Better late than never. This has definitely been an extremely trying year. Stress levels high, anxiety through the roof, self doubt abound. I've been sad, I've been sick, I've been exhausted, and lost. HOWEVER, that's not all that 2020 has given me.
I've had plenty to be thankful for as well.This year gave me the opportunity to submit 5 sets as a photographer (2 self shot sets and 3 of others). I'm slowly trying to grow in my ability as a photographer and I'm so grateful for those that have given me a chance to learn more with them. This one completely shocked the hell out of me but my set Jinkies! was SOTD (my second ever!) back in October. Did NOT expect that but gave me a huge boost and made me more enthusiastic about shooting more cosplay for the site.
The final book in a 15 book series (Percy Jackson universe relating to Greek and Roman mythology), Trials of Apollo - The Tower of Nero, came out and even though I'm sad it's ending, this was a great series that I'll enjoy over and over.
I've been able to stick to one of my New Years Resolutions of buying/supporting more small businesses. I think I'll make a full blog of small businesses that I use and recommend once I have the energy to write more.
Finally gave CBD a try and found out what a wonderful thing that can be for both help with pain and anxiety. Cygnet got me hooked on Happy Hemp gummies and I had a company send me some amazing lotion a few months ago as well.
Built an elevated garden bed with a small pergola top and got to nom on a ton of amazing foods. Even though there were struggles with bugs, I learned a lot and have a better hand on what to expect next year. I finally transplanted my Key Lime Tree and Calamondin Orange Tree so I can move them before the cold season hits. It felt good to get my hands in soil again.
I got to celebrate my (fur)baby Duncan's 1st birthday and my (fur)baby Lola's 8th and though there have been a couple of scares this year (including an allergic reaction that had me rushing baby Duncan back to the vet with a high temp, puffy face, and welts after vaccines) both are bright eyed, shiny furred, and full of snuggles.
Now, to share those sets I was talking about:
The gorgeous @bizzy in Like A Virgin shot back in January at the shootfest she hosted before all of this crap started.
My beautiful friend @splooshie in her debut set Amethyst Dreams. This was my first time shooting anyone else for SG so this one is especially near and dear to my heart.
Fiery redhead @ivee absolutely killing it in Stairway to Heaven (holy hell! sitting at 2786🖤). Think we can push this set to 2800 before the end of the year? And maybe even SOTD?!
My 2 self shot sets: A Morning in Maryland with 2100🖤and my entry to the self-shot contest Clarity at 1909🖤 (my favorite self shot set by a long shot!). Clarity, in particular, is something that I'm so so proud of. It was a last minute decision to submit a set to the contest but I'm happy I did. I can't believe how far I've come and I'm so thankful that I didn't let my own mind get the best of me.
If You've a Ready Mind, my Ravenclaw cosplay set (at 1928🖤) shot by @leemalee also came out this year and this is definitely one I would love to see Front Page for Cosplay Friday.
I also had a multi with @kaliva called Sweet Submission shot by @zen and Drip shot @cygnet go live; both shot during Bizzy's January Shootfest.
I have food in my fridge, a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and transportation. I think that's all I can really ask for. Yes, so many bad things have taken place in 2020 both across the globe and on a personal level, but doing the most with what you're given can definitely go a long way.
@missy @rambo @sean @mickey @eirenne @lemon @yessybear @lust @courtneyriot @mille ⬅️ you all work so hard to keep this place going and I'm so thankful to have this community/family to share my ups and downs with.
I'd love to hear some positive things you've had in your life this year. Please, share your good stuff in the comments!
