Wednesday, January 4, 2012

New Year's Decorations - Istanbul Style

Metro
In my normal life I live in the suburbs where opportunities for night photography are limited, but thanks to Kat and her frequent posts and tips on night photography, I've been looking for more opportunities to experiment. The short days that go along with this time of year - and living a little closer to Istanbul's center means I've had more opportunities than usual to test my skills. It is clear I still have a lot to learn, but I've enjoyed the process.

Holiday Lights
When the holiday lights and decorations started to go up here I was a bit confused. I knew Christmas wasn't widely celebrated so I couldn't figure out why there were holiday decorations everywhere we went. A few questions later I knew it was for the New Year's celebration - which over the years has adopted more and more of the customs that I typically think of belonging to Christmas.

Marmara Forum Tree
Are you picking a word for the year? Setting some resolutions? I felt like picking a word for 2011 (present) worked well for me - it stayed in the back of my mind and guided my decisions and actions in a positive way. I wasn't even sure I was going to pick a word this year, and then last week as I was doing my daily round of blog reading I found my word - deliberate.

I'm an easy going person, which works well for me since work requires me to move frequently and to adapt to new places, cultures and projects. But it also means that I can get into the habit of letting life just flow along. This year I want to be more deliberate in my choice and see if I can guide my life in the direction I want it to go instead of just coasting along with life.

How about you? Have you picked a word? Set some resolutions?

Here's a little Death Cab, "The New Year."


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17 comments:

Angie Willis said...

I did that word picking thing last year but it really didn't work for me. I remember that the word was SLOW and the idea was to slow my life down a bit and think more before jumping in. I still jump in though and now its 2012 :-)

Dagmar said...

hi Jamie,
deliberate sounds like a good word to me...choosing your path..it seems your life has been working for you so far which ever word you have chosen..
last year my word was cherish..still waiting for my word to. Come to me as I know it will...
BTW..Panama and it's people are quite lovely..un crowded and safe clean beaches...a joyful gift.
Xo

Marisa A. said...

I suppose I don't have resolutions but just goals. Run a marathon....and get my finances in order. Thats all really. I feel like marathon training covers the whole "get fit" aspect that usually accompanies NYE resolutions.

Cindy said...

i attempted some night photography during my 365 project (needed something different) and it is really nice. so colorful, especially in a city. love your shots.

my word for 2012 is focus and i hope to get better at it as the years goes by.

Christianna said...

Those new year decorations are so pretty!

Rosie Grey said...

What wonderful decorations - I wouldn't have expected those either! And great night shots! I don't have a word for 2012 yet. Let's see what hits me once I feel more relaxed ;-)

Maegan Beishline said...

Happy New Year, Jamie! I think 'deliberate' sounds like an amazing word for 2012! I wish you a wonderful year full of blessings!

Ms. Becky said...

Hey hey Jamie, stopping by to wish you all the best in 2012. I'm not picking a word this year but keeping phrases in mind that suit my "present". I hope you had a grand New Year's celebration in Istanbul. cheers!

michelle@decorandthedog said...

I like your picking a word idea. I'll have to ponder this. Your pictures are great!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Love your night photos, you did well. I never thought about picking a word for the year. Last year it could have been "consistent." This year it may be "deliberate." That seems to be good word I could use to set goals (something I'm not good at).

h said...

I think I spot Istiklal Caddesi in there...it has the only Dunkin Donuts I ever saw in all of Turkey.

Lisa Gordon said...

Deliberate sounds like a great word Jamie!
Your night photographs are wonderful. I love the light.

Anonymous said...

Your night shots are lovely, and deliberate seems like a great word. I've been choosing one for several years now, and always feel like it's led to good things. Mine for 2012 is Balance.

Punctuation Mark said...

beautiful images... wishing you the very best in 2012!!!

Tat @ Mum in search said...

Happy New Year,I love your photos, especially the second one. I am picking a word, it will be revealed on Sun.

Caroline said...

Such a great positive word for 2012! Wishing you a very happy and beautiful year!

blue elephant photography said...

happy new year!

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