“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” (Alfred Stieglitz)

In 2007, 2008, and 2009, I participated in something called Nablopomo, a November challenge to write a blog post every single day and I needed a break from writing about my life. So I took a vow of silence on my blog. A no rules vow of silence because there are enough rules in life and I didn’t want to add anymore to the mix especially during the busy holiday season. I did it for me but a lot of you opted to join me and we built a little bit of fun community around it and I like this December tradition which is why even though I didn’t participate failed miserably last year, for the 2010 Nablopomo, I brought December Views back anyway.

This year, I participated in Nanowrimo, write a novel of 50,000 words in the month of November and am still high from having successfully completed said novel.  All those beautiful words spilling out.  I wasn’t actually going to do December Views this year because I am sort of hooked on words right now but a couple of people have asked me about it so I am happy to hold the space for spending time with the visual, for sinking into the silence and observing the world around us, creating a view of the that world to share with others.  So welcome to December Views V.  I might just join in even because my cameras have been collecting dust over here.

The idea is to take away the stress of having just one more thing to do during the holiday season and to sink in and be with what is in front of you, the beauty you see, the lush imagery that seems to explode in the darkness of this time of the year.  That said, there are no rules and though the idea is to blog images everyday ~ that is not the intention, rather the intention is to allow yourself to enjoy the quiet, to allow a month of no stress creativity and to share a bit of your world with others in a completely different way than you usually do. Exciting and relaxing.

If at any time during December, you want to join in the fun, let me know and I’ll link you. I think it would be fun to see your world through images. This doesn’t have to be high arty photography though it can be. It doesn’t have to be sharp photograhy though it can be.   Last year, I only used instagram photos.  It just has to reflect your days, your life, your thoughts or your reflection. Feel free to join at any time … use words, don’t use words and remember it really is all about having a month of beauty, however that looks for you.

Beautiful bloggers participating in December Views 2011:

• hippyurbangirl (hug)
• out of hands
• in the violet hour
• stefanie renee
• lil bit crunchy
• altered muse
• what’s deb doing?
• she told stories
• to live inspired
• curious girl
• raptinlight
• radiant reflections
• happysnappy
• vivienne mcmaster
• winged paths
• bliss ripple
• the curious world of L
• joyfulwise
• sherena
• twisted whimsy
• raine’space
• dirty footprints studio
• 88greenthumb
• dandelion
• happy trees studio
• in my dreams i can fly
• michel m jackson
• becca lives
• art + craft
• whispering of trees
• everyday dreamer
• life refocused
• sweetpea path
• marcie scudder
• enjoy risk grin
• creative living experiment

*to be added to the list, leave a comment here with a link to your blog or email me at orangedaisies @ gmail . com

Update:  I had a flickr group in 2010 for those who wanted to add photos there, so I have edited it to 2011 now for sharing purposes for this year, if you wish you can find it here:  December Views 2011 Flickr Group

and feel free to steal the badge, if you so desire.  just right click and save.