What Is It?!? A Look Back

A Look Back on My 365-Day Project in Perspective

I honestly thought back on January 1, 2013, that I’d end up with maybe 20-30 followers for my “What Is It?!?” blog, and I’d genuinely be happy with that. So here I am on January 1, 2014, with well over that number, currently 1057 followers! Wow! That’s just mind-boggling, and it makes me more than happy, more like ecstatic! I learned so much from a lot of you, whether being inspired by your own photography, or from your comments. For example, I had no idea that in the UK, y’all don’t have fire hydrants. I learned that some items are indeed universal, and others are not.

I took a virtual tour through numerous countries, and truly enjoyed seeing, and reading, about places I’ve been, or have yet to visit. My blog had visitors from 104 countries, some of which I’d never even heard about! … and it also taught me how poor I am at geography, and how the United States educational system still fails to really teach our future generations about the world outside of our small boxes. “Think outside the box, live outside of the box” has always been my motto. Perhaps that’s why I’m always searching for those “hidden treasures” I like to photograph. I’m constantly on the journey to discovery. And it’s not reaching the destination that’s so important, it’s the journey along the way that matters.

I’ve enjoyed each and every step, even if some days were more difficult to find anything I deemed “worthy” as a mystery subject. I also learned to stop being such a darned perfectionist, as some days I’d challenge myself to create a vision from the first thing I saw, even if it was a clothes hanger. I learned to plan ahead, especially with trips I’d know would limit my time, and looking back, I’m amazed at how many places I did get to visit. I was able to take a mystery subject picture each place I visited, to share with all of you. That included, Destin and Grayton Beach, Florida, Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom (twice!). Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, on a Civil Rights tour with my son’s fifth grade class, Atlanta, Georgia (continuing the Civil Rights tour) including the Georgia Aquarium. Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia, for our families spring break together. Another trip to Orlando, Florida, just to be lazy and enjoy the resort. A trip to Wilbraham, Worcester, and Lake Lashaway, Massachusetts (and a very cool picture of armor from the Armory Museum in Worcester), for a family reunion. Family trips to St. George Island and Apalachicola, Florida (our lovely, gorgeous beaches). More family trips to Miami, Florida. Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida, a night in Lakeland. Knowing me, I’ve forgotten a trip or two, but just listing all of these places makes me realize just how blessed we are. … and makes me excited for upcoming trips, like to New Orleans, Louisiana, in just a couple of weeks.

I became quite familiar with my Canon 5D Mark II (and do I love her so!), and my beloved Canon 100 mm. 2.8 Macro L series lens. I learned to use my Canon Speedlite 320EX and learned there are certain situations where you absolutely need a flash! I’ve also used my Tamron 28-75 mm 2.8 macro lens, my first lens purchase that started the lens fever. I used my sitting/standing workstation keyboard stand to photograph most of the mystery subjects, and the red walls and ambient lamp light made for some really neat background effects. There were many pictures, though, that resulted from me looking around all of these places that we visited. There are hidden treasures EVERYWHERE. You just have to look. 😉

Thank you for being a part of “What Is It?!?” … you made my 2013 fabulous! Happy New Year 2014 to all!

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture – The Final One! (Day 365)

I had to find something special to commemorate my final post for my 365-Day Project in Perspective and I think I found just the perfect subject. Jude thought, “Your last shot looks like angora and silk – a jumper perhaps?” Not angora/silk or a jumper. Gail got her guess in just in time, “Did I miss it? Did someone guess….fudge?” Not fudge either. So what was it?

What you saw was an antique glass punch bowl glass, just a very close up macro shot! Thank you again, all, for playing this guessing game. I look forward to stumping all of you again in 2014. So look for the next “What Is It?!?” picture coming your way soon! (Just after I take a little break, but knowing me, it won’t be long.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Day 365/365 – Project Complete!

