I am sure as the years go by, Christmas arrives and is gone in even more of flash than it used to, but perhaps I give my age away saying this.

Anyway, by the time that was done and dusted, and a short break in the Lake District for New Year was upon me, I was almost too tired  - and cold -  to do anything except curl up by a fire, empty my brain and sleep.  But a few bracing walks had to be factored in and worth it they were, even taking gloves off to work my camera.

Here are a few I captured in those first few days when a white mist enveloped the landscape and everything was pared down almost to monochrome: haunting and, as ever, beautiful:

It’s been another busy but happy year for Anna McCarthy Photography with many wonderful shoots and fantastic people I’ve met along the way. 2011 looks set to be even busier and so before I sign off for an idle week with the hardy folk of Cumbria (minus 18 degrees at night I’m told), I want to wish everyone who follows my blog and all my clients - old, new and who I have yet to photograph - a very happy new year.

And because it’s Christmas and I’m feeling a touch sentimental, I’ll post here just a few personal highlights from the downtime I had this year that made me happy. Nothing photographically spectacular but a reminder to myself and all of you out there to keep snapping away at the things that matter to you and at things that catch your eye:

First up, back in March, the birth of Theo whose arrival I was privileged and honoured to be present at (I was even the first to hold him!). Congratulations again Suzan - it was an amazing moment and one I was so happy to share with you. Thank you for choosing me.  Happy First Christmas Theo!:

In the spring I spent a week in Ravello in Italy and visited a perfect garden in the most perfect setting. Some time to stop and stare:

and just generally laze around watching Italians go about their business:

In July I helped one of my students from Lapwing - Matt - to photograph his mum Gillian’s wedding - great fun and well done Matt, you did your mum proud!:

Later on in the summer I had some proper time off with my daughter:

before she started school:

and I celebrated my sister Siu’s surprise 50th birthday with my family:

In September I visited my uncle Fred in Bristol with my dad who is not at all well but remains in great humour:

I could go on… there were numerous other little moments and things that caught my eye and took up yet more space on my hard drives this year but enough for now…

except for this last picture that I shot on Christmas eve of my sleeping child dreaming of who I wonder?

Wishing you peace and happiness.  I will be back in the office on January 4th.