My Year in Review ~ 2024
I can’t believe another page has turned in my calendar. The older I get the quicker time seems to fly by. So, I better get moving!! There are loads of places I still want to visit and revisit but for now lets take a step back and look at my last year’s adventures.
My year started off in Utah with a small group of clients that I consider good friends at this point. We were on an exploratory mission to see and photograph some of the BLM areas and parks that Utah is so famous for. I enjoyed my time there as I always do. My good friend Michael Zajac drove so that I could concentrate on my photography and not the logistics. Plus, he loves off-roading and renting a 4x4 Jeep appeals to him, he also loves Utah and the many BLM areas.
Next, I headed to Yellowstone in January, and it was cold! Michael drove again, as the roads can be quite tricky with snow and ice, plus he absolutely loves Yellowstone and jumped at the chance to return. Here we spent a week exploring Lamar Valley in the winter with lots of snow. I love photographing in the snow or with a snow backdrop. My favorite from that trip below.
After Yellowstone, I went to Japan for my yearly photo tour. It was sensational as always. Paul McKenzie and I love that trip, and it remains a staple for us. On this particular visit we saw a White-naped crane which was pretty unusual to see. Our guide said he hasn’t seen one in Hokkaido in 20 years. Below are some of my faves from that trip.
In April, I bought a house in the Carolinas. I still haven’t moved in but have been busy fixing I up and getting ready to live there part time. Originally, I was going to move down there full time but after thinking about how much I would miss in my grandkids lives, I decided to just live there part time.
In May, I released my latest e-Book “Photoshop Enhancements for Flowers.” It has been selling very well and almost outsold last year’s e-book release “Connecting with Nature.”
In June, Donna Bourdon and I went to Grimsey Island, off the coast of Iceland for an exploratory visit. We met up with good friend Michael Milicia who was kind enough to show us around. We both ended up loving the freedom and the photography That Grimsey has to offer. We sold out our 2025 trip, but I think we may have one or two spots left for 2026. With the midnight sun, we were able to create all kinds of backlit puffin shots. A few of my favorites from that trip are below.
In July, Paul McKenzie and I took a group to Bird Island in the Seychelles. I was never before but Paul had been many times. For me, the draw was the White (fairy) terns. They are absolutely adorable and fun to photograph. I love the blue bill and all-white feathers. I loved them so much that I barely photographed anything else! Paul will be taking a group next July if anyone is interested. It is literally like being dropped off on a remote island similar to Gilligan’s Island, except there is a small store and they do cook you dinner each night! If you go, get the coconut ice cream for dessert. Images from that trip below.
In September, Paul and I went back to the Mara with a wonderful group. Donna had just left with her group. Both groups did tremendous with leopards on this trip as Luluka had her male cub out almost each day. We also saw a chase between young cheetah cubs and a Serval cat. The serval held its ground, and the cheetah cubs eventually backed down. Predators don’t usually eat other predators, but they will kill them if possible. Another great sighting included a massive crossing with over $10,000 wildebeest. There were too many sightings to list, but it was one of our best trips ever.
In October, Mike and I went to the Dolomites. We had originally booked the trip with 5 clients but due to last-minute cancellations due to family or injuries we ended up with only one client. We decided that because we both like the trip so much we would go. It was so fun, and we captured some great photos. After saying goodbye to Su, we hiked a few strenuous hikes and enjoyed some new sights. The Dolomites are the kind of place that you can return to year after year. Maybe because I am half Italian, I enjoy the culture and the food!
In November I announced that the United States Postal Service will be releasing my second set of stamps as a Dahlia Forever collection for 2025. Plans are underway with Swan Island Dahlia Farm to do a project together in late August. I’ll be announcing that as we get a bit closer and ore details are known.
I did my first ever Recharging Your Creativity workshop in Charleston and it was terrific. I enjoyed the group, the weather, the photo subjects and the look and feel of Charleston. There is something special about the southern hospitality. I have a couple of spots available on my March Charleston trip. And another Recharging Your Creativity workshop will be announced soon.
To finish off the year Donna Bourdon and I just returned home form Bosque del Apache NM. I can’t tell you how many people have written to me asking if Bosque was worth a visit. YES, there are always possibilities for shots at Bosque. Is it the same as it used to be-NO, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still good. We had a blast!
My cousin Rhon Applegate shared some family news, the Historical Society of Princeton NJ shared a post about my grandmother’s flower shop in Princeton. It was nice to read about her and know that her determination and success was noticed and recognized, especially since in 1938 women had to fight for a seat at the table. So proud!
These last few weeks I have been putting together a presentation for the Garden Club of America. I will be giving that presentation as soon as I return home form Yellowstone. Wish me luck!
I’d like to take a moment and thank all of my loyal blog followers, workshop attendees, clients, friends and e-book purchasers and sponsors. Without your support, none of this could be possible-thank you so much. Have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, family and good health.
This will serve as my last posting until after Christmas…love to you all!
