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Friday Favorite: My Calendar + a Winner

February 18th, 2011

I must say that now one of my favorite things is making a calendar with some of my photos. I don’t print off any of my photos, they all live on my hard drive and I look through them for blog posts, or when organizing. I want to pick out a few to get nice canvas prints of – but I can never decide which ones to get. One of the reasons I like my calendar is because it reminds me of what I did the previous year and it’s a great way for me to print out a few of my photos and share them with family members.

I order 10 of these and give them away at Christmas and keep one for myself. Everyone was thrilled to get theirs again this year and I’m sure they’ll be excited next year as well. I’ve already pulled out photos for the months of January & February for next year’s calendar.

After wrapping up all the calendars I was giving away, I was left with an extra. I kept meaning to hold a contest on the blog, but keep forgetting – until NOW. Comment below and you’ll be entered to win a 2011 Chiot’s Run Calendar. Winner chosen: Nebraska Dave. One of the things I realized while looking through my calendars is that I LOVE living somewhere with distinct seasons. I’ve been trying to think of my favorite month and I’d have to say that May is. Fresh strawberries, spinach, lettuces, warm sun, great weather, what’s not to love?

What’s your favorite month of the year and why?

The Captain’s Wife has won a jar Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. Her comment was so great, I love the story. Head on over to her blog to read more about her life as a Navy Captain’s Wife. (if you haven’t received my e-mail use the contact button to the right to send me your address)

38 Comments to “Friday Favorite: My Calendar + a Winner”
  1. Christine on February 18, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Ha! In Florida there are four seasons too: Hot, Hotter, Humid, Humider. I would love to move somewhere where the leaves change, and snow was an actual possibility.

    Reply to Christine's comment

  2. kristin @ going country on February 18, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Hmmm . . . May is right up there, for the exquisite relief of warmth and sunshine after a LOOONG Blackrock winter. But there’s so much work to do outside in May (most of the garden is planted then here) that it can also be exhausting.

    So I’m going to go with October. Changing leaves, the very beginnings of cooler weather to offer relief after an often stiflingly humid summer, and the garden (and attendant canning and preserving) is wrapping up, leaving me with a tiny bit of free time to actually enjoy the weather.

    Reply to kristin @ going country's comment

  3. annie on February 18, 2011 at 8:38 am

    March. It is the epitome of spring to me!

    I’m so glad you’re doing this giveaway because it reminded me that I was going to buy one of your calendars. I knew I had a specific calendar in mind for my kitchen but I couldn’t remember what my plan was!

    Reply to annie's comment

  4. molly on February 18, 2011 at 8:44 am

    My favorite month is November. I love the feeling of winter’s approach.

    Reply to molly's comment

  5. Seren Dippity on February 18, 2011 at 8:47 am

    I used to say April and October because in Houston during those two months we’d actually get maybe 2 weeks of weather that made you want to play outside. No humidity and heat or wet cold. Every festival and outdoor event you can imagine was crammed into those two months. Here in Dallas we have more distinction between seasons. We don’t have the winters that you do, but there is a definite winter. But still my favorite time of year is the transitioning times between too cold and too hot. I love being outside when the heat of the sun can make you sweat a bit when you are working in the garden but if you sit still you can feel a bit of chill in the shade. Sitting still in the spring you can see the wildflowers beginning to burst forth and the birds, bunnies and squirrels have a frantic energy to them. In the fall you can sit and watch the leaves dance in the wind and smell the changes happening all around.

    As for my photographs? Not nearly as beautiful as yours, I love digital. I set my screensaver slideshow to show all the photos I took during the previous year. As I walk by throughout the day, I see photos of the various activities we did; parties, gardening, grandbabies. I’m reminded of the fun and sun “that day at he lake” or the joy of making a snowman with three year olds. Occasionally, I’ll change the slideshow to focus on a particular vacation of years gone by and for a week or so I’ll remember Colorado or Oregon. One slideshow I return to often is the first year after my twin grand babies were born. I forget how tiny they were. I wish digital photography had been available when my daughters were born. Or even that I had taken more photos. There is so much detail that I have forgotten.