It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. – Leonardo da Vinci

Over a year ago, I had a crazy idea about starting this “What Is It?!?” macro photography guessing-game blog, and here we are, about to cross that finish line. Way back in 2005, I ran my first 5K marathon, and I remember that awesome feeling of accomplishment; today thoroughly overshadows that day. This project took diligence, it required me each and every single day to persevere, so it was kind of like a constant 5K. But look at what I gained, I accomplished what I intended (yes, I can actually start AND finish a project!), became quite proficient in macro photography, found over 300 hidden treasures, and met many new friends along the way. I’ve had visitors from 104 countries, and as of now (7:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, US), 1,055 of you have followed this blog, joining my 365-Day Project in Perspective. To all of you, I thank you! Whether you are a silent player or one of my “frequent guessers,” thank you for tagging along. And for those of you who shared your perspective, whether just one time or numerous times, I really, truly, absolutely cannot thank you enough … for the interaction is what made this blog/project fun for me. I look forward to posting more “what is it?!?” pictures in 2014, just not as frequently. But while we’re still in the year 2013, for the 365th and final time (for this project at least) …

Today’s mystery “what is it?!?” picture awaits your guessing pleasure. Do you know? Can you tell?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 364)

Cee commented, “I like your bean. I want to say orange for today…but I doubt if it is right.” Not an orange although it looks like one! Linda said, “I’m guessing it’s an orange, too.” Brenda guessed, “Orange frosting?” Not orange frosting. (Mmmmmm!) “Paint again?” Not paint. Never posted before either. “Orange unguent. An underused word.” A long time ago I used to make an orange unguent, but that was another lifetime … Y. Prior mused, “and my guess for day 364 – is it a tongue? lol” Not a tongue! Jude asked, “Is today’s the rind of a cheese?” Not the rind of a cheese. So what was it?

What you saw was the inside of a gourd.

P.S. Congratulations to all of my fellow Project 365 bloggers! And Happy New Year to ALL! 😀

Day 364/365 – Most Beautiful Gift

Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift. – Albert Einstein

Today’s mystery “what is it?!?” picture awaits your guessing pleasure. Do you know? Can you tell?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 363)

Sweetness6645 guessed, “An egg?” Not an egg. Y. Prior’s perspective, “first guess was a piece of wood that was old and worn – like a stair case knob or part of a cane – but then I looked yet again and my final guess it that it looks like a watermelon????” Not old wood or watermelon, yet interesting perspectives! Snowpartridge commented, “I would also go for watermelon.” Jude mused, “It does look like a speckled egg, but you said not. So is it something marble? Is this the true colour or have you altered it?” Not marble, and no color alterations, this is its true color. “A stone or a pebble?” Not a stone or pebble. So what was it?

What you saw was a bean, part of a 15-bean soup I’ll be making this week. 🙂

Day 363/365 – Life: The Ultimate Endeavor

Making your life is ultimately an extraordinarily creative endeavor. – Anna Deavere Smith

It’s become quite a habit, making these daily posts. By this point, it’s pretty much a science, and the most difficult part is finding the time to a) think of a good mystery subject, b) take pictures of said mystery subject, and then c) actually making the time to compose the post. Because we are just two posts away from completing this 365-day project in perspective, I’d like to know yours. Do you see things differently? Has your perspective changed about ordinary objects we have around us, but never really notice? Do you search for the hidden treasures? Anything you’d like to share, I’d love to know!

For the 363rd time, your daily mystery “what is it?!?” picture is now ready for your guessing pleasure. Can you tell? Do you know?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 362)

Jude’s guess turned out to be a winner, “A decoration on the Christmas Tree?” Ding ding ding! Indeed, a Christmas tree decoration. In this case, a mirror-tiled boot, with the Christmas tree lights in the reflection. 😀

Day 362/365 – The Child’s Vision

Anybody with artistic ambitions is always trying to reconnect with the way they saw things as a child. – Tim Burton

The world was such a different place through the eyes of a child. It was certainly more magical, I guess I do try to reconnect with those early childhood imaginations. Today’s mystery “what is it?!?” picture does evoke a childhood memory, and is now ready for your guessing pleasure. Can you tell? Do you know?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 361)

Kim guessed, “Kiwi?” Not kiwi. Brenda’s perspective, “Ice mushrooms? Glass hearts?” Neither ice mushrooms or glass hearts. 😉 Natali mused, “strawberry ? on a tart?” Not a strawberry. Not on a tart. I find it interesting how each of you guessed some type of food, because indeed this is food. So what was it?

