A rose in front of a Christmas tree - taken back in 2017

A Difficult Year

This year hasn't turned out the way I thought it would. I'm guessing you feel that way too. I've gotten good at letting go of expectations, though!

I haven't had a single event photoshoot since just before Covid.

I've been relying much more on writing as a means of income as I pivot toward doing almost exclusively home and office decor with photography. It's what I really want to do. 

Before, I was spreading myself too thin over too many areas, but now I'm all in and that's a good thing. 

Covid, lockdowns, and quarantining has had a few things to teach me which isn't a bad thing, but it's been tough. 

On the personal side - no festivals, no concerts, no evenings wandering around meeting up with friends, and so much less socializing. 

Christmas is postponed until my middle child gets over her bout with Covid. Hopefully, since we're all quarantining, no one else will come down with it. 

Strange and Surreal Times

I'm an extroverted introvert, and I don't mind spending time alone, but even I'm missing all the "normal" events of life. 

I miss seeing my cousin who lives up in West Virginia.

She was going to bring her kids down for a visit, but they were exposed to COVID so they canceled their trip earlier this year. I would have been up to see them at least once this year but I didn't (and still don't) want to risk catching something in the airport or on a plane and bringing it to them. 

I have my "pod" of people and thank God for that but it's just so strange not getting out and socializing with the wider community and meeting new people. 

I miss the monthly neighborhood meeting that now takes place on Zoom. I'm grateful for Zoom, it's helped but it can't compare with seeing and talking to my neighbors in person. 

Ah well...as my mom always reminds me, "this too shall pass." 

So far, even in the darkest times of my life, I've found that to be true - thank God! 

It's been a long year. 

How Are You?

Are you hanging in there?

Have you lost a job, had to pivot your business, learn new things? I truly hope you haven't lost a loved one - due to Covid or for any other reason. 

I hope you're doing okay, no matter what you're facing. 

For now - these moments over the next few days, I hope you can relax and enjoy Christmas or any holiday you celebrate this month. 

Peace and blessings!

And see you between the raindrops!

xoxo,
Susan