December 31, 2017 • 31

WPC: At the Cusp of the New Year 2018

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.  ~Seneca

At the cusp of the new year, some of us look back and ruminate over milestone events, memories, and accomplishments;  others look at the possibilities up ahead.   In the spirit of compromise, I’ll do both!

Looking Back at 2017

Favorite Photo

At the Top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

Favorite Tech

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.― Bill Vaughan

Source: Google Images

Favorite Restaurant

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions!~Joey Adams

RPM Italian, Chicago. Source: Google Images

Favorite Trips

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.~Mark Twain

North Vancouver Sunset. Shot by Alex Moed. Samsung Galaxy S6.

Old San Jose Mural.  San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.  Shot with a Canon 70D.

Favorite Books

Source: Google Images

Source: Google Images

Looking Ahead to 2018

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. –T.S. Eliot    

I’m not the type to make lists and resolutions.  All too often I don’t meet these goals and feel disappointed in myself instead of feeling good that I at least attempted to achieve them.  But I do have some guiding principles that will stay with me into 2018.

Travel More

Camus’ insightful words about the value of travel resonate with me.  This will be a touchstone for me this year:

…this is how travel enlightens him. A great discord occurs between him and the things he sees. The music of the world finds its way more easily into this heart grown less secure. Finally stripped bare, the slightest solitary tree becomes the most tender and fragile of images. Works of art and women’s smiles, races of men at home in their land and monuments that summarize the centuries, this is the moving and palpable landscape that travel consists of.–Camus, Albert. Lyrical and Critical Essays (Vintage International) (p. 44).

Suitcase from a Japanese-American internee 1940’s. Morikami Museum. Shot with a Canon 40D.

Worry Less

I recently heard these lyrics in a Tom Petty song and they struck me as being very wise.

Most things I worry about never happen anyway.― Tom Petty

Source: two wheeledgypsyqueen.tumblr.com

 

Strive for Good Health

Despite all the buzz from fad diets and new year’s exercise resolutions, we all know what good health comes down to:  more exercise, more sleep, and eating and drinking in moderation.   Shouldn’t we all tattoo this motto on the hand that lifts our forks?

Accomplish At least One Childhood Dream 

I am going to keep having fun every day I have left, because there is no other way of life. You just have to decide whether you are a Tigger or an Eeyore. ~Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture touched me deeply.   This brave man dying of cancer shares guiding principles that shaped his life and offers us advice about achieving happiness.  One message in particular–about achieving our childhood dreams– resonated with me.  I am determined to accomplish at least one of my dreams in 2018.  Which one?  Stay tuned and you’ll find out!

 So on New Year’s Eve, do you look back at the past year or ahead to the next?  What are your favorites from 2017?  What childhood dream do you want to accomplish in 2018?  What guiding principles do you live by?  Before you go, I’d like to give you a little gift that will last all year long.
Source: Best Photos of 2017

Categories: Photography

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31 replies »

  2. Thank you for a lovely post – and link. I must say, nowadays I seldom look forward to the new year. I look back, and I hope for the best with this new year of course…but the world does not seem to get any better. I do my best to do little things to help…and if everybody did – I am sure we could see the difference!

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    • Hi, Ann-Christine. I understand. I guess I’m still an optimist–against all reason!! I hope and like you, I try to make the world a little better place. Here’s hoping we make a difference in this new year.

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  5. What a beautiful and thoughtful post, Patti. Agree, it’s a natural for reflection and clarification. I love your photos, quotes and references. Wishing you a joyful and inspiring 2018. Enjoy that X-T2– I sure am. 🙂

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  7. I was at The Met this weekend and made a point of looking up, because I remembered your stunning photo. The building is so visually interesting. Thank you for showing it in a new light.

    Wishing you the best in 2018.

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  11. Some great quotes to live by in here, Patti. And I absolutely love the mural shot- the expression on that dog’s face! What? You want me to pose? 🙂 🙂 Happy 2018 to you, however it goes!

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  12. Loved your post Patti – if I were willing to endure the pain I’d do the tattoo you suggested LOL!!! I too am enjoying my X-T2. It really does have a cult-like following doesn’t it?! All the best to you in 2018 – looking forward to seeing your mysterious goal accomplished!

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    • Hi, Tina. So glad to hear from you. 🙂 It does seem that the X-T2 has a cult-like following and appeal. You mean that for once in my life, I’m a trend setter?? I’m writing about goal #1 now!! “See” you soon.

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  15. Such a lovely post, Patti! I’m sorry I’ve only come across it now. I love and have noted all the quotes (esp Twain, Camus and Eliot’s) and will look up the links. “Me Before You” was a favorite of mine too, and I have put the Camus essays on my to-read list. xx

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    • Hi, Bron. You probably have a very long to read list, like me! So much reading, so little time!! I am loving Camus. It surprises me that more people aren’t talking about. Maybe I lead a sheltered life??? 🙂

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      • So long!! And not enough time. I’d never read his essays, only his fiction. They’re wonderful, thank you! 🙂

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