As all of you know, I’ve been a bit (okay, more than a bit) quiet on the Photo Challenge front.  The Fibromyalgia diagnosis and the two bulging discs kicked my butt from March through September, so the photographer in me was quite neglected. Thank the good Lord (and my team of doctors, acupuncturist, and chiropractor) that I am gaining ground and finally back participating in the Land of the Living.  I was close to adding psychiatrist to that team, but things came together just in time to get me back on track.

My poor, poor lonely camera had a long year with many and long bouts of dust collecting.  However, I was happy upon looking back to see that I DID take some photos this year, and even a few that deserve a little highlight in my “Best of 2011” post for Scott’s assignment.  Most of these you have already seen as I tend to build my posts around favorites, but there might be a few new ones for you in here somewhere.

This photo was taken last Christmas while decorating for the holiday.  We were testing the red bulbs and:

This next one was probably my very favorite, simply because it was an adorable moment.  I was taking photos of this sign “Because Nice Matters” and my son peeked in as I was snapping a shot and said, “Whatcha doin’?”  Perfect timing.

I highlighted this next photo in this post.  I just loved my niece’s expression.  Not even close to technically perfect, but I love it anyway.

This next photo was taken on my son’s fourth birthday.  This is a favorite because it is the first time I ever used flash (my new-at-Christmas SB-600) correctly.  Unfortunately, it was also one of a very few times I used it correctly.  Good intentions of becoming proficient with flash evaporated when things went haywire.  Maybe 2012 will see me more successful.

This next photo was a favorite from my trip to Newport.

Next are my favorite flower shots of the year.

My favorite self-portrait…well, it’s my favorite because it’s my only.  😉

Next up, my favorite black and white from my daughter’s 11 inch donation to Locks of Love:

My favorite vacation shot…I posted about this one here.

And another from vacation that is near and dear to my heart:

 

 

Here’s my favorite shot of my oldest daughter from 2011:

And my most recent favorite shot…these chocolate chip cookies are gluten free! (And oh, soooo gooooood.)

When looking back, I notice that all my favorites are of the “small” moments.  Seems to be a pattern with me, doesn’t it?

There’s a reason my photo wall contains the quote: “Our lives are made in these small hours…”