PROJECT: 365

I’ve written a few things here or there, but I thought I’d answer a few questions some people have asked or might ask about this #Project365 I do every day/month/year …

What is #Project365?

That’s a good question … I’ll tell you …

I don’t know.

Sorry, couldn’t resist quoting a line from one of my favorite movies.

Basically, it is a photography project where you take one picture a day (usually 365 days a year, except for leap years). This not only helps you remember your life, but also get more comfortable with your photography equipment. I’ve even used an HTC Evo 4G phone, as well as a Samsung Galaxy S3. The GS3 is spectacular, at least for me.

I wrote a blog back in 2011 describing “Project: 365”. Wow, was that really three years ago? My how much time does fly past us?

Anyway …

The blog can be found here: “Introduction”  (http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2011/09/introduction.html).

How Did This Start?

In 2009, I was introduction to “Project: 365”. I was on the website of a radio station (likely there to redeem some points for a prize) when I read about “Project:365”.

This man described that in a crisis, we watch our lives flash before our lives. He said most of the moments were blurs and some were things he had forgotten. He decided, after that moment, to take one picture a day, every year.

I lost sight of the article after a while. I wonder if he is still doing this.

When I started, I soon learned that most of the time we are so busy living our lives, we forget to document them as they happen. Memories are told, rather than shown. Key things might be forgotten and chances are missed. Those are memories and chances that will never happen again – so, document them while you can.

The premise is basic – take a picture for each day of the year. Either with a digital camera or a camera phone. I’m sure you could do a 35mm camera, but that could get expensive – buying filming then transferring it to DVD.

The pictures can be anyone (with their permission of course), anything (that isn’t sensitive or private in nature), any place (where you legally can).

I usually plan for a few “selfies” throughout the year to see how I’ve changed – hair color, weight, and fashion sense – maybe I have different glasses to show off!

I also plan for vacation highlights (sometimes resorting to Fotor for collages), gas prices (we all know how up and down they are), and certain landmarks (as they come or go).

And, once I year I have the NASCAR race in March. That is a LOT of opportunity right there to take and/or post one picture per day.

There is also #WBW (Way Back Wednesday); #TBT (Throw-Back Thursday); and #FBF (Flashback Friday) where you find an old picture and post it, take a picture of something old, or scan one of those OLD pictures.

That has definitely been fun. I’ve got a lot of #WBW, #TBT, and #FBF stuff to do until the end of the year, if not well into next year. Going through my stuff that has been in storage over 25 years is definitely fun and exciting.

It can be an old t-shirt you loved, a shirt from school, something you’ve had “forever”.

But, if you have a family, you can document first/last days of school, field trips, whatever you feel comfortable with. Even if there is a new restaurant you go to. Perhaps one you do monthly?

My pictures don’t really have a theme. On October 14, 2014 – I took this one:

[I still have no idea what this is]

Kind of silly isn’t it?

In 2012, a friend of mine had an “Instagram” challenge for the holidays: “Christmas Photo Challenge”. There were things like:

Christmas Decor

Something Shiny

Red

Holiday Texture

Star

By now, you should get the idea … you can read that blog here:

“Christmas Photo Challenge” (http://snapshotsandproject365.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-photo-challenge.html).

It was a fun and exciting challenge. Adding in the fact I was playing with “filters” in the app … it made a memorable month’s worth of photos.

I also took picture of items I’d won on Twitter through re-tweets or trivia replies. As you can see … there are a lot of opportunities for taking a picture.

You Take/Took Them, Now What Do You Do With Them?

When I started this project, I uploaded them to Facebook and Twitter with a caption. I then started sharing on Google + (G+) and 365org. After realizing that managing four (4) social networks was a bit of a time-sponge, and there was limited interaction on two of them – I opted to stick to Facebook (where family and friends are), and Twitter (where some other friends are).

I was also backed them up on USB flash drives as well as DVD in case something happened to my computer. I also put them on my back-up laptop as well.

But, I wanted to do something else – I wanted to put them in an album or make a “photobook” of them to have a physical copy for those who were not on social media.

For the 2009 “Project: 365” book, I decided to use some “Snapfish” credits to make a photo book. That was time consuming and expensive as I was limited by their templates, and felt a bit creatively restrained.

But, several years later, I became a Heritage Makers Consultant where I can literally design it from the bottom up. And, it is a “small business” as well, so I’m helping mothers (mostly) and friends, not a corporate CEO.

While the company (HM) has changed slightly, the goal remains the same – document and preserve your stories, memories, and heritage.

So … I started working on my own “from scratch” photobooks (note “started”, not anywhere close to being done). That is definitely taking some time. Picking out the perfect “page” background, and arranging the photos in the albums (for framing) is quite time consuming since I have decided to re-do 2009 and haven’t started 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, or even 2014.

But, after I get them done, it will be quite worth it. This way if Twitter or Facebook were to ever shut down, I’d have something to pass on to my children and their children … a “heritage” of sorts. They can see the things I saw, and I can put stories with the photos to tell them what was going on at the time.

