Ralphie Rough Road

And January is gone, just like that!  My goal for January, come up with a blogging schedule for 2017.  Mission accomplished, after some debating and researching.

For the remaining 11 months of this year, I intend to blog twice weekly.  Notice the word intend.  This means some weeks I’ll blog twice, some once and some not at all.  I am a realist, no need to lie to my followers.

Here is what you can expect (most weeks/months):

Weekly Photo Challenge – Typically will be posted on Wednesdays

This will continue into 2017, simply because I love this challenge.  Through it, I have met many new bloggers and gained many new followers.  This challenge is hosted by The Daily Post, part of WordPress.  If you are looking for something new to try on your blog, I highly recommend this weekly challenge.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge – Typically will be posted on Mondays

While browsing blogging events, I ran across this challenge hosted by Cee’s Photography.  It peaked my interest so for 2017 I will give it a go.  With my new Nikon upgrade, I wanted to find ways to challenge myself to take more photos.  I’m up for something new.

Amy’s (aka f-stopmama) monthly recap – Typically will be posted the end of each month

This is simply a grab bag monthly post.  Each month will include books I have read, a few photos I have taken, updates about our country living and possibly some of my recipes.  Still working on the title, bear with me while I come up with something more interesting.  (I will admit titling posts is NOT my strong point).

Oh, and during the month of January, I gave my blog a face lift, complete with new theme and an updated About Me page.  Check it out if you have the chance.

Now for, JANUARY’S RECAP:

Books I have read in January.  

“The Path” by Michael Puett & ChristineGross-Loh  (198 pages).  Great non-fiction read.  A lot of good wisdom contained in a short book.

“Finders Keepers” by Stephen King (431 pages).  Loved this 2nd in a series of 3 books.  A page turner for sure.

“Today Will Be Different” by Maria Semple (259 pages).  Interesting work of fiction.  For me personally, I was indifferent about this book (neither loving or hating it).

Something new I added for 2017, keeping a list of words I do not know from each book I read.   So far I have learned almost 60 new words!

I noticed this branch while hiking one day.  Strange how it bends like an elbow and continues to grow in the opposite direction.  

Loved the fungi growing on this fallen branch.  Nature doing what she does best.  

There is beauty even during the winter months.  Loved the golden color of this plant.

A little snow transforms a mundane winter forest.  

Beautiful blue skies on a cold winter day, a nice change of pace.  

One of my favorite spots on the property with a dusting of snow.  

The golden hour reflected in the trees against a blue sky.  

Oh and one last thing, thanks to Insight Timer, I have officially meditated for 31 days straight as a part of 365 Meditate Together.  The month started out with a 20/20 meditate for peace series, which I found very beneficial.

That sums of January!  Looking forward to next month’s recap post.  See you next week for my first Weekly Photo Challenge & Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge of 2017.

*Please note:  I do not receive compensation for books I have read or apps I may call attention to.  I borrow books from the library & use mostly free apps.  I simply enjoy sharing books I have read and tips on websites or apps that have helped me.