Today we are driving to Tahoe! My intention was to take photos later today and tomorrow for Days 4 and 5, but…..I realized this morning that we may not be there until after dark- which puts a little pressure on me to get a decent photo taken.  So, the good girl in me wants to get homework done before I leave!

In addition to doing this Project 365, I am also in a Clickin Moms Project 52 (posting photos once a week- a much more realistic goal for me).  Our theme for this week is “New,”- so here is my new Moleskine!

Since childhood, I have loved journals and notebooks of all kinds.  A few years ago I discovered Moleskines.  They are absolutely the best- google them and see for yourself!  They have a ribbon bookmark, an expandable pocket in the back, a band to keep it all closed, and paper that is wonderful to write on.  I have used one for organizing myself- then went back to electronic- and one for my book club. A year or so ago I started using one to record notes from the various spiritual classes I take at church.  I numbered all the pages in advance and then take notes as I go.  Then I keep a running index in the back so I can find entries easily- it works great for me.

My new Moleskine is for- PHOTOGRAPHY!  I have been collecting a zillion online articles electronically in Evernote- another fantastic organizational tool. But- for those gems I really want to remember and refer to constantly- I am going to use the Moleskine and keep it in my camera bag.

I love birch trees.  I had no idea what I was going to take a picture of today- and thought I’d take my camera with me when I went out.  But then, as I was pouring my coffee on this rainy day, I looked out the window at the birches.  There are only two now- we originally had three planted when we moved here in 1987- but the bark has evolved into this wonderful, twisted, peeling entity!  Yes, I love birches.

I first used my little 35mm lens, but then couldn’t resist a close-up of the bark, which is what I love. So, I switched to my 70-300 mm zoom.  I shot it with a high ISO- 1000 (it is a dreary day), f16, 1/160.

I think I could do a whole photo ESSAY on these trees- but for now- just one.

This was taken a little after midnight- in the foreground is our champagne lit only by candlelight. Focus isn’t great (blame the champagne…), but it’ll do for Day 1.  I took more photos this morning, but I  like this one better, even if it isn’t as good technically.  Only 364 days to go- I’m on a roll!

Oh- it’s my 35 mm 1.8 lens at 2.0, 1/200, ISO 1000.

I have decided to try something new- I am going to actually try to stick to something for a whole year!  I retired from teaching in June, and one of my retirement goals was to learn how to take better pictures- especially of my grandchildren.  In July, I got a new camera (a Nikon D5000- a fantastic entry level DSLR), and since then have been working on learning how to use it.  I have recently heard of Project 365- improving your photography skills by taking a new photo every single day- YIKES!  So….here I am, ready to go in 2011!

Here is my commitment:

1.  I will attempt to take at least one photo every single day, working on improving the quality as I go.

2. I will post the pictures here as often as I can (probably not every day).

3. If I get off track (I know myself all too well- routine and discipline are not my strong points!), I will get back ON track and not give up!

Just so you know… on the days that I don’t go anywhere, have no grandchildren to photograph… this is just about as exciting as my photos will get.  That will be part of the challenge- finding SOMETHING in the house to shoot, so to speak. These are heirloom snowmen salt and pepper shakers, mind you- they were in my house as a little girl, and I can’t remember a Christmas without them.

Camera settings: I used my 35mm 1.8 lens at 1.8, shutter speed 1/500, ISO 1000.