    Reply to Seren Dippity's comment

  6. goatpod2 on February 18, 2011 at 9:02 am

    March, April, & May used to be my favorite months because of kidding season (baby goats being born) but we’re not breeding or kidding goats anymore though. But I like March or April-Easter!

    Amy

    Reply to goatpod2's comment

  7. alecia on February 18, 2011 at 9:30 am

    4 distinct seasons here- although not in equal lengths- long summer and winters, shorter spring and fall season.

    my favs would be May and October. Although June and July rank high for picking tomatoes and sweet corn

    Reply to alecia's comment

  8. Nebraska Dave on February 18, 2011 at 10:05 am

    My favorite season is Spring. The earth begins to wake up from the long cold Winter during that season. That usually happens in March but it could happen in April. This year it appears to be happening in February. The Tulips are already poking their little heads up through the ground in search of the warm sunlight. I like to sit on the front yard patio in search of the warm sunlight. So far we have had two 60 degree days with one tickling the record for the day of 70 degrees.

    Have a great very close to Spring day.

    Reply to Nebraska Dave's comment

  9. Laura Z on February 18, 2011 at 10:06 am

    I love the times when the weather is really changing, so I’d have to say May and October.

    Your photos are so wonderful! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply to Laura Z's comment

  10. Wendy on February 18, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Depending on the year, August, September, or October–whichever one provides the most blue sky, warm weather, and harvest from the garden! I would love to have more distinct seasons where we live!

    Love your photos!

    Reply to Wendy's comment

  11. Carrie on February 18, 2011 at 10:54 am

    September has always been a favorite. When I was younger it heralded the start of school. I loooooved school! Pencils! Notebooks! Folders! New teachers! Cute boys!

    Later, I learned to knit and September brought the cooler crisp air and is the start of “wool weather.” Every knitter loves fall so they can bust out the hand knit scarves, mittens, and sweaters.

    I also love September because that is when my husband and I tied the knot. We chose September because we figured it would be nice and cooler and we wouldn’t be all sweaty for our outdoor wedding. Yeah. It was a record setting 96 degrees on our wedding day at the end of the month. Gross! The next year it was a freezing cold 59 degrees though, so I think we got the better deal!

    Reply to Carrie's comment

  12. Emma on February 18, 2011 at 11:18 am

    My favorite month is May — that’s when a lot of the fresh fruits come into season here and I’m such a sucker for berries. Summers get pretty toasty too, so it’s really the last month to “enjoy” the weather before it gets too hot to do much outside during the day.

    I always love your photos … they’re gorgeous!

    Emma
    City Roots, Country Life

    Reply to Emma's comment

  13. MAYBELLINE on February 18, 2011 at 11:44 am

    February. It’s cool (sometimes crisp), moist, and lush green. The buds are starting to break. it’s a great time to garden at leisure because a gardening marathon (summer) is on the horizon.

    Reply to MAYBELLINE's comment

  14. Bodie on February 18, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    I look forward to March all winter long. Here in eastern Kansas, the maples and locusts are in bloom, which means that, on warm days, my bees will be starting to fly. Although there may still be a bit of snow on the ground, daffodils and crocuses will push through it to spread a colorful bit of early spring cheer. My kids are remembering that they like playing outside, and they seem to sprout in the yard just like the daffodils. My seedlings are happily growing in the garage, and my onions and potatoes are just itching for some soil to grow in. The air has warmed up enough that I can smell plants and rain again, and a chorus of spring peepers will echo from the pond on any moonlit night. March is the month when sights, sounds, and smells all bear witness to the arrival of spring.

