#dogwoodweeks456

I never claimed winter was easy on me.. in fact, from the second week of January through mid-winter break are admittedly my darkest days. It's cold, it's literally dark all.the.time., and I'd like to spend most of it in my bed. Since I have to shape young minds and generally be a grown-up, this isn't possible. Still those six weeks knock me on my ass every winter and things kinda fall apart - including my intentions to blog every week. I did actually take the pictures - just didn't post.

I could not find anything RED for #dogwoodweek3 so I just skipped it. That week, it was actually warm-ish for Michigan January and I ran a lot that week. I kept my eyes peeled and red just wasn't poppin'. Maybe I'll find something artsy that has a focal red point later in the year and I'll come back to it but for now, please enjoy Weeks 4,5, and 6!

Week 4: Portrait
This handsome gentleman holds a special place in my heart.
I've chronicled Mpenzi's life from his first day of viewing and he continues to grow in grace & height.
In the winter, DZ visitors can get super close in their house and this particular day, he was right up at the glass,
enjoying some greens. 

Week 5 - black & white landscape
These two little humans hold my heart - their curiosity, bravery, and sense of humor inspires me.
This particular day we adventured to the Detroit Historical Museum & Detroit Institute of Arts.
Despite it being a bright, blue-skied day, they hurried up those stairs from the chill of 12 degrees.
I love the contrast of this great white building and the Rodin statue which sits outside.

Week 6 - candy
So much love in my life!
My (fairy) Godmother treated me to this fancy box of chocolates;
it, along with these cards and a pink rose, is such a reminder I am loved. 

Landscape #dogwoodweek2

It's week 2 of the 52 Week Challenge from Dogwood Photography which is a landscape.

I flew home from my annual MLK weekend trip to Florida, which always leaves me a bit melancholy.
My mom drew my attention to this gorgeous sky and it caused me to reflect on the wonder I experience
each time I "fly into the wild blue yonder". While I'll likely never get used to that huge hunk of metal lifting me up & away from my loved ones, this landscape reminds me of my blessings of great friends who are family, ability to travel, my sight,
and the hope which comes from one day's end and the beginning of another.  

Dogwood Photography 52 Challenge - Week 1

I felt inspired to give Dogwood Photography 52 challenge a try.. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions because I am constantly reflecting, rediscovering, and practicing ways to be my best self. But I also really like the satisfaction of checking things off a list. Doesn't everyone write things on a to-do list after you've done it to achieve the rush of crossing it off with a definitive line?
Also, in the past six months my blog took a real hit. I've never written regularly but this is definitely the longest I've gone in between posts so perhaps this will get me back in the groove. Stick around to see 52 weeks of quick photography and comments from yours truly. If you feel inspired, join me! Add your photos' link in the comments section and use the #dogwood52 and #dogwood52week_ (insert week number). If you're an Instagram user, I'll post there, too, at skclance.
I won't be sending weekly messages letting you know I've updated (annoying!) so if you want to follow along, just check back ... here's the first week's post and the challenge was a self-portrait (a selfie, to be specific).

I dressed up for work today! After my classroom was a chilly 52 degrees all last week, and I resorted to my warmest sweaters and double-layering of pants, I braved a skirt today -- with fleece-lined tights. 

I feel ready to meet this second week of January!

I took my self-portrait outside of room 403 - I spend more time here than my own bedroom!

Each time I finish a book for "fun," I add its cover to my door. I often find students checking out What Ms. Clancy is Reading and there are students who read along with me (I only know this from eavesdropping) which is pretty cool.