12.12.12; The Final Take 12 Photos

This one was intimidating; It's Chanukah; the last Take 12 of the year; And the famous 12/12/12. It just felt like these photos had to really count. At some points during the day, it didn't feel like anything that spectacular was happening, though. So I just did what I always do-I took lots of pictures, some planned, but mostly not, and I hope that a story or pattern would emerge.

There were the usual everyday photos and stories.

Like Sam in his waking up stage. His clothes are on top of him, a sensory cue from his dear mother, to let him know it was really time to start getting dressed.

Like the calendar hanging on our refrigerator filled with illustrations, silly comments, and a countdown to Chanukah. The 27th is my birthday, so Max drew a little picture of me, with the description, "this is how you usually look." He's joking! Of course, he's joking!

Like my funny, little (5'10") jokester and his new best friend.

Max also provided me with this screenshot to properly commemorate all the 12's of the day. His 12:12 screen shot came out way better than mine, due the uber coolness of his home screen photo (that was taken this summer  while walking on the Williamsburg bridge.) I also like this photo in this particular collection, since the rest of the photos will be Jewlicious, what with it being Chanukah, and all.

See? Candle lighting:

Jelly doughnut eating:

 And multiple viewing of Adam Sandler singing the Chanukah Song. why two photos of that? Well, first we watched this version of a concert where the entire audience sang along to all the words. Then we watched this version when it was just another SNL bit. ( I am really not sure if this is the original airing.) I love that a guy made up a funny song that had the power to become part of a shared American Jewish experience. It's moving and meaningful to pass on traditions that go back a millennium or two, but it feels equally significant that the traditions continue to thrive, to weave themselves into a larger culture, and to pick up some new flavors on their journey through the generations.

And, with that, I sadly bid adieu to you, Take 12, 2012.
Actually, I still have a layout to make. And you can still link your photos here for a chance to win a prize from Compendium,purveyor of inspiring words, books, journals and more.