    Reply to Bodie's comment

  15. Daedre on February 18, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    June is probably my favorite. Things are finally starting to grow and bloom in my area! I like August too, because it’s tomato season.

    Reply to Daedre's comment

  16. Lynda on February 18, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    My favorite month is November. The farm has slowed down, the pantry is full, the animals are getting their fluffy winter coats, the first fire is lit, the flannel sheets go on the beds…yes, November.

    Reply to Lynda's comment

  17. Alyse on February 18, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    I love April. Everything is just beginning. To me, that is the first of the year, not January.

    Reply to Alyse's comment

  18. Morgan G on February 18, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I love July! Hot, hot heat, fireworks and crowded beaches. Love it.

    Reply to Morgan G's comment

  19. Angela on February 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    I have two favorites–April & October. In DC the cherry blossoms are in bloom at the beginning of April, I feel like spring really takes hold in April, and Easter, which is one of my favorite holidays, usually occurs in April. Also, my birthday is at the end of April so I look forward to it all month. I love October because of the changing leaves, the crisp, cool weather, and because fall is really beginning, and with fall comes tights, sweaters, and all the the yummy food (soups, stews, pies, roasts).

    Thanks for offering your calendar as a giveaway!

    Reply to Angela's comment

  20. Paul on February 18, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    October.
    1-The garden’s done
    2-No snow
    3-Cool (not hot anymore, not cold yet)
    4-The leaves

    Reply to Paul's comment

  21. bonnie on February 18, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Almost always my favorite month is the one I’m in at that given time. No time like the present! Every month has some singular beauty to recommend itself.

    Reply to bonnie's comment

  22. Lynn on February 18, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Fav month..that’s a hard question for me. I love May, too, because of the “rebirth” of nature. All the beautiful shades of greens and the wonderful fragrances in the air…………..BUT, I also love October for a lot of the same reasons. The gorgeous colors and that wonderful smell of crisp fall air.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win your calendar. With one thing and another, I didn’t make my own this year and your photos are ones that I really love.

    Reply to Lynn's comment

  23. Tommy on February 18, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    I’ve always wanted to do a calendar, but have just never gotten around to it. I would love a chance to see yours!

    It’s hard to nail down one month as my favorite, because every year I seem to change my preference as the year goes on! I love March because the garden’s starting to come alive, so much potential—
    But then I love April because it really starts to bloom and grow.
    But then I love May because the ocean is starting to warm up and I love the beach.

    But then of course there’s July and August when all the squash and tomatoes start to ripen and it’s such a yummy time in the garden, and on and on….

    And on and on.
    Thanks for a great blog!

    Reply to Tommy's comment

  24. Lemongrass on February 18, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    I will have to say September…….it is the month I was born. I lived in the Caribbean, New England and now am in the South East and have always enjoyed whatever is growing in my garden during the month of September.
    Thanks for sharing your photos, garden and and your work with us.

    Reply to Lemongrass's comment

  25. Grant on February 18, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    August is definitely my favorit!e. Just thinking of it makes me long for summer. All the red, green, purple and orange of tomatoes. Finally in August you get to reap the benefits of all your very hard work during the year!!

    Reply to Grant's comment

  26. Phillip on February 18, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    Well, that is one of the things I miss by living in tropical Suriname…the changing of the seasons. Of course there are four seasons here: short dry season, short rainy season, long dry season, long rainy season.

    I enjoy your great pictures.

    Phillip

    Reply to Phillip's comment

  27. Kate Bodmann on February 18, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    That tomato/pail picture is exquisite.

    I guess I love the end of Aug and Sept. Those Indian summer nights of fun and late chats with neighbors and gardening until it is too dark leading into those crisp days with the anticipation of school and fresh beginnings. I haven’t been in school for a very long time but I still feel that excitement and anticipation.

