01 January 2009

Theme Day - Best Photo of 2008


Today, being the first of the month, it's Theme Day for the City Daily Photo family and today's Theme is 'Best Photo of 2008.'

The beautiful steeples of the Old Town of Menton are something I love to photograph (see smaller photo) but it's 'people' pics that seem to tell a story. The main photograph shows the beautiful Medieval village of Gorbio and a little girl, Lisa, who knows it well - no fear as she runs into what seems like a dark hole. This is one of the 'Village Wedding' series posted in June. Yesterday, I found so many shots I didn't use, so from tomorrow perhaps we'll revisit the wedding for a few days.

Today's post is dedicated to a fellow CDP blogger (he knows who he is) who, by email, has endlessly and patiently helped me with photographic advice and encouragement over the last year or so - without you, bla bla.

Happy New Year to everyone and thank you to all the friends I've met through blogging - let's hope that 2009 brings a more peaceful world.

To view other City Daily Photo bloggers' favourite Photo of the Year - and you'll see some fabulous photographs, I know - Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

For an update on the continuing story of Mistral and Mia, the Hell Hole dogs - which is getting better by the minute - please click on the link.

42 comments:

  1. ...and this is my favourite between Menton & Monte Carlo, too. So much in this shot, and the darkness just makes it for me.

    Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New YEar from London.

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  2. Jilly, It must have been SO hard to choose. I have many favorite images of yours through this year. I must admit that I probably mix up both blogs in my mind, though. Whoever has been mentoring you with photo advice I'd also like to thank him, because your images really are wonderful. Isn't it exciting to feel like one is growing at this over time! I'm glad you will revisit the wedding, as the images you've posted from that are among your very best. And this one, well, she's a delight to see heading down the lane. And, we all had fun seeing your CDPB visitors this year. . .And the pooches, and the blue, blue water, the pastels and earth tones of the buildings, the scenes of festivals, squares, dances, art works, architecture, blue, blue sky. . . At the heart of it is you and your gracious, artistic, friendly manner. Best wishes for you in 2009; and, I second your wish for a more peaceful year.
    -Kim
    Seattle Daily Photo

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  3. This is really beautiful!
    Thanks for your kind comment and please accept my best wishes for a very Happy New Year!

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  4. You have so many beautiful photos, Jilly, I would have had a hard time choosing. But of course, you made the perfect choice! Remembering your description of Lisa brings a smile to my lips.

    Happy theme day!

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  5. Jilly, here's wishing you a great time in 2009 - look forward to more great pictures and stories from you!!

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  6. Beautiful shots, great atmosphere! Happy New Year!

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  7. Exceptional photo.

    Happy New Year to you and your family from Patty and Me.

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  8. Oh yes, this one is a lovely one! I remember so well your series about this wedding. Bonne Année 2009! How are your new boarders? Fine, I'm sure!

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  9. looks as if she's trying to hitch a lift!

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  10. Such a pretty photo, Jilly. I love the way you've captured her carefree spirit.

    I wish you a very happy new year, Jilly. Maybe we'll have that lunch in 2009!

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  11. j'aime beaucoup cette petit fille, tres bon choix. Happy New Year

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  12. What a great photo(s) to end the year with...or start the new one! Love the little girl.....hope your New Year is wonderful....and with 2 new dogs....you will be busy!

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  13. This was such a mearvellous series of images that anyone could'e taken the top spot, but this is such a lovely choice. It's timeless. As with the other blog It's always such a pleasure to stop by and spend some time.

    Happy New Year.

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  14. Oh wonderful choice. I always enjoy my visits to your blog, your photos are spectacular, so timeless. Your people shots, I am always amazed!
    Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  15. I remember this photo of Little Lisa, and it is one of my personal favorites as well. It's so hard to choose, isn't it? Happy New Year!!

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  16. I'm sure the little girl must be a cutie and brave girl. Love the photo.
    Happy New Year 2009!

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  17. This is a special photo . . . excellent choice. I hope you find many more magical moments to capture in 2009!

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  18. Fantastic choice of photo...
    It must have been hard for you to chose given the fact that you have some many wonderful ones!
    Happy New Year!

