Tuesday, December 6, 2011

100 Christmas Cards

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This past week, like last year, I thought a lot about Christmas cards.

I received my first one in the mail just a few days ago...

It reminded me of the time two and three years ago I created two totally different cards: this one, and this one. The first sent my mom into hysterics; I think she probably dropped a few choice words as well upon seeing it...well, according to my aunt.

You see, in it I had a wife, son, and dog she'd never heard of before...

That was probably my best card ever, and I've spent a lot of time in thinking of ways to top it.

Well, I thought of something brilliant; however, this idea would take a lot of work, time, and effort. And to be honest, I am feeling somewhat lethargic about the whole idea.

Yeah, that's just a fancy word for lazy.

Then, while showering, I was struck with a brilliant idea about the ULTIMATE Christmas card…

You see, for the students in my class each year, instead of giving them something they'll simply throw away in a few weeks - knickknack paddy crap - I let them pick a free 5x7 photo from my photography site. And this little gift, my friends, is what spurred the brilliance which cascaded all around me like the hot water from the showerhead…instead of making Christmas cards, I decided to give away 100 Christmas photos.

Yep, you heard right.

I'm going to give away 100 5x7 photos from my website or blog (there are a lot of photos on my blog that I haven't uploaded to my photography site because - like I said - I'm apathetic…my friend, Tib, said I really should update my site and I do plan to...someday). Right now I don't have all of my images linked, but many of them can be found HERE. I won't lie though…there are hundreds of shots here on my blog that I don't have on my photography website (see previous comment on laziness).

But Teachinfourth, how do I get a ticket on the gravy train of love and get my hands on one of these 100 shots you’re offering up and sending out 2 1/2 - 3 weeks from today?

Well, it’s easy as getting run over by a reindeer – actually easier. There’s only three things to do...

Step 1: Be one of the first 100 people to leave a comment letting me know what photo you would like for your ‘card’. If the photo is from my blog and doesn’t have a name, simply copy the URL and post it in your comment so I can easily find it. You could also describe it...

Step 2: Run a post on YOUR blog about Adventures & Misadventures of Daily Living, or my photography site, Along the Backroads. Your post doesn't have to be about this Christmas offer, but can instead be about Moments with Joey, Weekly Kodachrome, or any post you particularly like, or a link and shout-out about the photography site or blog in general.

Also, I'd love it if you'd mention the post you liked, the photography site, or this blog on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media you currently use.

Yeah, I'm needy like that.

Step 3: Shoot an email to teachinfourth@yahoo.com (or simply click on the Z-Mail link below) and let me know your mailing address (reminding me again of the shot you selected, and including the link to the post you've written from step #2).

That's it.

I'll get your photograph printed and mailed out to you sometime a few weeks after the final day of this offer. Don’t worry, I won’t send you pipe bombs, junk mail, or anything of the like…

________________________

Okay, now comes all the rules and general things you probably should know, but it really isn't necessary to read...unless you really want to:


  1. Alphabetography images - as well as shots of people - are not eligible for this free gift. Well, if it's a shot of yours truly - and I look amazing in the photo - I'd probably let you pick it. Also, I have taken most of the photos on this site, however, there are a few I used from other places but these are nearly all marked with a disclaimer that they're from somebody else - and I don't think you'll be picking any of these though…I mean really, shots like THIS?
  2. These photos will not be matted, but instead will sent to you in a plain, boring envelope.
  3. Because of the 5x7 size, shots that are panoramic will have to be - sadly - cropped. Just know that the image might look slightly different than what you see on the site.
  4. Only one Christmas 'card' per blogger. Comments may not be submitted as 'Anonymous' for this, either…sorry, I'm going to have to be a stickler on this.
  5. A few of the images from my blog might not be available; you see, I had a hard drive crash a while ago and several images were lost...however, most of what I have linked should be available. Just have a second choice in mind should I no longer have the image you really want.
  6. This special ends Wednesday the 14th at midnight, or when the last 'card' is claimed - whichever comes first. You will probably get your 'card' a few days after Christmas…considering the busyness of the season.


Did I forget anything else?

Oh yes, I'd love to have you send me your Christmas card from this year, too - that is, only if you are willing. I'll provide my address to you when I respond to the email you send to me with your information -  but only if you want to, this is not a requirement. After all, I would love to have a mailbox full of Christmas cheer rather than electric bills and Publisher’s Clearing House winner notifications (I'll send you my mailing address once you've sent me that email. Is that a deal? Remember though, this is only if you tell me you'd like to send me one; there's no pressure).

I think that there was one more thing...

Oh yeah, Merry Christmas.

________________________

Oh, and just in case you wanted to like it here or there...like I said before, I'm pretty needy.

