wait to see what you do... Happy New Year!

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  7. Hey Mary....remember me???

    I've not been blogging too much lately, life kinda got in the way.

    You I have no doubt will do just fine....

    Happy New Year to you, I wish you all the best.....

    Kathy :)

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  8. Hey Kathy, how are you?! So good to see you again!

    Thanks, everybody! I need all the encouragement I can get, so I truly thank you! :)

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  9. good luck - i know you will do wonderfully

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  10. Happy New Year & best wishes for many accomplishments!

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  11. I like your word for this year, and it's one we can all work with. My favourite quote:
    Little ideas tha ticke and nag, and refuse to go away,
    Should never be ignored,
    For in them lie the seeds of destiny.
    ~Farmer Hoggett~
    Follow your heart Mary, and it will all fall into place.
    Judith

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  12. What beautiful pictures in your Mosaic Monday post. If they are any indication of your talents, you'll do just fine with your photography business and will accomplish your heart's desire. Wishing you the best new year yet!
    Cindy

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  13. You'll do well at whatever you decide! I definitely need to "accomplish" this year. The past decade has not been my own, and since I'll be 60 in '11, I need to get going on the rest of my life! Thanks for reminding me!!

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  14. Oh I am right there with you on the afraid part, and dare we say that word "lazy". However, sometimes is does seem easier to just keep doing what we are doing, then to step out and change. I guess this could be called "lazy" on my part, but let's call this a "comfort zone", it does sound a lot better, doesn't it :) Well, whatever we call it, I definitely need to snap out of it, myself???
    I am sure you will be able to forge ahead and "accomplish" whatever you decide to do. Now just "GO Do It", already :) Easy for me to say, while I sit here in my "comfy zone"
    Happy New Year and Good Luck

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  15. Ah, FAITH. such a word, filled with so much. I wish you good luck in your new venture. I'm sure you will do well.

    Happy New Year.

    - The Tablescaper

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  16. Happy New Year ! I have not done much blogging this past year but plan on doing a lot more this year!

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  17. Happy New Year and good luck to you! My word for 2011 is "BELIEVE" and part of that is believing that I can find my way!

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  18. Mary, I want to encourage you in your planned accomplishments! It is so important that we keep moving forward. I just want to caution you in the portrait business idea. (Sorry to be a wet blanket) but I have had a successful portrait studio for 26 years and am closing mine at the end of this month. Do not take on overhead you alone can not afford and keep cost at a minimum. There are way to many people out there with cameras that think they too can be a professional and with way cheep prices are causing the market share to shrink. I am the 5th in our area to fold. May professionals across the country have given up. This might not be the time just yet, unless your area is very well off and able to spend money on luxuries. I truly wish you luck but I hate to see you loose in a business venture, in a profession, that I feel maybe not what it has been in the past. Please feel free to contact me if you would like. My studio website is sherrimashphoto.com

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  19. What you have to remember is baby-steps! That's how I got through some recent accomplishments, and with encouragement from my wonderful husband and friends! You can do it! Happy 2011!!

    Mary

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  20. Happy New Year Mary, to you and your family! I think your resolution is perfect -- accomplish. I think you have what it takes to reach your goals, and I'm looking forward to walking with you as you work towards them this year! Onward ... :) xoxo

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  21. Best wishes for your new portrait business! (You should talk to Teresa at Meadowbrook Farm. )

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  22. Best of luck - you know you have the skill, so luck is just icing on the cake!

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  24. This guy's blog (and book) will really inspire you to achieve those goals...really!

    http://chrisguillebeau.com/

    Happy New Year!

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  25. I wish you all the luck in the world. You have a great eye and talent - just sieze the moment and go for it.

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  26. Sounds like a good plan — best of luck!
    Have a Happy New Year!

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  27. What beautiful scenery! Can you define warm to me (laugh)?

    Your resolutions for 2011 are awesome and very doable. Like you, I am trying with fear and all. to make the leap to owning my own catering business.

    Happy New Year to you! May 2011 be everything that you hope for and more.

    Cheers.
    Velva

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  28. P.S. I am your new follower too!

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  29. Mary! Happy New Year and I am sure you'll have success as a portrait photographer. You are so skilled with your camera. You also take excellent photos of interiors and landscapes! I can see you taking photos of houses and gardens for magazines, realtors etc.etc. Hope your dreams will come true 2011.

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  30. How exciting Mary!!! You WILL do it...you are an amazing photographer!

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  31. Oh Mary, I think you will do great! You have the "eye" that is for sure. There aren't alot who do (myself as one....LOL) but the lucky people who can take a photo and have it reach people are so special. Good luck! And Happy New Year! Kit

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  32. The photos you share with us are gorgeous. And you are smart, and can learn and we look forward to reading about what you ACCOMPLISH this year! Happy New Year!

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  33. I wish you success in your new adventure!
    Happy New year!
    Glenda

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  34. Good luck with your new venture Mary, if your potrait work is anything like the photos you share with us you will do just fine.

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  35. Accomplish is an excellent guide word, Mary. I'm sure it will be a valuable touchstone for the year and I'm SOOOO excited about your portrait photography business! Yay! :)

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!