To check out what Heritage Makers is all about, go to my website:

http://heritagemakers.com/me429

Now, if you like doing it the old fashioned way, with “prints”, you can always sign up for Shutterfly (you get free prints for signing up) and redeem MyCokeRewards for prints (through entering Coca-Cola product codes). You might get an occasional “FREE 100 Prints” email from Shutterfly. I got one in July just after an amazing trip I took (took advantage of that). Then, after Labor Day, I got another email (wasn’t able to take advantage of that).

Usually the emails follow major holidays. You could get enough credits to cover the prints you need and only pay for shipping. Finding a suitable photo album is another thing as most only have spaces for 200 (the one I used for my trip), 300, 500 prints. And, you have to either find a photo album with a space to write captions, write on the photo, or on the back (meaning taking it out to show it to others). But, whatever works. No one way is right. I do what is easier for me … and what I have room for.

This project allows me to “re-live” certain moments and memories. In addition, I am getting quite familiar with my photography equipment, though I do need a new camera for obvious reasons:

[Camera and cord falling apart, literally]

How Long Should Someone Do This?

As long as you like. I’ll do it as long as I possibly can. Providing I am able to and have the equipment to do it.

A man by the name of Jamie Livingston took a single picture nearly every day with a Polaroid from March 31, 1979 to October 25, 1997, the day of his death. That was some dedication. According to the articles, that was eighteen (18) years. And, I’m technically in my sixth (6^th)? WOW!! I’ve got a long way to go. I’d be almost 50!

Here are some articles about that:

“Daily Polaroids Detail Last 18 Years of NYC Man's Life”  [3-31-2008] (http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/05/31/daily-polaroids-detail-last-18-years-nyc-man-life/)

“The Days of His Life” [10-10-2008] (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/nyregion/thecity/12day.html?_r=2&ref=thecity&)

I know a few friends who started off with it but haven’t been as vigilant as I have. One stopped because their camera broke (despite having a good camera phone), another friend stopped due to lack of interest, and one had found it was increasingly difficult to find new things every day.

I’ll admit, after about six (6) years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and now 2014) … it can be a challenge. Some pictures have been food themed, travel related, school related, and downright silly.

The point is … you don’t have to have a theme or be a professional! You can just take one picture. That’s all. In the first year, I took 1-6 per day. Last year, I found some free software that allowed me to do collages, so that makes everything easy when dealing with multiple photos I want to post. I still get one picture, but I might have 2-6 items in it. The point is to take a picture of something, anything, etc.

How Do You Keep It All Together? 

Taking the pictures, documenting what it was, and documenting what network I posted to can seem like a challenge. And, the longer you wait to update the project, it can seem complicated right? Wrong.

It’s rather easy.

As part of my yearly Christmas gifts, my mother gives me a yearly/monthly planner, like this:

[Some are fancy, some plain – either way, they work] 

I begin using it on January 1^st and up to December 31^st. I aim for taking the gas price pictures as the last day of the month: 28^th, 30^th, 31^st. Anything else falls in where it should. Naturally the major “holidays” and events take precedence over anything I might see. If I see something weird on that day, I might post it in a status.

I’m a bit creative in the planner. I make a “bracket box” and high light it to write it in the “subject” for the rare times I cannot immediately post the picture:

[There are times you can only make a note of your picture for the day. Here is how I do it.]

I have either use the camera’s file name (last four digits), “phone”, or “collage”. Then, I write down a brief note. The longest I’ve gone is about 10 days, which was due to being sick and having quite a bit of errands.

Because I used the planner, it was quite easy to manage even DAYS after I took the picture.

I use a green highlighter for “F” (Facebook), and a blue for “T” (Twitter). At one point I needed pink for “G+” (Google +), purple for “3” (which was the website 365 ORG), and orange for “S” (Snapfish).

By using “F” and “T” in the “date space”, I know I’ve uploaded those photos.

I also have a “template” in word (and have it saved) for “copy-righting” and for the standard Twitter post:

“#Project365 – October 15th – ” [just need to fill in the caption/description of the photo].

For Facebook, I usually just choose this: “Project: 365 – November 2014” for the album name. That way in the description, I only have to list the date and caption.

As you can see, after this length of time, I’ve got this down to a science. It could seem complicated, then again it seems rather easy.

As far as uploading them to Heritage Makers … that I will work on … later.

How Rewarding Has This Been?

For me?

It’s definitely helped me through quite a few bad times. It has helped me look back and see things that were going to happen long before they did.  It has helped me be a better photographer, and it has helped me document my days better. Definitely helps with memories, not that I have a problem, but it is amazing how this project works like that. I can sometimes reflect on the entire day.

It gives my family and friends a look into some of the things they might not see any other way. They get to be a part of my life that was at one point unavailable.

Photography has always been a hobby of mine. With a digital camera, I have an unlimited resource to take pictures.

So, I’d say that while there are no financial rewards (I don’t sell my pictures for money) … there are unlimited experiences when doing this.

How Does One Start “Project: 365”?

Starting is easy, grab your camera. And, I would recommend a planner. You can get them from about $5-$20 at Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Target … most major retailers. I usually go for Walmart first as I’ve gotten them as low as $4. But, if there is a special one? I’ll pay up to $20. But, no more.

