My 1st attempt at Project 365 has been a major fail. You know how it is – life took over.

My last photo for the project was posted on March 21st. All in all, I made it nearly 20% through, taking 70 of the 365 photos.

Despite my failure to finish the full project, I learned a lot in just 3 months. My technical skills with white balance, exposure/ISO, depth of field, shutter, and aperture levels has certainly grown. On the creative side, my proficiency with photo styling & selective angles continues to flourish.

Fear not - the photos aren’t going away forever. I’ll still be posting my photography now & again in the Life in Pictures category on the blog. If you’d like to see my full collection of Project 365 photos, feel free to visit the gallery on Flickr.

I’ll leave you now with a few photographs I took last Thursday, June 14th, after a delightful downpour:

[Images taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 1:51 pm EST on Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Monster – a delightfully squishy companion during my (lazy) first trimester.

Taken @ 10:23 am EST on Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Every day is easier when you wear cuddly, spotted socks. (Thanks, Mum!)

[Images taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 12:56 am EST

Remember me? Despite my best intentions, I did not take one single photo while visiting my husband’s family in Florida. NOT ONE! While the break was nice, I’m looking forward to getting back into my ole routine, including take photos.

The only post I submitted while on vacation was BIG ANNOUNCEMENT #1: I’M PREGNANT! (still waiting for the final details on BIG ANNOUNCEMENT #2). As such, today’s photo is related to my insatiable urge for knowledge on a topic I only have an elementary education about … having a baby.

I can be a bit of a worrywart sometimes, so I have been very picky about the books that I buy at the bookstore or rent from the library. You can’t know or even be prepared for everything – sometimes, you just have to go with the flow. I shall arm myself with knowledge, yet let my instincts decide when needed.

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 11:17 am EST

Goodbye my apartment in West Hartford, Connecticut. Tonight, we’re staying with my mum & she’ll be driving the husband and I to the airport tomorrow. She’s also kind enough to be watching Monster while we’re away.

Hooray for a week in Florida! This will be my first real vacation in 8 years! We’re also visiting my husband’s family for the last time before he goes to Marines boot camp in a few months.

Expect to see lots of sunny, near-tropical photos for the next week.

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 9:37 am EST

Dried flowers: not the best chi, but boy do they smell great!

Over at my mum’s house on this gorgeously sunny Tuesday, doing laundry before the trip to Florida on Thursday. Always nice to be in her company.

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 11:53 am EST

Vibrant colors are slowly returning to the neighborhood.

Only 12 days until the “official” start of Spring … & only 4 days until the hubby & I visit his family in FL. This is the first time I’ve seen them since we got engaged AND married!

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 2:05 pm EST on Saturday, March 6th, 2010

I did it again! You probably noticed that there was no Project 365 photo for Friday. What a crazy day it was – I don’t think I’ve ever run so many errands … *exhale*. My creative inspiration is slowly returning, along with the Springtime sunshine (woot!). A week-long trip to Florida (March 11th-17th) is going to be a great reprieve.

The stark reality that my husband will be leaving for Marine boot camp in less than 3 months (June 1st) becomes more real each day. So many little details still to wrap up before thing, including whether or not we’ll be extending our apartment lease. The only method for sanity: taking it one day at a time & embracing each moment with warmth.

Taken @ 9:44 am EST on Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Me and my favorite fuzzy man have been spending lots of time together. He’s been quite cuddly & I gladly welcome his company. The massive amounts of sunshine we’ve had the past 2 days have been a blessing as well. Though Monster doesn’t fancy being outside, he loves to look outside. Warmer temps mean I can leave the back door open and he spends hours just starting out of it, waiting for birds to fly by.

[Images taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 10:52 am EST

Mmmmmm, garlic. I never used to like garlic, and too much of it can make me queasy. In moderation, it tastes great is great for your health. My husband and I tried a restaurant on Tuesday that features garlic in every dish – I liked it even more than I expected!

How do you like your garlic: raw, mashed, roasted … ?

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken @ 10:42 am EST

It’s the little things that matter, no? Big house, fast car, closet full of clothes? Don’t give a crap about that stuff. I’ll take my favorite jeans, cuddly cat, and a juicy apple instead.

One day, my hubby (then-boyfriend) came home with this adorable bear – just ’cause. Could I live without my black bear? Of course, but it’s emotional value makes it far more important than the latest electronic toys or DVD releases.

In our modern culture, it’s so very easy to get caught up in the spend-spend-spend mindset. Few are immune to it, myself included. Even when I know I need to buy something (don’t have it but actually need it to stay healthy or progress in life), I’m happy to do the research & find the best deal. Developing and maintaining that kind of patience is just as hard as it sounds … but if it’s tough, then it’s worth doing.

Note: cheap does not = best; quality over quantity!

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

Taken 11:11 am EST

Though out of sight now, the sun made a brief & shining return this morning.

I’m able to walk outside without my winter coat on.

Spring is so close I can smell it!

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]