Like my parents always used to say, it seems like each year passes quicker than the last. In saying that, perhaps that means I’m finally an adult, with the true mark of adulthood coming when each passing year seems shorter and shorter.

Now with all the adult authority I can muster, I declare that 2017 truly passed in the blink of an eye, leaving us on the verge of 2018 before I could even get used to writing “2017” in my journal each day. And although these past twelve months have felt more like two, it is with some level of pride that I look back at what I was able to accomplish. So for my very last blog post of 2017, I wanted to share with you the accomplishments I’m most proud of this year:

 

1. I was published! My images made an appearance in several blogs and a magazine this year!

2. I created over 141 new pieces this year! That’s almost three images per week!

(And in case you were curious, I’ve share my favorite pieces from the year throughout this post.)

 

3) Over 500 new followers have joined the story on instagram, facebook, and my mailing list!

4) I finally tried collaborating with other designers, photographers, and models and it wasn’t half as scary as I thought it would be. In fact, it was actually inspiring AND very motivating!

 

 

5) For someone who claimed she would never write another paper again after graduating from university… I guess I spoke too soon, because this year I published over 40 blog posts!

6) I learned A TON about sewing this year and have ventured into the exciting world of creating my own patterns. Being the control freak that I am, I love having ownership of my entire creation, from conceptualization all the way through to the completed garment.

 

 

7) This might seem silly, but I’m really pleased with the fact that I finally, FINALLY created a calendar for the new year! In the past, I’ve either not had twelve pictures I liked enough to put in a calendar, or December came before I even realized it was time to start selling calendars. Not this year, though!

(Pssst…. you can buy your own copy right HERE).

 

 

8) I finally started Passages! I first had the idea for this series back in the summer of 2014, so to see it finally coming to life has been the most exciting accomplishment this year.

9) My little Freya joined me out in Boston this year, and she even still seems to love me (that, or I’m just a really comfortable puppy pillow at night…)

 

 

 

10) And last, but definitely not least, I would be remiss if I did not bring up the incredible opportunity I have had to work on the artwork for the official Green Rider Book Soundtrack. While starting Passages has been the most personally fulfilling accomplishment, this definitely ranks as the funnest accomplishment of the year. And Kristina and I aren’t even finished!

 

Looking back at all of this, the growth, the achievements, and the lessons learned, I’m saying goodbye to 2017 with joy at how this year went, and looking forward to 2018 with eagerness. I hope 2018 will be another year of growth, happiness, and success for all of us!