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  19. Love this photo, it is so innocent. Good choice for best of the year.

    Happy New Year!!

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  20. A great choice, this photo speaks volumes.

    Happy New Year!!

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  21. Happy New Year to you and yours Jilly!

    These are two great photos for the theme day. I find it really hard to choose from my own photos and it must have been hard for you as you have so many great photos, and you have two blogs!

    I look mforward to seeing more from your part of the world in 2009 :)

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  22. Have a happy and healthy new year, Jilly.

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  23. You do have the best "people" shots. I think what makes them so good is you catch them doing everyday things and the image turns out so good, like the one you posted today excellent.

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  24. I hadn't seem this one Jilly. It's perfect.

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  25. Cute photo. As Maurice Chevalier sang:

    Thank heaven for little girls
    for little girls get bigger every day!

    Thank heaven for little girls
    they grow up in the most delightful way!

    Those little eyes so helpless and appealing one day will flash and send you crashin' thru the ceilin'

    Thank heaven for little girls
    thank heaven for them all,
    no matter where no matter who
    for without them, what would little boys do?

    Thank heaven... thank heaven...
    Thank heaven for little girls!

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  26. What a gorgeous photo of a gorgeous place. Nice choice!

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  27. I love this one. It makes me smile. Photos that do that create emotions are truly special.

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  28. Wow! This is a great one for sure. Being a fan of B&W, I chose a different image of yours as a Best of 2008 and linked to it today at GDP. Drop by to see which one. Happy New Year Jilly!

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  29. What a sweet photo... definitely a great choice for theme day. Happy new year!

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  30. What a mysterious photograph. I wasn't blogging when you did the series so I don't know the context, but I do love the little pink shoes and the dress. And yes, he has been a big help to many of us budding bloggers. '~)

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  31. Hi Jilly
    Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog. I am just devastated that I have to give up, as it has just been the best experience. I really feel I know you and I know we would have such fun together and be friends.

    I will pop in whenever I can as it is most important to me not to lose contact with those I have grown close to over the years.

    Have a terrific 2009 - keep posting your stunning photos (this has always been one of my favourite blogs) and see ya. Jules xx

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  32. This is certainly a pearl in your rich treasure of a blog! Your photos are so cinematic, and yet you bring a beautifully personal point of view to all of it.

    I've been reading of your new companions with great interest. How their gentle souls survived intact after their dreadful confinement is astonishing, and they could have no finer guardian angel than yourself, to offer a taste of canine heaven in their lives.

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  33. beautiful photo and a perfect choice for theme day. the 'scene' is so serene with the small girl =) happy new year!

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  34. I agree with everyone else who has praised your choice. I look forward to many, many more possible favorites!

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  35. Yours is a brunette,mine is a Blondie... We both choose a little girl today!!!

    I wish you a very Happy New Year.

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  36. Absolutely delightful photo ... her little dress looks to be covered with buttons? The gesture in this image is perfect ... exploratory, sure footed, and innocence. Thanks for sharing this one!

    Best wishes for 2009!

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  37. Jilly, I can't imagine that you have a single 'best', but a whole herd of them! I so enjoy seeing your shots, the perspective, the detail you pick out that I would overlook. Thanks you for all you bring to the CDP world. Happy New Year filled with blessings to you.

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  38. une fillette dans ce vieux village , quelle belle photo

    je te souhaite autant de belles photos pour 2009

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  39. Hi Jilly,
    There are a lot of your pictures that are so beautiful.I love this one for its meaning too.
    Have a very Happy New Year.
    Take care.
    Sandrine

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  40. I agree with Kim - how did you choose, even among only the people photos.
    And that's a lovely dedication.
    Best wishes to you in the New 2009 and you are so wonderful to give Mistral & Mia such a good home.

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  41. Happy New Year Jilly! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality during our stay with you.

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  42. To choose the best photo of the year in your blog it's quite difficult. I have a preferred: THIS one but as you will remember, you didn't take it in Menton, so the cute kid is the best and the most tender indeed.

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