Only the first two photos below were taken in late November. The rest were shot in December and though we've certainly had a hard frost or two since then, there is still much colour to be found this winter. Come walk with me.
Thanks for joining me on my search for winter colour.
And now onto the giveaway. Over the course of a few days in December, I decided to create a 2012 photo calendar and I was satisfied with how it turned out. I ordered a few more and gave two of them away as gifts. I decided to keep the last one for my bloggie people, and offer it up as a giveaway to say "thank you" for all of your support and encouragement over the years. It's a small gift, I realize but I figure it's one you can make use of daily throughout the year.
There are no gimmicks, no hoops through which to jump, no need to become a follower nor promote my blog on yours. I'd just like you to comment as usual and let me know at that time whether you'd like to be included in the random draw or not. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I'll announce the winner on Wednesday's post, along with the Posts of the Week. Everyone is eligible unless you choose to opt out. That's it. Thanks for participating and good luck!
92 comments:
Please include me in your drawing. I love your photographs and would treasure one of you calendars.
Chubby Chatterbox
You KNOW I would love to win your pictures. Do most of the ones you love the most come from your DSLR?
I just might have to buy one of those fancy dancy things some day!:-)
Your eye with your camera always intrigues me.
Sidenote- I just turned my calendar at the lake back to January. I've had the same calendar since 2008. I always just turn it over at the beginning of the year, then forward it every month. No one, No one, has ever noticed. I don't think I'm the best candidate for your work, although I so love your photos. I would notice.
I was amazed at the mild European winter too. What vibrant colours you are capturing in your winter. Thanks for brightening this Sunday morning.
Ah, the gorgeous pictures! (The one thing I miss on the prairies is the reds of the maples and oaks of Ontario.)
Weather out here has been about the same as at your place. Terribly warm for a Bear who is trying to hibernate.
Blessings and Bear hugs for 2012.
P.S.: Would love to have a calendar of your pictures, but have no place to put it. Another time, perhaps.
Glorious photos - you are a master of light! Yes please - I'd love to win that calendar!
I always enjoy you flora photographs. Numbers three and four stand out for me today.
paws wheels wings - lovely things;
and such color today!
I'd LOVE to win your wonderful calendar
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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You manage to find beauty in the most mundane things Hilary. Well done! Can I be included for your calender? - Dave
What a grand idea!
Please toss my name into the hat for the draw. I'd love a collection of your photographs... as would everyone else. :)
Lovely plants. I haven't got one at all, the calendar. I normally have one, but, no one has given me a calendar, nobody loves, boo hoo boo hoo................
Its surprising how even frost damaged plants can still make a good photo.
Yes.... put me in the draw please. (I meant the draw.... not the drawer!)
Maggie X
Nuts in May
very beautiful and artistic! you have a great eye for turning the simplest flora into great beauties!
Beautiful images Hilary! It's ALWAYS nice to "take a walk" with you :)
I would LOVE to be included in your giveaway :)
oh to have a few of your pics hangingin the house...i am all about it....smiles...love the colors hilary...
wow, looks like fall pictures...pretty tame winter here in NB too
Those photos are so rich and vibrant. Well done.
Wonderful colors!
Greetings from Ioannina.
Lovely post! Beautiful shots!
It's been unseasonably warm here too. From a planet standpoint - you know, I feel guilty about that. But from a not freezing my fingers off trying to scrape that thin film of frost off the car in 12˚F weather - when it's 40˚F in the beginning of January - well, I'm not complaining.
; )
You're right, Hilary, it's been a very mild winter here so far. I always turn the furnace thermostat down a few degrees at night, and I've had quite a few nights where it's been so mild that the furnace hasn't come on at all! I love it when that happens! I hate paying fuel bills.
And I'd love to be included in your calendar giveaway. A person can never have too many calendars in my opinion!
Your colors are always so rich and true. Beautiful, Hilary.
Would love to be included.
For Christmas 2010 I gave a coworker a calendar I'd made. My photos are NOTHING like yours . . . far inferior . . . but the poor guy still has his 2011 calendar hanging, with December up. I'm not spending the money to get him a new one, so Yes, put me in the random drawing, and if I win, my coworker will have a 2012 calendar.
:-P
oh, yes please! i'd be thrilled to hang your photos on my wall (instead of the cheap calendar i bought for my office!)
your photos are gorgeous, as always, hilary!
Only you could find, never mind capture, such abundant color in these winter months. Striking photos, Hilary.