    Reply to Kate Bodmann's comment

  28. Liz J on February 18, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    I absolutely would choose June! In New England, the weather is welcomed warmth, with gardens growing, and flowers blossoming.. With any luck, and nice weekends not at work, yards are cleaned up and Summer has arrived. I got married in June, and this year my sister’s son is getting married on my 28th anniversary (not planned that way, but rather nice!). It hit 55 degrees here today, but will be 35 tomorrow…………come on June!!!!

    Reply to Liz J's comment

  29. Sonya C on February 18, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    March is my favorite time of the year. Here in Florida, the days are more consistently warm, clouds, few & puffy, New growth peering out of most everything, the top soil warmed from the sun and as my toes dig into the earth, the coolness that it holds onto, the breeze off the lake, new seedlings, rose pruning, birds migrating back to the North, critters finding new mates & homes. The air is fresh and sweet! I can almost see, feel, hear it coming around the bend now!

    Reply to Sonya C's comment

  30. Sara on February 18, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    I would love to win one of your calenders! I think your photographs are beautiful.

    Reply to Sara's comment

  31. Ashley on February 18, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    May is my favorite month too for a couple reasons. One reason is that my birthday is in May and the other is that’s when the gardening season is really rolling and my enthusiasm for it is at it’s height! I love gardening all season, but much like the anticipation I felt for the start of school in September, May is when I really feel the anticipation of what’s to come in my garden. I am also grateful to live in a place with 4 distinct seasons. What a treat it is to watch the world cycle in this way!!

    Reply to Ashley's comment

  32. Jenn on February 19, 2011 at 7:57 am

    October has always been my favorite month. Maine in October is absolutely beautiful, especially when indian summer hits. It’s the month of my birthday and anniversary, as well. Since I began gardening though I’m a little torn as October means the winding down of the gardening season. I guess this just means that I’ll need to work on year-round gardening methods!

    Reply to Jenn's comment

  33. Susanne on February 19, 2011 at 8:10 am

    For me it’s the end of August and September!
    The big heat is gone but there are still lovely days to spend outside, it’s harvesting time up on my balcony but I don’t have to worry about watering so much anymore and workwise it’s the best time to have a holiday.
    But most of all & concerning photography: the light! I simply love the light you have here at that time of year. I once did a calendar for my mom with gardening pics (featuring my beloved black-eyed susan vines :-)) and there was simply too much of a choice when it came to pick the photos for August and September. So those were the only months which had more than one pic on the sheet…

    Reply to Susanne's comment

  34. sonja daniel on February 19, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    October gives Southern California a bit of fall when the sugar gum trees turn colors. I used to live in 4 seasons and loved the autumn with its Indian Summer nights, but now that I’m old and have become a winter whimp, I prefer the ice-free safety of SoCal where the growing season is almost all year. I’m new to your blog and so admire you photography. What camera do you use and do you have a favorite lens?

    Reply to sonja daniel's comment

  35. a captains wife on February 20, 2011 at 12:58 am

    Thank you Chiot’s run! I feel so honored.
    I’m glad I got the opportunity to remember that time, and to share it with you.

    Reply to a captains wife's comment

  36. Renee on February 20, 2011 at 2:58 am

    I’d say my favorite month is April because everything is still ‘spring green’ and feels fresh, but it’s finally warm enough to go outside barefoot without freezing!

    Also, now that I’ve started gardening, it’s a month when I’ll be spending a lot of time outside!

    Love the calendar :)

    Reply to Renee's comment

  37. Callum on February 20, 2011 at 5:29 am

    My favourite months got to be February, because of the really refreshing cold mornings and its the time when you can see everything in the garden is coming to life.

    Reply to Callum's comment

  38. Gail E on February 21, 2011 at 12:06 am

    My favorite month is October. I love the everything about it –the beautiful colors, the smells, the change in the air, the cool mornings, my clothes still hanging on the line, etc. (probably the only thing I don’t like is knowing winter will be approaching). Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your beautiful calendars!

    Reply to Gail E's comment

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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