How to sum up a year in 12 pictures? I captured hundreds, if not thousands (actually thousands!), of photos in 2012. The raw photos I was pleased with I made into images, some were kept as records of memories, while most were deleted or ignored.
But some images made my heart beat a little faster when I was making them, processing them or looking at them afterwards. They evoked a strong feeling in me — one of aliveness, awe or deep serenity. And all of my favorite images seem to connect me to a sense of joyfulness, gratitude and wonder, which have been my constant companions this year on all my journeys.
Each of these images was captured on one day in a different month of the year. When I look at them now, I realize that the images take me right back to those 12 days — and a delicious memory. Why do I recall the feelings of those days so much more intensely than other days?
I believe that it was because making these images required a heightened awareness and called upon me to focus my attention in an almost a meditative kind of way. I was powerfully present in these moments.
I have chosen these 12 to represent my year in pictures. How would you represent your year? (To see larger images, just click on one.)
Sherrygaley.com 
Thank you so much for your kind comments, Stephanie!
August looks like a Norman Rockwell painting! Stunning pictures.
What beautiful memories from your year! I love them all, but have a soft spot of the first photo of your little white cairn with his paw in the air! Those little dogs are so expressive! I also love July with the little girl and the horse – there’s such sweet emotion there! Wow to May and Sunset Bay and I would have enjoyed walking with you in October on Thanksgiving Day!
Wishing you a beautiful and creative New Year!
Love your end of year post, Marcie. I really relate. Wishing your more of the same in 2013.
I really enjoyed your review post. So uplifting! I can see how the pictures brought you solace. Lovely.
Thanks, Barb. LOved your Top 12 post. In fact, I’m saving it to inspire me next year!
Thanks, Ruth. Your 2012 images are just gorgeous.
I love your mosaic, some really beautiful photography there. Happy new year!
Gorgeous photos – I especially like the waterfall!
What a beautiful way to celebrate the year!! Love what you did here..how you put this all together in a ‘book’ of memories!
Beautifully done. I could say the exact same thing about my photos—which I’m still selecting for this. I was fully present for each and the creative process—the capture, the selection, the final—bring back wonderful memories of each moment. Each picture takes me to a good place inside. It was a difficult year for a couple of family members and my pictures brought me great solace.
I know what you mean, Laurie. I could have picked a totally different 12 quite easily, but I just went with my heart rather than my head on this one. I’m glad you like the pic of my boys!
I don’t know how you did this…picking only 12…I just couldn’t do it☺☺ I have to say, the image of the dogs in your boat…oh be still my heart!!!
Laurie
We’ve been following each other for a while now, eh Laurie? Kind of hard to believe…So you would have seen most of these on the blog. But I’m glad you don’t mind seeing them again! Happy New Year to you too!
And Happy New Year to you too, Mary Lou! Here’s to a great one for everybody. It’s so nice of you to drop by and comment.
So nice of you too say, Pat!
Many thanks, Edith. I’m really enjoying your selections too!
It really was lots of fun to go through the pics. And the little guys do have lots of personality — they keep us laughing.
Thanks, Viv. We’re sure looking forward to it — and the dogs are too!
Indigo, you always give the nicest compliments! I really appreciate your comments. I love how you call Charles Mr. January. I could never have imagined how popular that shot would be…
Thanks so much, Barbara. Go for two! Why not? Looking forward to seeing your year.
Thanks, Mum! So nice of you to comment here.
Wonderful set of photos! There were some great ones here that I hadn’t seen before (the first one of Charles for example), which was exciting! But it was also lovely to see the ones I had seen before – they remain exquisite. Happy new year!
Very special, Sherry. Thank you for invoking that sense of presence and wonder through your photos. Happy New Year!
Fantastic selection of images Sherry. Happy New Year.
So fun to do this for 2012, I love your little dogs. They have so much personality.
I can understand why each image has special meaning for you. Great photography.
Beautiful Sherry love the dogs on your boat how wonderful to be in Florida for those cold months…
I adore this, Sherry! 12 photos, each beautiful in its own right, but coming together to make a perfect collage of the year. I especially love Mr January. 🙂 You truly have a gift for creating beautiful images.
Stunning photos! I like this challenge. It is taking me ages to pick a photo for each month…. I don’t normally store them that way, but as you say, a good exercise in reviewing the year :). I think I will have to submit 2 photos a month. I don’t think I will be able to settle on just one!!
Those are all beautiful photos you have chosen. I have taken the priviledge to send on to two of your admirers. Mum