My daughter has been asking for a calendar since before the new year, so please throw my name in the hat. She's a great lover of nature and she'd certainly love the calendar (looks so pretty!). :)
I didn't think it was possible, but I think your photos have gotten even better! I feel silly for being gone for so long and then coming by during a giveaway, but I'd really love to have a copy :)
Happy New Year Hilary x
Such beautiful photos!
Hugs
SueAnn
Great chiaroscuro throughout. Sure, draw me.
Who wouldn't love to have your photos in a calendar to see every day in their own home. I would love to be included in the giveaway.
Lovely choices today, place me in the drawing it sounds fun.
LIght, shadow, color, your photos are always so alive. Of course, I would love to have such beauty on my wall! (and you are giving it away, you generous soul) Put me in the hat, then, but I will always come to look at what you see. Thank you, Hilary.
what a weird warm winter most of us are having! the green leaf photo reminded me of one of my all time favorites of your's.. the simple leaf curved and formatted in such a way that it stays on my mind :)
i'd love to see what you choose for the calendar shots, for those who don't win your lovely give away, perhaps you will post the selections someday?
Oh yes Hilary, please include me in the drawing. I love your photos and would be proud to own a hard copy.
Love your golden colors in this post. We haven't had any rain here this winter. Its actually been too mild. We need the water badly.
Another beautiful collection. I am especially fond of the flower bowing and those red leaves with rain droplets. The calendar is a great idea, please include me as well.
I am really enjoying the warm weather!! Beautiful pictures, as usual.
I would truly love to be included in your drawing. Thanks so much for the opportunity to own a calendar of your work.
oh, me me me for the calendar!
Love that second photo.
What a colourful December you had!
A calendar made with your photography would grace any home, and my cat and kid infested place is no exception, so please include me in your drawing.
A chance to look at your photos all year? Heck yes, I want to be included! We've had the same weather and even some of my flowers held out until a bitter cold hit for just a few days in December. I feel like that wilted bloom many times! Thanks for the giveaway, and have a great week!
I would love to be included in your draw Hilary, your photos are always amazing!
I have a small favor to ask too. If you/your readers could vote for Mr. Cheddar on Facebook, that would be most appreciated, details at the top of the page:
www.takeahappybreak.com
he's slipped into 2nd place for the gift basket he's entered for but still time to win!
thanks a bunch to anyone who can help with this and happy 2012.
Hugs, G
PS: Love that first photo most of all, what an amazing color!
Love this series of shots! Especially that red sunflower. Why don't you come enter it in my Weekly Top Shot meme? We're on Week #11 and I'd love to see you share with me! Here's this weeks' link: http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=5812 PS BTW please enter me into your drawing too.
It's stunning how winter has not really arrived anywhere! I'd love one of your calendars, H.
Thanks for the opportunity.
I loved them all - very nice!
I felt a little sad for the "bowing" flower. Made for a beautiful photo, though. You are such a generous blogger. Hope you had a terrific weekend!
Oh, you refresh me with color, Hilary! That daisy with the wilting head and the spiny burr are my favorites. Of course, I want to be included in your calendar draw. I'm crossing my fingers - I'm usually lucky...
It's been a warm winter here so far as well. These are beautiful photos Hilary. I really enjoyed them.
That Gerbera daisy taking her bow got to me. Sad and wistful, summer's passing. And your cabbage plant is exquisite. I am not a fan of this plant, but you have made a believer out of me.
What a post. Wow!
I'd be honored to be included in your draw!
• Thanks, Stephen. I'll be sure to include you. :)
• DJan there are about 45 images in the calendar and I think that 6 or 7 of them are from my pre-DSLR days. Of course I have to agree with the quote (I'm not sure by whom) which says something like "My favourite photograph is the one I haven't taken yet."
• Thanks, MJ. I had to laugh at your calendar routine. I'm wondering though... is it a perpetual calendar or is it dated 2008? ;)
• Nice to see you stop by, Robin. Thanks always for the kind words. :)
• Rob-bear, good to see you. I can't say I'm complaining about our weather. The longer the extreme cold and snow hold off, the shorter winter will be. You can always sleep later. ;)
• Thank you, Lady Fi. I'll add you to the list. :)
• Thanks, Adrian. I'm glad to know it. :)
• Cloudia, it pleases me to know you enjoy my photos. Thank you. :)
• Absolutely, Dave. Consider yourself included. Thanks you kindly. :)
• Daniel, you're too kind. Much appreciated. :)
• Bob, I'll just have to add you to the list, then. :)
• Maggie May, you make me smile. Thanks for that. :)
• Ruby, thank you so kindly. :)
• Thanks so much, Kerri. It's always lovely to have you along. :)
• Brian, thanks. Much appreciated. :)
• Gabi, it is like autumn. Of course, they were take in what was still officially autumn. ;)
• Thank you, Leah. Good lighting is fun to work with. :)
• Thank you, Photoioannia. :)
• I hear you, Sarah. Considering there's not a thing we can do about our current weather, I'll opt to enjoy it. Thanks for your always-kind words. :)
• Shammie, either you keep your thermostat set way lower than I do or your home is far better insulated. My furnace always goes on at night. :)
• Kate, thanks so much. I'm glad you're participating.
