One hundred weeks. Seven hundred days. Nearly two full years. That’s how long I’ve been doing this Photo of the Week project. It started as a creative project inspired by the Photo of the Day project that my mentor at the time, Heather Holt, was taking on. Over time it’s morphed into more of a visual diary, a week-by-week photographic record of how I’m spending my life. My blog is often a month or two behind chronological time, so this series has become a way to check in in real time with you guys, say hi and give you a preview of what’s to come.
When I’m feeling dejected or frustrated, one of my go-to pick me ups is to flip through the Photo of the Week folder on my desktop and remember what a full life I am living; how unbelievably lucky I am.
Obviously, I wanted to do something big for one hundred weeks. I had grand plans — a “Best Of” roundup, an e-book retrospective, something big. But of course, life got in the way and this week happened to correspond with the very week that I packed up my temporary home of Gili Trawangan, finished my Divemaster course (Oh, so did I mention that now I’m a divemaster?), and wrestled with the decision not to say goodbye to a holiday romance gone right (Oh, so did I mention that I’m seeing someone? Astute Instagram followers picked up on it anyway. More later.) So those things kind of stood in the way of creative genius and photographic greatness.
But that’s okay. I’m giving myself a pass. When I look at these photos, I’m going to smile and remember how happy I was on the 100th week of my travels. There’s always week two hundred for something really grand.
Photo A
Sunset spent sipping cocktails and making big plans — to be revealed soon!
Photo B
I’ve been getting more abstract with my underwater photography and really enjoying this new direction.
Photo C
My last dive of my Divemaster course on Gili Trawangan
Photo D
This is me, one hundred weeks after making the best decision of my life.
Dear readers, your comments and thoughts are what has made this series one of my favorite parts of the week. Thank you so much for making my day and participating! So, as usual… which photo is your favorite?
Congrats on the 100 weeks! I must say the turtle, seems like it’s climbing(swimming) the Stairway to heaven. Very nice!
Thanks! It is quite the milestone, and I’m so happy to have all of you to share it with!
After a hundred weeks you look great, Alex… but, I have to go with Photo B-Right 😉
Thanks for the vote and the kind words! Much appreciated! 🙂
Congrats on 100 weeks, and another big congrats on becoming a divemaster! Well done! So you survived the snorkel test then 🙂 And I’m going to vote for photo C!
I more than survived it… I shocked myself by owning it! As one girl came up to me and said after, “It’s always the quiet ones!”
IT IS!! I have seen probably 30-40 snorkel tests here now, and it’s usually the quiet ones or the ones who don’t drink who rock it! I am neither of those things but managed to chug mine the fastest, black out for a bit, do a respectable puke on the beach and then party the rest of the night 🙂
Yeah…. let’s be serious, I’m neither of those things either 🙂 However I was really nervous about it so I think that added to everyone’s surprise! And I also assigned two separate people to be in charge of me after. Good move on asking two, because one of them ended up drunker than I was, ha.
I agree with memographer, my favourite photo is Photo B-Right. I love following your photos of the week, it’s a nice way to round up your travels. Congratulations on your Divemaster and making it to week 100, I look forward to seeing more of your travels and your amazing photos Alex!
Thank you so much Naomi! Here’s to 100 more!
The nominees are….
Photo A – Really great travel photo, makes you want to be there too
Photo B – The photographer as artist
Photo C – A remarkable variety of color in the fish, very pleasing to look at
Photo D – Obviously the subject is a beauty and marks a milestone in your life
…..and the winner is, TADA, PHOTO B, it took more than just aiming the camera at a subject but an artistic vision.
Thanks Dad, love your thoughts as always and can’t wait to see you soon 🙂
You know what… I’m going to go ahead and just pick all of these! Each one awed me, and I am ultra happy for you for reaching a hundred weeks on your great escape and becoming divemaster!! Excited to hear what’s in store =]
Thank you so much Kristen! Your comment means a lot to me… thank you so much for virtually coming along with me 🙂
Wow, 100 weeks! I like photo B.