After that? Snap, document, and upload. Remember to mark it off. If you need highlights, I recommend using “Sharpie Accent”. You can usually get them one at a time in a bin, or in the packs. I use blue for Twitter because of the bird, so by default I can’t do it for Facebook. I use green as it is also a dark color and easy to see. But, any colors you choose are fine.

I’m now doing a “monthly” review, as well as “weekly” highlights to spotlight some of the most unique and positive moments of the month.

Also, it helps in tracking gas prices.

Then, anytime of day – day, night, evening.

Of course good sense dictates you don’t take pictures of sensitive, proprietary, or potentially identifying information.

Children at school okay, not WHERE. The mall, but watch out if you have a “professional camera”. Look for the blog on that. Just anytime you can squeeze off a good round of pictures. I’ve gotten a “one and done” because that moment was so quick. And, taking my camera in my purse or pocket is essential next to my license, phone, and keys.

Back about 10 years ago a former friend quizzed me on why I brought my camera to work. I explained that I might see something interesting coming to work or going home. As a result, I carried my phone in my purse as a habit. 

Of course I wouldn’t have to because of my camera phone. But, when the battery goes on that? I need a back-up.

When Do You Start The Project?

While I never like putting things off, I would highly recommend that you “practice” as soon as you can, but I’d start off with the New Year (at the beginning) – make it a New Year’s resolution or goal …whatever you call them.

It makes sense to start on January 1^st as that is when the year begins and it is easy to track. If you forget a day or two, you can still take a picture of something that came in on that day or something you got on that day.

The point is to have fun, document your life, and get familiar with the camera equipment.

And, in my case? It gives me a reason to stay out of the house longer than just taking my mom to and from work.

It also gives me great “footage” for my personalized calendars:

[One of the many things I do with my pictures. This is my 2013 calendar]

How a Photo & Memory Led to a Twitter Hiatus

Not too many people know this unless you follow me on Twitter or we’re friends on Facebook (maybe not even then)… but …

I went on a trip to New Jersey at the end of June. Some, by now are probably so very tired of hearing about it. Some were tired of hearing about it BEFORE I left.

Knowing that, why am I bringing it up, and blogging about it? 

Like normal – the result of an incident or issue on Twitter. This time, it was the result of the “COVER” picture on my Twitter profile page, which has been there since around the time of the trip (June 26^th to June 29^th).

[A "replica" license plate to a "special" car]

I’m not sure when exactly I chose it, though I do believe it was about the time it was taken (6/26), so it was up on Twitter for approximately 40 days when someone, who wasn’t even a follower, posted this tweet to me:

[Tweet I got; out of the blue; from a "concerned" person]

Before I tell you how much that shocked me, if you don’t know about the history of the license plate, I need to take a few moments to explain it, and how special it is to me. Sorry for the long story ...

I was lucky enough to have been born in April 1976, so by the second season of “Starsky & Hutch”, I was about 5/6 months old. My mom had me in something like this (it didn’t even have a patterned seat; it was VERY basic):

[Courtesy of Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/352758583284550627/ again, this was the 70's so it is SEVERELY out of date ... the walker that is]

So, during the show (which she’d began watching just after she got pregnant with me), I’d roll up … kiss my guy and stand in front of the T.V. Believe it or not, I knew which one of the two was mine (no, I am not telling who it was), and when he’d drive off or be “off-camera”, I’d roll off. Of course, I knew his car and his voice and I’d come back. Or, my mom would call to me that he was back and I’d come back, smiling.

After a few episodes of this, my mom decided it was a great way to keep me busy so she could tidy up or crochet. She never left me alone. I was always within her eyesight (and because I’d roll off, I was always near her), but she gave up trying to watch the show. It became my show instead.

Some people will scream about the violence. Me? I was a baby! I couldn’t care less. I was only watching for two reasons: my guy and his car (which looked really good during those chases). End of story.

I didn’t have nightmares, I didn’t suffer intellectually (well, according to my 3.5-3.8 college GPA I didn’t), and I know fantasy from reality. I’m also a writer. I’ve held down jobs, don’t smoke, drink maybe a glass of wine a month (maybe less), and I haven’t had any run-ins with law enforcement. I don’t think I suffered too much as a result.

When I could walk? I’d run over to the T.V.

This routine of me and my adoration of “Starsky & Hutch” continued until the series went off in May 1979, after I turned three (3).

But, for many years, it remained on syndication. However, I was a bit too old to run over to the screen and “kiss” someone. Not only that, my grandma would have frowned up that despite it not being her T.V. She wouldn’t have understood that relationship.

Anyway …

I never lost sight of the show, or how special it was to me. I’d write my own episodes (fan-fiction) by creating crimes for the guys to solve, and yet have a romance – or two. I’d have my own “written” seasons planned out (funny how I never got back to doing those).

I owned the COLUMBIA HOUSE RE-TV VHS tapes (still have them, just no VCR), and I got the DVDs just last year (September/October 2013). I got a die-cast Torino and the books for Christmas (2013). All of that set in motion what happened in June, which set in motion my choice of the picture as my Twitter cover picture. 

