Thursday, January 1, 2009

January Theme Day: Best Photo of the Year 2008


This isn't what I consider my best photograph just on visual quality, but it was my best post for the year of 2008, for the story of my shared quest to photograph that horse through the Ardella's Diner windows. It speaks to the experience of doing Willits Daily Photo like no other, and this particular moment was so joyful. Read the story behind it on the original post, here. I hope anybody passing through Willits will be inspired to have a meal at Ardella's.

For some of my other favorites from the past year, see my Overflow blog. It's been an interesting year, and this blog has connected me to Willits in ways I never imagined.

The first day of the month is always a theme day among more than a hundred City Daily Photo Bloggers who choose to participate, all around the world. Click here to view thumbnails for all the participants answer to the theme "Best Photo of the Year".

28 comments:

Hilda said...

Oh, I love your choice, Elaine! This was a truly memorable experience and it still brings tears of joy to my eyes even now.

Happy theme day!

Ham said...

Yes, this City Daily Photo thing is about a lot more than the photos, I agree.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year from London

Kim said...

First off, happy New Year to you dear Elaine, and second, I'm with Hilda on this one (except I didn't come to tears of joy, but can say I was excited all over again!). I'd like to also thank you for your frequent visits, thoughtful comments, your good humor, and the genuine friendship and joy you spread to all of us CDPBers in your special way. You are one amazing woman! I know I'm not the only one among us that feels this way. So, here's a toast to you!
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo

Shantaram said...

Elaine, I completely understand what you're saying about connecting with one's city - all the DPblogs have been a highlight of 2008 for me - thank you for being there!

Here's wishing you the very best for a great time in 2009!

Laurie Allee said...

I was hoping this would be your choice! It's my favorite of yours too, for all the reasons you mentioned. (Now, I wonder if Petrea picked my favorite of hers -- the man walkiing beneath the blimp?)

I hope you have a beautiful new year, Elaine -- one filled with love and peace, surprises and delights, prosperity and simple joys. And my horses always walk by at breakfast.

Anonymous said...

Nice photo. Interesting that the colors came out so good in low light.

Happy New Year to you and your family from Patty and Abe.

istanbuldailyphoto said...

Happy New. New year'S to you happiness, and quiet, peace and prosperity is will bring.

Virginia said...

Yep, a fine choice. I remember the original and your quest for the horse and rider. Glad you got your wish. I have enjoyed your take on Willits this year. Look forward to many more.
V

Chris said...

I think that the experience is part of photography, Elaine. Nice choice.

Cheers for a happy new year! May the world find 2009 a more peaceful, optimistic, blessed and safe year.

Chris

Ming the Merciless said...

Great choice on the horsey photo. Like mine, it was a very serendipitous photo.

Have a happy and healthy new year, Elaine.

marley said...

Happy New Year! Great photo and story for theme day :)

Clueless in Boston said...

Wonderful shot and great story. I admire your patience and endurance to get a good shot. I didn't even notice the horse at first (sorry!) but the look on the faces of the two people looking at the camera. Now that is priceless.

Happy theme day! And happy new year too. Wishing you peace and prosperity in 2009.

Buck said...

Love it! The story makes it so real for me.

Saretta said...

I remember this photo!

Happy 2009 Elaine!

Anonymous said...

Gosh, that's a lot of pressure on a photo-blogger. I think putting in a photo that was most requested was a wise choice. Happy New year to you. I've enjoyed your blog very much (and the puzzles) One day instead of heading south as is my way, I may head north and visit the big W.

Petrea Burchard said...

You've been a highlight of my 2008, blogsister. This photo worked on me emotionally because I felt its affect on you. Can a photo be more powerful?

USelaine said...

You are all so sweet! Thank you for stopping by and understanding my choice for the theme. There's photography, and then there is the act of photography, and this was about the latter.

I'm still catching up with the busy-ness of theme days and new years, so if I haven't gotten around to your places yet, I will soon! 8^)

bitingmidge said...

Forget the meal, I'm inspired to ride that horse!

Thanks for your support during the year Elaine, I hope that 2009 brings you all you could possibly wish for, and another 365 pictures to share with us!

Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia

Anonymous said...

Great story and image!
Thanks for dropping by and your kind comment! Cheers for a very happy new year!

Kris McCracken said...

Merry New Years!

I like the choice, and agree that the 'best' image (from a technical sense), is rarely my favourite. That's usually reserved for something far more intangible.

Jill said...

I agree! A blessed upcoming year to you Elaine.

Chuck Pefley said...

Ah yes, I remember how hard you worked for this one, and how elated you were with the serendipity of this moment when all came together. Definitely worthy of "best of 2008" status. The photo isn't necessarily the whole story ... but so often a supporting actor needed to tell the complete story.

Happy New Year, Elaine. By the way, did your Ft. Bragg neighbor re-locate to the Seattle area? I've visited his blog a few times ... walking something or other, but have lost track ... so refresh my "older" memory, please :)

Nihal said...

Very nice photo, bravooo!
This is my first time stopping by, I like inside.
Nihal~

Jilly said...

This is just fabulous - those faces tell the marvellous story. Not surprised you chose it. Actually I adore the one you posted the day before too. An amazing tree.

Elaine, this comes with every good wish for the best New Year and let's hope the world is a little more peaceful too. Thanks for your so kind comments.

Destitute Rebel said...

A Happy new year to you.

Anonymous said...

Really best shot angle of your photos.
Cheers.

Fabrizio Zanelli said...

Ah ! You are right: it's a really interesting photo and funny :-) -- I hope you let me wish you a ver Happy New Year even if so late !!!

raf said...

Didn't have much luck with Internet connections over the holidays so I missed the chance to visit/comment on many of my favorite blogs.

I remember commenting once how your posts about Ardella's were working so well that it would be my first stop upon visiting your neck of the woods.

So, belated wishes to you and yours, Elaine, for a great new year! Look forward to many more visits to your Willits.