What you saw was part of a Maine lobster. 🙂

Day 361/365 – Imagination Creation

Imagination disposes of everything; it creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are everything in this world. – Blaise Pascal

Another black and white rendition of your daily mystery “what is it?!?” picture is now ready for your guessing pleasure. Can you tell? Do you know?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 360)

Brenda mused, “Looks like plaster. Or frosting. Or glue.” Not plaster, frosting, or glue. Michelle Marie thought, “Ice on a plant.” Not ice on a plant. Then Brenda came back and guessed, “Paint? Fairy wings? Fallen dreams?” One of those gets a ding ding ding! Yes indeed, what you saw was paint. Y. Prior said, “well i was going to guess frosting too – but I can see the paint! – nice mystery pic!” Thank you! 😀 … Can you believe we’re down to the final four?

Day 360/365 – Mmmmmmm Bacon

I’ve always loved a challenge. – Lana Turner

Just 360 days ago, I never realized how much a challenge these daily posts would be, but now that I’m nearing the finish line, I’m the first to admit that I, too, love a good challenge. The feeling of accomplishment is unbeatable. So here is your 360th “what is it?!?” mystery picture, devoid of its original color, which is ready for your guessing pleasure. Can you tell? Do you know?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 359)

Merilee guessed, “Doggy rawhide!” Well, it’s actually rawhide-free. Jude’s perspective was, “Today’s picture looks a bit like the edge of a Yorkshire Pudding, but I’m guessing you folk don’t really do those and anyway the shape looks all wrong.” My family actually does make Yorkshire Pudding, but Jude’s correct, it’s not a staple here on this side of the pond. Brenda mused, “Dang you’ve really stumped me lately. It looks a bit like bacon. Is it glass?” Not bacon or glass, although I think it does look like bacon. “Plastic?” Not plastic either. Pat mused, “ah well, i was going to guess bacon….” It sure does look like it though! So what was it?

What you saw was a “bully stick,” which is a doggy treat. Merilee was close, but this is made of a bull’s, well, “pizzle stick.” Apparently very tasty to our furry four-pawed friends. 😉

Day 359/365 – Colors of the Spirit

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s special Merry Christmas mystery “what is it?!?” picture is courtesy of my sister-in-law, Gail, who is quite the “expert” mystery picture guesser. (I swear sometimes I thought she had planted an invisible camera on me!) So let’s see if y’all can guess this mystery picture, which is now ready for your guessing pleasure. Can you tell? Do you know?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 358)

Jude said, “Now that looks as if it has just crawled out of an alien movie. There’s a lot of lights reflecting here, so is it some kind of glass ornament?” It sure does look alien like, but it’s not a glass ornament. “Some sort of seafood? Squid? Octopus? Oyster? Too many guesses – ah but that Prosecco for breakfast was sooo good “ Well, it is some sort of seafood, but not a squid, octopus, or oyster. And mmmm, Prosecco! 😉 Kim was close, too, “Is it an oyster or a clam?” Not an oyster or a clam. And Melisa commented, “My guess is the same as Jude’s, but I love the quote you used for this post.” Thank you! So what was it?!?

What you saw was the inside of a Maine lobster, also known as “Tomalley.”

Merry Christmas to all! … and to all a good night. 🙂

Day 358/365 – What Would Santa Guess?

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. – Charles Dickens

Today’s mystery “what is it?!?” picture was a suggestion from my father-in-law. Although not quite so pretty as some other past subjects, it does make a good mystery picture, which is now ready for your guessing pleasure. Can you tell? Do you know?

What Is It?!?

What Was That?!? Yesterday’s Picture (Day 357)

The C-Sweet guessed it immediately, “peacock feather?” Ding ding ding! Jude agreed, “Definitely a peacock feather – what stunning colours!” Even Cee knew what it was, “I would have said peacock feather too. I adore them.” Me, too! So three ding ding dings! 😀

Yes, what you saw was indeed a peacock feather, I just love them!

Macro Monday | 12-23-13

To see other Macro Monday entries, click here.