And no, I wouldn’t use “freaking” to describe what this year has been. Just trying to keep it PG, because I definitely have some strong words for 2020. But seriously, who the hell saw this coming? Personally, things have been just downhill for me since the last day of last year. It’s been a shit storm, to be truly honest. Probably the worst year I’ve ever had, ever. I’ve had my bout with depression before but I definitely hit a new low this time around and haven’t really been able to come back around. I’ve prided myself on just bouncing back from things but this year has just felt like nonstop punches while I’ve been down. So there hasn’t really been a chance to get back up. 

So, I need to change things up. And it’s going to start with this blog. I am not going to play it safe anymore. This is still a photography based website and blog, I am looking forward to sharing work without really over thinking and over analyzing it (I’m a virgo; we’re really good at overanalyzing the smallest of things). I want to share work that speaks to me, and would love to start a conversation with people it speaks to (or not) as well. I would really like this space to be absolutely judgement free, so that’s a promise I will make. I am also looking forward to creating an honest space. I am, like most humans (something I tend to forget ALL the time!), full of flaws and incredibly insecurities about said flaws and would really like to explore them as well. If you would like to share anything, go on ahead. I would really love to hear from you! 

It’s understandable if you’re going through a hard time and afraid of the uncertainties that await us all in the coming months/years. Staying indoors and socially distancing ourselves isn’t for all of us and the best of us need help too. I hope that you are finding things that are keeping you mentally and physically moving. If not, I would like to share some things that I have found to be honest and genuine in this ungrateful time. Hope they bring some joy to you as well. 

1. Austin Kleon’s Blog: I find his writing calming. I think he’s funny, honest, genuine, and optimistic. He shares his struggle as an artist, which helps me feel less alone, and as a parent. I really enjoy keeping up with Kleon. 

   From his book Keep Going :

“The world may end. You’re right. But that’s not a reason to be scared. None of us know what will happen. Don’t spend time worrying about it. Make the most beautiful thing you can. Try to do that every day. That’s it. You know? What are you working for, posterity? We don’t know if there is any posterity.”

2.  Jamie Beck’s #IsolationCreation (or any other piece of art this woman produces, seriously): I’ve been following Jamie since the good ol’ days of tumblr and the way she creates art is the way I aspire to create art. She’s taken the power back from dumbass Corona, and creates a OH MY, SO BEAUTIFUL photographs that she is selling as posters of which some of the proceeds go to a relief fund for artists. As a bonus, she posts stories about her process of creating everyday’s creation, shares other creators’ artwork and BEAUTIFUL moments from her life in Provence. 

3. I know you might know about The Office (US Version), but have you explored The Office Bloopers? I challenge you to not laugh. Also, if you haven’t given The Office a chance, I highly suggest it. Maybe I’ll do another post about all things I’ve enjoyed watching during this time. 

4. Adam J. Kurtz : He’s a graphic designer creating work that promotes mental health and challenges the current standards of our industries. I feel happy and hopeful reading his words.

5. My favorite spotify playlist right now is Feel Good Summer not only because it has some of my favorite songs or that I’m dreaming of a summer (I’m a monsoon girl), but it makes me want to just to close my eyes and dance. Slow and fast, while distancing myself, of course. 

Oh, and you guys, don’t listen to Adele’s first two albums. She can bring to your knees. 

If you’ve actually made it this far, I will back you a cupcake once this lockdown is over.

If there’s anything you’d like to add to the list or just need someone to listen to, I’m just a DM away! 

Choose to be happy.*

*(More of a reminder to myself than anyone else. We are all in the same boat, y’all.).