I had always hoped to meet David Soul (Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson) and Paul Michael Glaser (David Starsky). I also wanted a bright red, Ford Gran Torino, with a bright white “vector” stripe (still do). Even seeing one in person was a dream. I honestly never thought I’d ever see, let alone touch one. If someone had told me that last year (2013) I would … I would have wondered about their sanity or perception of reality.

It was because of that renewed interest that I turned to the internet. I was looking to see what they were up to (as I didn’t have T.V. service) and found out about a “fan gathering”. I had read about SurCon (tribute event to David & Paul) which was started as a result of a story surrounding David’s copy of the “Survival” script (episode he directed). I missed SurCon 2013 in California (rats). But, when I found out there would be one in New Jersey for 2014, I couldn’t wait to go. It posed a few problems though:

How the hell was I going to get there?

What the hell am I thinking in going there?

Part of the draw was just doing it! So … I did. The whole story behind it will be another blog (which I need to get drafted and working on). But, back to the topic here (which is best at this point) …

I not only got to meet these two WONDERFUL actors/directors. But, I got to see the ORIGINAL Gran Torino from seasons 2, 3, and 4! I saw it in the hotel and on the streets when they gave some lucky fans (auction winners) some rides in it. Seeing them in it again, and hearing it roar down the road? There was nothing that could compare to it. And, as a NASCAR fan … it even beat out going to my first race.

Being a photographer … seeing is believing, as is touching. When you’re only used to seeing it on the T.V. in the little tube, it becomes a surreal experience. You want to not only film it (which I did film parts of the journey, the guys and the car), but photograph it. And, sometimes? You want to touch it.

So … I did!

Being as proud of myself for quelling my plane phobia (there is an inside joke to this), traveling for the first time alone, and for getting the courage to meet these two … yeah, I wanted to brag a bit.

As part of those “bragging” rights, I snapped a picture of the ICONIC license plate of the “striped tomato” (which I touched because I still couldn’t believe I was seeing it).  I also had to do it to prove to a few friends (and myself) I had really done this. I also took quite a few photos that weekend as there were other sights and memories that needed to be preserved.

Getting back to the license plate photo …

1.) It is a REPLICA of a real plate (which I am assuming is on a Torino somewhere)

2.) This REPLICA lists SEP 1976 (beginning of second season) as the expiration date

3.) The “picture” was taken on a carpeted surface (showing inside a building)

4.) This picture was used in a collage for 6/26, which shows it inside a hotel:

[Awesome collage I put together for my Project: 365 daily picture. This is the Gran Torino from the series "Starsky & Hutch" sitting near the ballrooms of the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott June 26, 2014]

When I got the tweet I did, I was a bit … perplexed. For the reasons stated above.  

In addition, the mention of “police” and “military” got me to thinking … “surely, this person can’t believe this is the license plate to a REAL police car. Where would they get that idea”.

I looked at my Twitter avatar/picture, which used to be my Facebook cover page. There I am, sitting in a replica Torino with an OLD police light (which I am certain they don’t use any more).

[Me sitting in a 1974 Ford Gran Torino. Belonged to a fan who had driven the car to New Jersey from Connecticut. Taken at Liberty State Park, New Jersey – June 27, 2014]

We’ve got a few problems with this person thinking that license is to a real police car:

1.) License plate is EXPIRED (hate to re-state this obvious fact)

2.) Pretty sure law enforcement doesn’t use those lights anymore (red bubble)

3.) Pretty damn sure law enforcement wouldn’t let a detective have that high profile of a car (bright red with a HUGE white stripe); it was on television and a crappy re-make movie (my blog, my opinion, just making a statement that was even supported by the original S & H people).

After exchanging tweets, it was obvious – the person had never seen the awful, wretched movie let alone the series (which is what this was from). And, the person is 4-5 years older than I am. Maybe their parents wouldn’t have let them seen it, but there are re-runs. In addition, let’s remember … the registration is technically EXPIRED, so that brings it to “non-issue” status. Hate to again repeat the obvious, but it is quite clear. Why the person had to mention it is beyond me. I’m still (even now) trying to reconcile that.

But, that incident was the latest in some “social media” drama. I got burnt out. I said I was thinking about leaving Twitter, and I’ve only interacted partially since that tweet exchange. I haven’t posted any more pictures or updated people on how I’ve been doing or what is going on. As I told one person, I got tired of explaining. While she brought up a good point of not doing it, still … the stuff wears you down. You hope to engage people to enlighten you (or them). You certainly hope the people who engage you do the same for you.

Anyway ...

While this story could be humorous … it also shows how social media gives us too much instant gratification and the ability to say things before thinking them through. An innocent remark/concern could come off wrong to the receiver. Even if you delete it, someone can do what I did … take a screen capture of it. Once it’s out there – it is out there. There is no going back.

