It’s funny how time passes. A day turns into a week. A week into a month. A month into a year. Next thing you know, you have put on 15 pounds and are a bit older but, fortunately, a bit wiser. It’s almost magical see the year unfold after rummaging through digital archives of the best work shot over the course of 12 months. You recognize your strengths, weaknesses, success and failures.

As I reflect on 2008, I think the biggest lesson I learned about myself through my photography was that, really, anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have faith. Yes, cliche, but truth nonetheless. Faith seems to come at a time when we care about the things most important in life, a time we can’t control, and is the most meaningful. It’s a time usually dealt with people. A time we need or want things to go our way. As I had the privlidge to live another year behind the lens, with belief in myself and faith increasing in something beyond my power, this is what I was able to witness. Enjoy!

01.) Aftermath

Nashua firefighters walk to the backyard of the remains of the mobile home at 44 Fotene St. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in Nashua. A fire started around 10:00 p.m. at Pitarys Homes Inc., a mobile home park near West Hollis Street. Phil Johnson, 61, and his border collie died in the fire, according to Jim Pitarys, owner of Pitarys Homes. Johnson had owned the home for about 20 years and lived alone.

02.) Three Cars Stalking

Three cars are seen in a rear view mirror traveling on I-93 northbound Feb. 27 toward Plymouth, N.H. Snowfall has made drivers cautious during the second largest snowfall accumulations in state history.

03.) Ablaze

A Chelmsford firefighter douses the blaze of a transport trailor at the rest stop on I-495 southbound near exit 33 Wednesday, March 26 in Chelmsford, Mass. According to the unidentified driver working for Kinney Towing & Transportation based in Amherst N.H., a tire blew out and caught fire to the trailer. Several cars being transported were damaged during the 30 minute blaze that occurred at around 5:30 a.m. “(It’s) not a good day, Not a good way to start off your day,” the driver said to officers.

04.) It’s Alright

From left, Steve Dahl, comforts his daughters, Emily, 1, and Angelica, 3, and Bethany, 11, Thursday, Oct. 23 at their home in Nashua. Last Sunday, the family experienced the next door neighbor’s apartment burning, causing heat damage to their home. The two youngest girls have been emotionally traumatized from the flames and from the firefighters breaking down their door, Steve said. Black plastic bags, above right, have been used to seal up their windows so they don’t have to see the charred remains. “All day I hear, ‘People are coming, people are coming in,’ or ‘Save me, protect me daddy,’” Steve said. “They are so traumatized they now run in circles when someone comes to the door, not knowing where to be safe.”

05.) A New Woman

Cynthia Tebbetts of Goffstown is helped into the recovery room by Rita de Senneville after her three-hour male to female gender reassignment surgery at the Centre Metropolitain de Chirurgie in Montreal. The event marked her first full step into womanhood.

06.) Remembering Mumbai

From left, Shilpa Joshi of Merrimack, Keevna Joshi, 8, Chakshu Joshi, Hrishi Joshi, 4, and Paresh Joshi, all of Nashua, look on as speakers deliver messages about the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai, India Saturday at City Hall in Nashua. Dozens gathered, at the India Association of New Hampshire event, to support, via candlelight vigil, those affected by the terrorist bombings that claimed the lives of 171 people. “We’re definately not happy about what happened,” Chakshu said. “They showed their message by showing us terrorism, we show it by being united through love.”

07.) In Unison

Cast members of School House Rock Jr. rehearse Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley in Milford. Around the Bend has returned to stage for its second summer show with this a musical based on the Emmy Award-winning 70’s Saturday cartoon, Schoolhouse Rock. The show contains “poppy” songs and dances while teaching a range of math to grammar. The plot line is based on a teacher named Tom and preparing for new employment. Schoolhouse Rock will be performed at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts, 56 Mont Vernon Street, Milford, NH 03055. Performances are Wednesday, August 20th, at 7:30p.m., and Thursday, August 21st, at 2p.m. All tickets are $5. Special group rates are available.

08.) April Foolin’?

Mike Adasczik holds up two pieces of a oak tree Tuesday, April 1 at his home on Newman Drive in Nashua. Mile works for Daley Outdoor Service in the city and was cutting down an oak tree with his crew when he discovered what looked like a frowning face.”I’ve never seen anything like this,” Adasczik said. “In all my 10 or more years of landscaping.”

