Is it just me, or does it seem like each year when the calendar flips … the first month flies by and we are like hey-o… what the hell? We’re already one month down in the new year?
I’m not alone in this? Good.
Alas, there’s not much we can do about it, outside of just going with the flow. January has been quite the month on my end. After a pretty easy winter through the first part, we got a taste of in January. In fact, I shoveled/removed snow on at least 10 days, a few of the days being multiple times.

However, snow brings a whole different meaning for me in current days.
Because Harper loves the snow.
I’ve always enjoyed the snow and winter — to a point. I’m a strong believer in it being one of two ways — either be bone-chilling cold, or be decent and snow. It’s easy enough that way. But when you mix the two of them, it gets extremely hard to deal with.
Harper, though, loves the winter. She loves playing in the snow, or just laying in it and chewing on a ball. She loves hanging with her friends going out on walks and such. I do think the cold really zaps her and makes her super tired, much like humans.
One thing I also tried to do this month was use a real camera more, which, is honestly the best. I still love the feel and sound of a full camera. The iPhone is great, don’t get me wrong, but goodness using a true camera can be nice when the opportunity is right.
So the best to me this month is kind of looking at everything as a whole. Life is good, as it’s said, so we need to embrace moments and enjoy things as they go. And if we do, it truly will be the best.
So what is the best for all of you? I look forward to seeing what you did with the theme!
Here are my five for the month of January!
1. Me and Harper
Before Harper, I never was much into selfies. A few things have made me realize they aren’t so bad, if you do them right. This is one we got recently … and I enhanced things with the post-processing. I really love how this one came out. And I’m digging these caps I’ve gotten into! Harper is definitely my best friend.

2. Friends
With the snow we got this month, Harper has had some fun play days with the neighbor dogs. And I’ve been lucky enough to be out capturing photos. I really love how this one came out! Besides being my best friend, Harper has some other besties — which is a great thing.

3. Breakfast
You need to take advantage of life’s little pleasures, too. This was a recent Sunday where I took my mother out to brunch. We’re going to try and do this a little more often and explore some of the local places for their breakfasts. Maybe this will become a best tradition.

4. Concert
Cameron had his first true concert this month. I’m happy that my world and the things I am involved in always allow me to go to most of his events. It’s the best feeling when he sees you there.

5. Selfie attempt?
OK, it’s not easy taking a selfie in a “traditional sense” with a true camera. Instead, I used my fisheye lens to try and get this image with Harper! It’s always best to try new things.

BONUS!
This one was too funny not to share. How do you think Harper is feeling? Is this the best look or what? Hahaha

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.
And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).
Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.
** CHALLENGE CHANGE **
From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.
That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.
So, below is the linkup for January. Make sure you drop your link there.
OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! And just like that, it’s February! And our theme for the month? Exploration! I hope you all have fun with this theme! Remember to come back on (hopefully) March 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!
Photo Blogging Challenge: January 2024 results
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!
January has been long and hard. So much work at the office, Blogging every day. Lots of hockey – which is good.
I swear I can tell Harper makes you so happy! Yes, you need to shovel a lot of snow, but you know Harper and her friends will have a blast, so you don’t mind.
I fell like I’ve seen you Mom in that green sweater before, is it her favorite?
Tamara recently posted..The Best!
I love your plan of brunch/breakfast with your mom. I need to spend more time with mine while I can. I think Charlie and Harper would make great friends. They have the same sweet face!
So fun! You are really getting the hang of selfies…I’m inspired. Trying new ways of getting them – whether with a new lens or a little tripod/remote shutter release – can make it feel less awkward, IMO. Harper is just a ball of energy and fun, isn’t she. And given where you live, it’s good she likes the snow so much. Thanks for prompting us to stay alert for the best things in January. Looking forward to seeing all kinds of fun exploration in February.