Going back to the tweet …

“for safety reasons you shouldn’t show a license number on here”

I spent 20 minutes going over my account wondering what they were referring to. As you can see, I asked for clarification as I was stumped. What license info did I post? I wasted those 20 minutes, which is about the time it takes me to drive to/from my mom’s work place – for perspective on how much that 20 minutes is in our household. True, I was online chatting with some long-distance friends, working on a trip related photo project, organizing photos, and writing … still, that 20 minutes to search for what was going on … was a waste of time.

Why did I search? I didn’t want to unknowingly put someone’s information out there. Perhaps it was an auto-tweet for something charitable, perhaps I was hacked. I wanted to find the tweet and/or picture and delete it immediately.

That would be the right thing to do.  

Then the person said “just trying to help”. Again, I spent some time pondering this. Help? Why do I need help? What help do I need? I get well-meaning folks, but given the facts surrounding the plate (namely the “expired” part of it) … it seemed a bit “petty”.  

After all, a lot of people put their “license” info on Twitter. I’ve done it with my Cobalt, and I’ve seen friends do it with their own vehicles. When you have personalized/vanity plates, hard to hide them. And, when you drive out in public, it is hard to hide them as well. Also, some “show” cars are registered at car shows.

Because of what I’ve previously been through with certain things, and not knowing this person (who incidentally was not a follower) … it could have turned ugly.

Some people might argue the person was curious. After all, once they were told and apologized, they quickly focused on pushing their “webcast” and recruit technique on me. 

[Hate to break it to ya ... replica of a real plate, and FYI ... it expired back in September 1976 ... the "tag" that is]

["Sorry I didn't understand ... hey, check out my webcast. I'm also looking for bloggers to help." ... right, after I recover those 20 minutes I lost.]

Great marketing technique (**rolling my eyes**). I think if I were curious about something, I would have actually “perused” photos/videos (for those who don’t know Twitter … it does give you a link to see the media the person has posted), and then open a dialogue by asking …

“Why do you have a license plate as your cover photo?” 

That might have solved it in two steps. They’d have gotten positive attention and eased some curiosity. They might have learned something as well. With what they originally said (trying to be helpful or not), it came off the wrong way. Maybe in perusing my photos they would have seen the collage and figured out it was a “show”/“display” car, so there wouldn’t be an issue with the plate.

I’m not silly enough to think that everyone would know the plate (I’m a sucker for details about things I am VERY interested in).

After all, it isn’t like “Knight Rider” and KNIGHT or KARR (and I suspect some people may not know those either). But, I certainly hope anyone would see it is expired and perhaps no longer valid, thus it is a “non issue” (sorry again for mentioning the obvious, still trying to reconcile what triggered the tweet) … so, why would I have it as a cover photo and what is the significance? Why not ask?

My mom and some of my friends (either on Twitter or Facebook) ask “why do people feel the need to say something” or “why are they saying something about [insert issue]”.

I’ve long ago stopped asking “why” people say the things they do or ask why they have the problems they do in relation to those things. Given the increase of it, I am of the opinion that social media and etiquette surrounding it needs to be taught and not just in schools – to adults as well. There are better ways of interacting or started a conversation. Social media has seemingly ended the long standing tradition of “etiquette”, “good manners”, and “decency”.

After all, many of us have enough drama in real life, we don’t need it online. Some of us have limited time due to work, school, family, religious, and other social obligations. As a result, when things like this happen, we tend to withdraw away from social media since others cannot be responsible. I’ve said it a few times on Twitter, yet, well meaning friends always seem to convince me to come back. I’ve completely left Google +(G+) and I left MySpace YEARS ago.

One of my friends is taking a Facebook hiatus, and I am HIGHLY considering taking a very long Twitter hiatus.

I would turn my tweets private, but I don’t want the headache of worrying about missing out on “RT this to win” or “reply back with answer to win”. I’ve gotten some great stuff doing that. I don’t plan to miss out on that at all.

I’ve heard that if people aren’t following you they can’t see your tweets, and other things. With the rules changing every day (or so it seems), I’d rather opt for a hiatus – reply or tweet only when necessary or interesting.

As far as sharing my pictures there …

I gave up sharing a majority of my pictures, though post-trip, I had wanted to share more of them. But, I am stumped. Since my mom is there, I’m sure she’d like a back-up in case Facebook fails (or goes down like it recently did). So, it isn’t right to her to miss out. There are also people who are taking a Facebook hiatus or opted to close their accounts in favor of Twitter. They would miss out as well.

So, how do I balance it?

It isn’t easy. Even close to five years later (on Twitter that is), I am still learning. I basically watch my favorite celebs to see what they do (learn by example; they’re the most criticized ones). I watch how the NASCAR drivers handle private and family tweets. Many are wide open while some are only here or there. And, after what I’ve been through? I don’t wonder and can’t blame them.

Will I go back to Twitter? I’m still evaluating that. It’s not at the top of my priorities though.

I like the positive interaction, sharing photos, and even the rare times I win something. But, I don’t like the unnecessary drama – such as the issue of my profile photo or my cover photo. Unless it is something entirely inappropriate: nudity, abuse, supporting violence, etc … I don’t see why people can’t “let it go”. Find another way of starting a conversation if that is the intent. If not … let it go.