• June, in case you don't win, there are lots of free calendars floating about for your co-worker, too. :)
• I'll include your name too, Tex. :)
• Jayne, thank you so kindly. I'll be sure to make sure your daughter gets a chance. :)
• IBHH, so good to see you stop by. And you arrive with such kind words. Thank you for that. And Happy New Year to you and yours, also. :)
• SueAnn, thank you. :)
• AC, I learned a new word. Thanks. :)
• Thanks, CiCi. You are too kind. :)
• Steve, thanks kindly. :)
• DS, thank you so much. You make me smile with your kind words. :)
• Christine, thank you kindly. I'm not sure which photo you're referring to but I'm glad that you admire it. :) And that's a good idea. They're all photos I've posted before but yes, on a slow blogging day, I think I will indeed post them. Thanks for that suggestion. :)
• Sue, I hope you get some rain soon. It's tough when it dries out too much. Thank you always for such kind words. :)
• Thank you kindly, Steve. I will indeed. :)
• Kristina, I'm not complaining about the season, either. Thanks for the kind words. :)
• Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you're participating. :)
• Ellen, thank you you you. :)
• MessyMimi, thank you so kindly. :)
• Yaya, thanks so much. It's always a kick to see plant life holding on so late into the season and a bit of a kick in the gut when it goes. Thanks for joining in. :)
• Thanks, Geraldine. Hopefully avid Facebookers will read your comment. I'm not one of them, unfortunately - preferring to do my "social networking" through blogging. I wish Mr. Cheddar good luck though. :)
• Madge, I'll enter you for sure and I appreciate your offer very much but I shy away from memes, preferring to stick to my own blogging pace. I hope you understand. :)
• Rosaria, thanks for participating. I'm always happy to have you aboard. :)
• Thanks kindly, Grayquill. Much appreciated. :)
• Thanks very kindly, Gail. Right back at you. :)
• Barb, thanks so much for such kind words. And you type really well with crossed fingers. ;)
• Elizabeth, thanks very much. :)
• Aww Sandy, thank you so much. I did not know the name of that flower and now I do. Thanks for that too. :)
Such beautiful shots again Hillary! Every time I see them I'm inspired -and want to buy a nicer camera ;)
And sign me up to be considered for a chance at one of the calendars. What a fun idea!
The picture of the flower bowing its head truly touches me. You seem to capture the personalities and moods of many of these plants. Love the deep rich color of the sumac. I would love to be considered for a calendar. I know exactly where I would hang it! Take care.
I'd love to have a calendar featuring your beautiful photography! Please include me in your drawing! Love all the glimpses of color, but I miss your snow photos!
wow, you all are so much north of us and yet you're having the same mild winter. i think you found even more color in our neck of the woods than we have here though. and yes, i'd like to be in the drawing, please :)
Oh, Hilary, you KNOW I want to be included in your drawing!
This is yet another beautiful post in your continuing series of beautiful posts. The flower hanging its head is wonderful. Our winter has been uncommonly mild so far, too. Just this week, we had sunshine and temperatures in the low fifties (Fahrenheit). And we're enjoying every day of it. :)
Close your eyes. Now look out in that crowd of 54 commenters. Do you see that fat waving arm way in the back? The one attached to a little round red-headed woman? Yes, yes, the one who's jumping up and down...it's me! It's me, shouting, "Pick me, Hilary! Pick me!"
Sooooo happy I picked today to go visiting. Beautiful photos, as always!
I must say that you have me eying winter's foliage with fresh eyes! I particularly like your golden oak tree/leaf photo. I have glimpsed some signs of spring which I must photograph. We have had a mildish winter, too, so far, which is appreciated!
I would be thrilled to win a calendar of your beautiful photos!
Your oak tree picture wins first prize in my books. Beautifully done!
Yes, include me in your calendar draw please.
