Each New Year is a reminder that the world is changing faster than ever.

Last year I wrote a blog entitled, “I don’t do New Years Resolutions.” Recently I read an article by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist in London. It’s about dedicating a whole year to curiosity. She broke it down into monthly, weekly and daily habits that will boost curiosity in your every day routines. And of course, she’s selling a book.

I’m not keen on structuring the year around a curiosity blueprint; it sounds too much like a New Year’s resolution to me. But I strongly believe in the power of curiosity. How to spur curiosity? Maybe exploring a new recipe or hobby, or a meaningful conversation.

I’ve been thinking of why I do a weekly photo challenge. I’ve been engaged in a weekly challenge, including 52frames, since 2016. Each week, starting Monday morning, I’m given a photo project, of which I know very little about beforehand. There’s only a short notice on the given topic. These challenges are, well… challenging, in that they get you thinking out of the box. Pondering, googling and sometimes even consulting a book, made of… paper?… sparks my curiosity to get deeper into the challenge.

And curiosity leads to learning and creativity (hopefully).

If each New Year is a reminder that the world is changing faster than ever, then curiosity can help us to keep up and understand.

Here are a bunch of recent photos and scribblings from my 52 Frames photography project, which is one my main outlets for curiosity and creativity.

And… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Click on any photo for the slideshow. Please leave comments at the bottom of the page. And note that the 52 Frames challenges are in the photo captions.]

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Week 37: Beautiful View

Hiddden Pond

We were hiking on the Pretty River trail, which is a side trail of the famous Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment, when we came upon this pond in the forest.

“What a Beautiful View!” I exclaimed, deciding then and there to process using the Orton Effect.

Selfie Central

Week 38: Levitation

This spot, close to where I live, is a favourite selfie location. It is often so crowded here with phones and cameras, you have to fly in like a bird to get your shot.

Week 39: Modes of Transportation

The Snogging Zone

The Niagara Escarpment runs very high and steep in my hometown, which makes for some picturesque  views. Especially the city lights at night. And when night-time rolls along, this is a popular make-out place for teenagers.

Week 40: A Quiet Time

Knitting by the remote stream

 This woman found a quiet stream in the far north Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador to do some knitting.

Week 42: On The Ground

The Invitation

The bright colours against the dark fence were what initially got my attention, but this is St. John’s, Newfoundland, which is without doubt the most laid-back city that I know of. These chairs are in a public space and are just calling out to passers-by to just sit down, relax and remember that you’re in St. John’s.

Week 43: Nature

Big Birds

Big birds flying across the sky,

Throwing shadows on our eyes.

– Helpless, Neil Young

Week 44: Baked

Utensils

I don’t know much about baking and I don’t do that, but I think eggs are often used and you would probably need a spoon at some point. This is inspired by Northy, but obviously not in her league.

Week 45: Fill the Frame

The Leftovers

The mysteriously diminishing leftover Holloween treats. Had to get the shot before they disappear.

Week 46: Perspective

The Silos

Towering over my beautiful town
It can be seen for miles
It’s been here for 100 years
History on the Georgian shores
2 million bushels could be crammed
Feeding folks across the land
Abandoned now, awaiting its fate
Condos, hotel or a big golden arch
Whatever we get, hopefully
Will end the decay and parch

Week 47: High Key

Halfway

We’re halfway between
Halloween and Christmas
And I don’t know which is scarier
Then I thought of Jack
And his Shining
I don’t like shopping either

The Song

Week 48: Low Key

My fingers gracefully stretch and twitch
As they softly tug the strings
It’s dark in here and kinda bluesy
I’d like to but afraid to sing

I read the notes across the page
On the score my mind quickly sweeps
It whisper to me quite clearly
While my guitar gently weeps

The Answer

I woke up this morning to hear the
Wind whistling through the trees
Looking out my bedroom window

Week 49: Roll of 24

There’s a ton of snow on the ground
Then the sun came out
And a flock of ducks flew over
I had to get out
And walk the trail

I pondered the things that I do
As I carefully trudged through the snow
I thought about my weekly photo challenge
My tracks in the dappled light
Then the proverbial light bulb went on
And I thought I had the solution
As the sunlight flashed through the trees
The answer is in the snow

The Art of Living

Week 50: Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things imperfect, fading and incomplete
Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things modest, humble and earthy
Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things unconventional
Wabi-sabi is not Wabi-sloppy
Wabi-sabi is the opposite of modernism
Wabi-sabi defies digitalization
Wabi-sabi has long been associated with the Japanese tea ceremony

Week 51: Black and White Minimalism

A Christmas Surprise

I walked along the narrow trail
On snowy ground I had to trek
My camera set for black and white
Searching for a scene to click

Then I saw a shiny globe
Hanging from an old pine tree
So lonely and forgotten it seemed
A gift from Santa Claus to me?

Last Minute Shoppers

Week 52: Redo – Week 24: Abstract / Vanoost Method

‘Twas the day before Christmas
And all through the town
Shoppers were scurrying
And many with frown

There was snow on the roads
The cars all jammed up
Middle fingers were pointing
People yelling, “What the fuck?”

The sidewalks were crowded
The buildings seemed to tilt
Is it just mental tension
Or stressed out with guilt?