Seems I have a winner! Thanks Rachel 🙂
Lovely pictures once again, and congratulations on your week nr. 100! I love the last picture of you, the diving one. It is really great.
Thanks Caroline, I appreciate it! Thanks for reading 🙂
Really hard to pick from these .. All so beautiful! If I do have to choose I will pick B since I do love your new abstract photos.
Thanks Sophie! I miss painting and printmaking and doing art with my hands… so the camera has to be the next best thing 🙂
What your Dad said,… 🙂
He is wise, isn’t he Chris?! Thanks for reading, as always 🙂
Well done on reaching 100 weeks. Some really great pictures there.
Also – congrats on your DM. It was one of the best things I ever did also. Are you going to stay on Gili?
Thanks Chris! No sadly I have left Gili! I’m currently in Bali en route back to New York for a nice visit home 🙂
Congrats sissy!!!!
Photo B!
Thanks Livi…. soon I’ll be congratulating you! Can’t wait!
100! Really? Already! That’s so awesome, congrats! Oh and I vote for B though I’d really love to go sit in photo A. 🙂
I know, right? Where does the time go!? I feel like I was just posting Week 50!
D because your mask is too big and you should have sold it to me when you had the chance.
:b
Ha, no, this is actually my new smaller mask! This is the Cressi mini-shadow, which actually does fit my face quite well — it’s just the angle. You wanted the Rona, right? I actually miss that mask… the stupid Cressi won’t stop fogging.
100 hundred fabulous posts of your amazing pictures Alex. Thank you very much and I look forward to the next 100.
Well done on the diving course.
What a sweet comment — thank you so much! The comments on my Photo of the Week posts are what keep me going with this series… and this is no exception!
Though, like always, I like them all, B and D are my favorites this week. Congratulations on all the good things in your life. Best of luck to you!
Thanks Andy! What a lovely comment, much appreciated 🙂
I’m going with A, because I can’t wait to hear all about the plans you were hatching whilst you sat there! Congratulations on this amazing milestone Alex, I have loved following your journey, and watching your photography skills continue to grow. Here’s to the next 100 weeks, and many more after that 🙂
Thank you so much sweet Hannah… you are such a wonderful cheerleader and I love reading about your somewhat parallel journey as well! Sometimes I am can’t believe how much we do in fact have in common 🙂
Love the new abstract underwater photos!
I think it’s wonderful that you met someone and have some big plans coming up. You’re young and having fun is what life should be about right now. If I can give you any advice (from an old gal), try not to let a relationship change your plans too much. Have FUN! but do for you, and only you. This is your adventure.
Looking forward to hearing what’s up next.
Thank you Lola, for the sweet sentiments and the words of wisdom! You gave me the same advice that I’ve been giving myself, but it’s always nice to hear it reinforced 🙂
Happy 100 weeks! That’s a lot of pictures!
I’m completely undecided between B and C; I love them both!
Congrats on completing your Dive Master course! I can’t imagine how excited you must be.
Thanks Jen! Honestly, it was such a huge feeling of accomplishment, I almost compare it to getting my degree! Can’t wait to blog about it.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006641531786&sk=about
Is this your facebook or is someone pretending to be you?
That is not me! Thanks for pointing it out — I’ve reported the account to Facebook! Creepy!
Yes it is strange, I also reported the account.
Thelma, do you mind shooting me a quick email to let me know how you found that account?
Thelma, with all those bubbles in theses crystal clear waters and your achievements as a divemaster, did you try freediving as well?
Well, I’m not Thelma but I think this question was addressed to me 🙂 I have never tried freediving but hope to give it a try someday!
Ooops, sorry for the confusion, maybe it’s because I’m an Alex too 🙂 You have great freediving centers around in Gili or Bali, with amazing instructors that are world class champions, and it is a thrilling experience to discover your own amazing possibilities (we all have the ability to reach 30 meters easily). Water addiction with or without air is complementary, you’ll love it, Alex from faraway Paris
I definitely plan to try it someday! Just waiting for the right time and place 🙂