I really like the 2nd, 3rd and 4th (I think) shots that illustrate all life's war with gravity and time. We may bow, shrivelled, and in many ways less than what we were - but dignity remains.
Or maybe that's illusion.
No matter. They're alike. ;)
No draw pour moi, bien sur. :)
Count me in for the calendar, Hil. Then if I win, you can come and visit it whenever you want. :)
You have captured those last fleeting colours so well. The calendar looks oh so inviting, please count me in. Thank you,
As I was out walking today I was thin king about the beauty of winter, in the linger leaf here and there, the tawny grasses, the red and yellow twigs of bare shrubs. Your lovely photos have captured some of that beauty very well.
A calendar with your photos? Fabulous! I would love to be entered in your draw!
Your purple cabbage photo is stunning. The colors are so rich and delicious.
Please count me in for the giveaway. Your calendar and collection of your photos would be a treat to look at each day.
Have a great week, jj
Fabulous to see bright colours, blue sky and sunlight so beautifully illuminating the still vibrant plantlife. You're a master at showing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
And of course I would like to be included in your calendar draw. I think it's a very generous gift for a draw!
Dear Hilary, finally I am finding time to stop by.;) I just posted similar sentiments, our winter has been very mild too, thank goodness.;)
Beautiful shots and anyone winning your giveaway is very fortunate.;))
xoxo
That will be indeed great luck to win one of those calendars of yours.
OOOOh! I opt in, I would like to win!
Yes. A big huge resounding YES. There is nothing I would like more than to have some of your photography to enjoy year round.
Well, I've made no secret on how awesome I think your photography abilities are so count me in!!!
Flowers in November...great!
God bless and have a fantastic week sweetie!!! :o)
I did that one year .. made calendars for my travel friends with pix of the places we'd been .. it was a huge success .. I am looking forward to seeing the calendar you made .. of course I am going to win ..
Please include me. Look at that....73 responses. :)
You two are so funny. I amended my post to read:
"One rice casserole (made with bottled water), layered with Ortega peppers and jack cheese with a sauce of cottage cheese and sour cream….lite, with a tossed green salad and garlic bread. Heavy on fats and carbs, but delicious. Two meals from that…Monday and Wednesday…two pans too.
Stuffed baked potatoes with minced zucchini and a dollop of sour cream, melon the side, and green beans steamed with bottled water then tossed with garlic in a little olive oil. Meal three on Tuesday using two pans and a bowl. I need four meals. Baked squash with a side of broccoli steamed with bottled water and an avocado and tomato salad.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday we will have tap water and can eat out.
LOL
Those plants looked weary, didn't they? But yet lovely in their fading glory.
And heck yeah to the calendar!
Oh, I would love to be included in your draw for the calendar.
I really like the burrs and sadly the green leaves may be new growth and the plant has been tricked into thinking it is spring. We are having much the same weather here, hardly any snow and warm temps.
Beautiful and yes, I would love to win.
mybeachylife at gmail dot com
As usual you really bring out the essence of the situation. Love your shots and always look forward to visiting your blog. We have been severely lacking in snow this year too, though we did get a few inches on Saturday. You don't need to put me in for your calendar, I've got more than I know what to do with now. I hope someone who can really use and enjoy it wins it.
• Chariskalee, thanks kindly. Much appreciated. :)
• Thank you, Deb. I'm so pleased that you can relate. :)
• Barbara, thank you. I can't say I'm missing the snow too much. I know it will arrive eventually - and has in small amounts, here and there. I also don't miss shoveling it. ;)
• Lime, we're pretty far south.. practically in your back yard but I know what you mean because there have been blizzards less than 50 miles north of us. We've just been lucky. Thanks for joining in. :)
• Linda, I suspected you might. ;) Our temperatures haven't been quite that warm though my sister has been boasting similar highs and she's on the north shore of Lake Erie. I'll try not to complain when the real winter hits. We've had such a good run so far. :)
• EthelMae, so good to see you. And you make me laugh, as always. Adding you to the list. :)
• Glo, I've never seen so much colour in winter as this year. Even our grass is still green and it's usually gasping for breath under tons of snow by now. Thanks for participating. :)
• Red, thank you so much. :)
• Frank, I see what you mean. On another bright side, we never knew each other back in the day, so you're still plenty fresh to me. ;) And yes, you already have a copy of the calendar. Is it hanging up anywhere yet or will you relocate it in 2017?
