2023 In a Nutshell With One Photo Each Month

What better way to sum up the year?

2023 is officially behind us. Whether you were glad to kick it into touch or sad to see it go, January 1st symbolizes new beginnings and a chance to reflect on the past and contemplate the year ahead.

Many of my stories here on Medium are either written about or supported by my own photographs. I have a colossal bank that usually satisfies my headline needs and if not, I try to whip one up on the free version of Canva.

During 2023, I participated in a personal photo-a-day challenge for three months, got up to the letter ‘L’ in In Living Color’s A-Z photograph challenge and also completed Full Frame’s 52-week photo journey.

I figured I should begin 2024 with a summary of the high — and low—lights of my 2023 in photos but with a twist; avoid using any photographs that I have already published in stories.

Here goes!

January

Bubba is as fascinated with snow as I am — and like him, I also prefer to be on the inside watching than out in it!

I chose this picture because he looks remarkably innocent here, yet, he has wounded and frightened me on numerous occasions this year. I have written but not shared the stories of my battle scars with him and his territorial behaviour because it’s my fault and I feared the backlash from readers.

I still haven’t had him castrated, and it needs to be done.

February

In February, my son’s friend came over to my house and did the ‘stick and poke’ technique to create Fred, the stick man, my first tattoo. Don’t panic, she had clean needles and was highly professional.

Why a stick man? My son has the same tattoo in the same place.

I didn’t write about the ‘event’ because I didn’t want my father to find out before seeing it in person. Yes, I am 57 years young and still under the psychological clutches of my parents!

Was he disappointed when he saw it recently?

He said nothing, which is the classic response of disapproval!

March

This photo epitomizes one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The phallic wrought-iron Eiffel Tower imposing over tourists and Parisians swaddled between the stunningly typical architecture of the French capital.

Although it was my third trip to Paris, it was still a jaw-dropping gorgeous experience. Under the guidance of my daughter and her partner who have lived there for a year, Paris became even more magical.

April

Spring is one of my favourite seasons. It has become even more alluring since living in the northern hemisphere; we often haven’t seen the grass for months and there’s little sign of life on the bushes and trees exposed to the elements.

I love visiting the same spot every week to photograph the growth of new life. It is remarkable how quickly a small pimple-like bud can burst into a beautiful leaf.

May

Yes, it can be unsightly but some graffiti is also rather cool. I’m also amazed at the lengths the ‘artists’ go to leave a mark. These silos are massive so please tell me how they managed to put the characters above the H?

I find myself attracted to photographing tagged buildings and structures when I’m out walking in the warmer months. This site is adjacent to my favourite outdoor terrasse and right where the famous pink house is.

June

2023 was my year for entertainment. Three live concerts — Odesza, M83 and Tears for Fears — and two ballets; one in Paris and the other, The Nutcracker, just recently here in Montréal.

It also represented the first and second times I’d gone alone to a concert. I’m tired of buying two tickets and one of them going to waste.

I’m single and it ain’t going to stop me from living my life.

July

I wish this represented every day, but sadly, I was a couch potato for much of the year. It’s a reminder to do better in 2024.

My son developed a passion for biking and quickly got me enthused too. I enjoyed snippets of the Tour de France and accompanied him to a bike race around the streets of Lachine which was an exciting event to witness.

Now, I just need to get back on a bike again!

August

A girlfriend rides horses three times a week and she invited me out to the barn to watch a dressage competition. I’ve much respect for these massive animals and watching them both perform and frolic was intriguing.

I’d never seen their faces and ears covered with a mesh mask before: the flies and mosquitoes can be equally annoying to them as we humans.

This outing was one of many to keep my promise of not saying ‘no’ to invites where possible and learning from new experiences.

September

This is just one of dozens of sunset photos taken from my apartment. It felt right to include one for my birth month.

Thanks to Rodrigo S-C, I’ve also developed a penchant for electricity poles!

When I do leave this place, the sunsets will be what I miss the most.

October

I’m not at all religious despite a solid Anglican upbringing. However, I do love the statues, architecture and symbolism associated with religion.

Throughout 2023, I photographed several churches in Paris, New Zealand and Montréal. This is one of the many graceful buildings; it is even more beautiful with some changing leaves in the foreground.

Autumn is my other favourite season!

November

This photo speaks of New Zealand’s raw beauty. From lush green grass to snow-capped mountains, the country is simply stunning.

Yet, I never appreciated that when I lived there. After a five-year hiatus — thanks to Covid in part — my return journey in November was a trip down memory lane and a reminder of my grass roots.

My heart belongs there.

December

I admire the effort cities and businesses go to at Christmas time to make their place feel festive. This was just one of several magnificent displays in Montréal.

Last year I was in Australia for the lead-up to festivities and was enchanted with the more summery-themed decorations; beach balls and cricket!

Who doesn’t love colourful sights?

Did you snap a truckload of photos in 2023? Share your year in photos! If you’re an avid poster here on Medium, try to avoid using photographs that have already been published.

I’m tagging some avid snap-happy folk: Anne Bonfert, Dennett, Erika Burkhalter, Bruce Coulter, Susan Alison, JoAnn Ryan and Rodrigo S-C