Week 52

OK - so I'm a little bit out on the numbering system, but I hope you all get the idea by now! Basically, this is the last week of Gallery 12, and although it's turned out to be more like Gallery 7 or even Gallery 4 some weeks, I hope you have all had fun trying to take photos of sometimes difficult and challenging ideas and objects. Especially if you are like me and your kids are about the only things that take up the most space on the camera card! It's been a fun journey and I just want to take this opportunity to thank you all for participating in the challenge. I haven't added up the scores yet - but hopefully I'll manage that by end of next week - the last poll. And thank you also for all of you who have voted - it's kept up the pressure and a bit of incentive for us all to keep plugging on week to week.

Well, the last theme for the year is finally here,and it may come as no surprise to you all either. here 'tis...

Self Portrait!

Yes - the BIG REVEAL - although you probably all know who is who at the zoo by now. So set your tripods up - books, shelves, or whatever, and work out how to use that timer. All portraits should be taken by yourself, capturing a unique part of you, your essence.

Good luck everyone and Merry Christmas for Thursday. A special Merry Christmas toRobyn who is celebrating this special day a long way away from her country, family and friends - we hope the day is a unique and special memory for you Robyn.

Peace x Don

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1. Donna Jensen

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3. Marnie Sanford.

So, I fell off the bandwagon, but I am back for the last round... Thanks for all the inspiration girls!

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4. Mel Connell.......

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10. ~ Tracey T aka tiddlypeep ~

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9.Lisa Oxley

aka scrapwitch

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N0.8 Binrow

AKA Robyn Payne

Thanks so much for this year, its one I'm not going to forget in a hurry!!

Sorry about the end though I have been a bear with a sore head without my camera,

but DH has promised me I can go get it in Jan/Feb...YEAH!

Once aain thanks to Donna for all her efforts in running this challenge, I am so glad I was apart of it all.

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12.Pamela

aka weBBgod

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7. Nicole Pomeroy

- little messy, little washed out and mostly unfocused. Sorry I missed a few of the last weeks, but three kids can sometimes get a little chaotic. Had a blast Donna, loved thinking {out}side the box

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Week 51

Week 50 saw a flurry of votes and for the first time this year, all photos receive honours! Congrats goes to numbers 4, 8 and 11 who all tied for first place. There was also a three way tie for second place so well done numbers 1,7 and 10! And not to forget number 5 in third place. Too good!

Gosh, I must admit, typing in that number 51 in the title space made me a tad bleary. Well, not exactly, but a little bit sad to see this coming to a close. There's something nice about the regular, the routine. It makes life feel comfortable. It's been a happy balance between the predictable and the "oh no - what the heck am I going to do this week!"

And, it's nearly over. Our photographic journey is coming to an end. And I have to say I've enjoyed myself. It has been a challenge, getting a photo in every week. The deadline meaning that the photo is oftentimes very last minute, and not that flash, but at least they went up!

Well, here's the second last theme for the year...

The Important Things in Life

Lots of Christmas love to you all and thankyou to all our loyal voters for helping us keep the challenge component going!

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11. ART!

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4. The last afternoon together.....

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9. Family

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1. Best Friends

My hope is that my kids will always be great mates throughout life and not let differences keep them apart.

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Week 50

Gosh - I can hardly believe it - into the 50's and the home stretch as well.

Congratulations to number 1 for a very happy snap.

The new theme for this week is...

CHRISTMAS

Buon Natale!

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7. The Spirit of Christmas: love, peace and thankfullness.

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5.

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10. Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree

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1. Fatima's Place

I went to visit this house in town where the entire front yard is dripping with fairy lights, christmas ornaments and things that sing and dance to the tunes of old favourites like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" I was trying to snap away and be unobtrusive at the same time when out she came... A rather large and jolly lady with a handful of lollies for me, inviting me to see more of the fairyland delights within. She introduced herself as Fatima. The inside of her home was equally as fantastic as out and after being introduced to who I think may have been her mother and aunty, and some light conversation I politely left, with a smile on my face as my belief in humankind was renewed. Today I spoke to a stranger. She invited me into her home. Note to self: Do this more often...

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11. Reading the Christmas story... To our dog!

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