• That's fine, Carol Anne - and you could come pick it up and get a visit in here. ;)
• Thanks kindly, Gillian. Will do. :)
• Linda, thanks very much. I'm glad you enjoyed both your walk and my photos. :)
• Baggie, glad to hear it. Thanks. :)
• Joanna, thanks so much. I will indeed. :)
• Thank you so much, Louciao. I'm glad you're enjoying it. :)
• Zuzana, thanks kindly. It's interesting how pleasant it seems to be most everywhere. Always glad to see you stop by. :)
• Indrani, thanks very much. :)
• Gary, you're on the list. :)
• MPM, ok ok ok! :)
• Thanks, BNS. :)
• Thank you, Jim. I'll include you for sure. :)
• Thanks very much, Nezzy. :)
• That's a good idea, Daryl. Something that you and your friends had in common. Clever you. :)
• Mage, thanks for clearing that up for me. :)
• Liz, thanks for participating. :)
• Reb, I can't say that I'm unhappy with this winter. At least, so far. I just hope that none of the tricked plants are totally flummoxed come real spring. :)
• Ewhatly, nice to see you here. Thanks for joining in. :)
• Thanks, Scott. Your kind words are very much appreciated. Thanks for stopping by. :)
They woke up my eyes like a splash of cool water.
Hello, Hilary! There is a special award for your blog on mine. If you wish, please accept the award and pass it on to 5 other blogs that you appreciate. Cheers, Ruby!
Delicious photos! Great idea to give away a calendar! i actually have been toying with the idea of doing something similar.
I'd love a chance to have your calendar :)
The wonderful purple folds of the cabbage are so delightful
we're having the same sort of winter down here in the toxic fields of NJ
Hello Hilary, I deopped in from Scott's Blog, Just Used Pixels, and enjoyed seeing your photo imagery. I am not posting to be included in your calendar giveaway, but not because I don't think your photos are capticating, just have too many calendars and prefer that a fellow blogger who needs one be awarded the gift :-) I am an avid blogger and invite you to drop by and visit our humble blog home. I must warn you that sometimes we do get carried any with puns!
Hasn't this winter been remarkable! I keep thinking it's just fooling us and going to come in with a roar! Always enjoy my walks with you Hil!
Your color discoveries were wonderful. I liked the flowers even when they were wilting. Great shots as usual.
Hilary, how generous of you to giveaway your calendar and of course I would love to be included. Having your artsy pictures to look at all year would be wonderful.
How generous of you to give away your artwork. I love your photos and would be happy to receive your calendar.
I can't believe that last photo! It really does look like spring. We also have had a warm winter so far. Not even much snow!
I just jumped over to your blog to confirm you have a pet called Skittles?. We recdently adopted a 3yr old chocolate labrador that came with the name Skittles! We decided to honour her name even if we think it is a bit silly and as it turns out she is just a bit silly so it suits perfectly. She also tends to bowl us over so it is a very apt name as it turns out. Yes I wouldn't mind wining your calendar but I have not been a regular reader so I am not as deserving as some of your followers.
You captured the colors beautifully. It seems I only notice the brown. You found so much more.
• Colleen, thank you so much. :)
• Ruby, thank you. It's now displayed in my sidebar slideshow. Much appreciated. :)
• Tabor, thanks kindly. I'm sure you'll enjoy putting one together too. :)
• Dianne, it seems to be a mild one just about everywhere, so far. I'm not surprised that you like the purple one. :)
• Welcome, Beatrice and thanks very much for the kind words. Thanks for the invite to your blog. I'm sure I'll enjoy the punmanship. :)
• Reena, it has. I'm just enjoying it while it lasts. Thanks always for joining me. :)
• Larry, thank you kindly. Much appreciated. :)
• Steviewren, thanks so much. I will indeed be sure to include you. :)
• Wendy, it's been an odd season for sure. Thanks so much for your always-kind words. :)
• Welcome, JB. Yes, my Skitty's name suits him, also. Good for you for adopting a mature dog. I'm sure you'll enjoy her immensely. Thanks for your visit. I'll stop by your blog shortly. :)
• Laura, it's been a particularly colourful season, this year. Odd but very welcomed. Thanks for stopping by. :)
I love the rich colours in your photos, especially the first two. Gorgeous!
I had some calendars made through Shutterfly and was very pleased with them too.
those shots are really, really, really exquisite!
i'm always in awe of your images!!
Absolutely beautiful photos!
So much color! I keep coming back to that purple ornamental cabbage. I think with today's blustery winds and cloudy skies, it must be feeding my soul's desire for color.
Hilary, I sincerely hope that you publish a book someday. My coffee table would be honored to have your artwork on display.
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