Project: Gratitude | January

After finishing the Project Life 365 album from last year (see it here), I knew I wanted to do another photo project this year. I did not want to do another 365 project. Did it once, and that was enough. While it was very rewarding, it was also very challenging. Through Project Life 365, we were given prompts everyday. While that was helpful on some days, most days it felt fake. I like to see things around me and appreciate what is in the here and now. I found with the prompts I often planned out what I would take photos of for the week rather than appreciating what was around me and focusing on what was actually happening that day. I am definitely more of a documentary photographer, so for me, this was just painful. Still, I will look back at the project with a lot of pride and am so happy I persevered even when I did not want to get my camera out the day after shooting a ten hour wedding.

Anyway, back to this year. I was not actively looking for a new project, but happened to stumble across Project: Gratitude. I knew it was what I wanted to do. The simple act of being aware of what's around you and appreciating it. Even when times get rough. Not only that, but without a daily obligation to take photos. There's no schedule. As often or as little as you would like. I hope to post about it occasionally throughout the month with bits of inspiration, but always have a post to wrap up the month.

So. Here's my month of January. It was a bit of a rough start and I actually purposefully did not bring my camera along for parts because I really wanted to be in the thick of it rather than feeling the urge to document. On the top of each image, I'll let you know what I was thinking as I took the image.

In January, I was grateful for....

the opportunity to say goodbye. 

While I don't live in the same town as my family, I am thankful that it only takes a few hours to get there. It's not the shortest drive, but do-able in a day. This time, it allowed me to get into town to be with my grandma before she passed.  Had I been farther away, I may not have had the opportunity to get there and see her one last time. I am pretty lucky. 

family. 

My dad's side is rather large and we are rarely all together. This was the most of us that have been together for a long time, if not ever, and it was just awesome to be around everyone and realizing what a great family I have.  On the left is a group of my first cousins in my parent's kitchen sharing stories and really getting to know one another. Many of us don't live in the same city much less the same state so it really was a game of twenty questions. So much fun-a night I will never forget. On the right is my dad and his siblings. Can you pick out my which one might be my dad? (iPhone images) 

 warm sunny mornings. 

With a little extra warmth for Lena. I must admit, I'm a little jealous. Ok, really jealous. 

 proud Packer fans in Minnesota. 

And yes, I did convert my husband to a Packer fan-something I am pretty proud of!

 community.

We live in a great city where even when it is cold out, people are out and about. This even was a kite festival on Lake Harriet in south Minneapolis. There was no wind and the temperatures were nice, considering it's winter in Minnesota, but the Lake was filled with people! So many people were out with their families, pets, and friends even though there really wasn't any kite flying happening.

 warmth.

January has been an abnormally cold month. There have been many days where it has not been above zero and I mean a high of -5. Yikes. Glad I have a warm home, hot coffee, and a snuggly dog for this Saturday morning.

 this guy.

While our home is feeling like a never ending project and money pit, I am so thankful this guy can do the remodeling and repairs. Yes, it sucks that most of our weekends are filled with house projects and we usually have sawdust or drywall dust on the floors, but we save a ton of money and are learning a lot. Like to never buy a house that needs this much work again!

 new friends. 

Especially when she's so stinkin' cute! She did a good job of wearing him out which has been a challenge since our walks have been cut so short due to the cold.  

 beef stew and mashed potatoes. 

For this cold January, it's hardiness really hit the spot. 

 neighbors.

Thankful I had the chance to help out a neighbor while she was out of town visiting family. Last fall, her husband passed away and over the past few months, we have become closer with her. I am so glad she has reached out to us and we know we can rely on her for help as well. It's nice to know you have a true friend right next door.