Tuesday, January 1, 2008

January Theme - Best Photo of the Year

This monthly theme post was upon me before I really had time to think about what entails “The Best Photo of the Year". I certainly couldn’t pick one from all the fabulous blogs from around the Daily Photo Family, so instead I have taken the chicken’s way out and posted one of mine.

There were a lot I really liked – sunrise from my verandah, moonlight over the ocean, the Blue Theme post, and probably my favourite the dolphins. The one I chose certainly isn’t the best, but it was the most memorable, the most fun, took the longest to set up and is a metaphor for the difficulties I have posting and visiting each day!! It is also to thank He-Who-Doesn’t-Blog for all his technical assistance and support.

So here it is - my 2007 September Theme Post for Street Lights / Street Signs.

Well it is obvious who didn’t vote for this month’s theme!!! MOI. What the hell am I supposed to post, I mumble! Some of us live on tropical islands where most streets have no signs, and are only lit by moonlight.

So as you can see, I found A Rare Street Sign and He-Who-Doesn’t-Blog was roped into being The Street Light. Luckily there wasn’t much traffic around and his skinned shin, from falling down the embankment in the dark, should heal soon.

This is the only street sign within cooee of my place. It is hand-painted on a piece timber but it does carry an interesting name. Peter ToRot was a lay catechist in the village of Rakunai near Rabaul. When the Japanese invaded he was told to stop his pastoral work but he refused. He was called before the Japanese commander again, but he still refused, so he was arrested and thrown into jail. Three months later in July 1945 he was killed by lethal injection.

In 1995 in Port Moresby, ToRot was beatified, the first step towards being declared a saint, by the visiting Pope Paul II. His remains and a memorial church are situated on the Burma Road.

BTW - My Vietnam Blog has lots of CUTE dogs on it today!!

44 comments:

Steve Buser said...

I love the rant, but methinks you doth protest to much. The shot was very clever and carries a story within itself.

A good selection.

-- steve buser
New Orleans Daily Photo

lv2scpbk said...

Interesting post. I like how you decided on which one to do.

I couldn't decide and am leaving it up to the votes. I narrowed my down to seven. Yikes! Hate to say I just couldn't pick one. Come take a look and put your vote in.

Clueless in Boston said...

Great choice. I loved it the first time I saw it and still love it. Best wishes & Happy New Year!

Jilly said...

I remember this one! And I laughed then - and now. Nice choice - you have so many wonderful shots to choose from.

Happy New Year again, Jules!

Kunal Bhatia said...

Very unusual post and interesting story.
Have a great year ahead,
Kunal
Mindless Mumbai

Anonymous said...

This is a nice post. I don't remember the street sign but I love your story behind it today.

You are a very special person to me and I really like almost all of your photography there on that special island and I also like your work on the Vietnam blog.

Thanks for all of your visits to my blog in 2007 and I hope and pray you have excellent health and are very happy all the days of your life but especially in this new year 2008.

Happy New Year from Patty and me.

Jules said...

Hi All - thanks for your lovely words - love your post choices too

kunal bhatia - thanks for visiting but sorry i can't download your blog tonight - it is very long and the photos are very big - will try another time when my phone lines are good - tonight they are terrible.

dive said...

What a great story, Jules, and a splendid photo.
He Who Doesn't Blog deserves lavishing with beer and chocolates for injury in the line of duty.

Happy New Year!
May 2008 bring you a fast and stable phone line.

Ruth said...

I think this photo was the one I saw the first time I visited your blog. I always enjoy your photos. Have a wonderful 2008.

Olivier said...

choix original, j'aime beaucoup. Mes meilleurs voeux en cette année 2008.

Original choice, I like a lot. My best wishes in the year 2008.

Gerald (SK14) said...

great story and rant - I don't know how to interpret next month's theme so I shall simply sit it out that day - at least half the active DPs don't participate in the themes at all - which is just as well or it would be a nightmare - my only beef is with those who sign up for the theme and then ignore it.

happy new year

Marcel said...

I love the photo of the sign and the story of the sign. Again I'm wishing you a good 2008!

Southern Heart said...

I love the photo, and especially the story behind it. The moonlit beach shots are wonderful, too!

Happy New Year,

Andrea

Rob said...

Wow, what a story and photo shoot! He who does not blog took full effort to sacrifice limb and body for this pic. Well done! Happy new year!

Eric said...

First of all, thank you so much and He-Who-Doesn’t-Blog as well, for being such (a) dedicated city daily photo blogger(s)! You and He-Who-Doesn’t-Blog have really made this theme day post a special one. For me, when I started my blog, it was about exactly that...letting people see my city through a different set of eyes. This post is a great example.

Finally, but very importantly, bonne année de Paris! May it be a great year for you and, of course, He-Who-Doesn’t-Blog.

Felicia said...

I remember this one too and I love the story behind it! Great job to you both and best wishes in 2008!

photowannabe said...

Thanks for sharing a great story and photo to go with it. That's pure dedication to the Daily Blog theme.
I just want to wish you the very best 2008 and to say thank you for visiting my blog and your kind comments. You have given me a special glimpse into a different part of the world.
Sue

Marie said...