I’ve been replying to people, just haven’t posted much personally. Still undecided as to how I want to proceed. And, with the last few days being so “sad” in the news, I’m thinking I want to just limit the interaction there.

Oh, and if you figured out how the crush and license plate are connected … I do have the right to remain silent. Sounds good, doesn’t it? 

Reflections: 2013 – Part 6

Looking Ahead …

It’s hard to believe how the past few years have changed everything and the landscape of my life. It’s hard to look back where I was in 2008 (when I moved to my current address), 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and even 2013 to now (despite it being the beginning of the second month of the year).

There’ve been so many changes I don’t know where to begin to try recalling all of them.

To give you a sense of how things have changed ...

2008 to 2009 changed so dramatically at times I didn't know if I was coming or going. I had a what I thought was a good friend, lost that friend, re-connected with another. Had one car nearly paid off, got another car.

2009 to 2010 ... we had two cars, I had a job, got injured, left my job to recover from injury, started writing again, discovered a few new things.

2010 to 2011 ... I went into therapy for the injury, kept writing, started wondering what I was going to do in life.

2011 to 2012 ... I got to drive on the speedway for charity; I started college, re-connected with my family, lost a family member, took a trip to California, reconnected with my past, and did NaNoWriMo for the first time with a story inspired by the events 

2012 to 2013 ... stayed in college, took another road trip to California, made peace with my past, started a business, left college, did my second NaNoWriMo

2013 to now … Started discovering new places/things, started a healthier routine of eating and walking, did two virtual 5K charity walks, did the inaugural 5k/1m run/walk (PJ run at LVMS), did my third NaNoWriMo, ended NaNo with triple word count

First "swag" bag for the Virtual Lemon Run benefiting Alex's Lemonade Stand

My second "swag" bag for another virtual Lemon Run

Shirt and race bib for the Inaugural PJ 5K/1M Walk/Run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

PJ 5K/1M and Lemon Run Race Bibs – two really great causes :)

I can't wait to see what 2014 brings my way. Everyday I learn something new, I nurture my talent, I find new things to feel blessed/grateful for ... and I try to be more positive and less negative.

I honestly want to work on my photo projects a lot more than I have been, I also would love to finish one story (not the 2013 NaNo one of course, but another one) and perhaps publish it. It'll take a lot of hard work, and it'll take quite a bit of dedication to get it done.

I'd love to grow my business, and that's why I share things with people. I want them to find the same joy and passion I have for preserving memories, making new ones, and being a part of history.

Maybe this year will be it for Heritage Makers. If you want to see what we have to offer, please ... check out my website: http://www.heritagemakers.com/me429 you can follow me on Twitter as well:

(Personal) https://www.twitter.com/MarieEdwards429
(Business) https://www.twitter.com/MarieEdwardsHM

Most of all ... I am enjoying the life I have right now. Of course I want to do more in my life (and with it, like having children), but I have to take it as things come. I can't rush it ... if it's meant to be ... it'll find a way. My mom, a mentor, and God has taught me that.

Sometimes our prayers are answered. It might not be the exact package, but it's the one that we need at the time we need it.

Oh remember this car?

Starsky's Ford Gran Torino (aka: Striped Tomato)

I've wanted one ever since I was little ... can't afford the gas, insurance, maintenance for it ... I don't have room for it ... so I got the one God sent me.

For those who don't believe in God, then don't read my blogs or comment. What's right for one, is right for them ... it isn't right for someone else. I've learned that as well.

I'm excited to see the new things in this year.

Welcome to 2014 (even if I am a month late) ...

Reflections: 2013 – Part 5

PROJECT: 365

In addition to taking a picture every day, which I am entering my sixth (6^th) year of, I’ve also begun a daily “what I am thankful for or blessed with” moment. I’m using a small “desk” calendar to write them down. At the end of the month, I’ll tear off the month, and put in a jar for 2014. At the end of the year, I will take them out, maybe paste them in a book with some pictures.

Getting back to “Project: 365” …

For the last few years I’ve been updating photos to:

** Google + (G+)

** 365 ORG (website)

** Facebook

** Twitter

While I’ve enjoyed sharing my life and experiences over the four websites, I came to a decision that it was too time consuming to continue sharing over networks that either had no interaction or limited interaction. As a result, I discontinued posting to the 365 website and G+ as of this year. I will keep the 365 account though.

As far as G+, the majority of my “friends” were either on Twitter and Facebook, or either one. Since there had been no interaction among active users, I discontinued. It has cut down how much time I spend uploading photos.

I’m still going to the Bellagio Conservatory, as well as other places. Earlier this month, my mom and I went to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. It helped that we had free passes thanks to myVegas Rewards (Facebook/mobile game).

Bellagio Conservatory – Year of the Horse

Fish Tank at Mandalay Bay – Shark Reef Aquarium 

Sharks swimming over the "tunnel"

In the past month that I’ve cut out the other two networks or websites … I’ve gained quite a bit of time back in my life. I also look at it this way – if no one is interacting, why I am doing it?

I'm proud to still be doing this after all this time. I honestly didn't think it would be easy, at times it hasn't been, but as time goes on, I'm finding there is something new or interesting about every day.