09.) Mr. Mom

Since 2007 John Iaquinta, of Nashua N.H., has been a stay at home dad while his wife Maura works in the medical recruiting industry. Her success there vs. his long hours as an accountant caused them to think it be more economical and less stressful if he be the homebody. John is one in 159,000 at home males, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While roles are reversed from traditional social norms, the love that permeates in their home resonates the same as any other New England family. While it’s uncertain how long they plan to live this way, one thing is for certain, it works for them.

10.) The Long Winding Road

Telegraph staff writer Joe Cote walks down N.H. Route 111 on way to The Hatch convenient store in Hollis. A robbery broke out at 8:30 p.m. with no known suspects.

11.) Just be Claus

Ron Belhumer of Nashua prepares to leave the lot of Colt Refining trucking company in Merrimack Dec. 12. Belhumer, known as “Santa” by most, has been donning the crimson outfit, seaonally, on a professional basis, for the past 12 years. “I don’t think anyone really knows my name,” Belhumeur said. “They all refer to me as Santa.”

12.) Volleyball Jube

Nashua North’s Dominika Legatova lets out a hearty yell with her teammates after winning a point over Bishop Guertin Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Bishop Guertin High School. The Titans edged the Cardinals 3-2.

13.) Blinded

Coe-Brown fans cover their eyes as they watch the Bears take on the Milford Spartans during the semifinal of the Class L girls softball tournament. The Bears ran past the Spartans 7-1.

14.) The Life Acquatic

JP Gorham of Hollis/Brookline High School is this year’s 2008 boys student-athlete of the year. Gorham was a stand out in swimming this year capturing a state title in the 100 and 200 meter breaststroke as well as placing at New Englands. Not only talented in the water, Gorham excels in the classroom, posting a 4.3 grad point average and will attend Dartmouth College this fall and swim on the men’s team. Gorham also played soccer, helping to lead the team to a Class I final four finish. He also ran for track and field. “I am honored,” Gorham said. “Because even just in my school  there are a lot of good student-athletes as well the (Nashua) area.”

15.) Land. Mine.

Milford’s Melanie Forte lands 15 feet 8 1/4 inches on the long jump Tuesday, April 22 at Souhegan High School. Forte had the longest jump of the day for the girls. Souhegan, Hollis/Brookline, Milford and Kearsarge competed during the quad-meet action.

16.) Inbounds

Bishop Guertin’s Natalia Silva, bottom, looks to throw an inbound pass to an open teammate as they face off against Alvirne Friday, Jan. 25 on the road. The Broncos knocked off the Cardinals 57-52.

17.) Faceoff

Merrimack’s 130-pound Sean Mooney, left, faces off against Bishop Guertin’s Dan Barowsky during a regular season dual meet Wednesday, Jan. 9 at Merrimack High School. Mooney won by technical fall and the Tomohawks ran over the Cardinals with a team score of 54-9.

18.) Battle Cry

Nashua South’s David Zocco hauls into the endzone for the first touchdown by the Panthers against Pinkerton Saturday, Nov. 22 at Pinkerton Academy. The Panthers edged the Astros 33-32 in overtime for the Division I title.

(Left) Kailey Blain is this year’s girls soccer player of the year. The junior forward from Merrimack lead her team to a Class L state championship runner-up finish behind Manchester Central. “Anything can happen in a soccer game,” Blain said. “You don’t always have to be the best team to win, always. It is very hard working. You have to be an athlete to play.” (Right) Sean Joseph is this year’s boys soccer player of the year. The senior center midfielder from Merrimack lead his team to a Class L state title lass year and a semifinal finish this year. He has been playing soccer since age six and is looking at UNH, UConn and Roger Williams University to study business or finance. If he chooses Roger Williams University, he will play NCAA Division III soccer. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is team work,” Joseph said. “Because you can’t achieve the championship unless everyone pulls together.”

20.) Childhood Stolen

Tyler Fazone, 7, and his father Joe had their motocross dirt bikes
stolen from their garage sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday
Morning this week. Apparently criminals took off with a Honda CRF 450R
and a Suzuki JR50. The total loss is valued at around $5,000. The two
have offered a $1,000 reward for their return. “I was devastated
absolutely devastated,” Joe said. “Take mine and you shock me, take
his and it was rage. I don’t know why you’d take a kids’ bike.”