The New Year comes in cold: the air brittle and white. Empty.
And perhaps it sounds strange, but for now, I like the emptiness, and I’m in no hurry to fill it.
My friends rush back and forth announcing resolutions — buying sneakers and juicers and gym memberships. And hear me: those things are beautiful, too. This week, though, I don’t want to make too many commitments, or hammer my goals into hard-edged words. Instead, I want to sit still and quiet and let the lingering gratitude for 2015 sink into me.
I want to understand where I came from — the hard and the messy and the frightening and the beautiful — so I can know what comes next.
So for now, as I spend this week in quiet contemplation, I thought I would share with you a few favorite snapshots from the previous year: a quiet look back, in black and white:
Much love to you, friends. I’m believing that the best sort of magic is ahead, for us both. ❤
Just lovely. Thank you for sharing your beautiful images which speak peace, calm and nostalgia to me. Happy new year to you, may 2016 be happy and full of magic.
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Oh Miriam, thank you … Peace, calm and nostalgia … Can’t think of better qualities to have shared with you today.
Here’s hoping your new year is full of the kind gentleness you always display here.
Thank you. ❤
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My pleasure. Thank you for your beautiful words and kind wishes.
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Truly my pleasure. Love your warm voice here. 🙂
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Very nice set of pictures 🙂
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Thanks, Rob! Very nice compliment, coming from you. Happy new year! 🙂
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2015: the olden days, when everything was in black and white 🙂
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Indeed. 😉 2015 already feels like a distant era, doesn’t it? Nostalgic.
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A lovely advocate for B/W
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Well, thank you. I think it’ll always form the core of my aesthetic, but after all the visual overstimulation of Christmas, I’m very much appreciate the palette cleanse of monochrome images. 🙂
Hope you’re well today!
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I am, thanks, Ashley
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🙂
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Absolutely beautiful, those snapshots. I loved them and could feel the quietude and Serenity in them. Happy new year. ❤
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Quietude and serenity… I’m so glad you can feel that here! That truly makes me happy.
Enjoy this new year, friend! 🙂
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(as I was saying before my keyboard mishap so rudely interrupted me,) merry new year! I love that those photographs show how light manages to find its way into every corner and space imaginable (much like sand, but in a far less pesky way – unless you’re trying to take an afternoon nap). wishing you a year worth living, and hopefully one of much joy and light. ❤
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I can’t think of a kinder thing for you to say about my photos, because it’s this exact quality — the way light pushes in everywhere, to every place — that makes me happiest when I’m behind the lens.
In fact, I have a photo I’ve been meaning to share that demonstrated that idea exactly.
Thank you for being here, Clara … Wishing you much light this year! 🙂
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and i can’t think of anything truer to say of your writing and your photos. ❤ thank you, Ashley. 🙂
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🙂 Thank you. Sincerely. You made me smile today!!
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Very nice! Wonderful Photography! Enjoy the quiet, still month. I like to skip January all together, so I have to find things to do and just enjoy until it’s through, but I’m very ready for 2016!
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Skip January?? You must tell me more. 🙂
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Skipping January doesn’t sound so good now because that’s like skipping time/life, I’m not in a rush to get older! Haha, I don’t know why I dislike the month so much except it’s cold and I miss the bright sun, I think I get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) however I refuse to visit a doctor to have them tell me so and then push antidepressants (no offense) I actually wanted to be a Psychologist/Psychiatrist 20 years ago! Anyhow, I’m just a summer girl I guess and love being outdoors, but I don’t want to be outdoors in the cold. Thanks for asking, I’m going to try and engage in WP more this 2016, now that I don’t have to do it on my phone, actually have a real laptop! And I love journaling and reading blogs and I should make more time for what I love…I love creating things and it’s my priority….I’m pretty much making something in any spare hour I find! Have a great rest of the week.
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What a great response!!
I’m just like you in January — I’m a summer girl through and through, and I also get the winter blues in a very big way every year.
No one can tell you what’s best for you … But I will mention that last year I began going out (even in the bitter cold) throughout the winter months, shooting photos and hiking. I invested in a giant down jacket, Sherpa-lined snow boots and smartphone compatible gloves. And honestly — the sunshine and the creative outlet made a huge difference for me.
You may have scrolled through my Secret Messages project at some point — that was very much birthed out of my January misery, and it became such a beautiful silver lining to what is typically a difficult month for me.
Wishing you warmth, color and joy this winter. Keep creating!! 🙂
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Thanks, I’m going to commit to getting outdoors on days that are warmer, I know I would feel better. Thanks for sharing! I’ll keep creating:)
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🙂 🙂
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Of course, I absolutely LOVE this post! Gorgeous photos and even more gorgeous words! I am right there with you!
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Oh, Lulu, thank you!! I’m looking forward to many new photos this season. 🙂
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Love this! I’m believing it will be a great year too. And maybe I’ll get to have coffee with you in April!
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That would be just magical!! 🙂
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A lovely selection Ashley. Thank you.
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My pleasure, as always. So glad you enjoyed!! 🙂
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Lovely lovely. Wish you a peaceful time of contemplation. Sorry to have been so remote lately. I have been absorbed by working on my new site. I’ll invite you in when it’s launched. Looove your pics, they are so tranquil and thoughtful.
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Good luck on the launch!! So exciting. Do let me know when it happens. 🙂
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Very beautiful ashley. You are amazing!
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Thank you, sweet friend! So glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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