Reflections: 2013 – Part 4

Family & Friends

It was in 2011 that I reconnected with quite a few members of my family, and it was over a tragedy. Still, I think it helped me grow at a time I felt conflicted in my life.

I feel so blessed in having a close, albeit distant (in location) relationship with my family. Got to talk to some cousins online, and on the phone over the holidays, so I feel very loved and blessed to connect with them again and talk. I missed so much of their lives, and they missed so much of mine. I try to post (on Facebook) as much as I can photo and status wise – still, it’s the lost time that hurts the most. 

All I can do is go forward and appreciate the time we do have.

I’ve also made some new friends in real life, on Twitter, and Facebook in that time. I am so thankful that people find me that interesting to follow and want to share bits and pieces of my life with.

Some friendships ended without so much as a word or warning. Although I’m sure it's for the best and there is obviously a reason for it, I wish that they would have told me why before they just ended the friendship. I would have liked their side of the story and at least have a chance to say “goodbye, and I wish you well” or try to figure it out. I realize we might not always have identical views on issues, but that variety and those counter-points are essential to learning and growing. Perhaps some people haven't reached the same point in life that I have or they don't want to. 

But, as with every loss there is a gain … and in every gain there is a loss. I am sure what I have to gain is certainly worth the loss. At the time, it never seems like it is … but, it is. I’ve learned that through someone I admire. The things that happen to us in our lives – good or bad, are part of our life's journey. Friends are sometimes seasonal, be it a good season or a bad one. They're there for the time they are, and then they're gone. 

I’ve also noticed that there is a distance between some friends and myself, certainly not on my part. While I was a bit heart-broken in the beginning, I have found the distance has helped me gain some perspective into my life. It’s helped me discover who I am, where I have been, where I am going, and who I am becoming. Again, the whole loss/gain perspective.

As a result, I’ve had the opportunity to try and do new things on my own. It’s been an incredible discovery, to be honest.

Hidden Falls Park; Henderson, NV 

I’m looking forward to the new chapters/phases of my life. I am looking forward to writing new stories on this new canvas, and as always, the journey in getting there. 

Sometimes we may never get there, but the journey is the best part as I am beginning to discover.

Reflections: 2013 – Part 3

Writing & NaNoWriMo …

I have to say this was a “banner” year for my writing. I couldn’t have hoped for better. I couldn’t have anticipated this “growth” either. 

I had a few new ideas that didn’t quite get “outlined” the way I wanted them, but at least I have the ideas down. I even have two new ones that I began 2014 with. 

As many of you know, in 2011 I took part in my first EVER NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The goal? 50,000 word in 30 days. That first year, I barely made it under the wire (50K on the 30^th).  Yes, I was in school, but I believe there were a lot of things that could have perhaps made it better or at least helped me be more productive.

In 2012, I managed 50,200+ words with three to four days remaining. Not bad, but I knew … I just knew I was capable of more, or at best, better performance.

Enter 2013!

Yeah, I’m still tooting my horn :) I know, I should get out of the “gloating” phase. It’s been over a month, but I find the accomplishment so … stunning. I knew I was capable of doing better, I just didn’t know how well I could do.

152,521 words! That’s for those who might have missed it.

NaNoWriMo stats, November 2013
(link: http://nanowrimo.org/participants/medwards429/novels/love-honor-serve-protect/stats)

That’s a triple (and then some) NaNoWriMo! That makes up for 2011 and 2012. I reached the 50K goal November 10^th, and eight days later (November 18^th), I reached 100K. I’ll admit that reaching the 150K+ mark took a bit longer (had 148K on the 29^th). But, it was worth it. 

That’s the kind of progress I want to see and do, and it's what makes it SO worthwhile. It's a challenge. Some you win, some you lose. 

I really credit all those hours at Starbucks and the music playlist I made while outlining the story. The playlist has grown and changed, but most of it has remained the same.

Of course the Starbucks visit are fewer and fewer between. I’m hoping that this year I will be able to get back there (and I might be making one real soon) ... even if it is once a week (though twice is nice and “preferred”). I never thought I could write in public, but that was what helped me progress as much as I did. On those days I could easily average 5000 or more.

But, I also need a better laptop as well. My current laptop is approaching four years old. After being dropped, tossed in a backpack countless times, buttons replaced, cooling fan replaced, and the DVD “drawer” door falling off … I think it’s time to retire it. 

For those of you who may not know this – it also went through 18 months of college work and papers. So, I think it served me quite well. I might keep it as a back-up until I can fix the “back-up”.

As for the back-up to the current laptop, I had a BEAUTIFUL purple HP – the screen needs to be repaired. It was “cracked” and although it still works, I’d like to repair it. There is only so much money in the household though. 

Anyway … back to “NaNoWriMo” (sorry about that deviation) …

Unlike most people after NaNoWriMo, I didn’t walk away from the story after the event was over. Not even for a breather as they recommend. 

Why? The story was far from being “done”. It wasn’t even halfway. In many ways, I think it was just starting. So, I kept going.