       

16 comments:

Gerb said...

Honestly, T5- NOTHING can top that first card. EVER. That, my friend, was pure genius. It makes me want to add that we're having triplets and moving to China in my family letter this year. You know, just to spice things up a bit. ;)

Mindy said...

ahhh..... temptation - get thee hence! The sacrifices I make for good art.... lol...

I have to agree with Gerb - while both cards were great, the first one - to quote a brilliant author - was AWESOME dipped in awesome sauce and sprinkled with awesome... don't know how you'll ever top it...

Consider it posted, linked, and spread through the vastness of cyber space. :-)

Mr. Hughes said...

Greetings dear friend!
I loved both your cards. I think your fake family was pretty awesome.

I think, after pondering over all your amazing photos, that I want the one of the barn that is hanging in your front room. Almost home, or something like that. :)

Thanks my friend, you are awesomeness in the making!

Mindy said...

Drat - forgot my choice.... (again - how can one choose from so many great shots??)
But, I think I'd like this:
(Last truly amazing tree in Central Park)

http://teachinfourth.blogspot.com/search/label/Koda?updated-max=2011-02-22T21:41:00-07:00&max-results=20

if possible. (It reminds me of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe for some reason... lol)

If that is not a possibility, then perhaps this:
(rainbow over mountains)

http://teachinfourth.blogspot.com/2010/07/voyage-home-part-2.html

(I'm a sucker for rainbows... lol)

mamahasspoken said...

I have last year's photo framed and on the dry bar (I know seems like I could have found a better place, however BECAUSE it is there, and that's the most frequent place in my house, I get MANY questions and complements about it). Guess I want any photo that would go with it. I'll post a blog post about it by this week-end....

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Dude!, omg, I tried going thru your posts... and have opted to go thru your photo site... one of the many I love and had a hard time choosing is:
Nobody Home
Freeman, Wa. 1993.
You make it hard for me because I love all of what you do... anyway, I will post about you on my page and send an email to ya.

Shawna said...

I should probably be exempted from this (aren't give-aways closed to anyone related closer than third cousins twice removed and now living halfway across the world in a communist enclave?) I blogged about the giveaway at http://shoezimm.blogspot.com/2011/12/fun-foto-freebee.html and I will cheat a little and humbly request an as-yet-unpublished photo... I really love that shot of the reflected skyscraper in NYC

MindyElias said...

Soooo I had just started following your blog when you posted that card with the random people. And I swear, I must have reread pages of your blog for a few hours thinking HOW DID I MISS THAT THIS GUY HAS A WIFE AND A KID AND A DOG!?!?! It was pretty genius!

My fav pic is "Central Park".....I'm mesmerized by NYC and all it's splendor. :)

Karen M. Peterson said...

There are way too many to choose from. This will take some thought.

Kathy said...

What a fun idea! You have so many great photographs to choose from... but one of my favorites is the picture of the Statue of Liberty (third photo in this post: http://teachinfourth.blogspot.com/2009/08/visit-to-islands.html). Thanks for sharing.

sweethappylife said...

This will be my second attempt at posting - hopefully it works!

This is a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and amazing art with us. You really do have an eye for the beauty and wonder this world has to offer us. I love how you compose your images and I enjoy reading "Moments with Joey". I am a teacher of 7th and 8th grade students, so I can relate. They are a great bunch of kids, most of the time :)

I am interested in your images titled "Autumn's Fireworks" which was posted on October 17, 2011. Here's the URL: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8cg1Il73KY/TpzwIi07T3I/AAAAAAAAG0Q/_s3aRL8eI6Y/s640/IMG_9737WEB.jpg

Thanks again for sharing!

Teachinfourth said...

Thanks those of you so far...I'll get your shots printed up after the last day of the offer.

You guys are awesome.

Amy H said...

What an opportunity! I love all your shots, so it was a really hard choice, but I finally decided on "Sunflower". (http://www.alongthebackroads.com/images/webversions/landscapesmall/nature/Sunflower.jpg)

Richard & Natalie said...

Hooray! I am not too late!

I would love to have the one of the swings in the long overgrown grass that you took on one of your visits back home. Do you know the one? I hope so. Because I can't seem to find it in my searching. I will keep looking.

Merry Christmas back at ya, TF.

tammy said...

I've wanted Doors & Windows since I saw it on my brother's wall. You have so many great choices!

jenn said...

i like nobody's home and kolob aspens 2 and bells. i realize we're supposed to only ask for one, but i like all three equally, and since i'm craving surprises, i'll let you pick the one i get (assuming, of course, you're going to gimme one).

i blogged about it: http://bit.ly/vp7Thw.

and am emailing you now.

(and thanks for all the comment love. good to know some folks are reading picky.)

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