It's also a sort of post in homage to he-who-does-not-blog, isn't it? :-))

Happy New Year, Jules.

Tom said...

Well done Jules.. HWDB is a gentleman for sure. I bet he's held a 'torch' for you from day 1.

All the very best to you both for 2008... bring on the fun this year Isay. :O)

Lilly said...

haha! This one is funny.
Happy New Year

Jules said...

Hi All- phone lines are appalling here today -Happy new Year Not!!!
I have been to 3 blogs and it has taken me an hour - aaaahhhh!!! I may not be able to return your visit today - sorry.

Gerald - I don't even know what next month's theme is. i will be in Australia though so will make a decision about it when i find out - I'm really curious now!!!

Thanks Eric - i am most flattered by your words as you are our Founder and Leader - I genuflect in your direction - Paris is west of here!!!

quintarantino said...

A simple photo and yet beautiful with an interesting story to be told. Loved it.

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to more great images.

Happy New Year.

Janet said...

Great choice, I think! Happy New Year!

Neva said...

I remember when you did this and loved it then and love it now...how very very cute!!! A good choice for theme day!!! Happy New Year, Jules, I love visiting you and I love that we started blogging about the same time...you have so much to photograph that scares the crap out of me!!! I am thinking of your lovely area while we are buried under 6 inches of new snow...gotta love Chicago!!

Anonymous said...

What an esteemed fellow he was - Still I had a chuckle at the English interpretation of his name.
I remember chuckling at another street sign when I was in Suva, Fiji, many years ago: "Goodenough Street". Of course, like Peter here, Mr. Goodenough turned out to be fairly esteemed himself but I can't remember why! Happy New Year Jules.

Jules said...

lilly -can't download your blog - will try another time

Annie said...

Jules, you are SO MUCH FUN! Happy New Year to you.

Michael Salone said...

Even if I only get here once a year via your blog, I want to thank you for your dedication. I know it is very hard for you, but it IS worth it. I love this story and echo Eric's words. I think the whole idea of the DP thing is really to discover the city or town through the local blogger's eyes. Sometimes I see photos that are beautiful, but have nothing to do with the concept. I'd rather see an average photo, with an explanation about the place or notion behind it.

Anyway, I'll probably offend somebody, but wanted to thank you again for your insight, dedication, and opening up another world to many of us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Paris!

Michael Salone said...

...and of course, this photo is a perfect example. I had no idea they didn't have many street signs there! You see...I learned something today!

• Eliane • said...

I love that the picture comes with a great story. And the participation of a victim, he-who-doesn't-blog.
Happy New Year from New York City! May 2008 bring you lots of happiness and satisfaction. And smooth telecommunication in your paradisiac corner of the world.

pusa said...

i do remember this post, great choice
happy new year

Jules said...

Thanks Michael - most appreciated - it has been a crappy day for phone lines here - of all days it would have to be this day when I like to visit lots of blogs - anyhow that's life here - I think I will just have a gin & tionic and try and relax!!!

Bobby D. said...

Ok this whole thing is totally sweet and cute!
love it!

Lothiane said...

Funny post, good story. :)

Happy New Year from us at Oslo Daily Photo!

M.Benaut said...

Howdy Jules,
It's always nice to be first and it's even better to be (about) last. That way one can see all the comments and appreciate the fondness they/we all have for your wonderful efforts.
It's such a validating thing to receive these magnif comments; especially the one from the highest plane; (y'know).
That to me is super. It's so fulfilling.
But that is what your blog does to people, mate, it thrills them. Even tho your phone lines give you the heebiejeebies, we, your audience adore your efforts, your town, your culture, the deprivations and cataclysms.
We even love the torch on the street sign.

Ripper, lady !!

imac said...

Enjoyed reading your post.

Visit my Picture Story.

Jules said...

God, M Benaut - I'm blushing!!
Believe me the pleasure is all mine!!!

Without you (and the gin) I would have thrown the computer over the deck months ago - along with the bloody phone.

I must admit though I am getting low on gin.!!

Anonymous said...

Will send more gin.

Michael Salone said...

I'll bring the tonic...

Jules said...

Gosh - we have a party on our hands!!!

Joy said...

I know what you mean, Jules! It's a fantastic shot.

I look forward to visiting your blog more often this 2008. And you're welcome to mine, too! For some reason, my link was not included in the participating blogs for the 1st of January 2008 theme day. Sorry I wasn't able to visit your blog sooner. I was in transit the whole of yesterday. I am now back in Norwich after the most fantabulous time at home in Manila.

Happy New Year to you and everyone you hold dear!


joy
The Goddess In You
Norwich Daily Photo
Your Love Coach

Jules said...

Hi Joy - will pop over when the weather and hopefully the phone lines clear. Glad you had a great holiday - bet the weather was great!!!

Lynette said...

Fantastic choice for your monthly theme day photo. Congrats on it, the story behind it, and the wonderful relationship the two of you surely enjoy.