So obviously I couldn't stay away for my whole "vacation" :-P
But, I'm just starting to play with a new technique and it is too fun not to share! Just tonight I started experimenting with ways to make a photogram (see description
here) using digital means. Tonight's experiments involved a extremely bright metal halide lamp, an old scanner, and some flower petals. I am intrigued by the results and will post more details on the technique once I get it honed down. I'm going to try a few other methods, so we'll see what comes of it all.

Hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year!