Hello Forty

So today is the day, my birthday.  My fortieth birthday.  It's been a lovely day.  I took the day off of work.  I slept in until ten in the morning, had a nice lunch with my son and even managed to take some photos of myself.

Tonight I'm out with friends.  If I'm not here tomorrow, it's because I was bought one too many drinks.

To be clear, this is not a 365 project.  Between my work schedule, being a mom, and everything else, that would soon become phone long arms many days.  I am committing to 52 weekly photos and I will add others in as I take them.  I am posting to two groups on Flickr as a part of this.  They are:

In the Picture  You can also see In The Picture on the Urban Muser blog.
Me Again Monday - a 52 week group that offers a them for each week.  Look for my "Me Again Monday" posts on, you guessed it, Monday's.

Here are today's birthday photos.

Forty

and look, my husband is home!

Dark, because, I can't resist a dark, grainy black and white

Well, I'm off to eat a big dinner before meeting many friends out for drinks!  Have a fantastic weekend!

Just me and a little bit about the project

Just me, a photo by The Shutterbug Eye™ on Flickr.

This last year of my thirties I would be lying if I said I didn't care that forty was right around the corner. To me forty meant old, boring, middle aged and all of that less than fun stuff. It meant mid-aged spread and needing to dress like an adult lest you look like that fool in midlife crisis mode.

Two days from now, not even as it's night while I write this, I turn 40. Friday, January 6. Rather than retreat, I thought it would be fun to do a self portrait project and document it. I also have a goal to take more pictures so these work well together.

My thirties have been good to me. I've upgraded my day job twice, taking on a whole new career and I rediscovered photography and now am selling photographs, have been published in an indie art magazine and have my work going in swag bags at the gift lounge before the Academy Awards (Oscars). I can only begin to dream what opportunities this next decade will bring.

So I'd be honored if you join me through this year. And if you have your own 52 week project or 365 project, self portraits or not, let me know as I'd love to keep tabs on your work. I also hope to add some links to other photo projects.

To conclude, Happy New Year and may 2012 be a fantastic year for everyone!