Day 16: Nostalgia

No spooky Halloween image. Just a bench that made me a bit nostalgic this morning.

Day 15: Outstanding in the . . .

 . . . sand lot? There must be a story here.

Day 14: Barrel of Monkeys

What could be more fun, really?

Day 13: A Little Color

Day 12: Cocktail Hour

Day 11: Fleur de Lis

Royalty or rebirth; hope, or "Who Dat?" Whichever meaning you prefer, here's your sign.

Day 10: Weathered

I got to the beach just as the sun was setting today. It was a beautiful sunset. What struck me, though, were the sea oats. They are weathered this time of year. Not as bright and golden as in earlier months. They don't look as carefree as they blow in the wind. They look a bit tired. But they are still beautiful. And they are strong. After all the wind and rain they've been through, they are still standing strong. While they stand as individuals, they have an amazing support system under the surface of the sand. That system keeps them upright and builds the entire "beach community" of dunes and habitat. In the sand, the oats that are falling to the ground will start to do their part, rooting into the support system, making it even stronger. Next year, they'll be bright, golden and beautiful again. As I think about it now, I hear Jimmy Fallon saying, "Thank you sea oats, for being strong enough to weather the seasons and come back strong. You are beautiful." Thanks to my friend April, for putting "strength" on top of my gratitude list today. I wish it for you every day.

Day 9: Warts and All

Day 8: My Little Friend

Say hello to my new little friend. I think I'll call him whiskers.

Day 7: Gratitude

So many things to be grateful for today. April gave me this wonderful little book to jot down daily gifts; a way to focus on the positive each day. Today, spending time with her is on top of my list. It was a beautiful day! Thanks, April.

Day 6: On the Lagoon

A little slice of heaven on the Lagoon in Gulf Shores!

Day 5: Celebrity

These festivities day after day could make one begin to feel like a celebrity! I'm feeling so very grateful for all the friends and family I've had the chance to celebrate with this year. Thanks to all y'all!

Day 4: Festive

Birthday festivities continue. What fun!

Day 3: Gotta Have Faith

Thank you, Cheryl Vickers, for the shoulder and the faith you shared with me today. You are a blessing. And thank God for answered prayers.

Day 2: Kayak Fishing at Sunset

It was a very peaceful evening on Wolf Bay.

Day 1: Hello 50

Today starts a new year for me. My 50th. I'm so grateful for the family and friends who have gotten me this far and the amazing blessings I've been given. Every year at this time I find myself saying, "There is so much more to see and do out there!" I've decided to try this photo-a-day thing again because photography truly helps me engage with and appreciate more the people and the environment around me. I don't want to let this year pass me by!

I started the day at the beach this morning and while the picture I've chosen feels like a bit of a cliche, it's a scene that just never gets old for me and always makes me hopeful. I think that's an appropriate way to start.