I’m not going to lie; my favorite thing to say between Christmas Day and New Year’s is “See ya next year!” Some people probably roll their eyes inside their heads and others smile and chuckle. Several times my girls have overheard me say this and they ask, “Are we really not going to see them until next year?”…as if it is going to be a long time. “Technically, next year is also next week, so it’s not as long as you might think.”
Like everyone else, this year, 2020, has made my life and routine a little different. As I went through my pictures from this past year, I can see the good, the happiness, and the memories that make me smile. I do remember the fighting, the melt-downs from 5 mini versions of me, the screaming back, and wondering if I am doing anything right. The good thing about reflection is I can see what went wrong and choose to try to react or change things to prevent those unnecessary struggles. “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” (And I’m also going to add this here…that I am pretty sure the fighting and the struggles would still exist whether the changes in the world happened or not. I feel like there is still a lot of ordinary in amongst all that is different.).
As I scrolled through my computer files, I also saw so many friends and families who trusted me to capture a piece of their year through portraits and documentary images, and I am incredibly thankful. Thankful that I could see their faces and visit with them as I snapped pictures. Thankful that I could still make a few extra dollars to help pay the bills and save to pursue some dreams. Thankful for the creative and social outlet that photography is to me. Thankful to be away from my kids for an hour or so and thankful to be able to relate to other families (Yes, our playroom is just as messy. Yeah, I have a kid that hates to wear shoes too. Yes, my kids do not listen to me either. Yes, you are normal…or at least as normal as me.).
Yes, I had plans for 2020. And yes, those plans have been delayed and/or adjusted because of “2020.” But I am still thankful for where I am and what I have been able to do. (And very thankful I got to visit my sister in FL sans kids right before it all went crazy.). And I pray that as you look back on your year, there are glimpses of love, laughter, happiness, and hope sprinkled throughout.
Have a “Happy New Year!” Or should I say, “See ya next year!”
Enjoy a random handful of a few of my favorite images from 2020…personal pictures and from family and portrait sessions (just putting this out there because, why not…my favorite sessions I shot this year were the Backyard Summer Sessions. I will definitely be planning to do those again in 2021.).