I also have to admit, I was in love with my characters. Well, one of them at least :) So, it wasn’t a chore to tell their story. I found that I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning, turn the computer on, and see what they were up to.

There were times I’d only manage a few notes here or there, or even 100 words … the point was – I kept going. I didn’t stop. I was disappointed with some of the days, but I kept writing.

And, yes, I am still writing EVERY single day. Even if it’s not on the computer, I’ll make notes or plot out “scenes” for my stories, whichever one comes to me when it comes to me. I can’t always plan which story, that’s not how my brain or the creative muses work. The NaNoWriMo one is taking precedence though :)

As much as I would LOVE to publish it, it’s mainly going to be for me. It’s a therapeutic/cathartic story I started back in 2000/2001. At the time I was going through some changes and adjustments, more so after 2/18/2001 and 9/11.

I connect with TV shows that have a meaning in my life or time. Often, they inspire me to write about it, or something entirely different. I can’t control where the “plot bunnies” take me. There was an “old” TV series being shown in syndication at the time (2000/2001)I re-connected with it, and thus some of the 2013 NaNoWriMo story started there.

Back then it was in bits and pieces, as if a puzzle. I shredded the remnants in early 2013. 

I know, as a writer, that is a HUGE no-no. Trust me when I say that it was for the better. There was no beginning, no connections, no end, and no outline. There was nothing bit disjointed bits and pieces. It was in some respects quite useless.

But, it eventually, everything came back around and back together. And, I re-discovered, re-connected, and re-introduced myself to that same series once again. This time, I started to shape the frame, add in the bits and pieces that were needed to build on it, then the discarded/shredded parts came back, along with a great ending that was planned out.

It’s as my mother always told me “if it’s mean to be … it will happen”.  I’ve lived my life with that. Be it faith or be it karma, I figure if something is meant to happen it will. Or, if we’re meant to have something … we will.

But, another reason I won’t publish it … I don’t own the copyright to the characters or the series. I feel the reason I had to write this story was not only to complete something, but to remember what it was that shaped the interests I developed, and who I became. It’s a loving “thank-you” to the characters and perhaps the actors. Please don't ask me to discuss which series it is based on (or about) though, or what the story is about. 

I will state that the theme is about saving people. It's about loving them not just during the good times, but in the absolute WORST of times. Letting go of the inner demons that try to keep us from what we deserve, and … learning that love changes with the seasons and tides of our lives. In the end, true love prevails despite all adversity. Sappy and soapy ... I know. But, the them is saving each other through love, patience, kindness, and strength.

I am also, as time and plot bunnies allow, working on other projects – outlining, planning, making notes and doing research. It’s amazing how much time it all takes. On December 30^th, I spent over 10 hours just writing (maybe taking 1-2 hours of that for eating and social media, if that). 

That’s another thing I learned this year – writing is VERY time consuming. And, you have to have support from your family (as well as friends). That’s why I “plan” my days/weeks in advance – so I can get done what needs to be done.

As far as CampNaNo for 2014? I’m thinking up something, doubt I’ll EVER repeat the historic success of NaNoWriMo – 2013 again, either during Camp or November’s NaNoWriMo. I’m not a defeatist, just a realist.

But, I know what I am capable of, so I'll give it a shot :)

POST NaNoWriMo Life …

So, how is the novel doing?

Because of certain things that happened in December, I wasn’t always able to continue from where I left off on story, or let's just say ... in the order it should be in the story.

Mostly, I would write “scenes” as I was inspired (or when plot bunnies attacked). Some of those notes, which were for later chapters, I typed up in a separate document to copy and paste when I get there. That is where I did the bulk of the Post-NaNo writing.

The story is still being continued though. I managed to add an additional 23,382 words to it (that’s as of right now). That's an average of 390 words per day (63 days).

The handwritten notes (for future chapters) totaled over 50K words.

POST-NaNoWriMo, I added a TOTAL of  words to a story that even if I added that in … it still wouldn’t be “half-way”.  Adding up ALL the work I’ve done:

NaNoWriMo – 152,521

Post-NaNo – 56,525 (average of 897 words per day)

That brings us to … 209, 046 for the story so far. 

Now, here is the kicker … I did do some “pre-writing” in October to get my bearings, and to “flesh it out”. Most of that is for future chapters as well, and that was 54,118 words.

Total words for October, November, December and January? That's around 263,164 (give or take a few, depending on how you count them).

I have a feeling this is going to be a whopper of a story before it’s done. My mom has referred to it as either “War and Peace” of a police story or a “Gone With the Wind” police story. 

Then again, a 15-year story often is a “saga” – you can’t just jump from then (whenever then is) to now (the now in your story) without  telling how the characters met, expand on their lives, include some intrigue/upset/heartbreak/catch the bad guys, and wrap it up believably. It's not going to be just 50,000 words or 300 pages. 

The goal, when finished ... is to design some artwork for a cover, proofread for errors, edit, revise, and save it as a PDF so I can read it through the NOOK or KINDLE APP on my iPad. 

Then ... to move on to another story. Then again ... I could always do some “shorts” (short-stories). Again, I can't control those plot bunnies :)