January 3rd, 2011

January 3rd, 2011

While no photographic feat beyond the skill of avoiding the inevitable digital lines on a computer screen, this image succinctly summarizes my evening. A Walking Dead marathon that I'd originally intended to enjoy with my best friend during her visit.

Once I started, I really couldn't walk away. Downloaded in HD-quality from iTunes, I forever have access to the first (considerably short) season of The Walking Dead by AMC. Approximately 270 minutes of zombie action and survivalist instinct. Could there be any better way to spend a Monday evening?

January 2nd, 2011

January 2nd, 2011

It took me 5 days to complete this Spanikopita, not intentionally. It began with the vegetable prep and some phyllo dough thawing. Various components were cooked and left to set. Eventually the ingredients were combined and folded into a beautiful little triangular packets. Then frozen. And lastly, wrapped in plastic for easy individual servings.

The recipe is somewhat nontraditional, and yet phenomenal. Of course, this would be the case, since the great David Lebovitz was the inspiration. Taking his suggestion on additional seasonings I added paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic. Due to a shortage of feta cheese, I substituted a half cup of ricotta - which worked well to bind the spinach into a creamy, rich filling.

The most sinful part of this recipe was the sheer quantity of butter used between each lay of phyllo and before every fold of the packet. Best if enjoyed with a light salad and some olives.

January 1st, 2011

January 1st, 2011

The first day of the year was memorable, although not necessarily a memory that I had any interest in photographically reliving. Suffice it to say, that in the heat of the moment, I may have ungifted this excellent bottle of scotch from a good friend.

It took my multiple visits to liquor stores and endless online browsing of scotch reviews to choose this particular bottle. I had wanted a McCallen 18, but without the hefty pricetag that comes along with it. In the end, I settled on the Balvenie 15 Year, Single Cask. Hand-numbered from a single distillation, Speyside with vanilla, honey and oak flavor.

It will eventually be returned to its intended owner, but it did not lead in any toasts to the New Year.

Introduction to the project

A new year, a new photography project.

I completed my first "Project365" photography blog between May 2008 and May 2009. While some days were a struggle to capture an appropriate photo, and admittedly, I may have cheated a bit and back-photographed things for days when I became just too busy, the experience was both memorable and rewarding.

My photography skills improved considerably with time. I was motivated to finally invest in a beginner-level SLR. And when I look back through the images, each one can provoke a memory of the time, place and day the image was captured.

So the following will be a photographic memory book of the year 2011, for better or worse.