It's not only the start of a brand new year ... it's also Theme Day for participating City Daily Photo bloggers. This month's theme is the rather daunting "Best Photograph of 2008." (No pressure or anything...)I have no idea which Glimpses of South Pasadena photo is my best. It's too hard for me to be objective -- and photography is such a subjective art, anyway. What I can say is that this particular photograph is my favorite. (I first posted it here.) I'll never forget the odd but wonderful feeling I had when, while having coffee and ice cream with my family at Busters, I glanced at the large window and saw my darling little 3 year old girl's reflection blending with the face of the beautiful, thoughtful young woman behind the glass. It was like a time slippage, a peek at my little girl's future self, a reminder of how quickly things change and children grow up, a moment of transition so elegantly presented. I grabbed my camera and took a shot right as my daughter moved and the entire vision disappeared. I never expected the image to come out resembling anything close to the experience of the moment. Oh, the joy of happy accidents!
So there you have it... my best of 2008 represented in two hopeful faces of our future generations. Isn't that what new years are all about, anyway?
Take time to explore the remarkable collection of favorite 2008 photographs from talented bloggers all over the world.
28 comments:
I remember this shot so well, Laurie. Perfect choice from among your many worthy images. I have so much enjoyed you and your writing, your great shots of SoPas, and your friendly visits and comments at SDP. It's been a joy and pleasure to have you among our westcoasties group of CDPBers. Here's a big wish for all the best for you and your family in this brand spanking new year. May your dreams and dearest desires come ever closer to reality with each passing day.
Blessings,
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
LA, I just commented on Petrea's photo site how i thought this little girl reflected in the glass was probably my fav of your 2008 pics.
I come over here & can you/I believe it: you pick it too!! A great way to start 2009. Happiest/Wealthiest 2009 to yours & you, LA.
Just got bak in, through my window I see people mostly asleep now on Colorado, relatively quiet as they rest up for an 8am parade start.
Sleeping on top of the roof are some USC fanatics, two of which are doing their 1st parade. Sleeping? That's sumthing I better start working on real quick or the parade will pass me by. Hope u get out to the parade to take some pics, LA.
I suppose it is the one that keeps popping back in your head. I like my raccoon for her eyes and how they looked at me.
Happy New Year to you and your family from Patty and Abe.
Laurie, this photo is gorgeous, for both the photography and the symbolism in it. I got chills. Before visiting your blog I had just been thinking that my oldest, Ashlyn is in 9th grade and only has about 3 years left at home before she heads out for college. This photo totally captured what I was thinking/feeling. They grow so fast. Ok, now I feel like crying my head off,lol....
Happy New Year and I hope 2009 treats your family well!
I missed this the first time around and it's my loss. Stunner, Laurie. I'd be so proud to have taken this, not surprised you love it.
This comes with every good wish to you and your family for 2009. Let's hope it's a more peaceful world too.
What a fitting image as a metaphor for the new year. Like you said, photography is such a subjective art (isn't all art?) so you having picked that is a window into that which you find interesting and pleasing. I would have to argue that your "best" is one of your black and white night shots, but there you go.. my subjectivity is coming out.
Happy New Year to all of the steadfast bloggers here. I feel as if I have a new set of friends.
:~)
Ahhh...I remember this one! Great choice! I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy new year!
Exception picture. Good choice.
I remember this shot. A beautiful, loving choice, Laurie. Love it.
Happy theme day! And happy new year again!
Oh, good. You've had many greats, but this would have been my pick too, for many reasons - not least the subjective ones.
Meeting you has been a highlight of 2008. May 2009 bring more highlights to us both!
Yes! That is was serendipitous makes it all the more magical. Wow.
Awwww, this makes me sad! Sweet little girl today, sulky teen tomorrow. I didn't see this the first time around - what an amazing shot! You're not a photographer, Laurie, you're a camera charmer.
I was impressed by this one when I first saw it. Choosing a favourite from the past year might be a little easier than picking the 'best'.
Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.—Twyla Tharp
I agree with SDF, Laurie... there is a synergism in your photography that makes it more than the sum of technique and art. This photo is gorgeous, although I love so many of them that t would be difficult to choose just one. Happy new year!
For me the writing and photography have always be in tandem on this blog which is why the image suits as best, the two faces, photographer and author. I could have plundered your blog for so many more. All the best for 2009 my favourite night crawler.
Great shot of a double reflection. Happy theme day and happy new year too! Wishing you peace, joy, and prosperity in 2009.
As I said "effortlessly"...very sweet. Me? I like the lady in the aqua pants backed by shaggy palms and framed by cinderblock. To quote Palm Axis "wonders in concrete".
Good choice. HAppy new year
A really beautiful and thought-provoking photo. Happy New Year!
Hello Laurie and Happy New Year! Beautiful post today, the photo and the text. I picked an image of yours as a Best of '08 and linked to it today at GDP. Drop by to see which one. Cheers!
This really is a great choice from among so many great images. Your writing always elaborates the human experience so deeply, and this symbolizes that more than even your words can say.
Have a great 2009, dear Laurie!
A great choice! One of your most memorable images from this past year.
To echo what Judy said, this shot reminds us of Janus, the two-headed god, looking forward and looking back, for whom the month of January is named.
And speaking of accidents, finding your blog, and then all the others, was one of the best accidents of the year.
The other was telling the scuba-diving woman from Kansas City that there ain't no water there. After a few hundred hours on the phone, she is now resting in my bedroom after a wonderful day of looking at float building, a great night of seeing Mercy and the Merkettes, getting up at 6:40 without plans and making it to the parade with ease, and a Mr. Earl tour of downtown architecture today.
I'm glad I didn't have to pick a "Best Of" from among your photo's. There are just too many powerful images to choose from. Happy New Year and I'm looking forward to another year of great photo's and writing.
I love this photo for all the same reasons you mentioned. I also love so many others that I have a hard time picking just one. Just know that all of them are appreciated and valued for what each represents.
Stunning, emotional photo Laurie, just as powerful seeing it again. I love visiting your blog even when I have only time for a quick 'driveby'. Blessings to you all for a wonderful, fulfilling new year.
Hello everyone,
I am so humbled by all of your incredibly kind words. Thank you all, so much.
When I started this blog, I never expected to have this kind of tremendous support from such a diverse and creative community. I feel very honored to be able to share experiences with so many people far and near, and to know that so many things resonate in similar ways. The blogosphere is a magical bit of human interconnectedness. I'm so glad to connect with all of you.
Thank you so much for such incredibly nice comments. I am looking forward to visiting all of the blogs I have neglected during the busy holiday season. You inspire me, people!
Til tomorrow...
can u leave ur phone number to me???
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