Dear 2014,
What can I say about you 2014? You were an absolutely amazing year. You brought me my son, and we couldn't be happier. You didn't stop there though, you made my business grow, new friends, you gave me confidence in my work and in myself, strength that I had no idea I had and lessons about myself I can really value. I can say that you are one of my best years yet (except when I was 5 years old, 5 years old was the best).
2015 is going to be a whole new adventure and I can tell you that I really couldn't face 2015 without your help and building me up to it. I am having booked months in 2015 and I will have a toddler in 2015. These two things put me in awe. I can't believe I will be the mother to a toddler (sometimes I can't believe I am actually a mother, but that is a whole different blog post, hehe) and I can hardly believe how quickly this little business is growing. I have so many people to thank that have helped me along the way.
First, I must thank my husband. The man who bought the camera for me and said "go for it". Without his strength, calmness and stability I don't know how I could have kept my sanity over the past few months (few years). You have been my rock. I don't think you understand how much you have taught me about myself and continue to do on a daily basis. You have brought out the best in me. You always encourage me, push me to be my best and prop me up when I am feeling down. You are my cheerleader and I hope I can always be yours. You are not only my love, but my partner and friend. Thank you for all the laughter and smiles this year.
To my son, Peter. You are only 6 months old but in those 6 months you have taught me so much about love and about what it truly means to be happy. Thank you.
My parents. my mother and father. They are always in my corner, and never letting me fall. Encouraging me every step of the way. Helping me realize my full potential and always reminding me that the "world is my oyster" (copyright Carolyn Egeli).
I have to thank my mom for being the dreamer and giver she has always been. For being an inspiration as a successful female artist. The one woman support for her kids and always a source of constant advice (whether we want it or not). She loves her children to the ends of the earth, and now that I am a mother, I GET IT. Thank you for everything. I hope you always know how much you are appreciated by your children.
To my father, thank you for always being my friend and emotional support. For giving me my first camera (and that awesome cd player in my first car, and that first car) having those afternoon lunches with me, listening to me vent/complain/ramble/dream about what I want to do, what is bothering me and calmly offering me sound advice and support (and the occasional homemade cheesecake when things get really desperate).
To my brother and sister. You guys suck. Just kidding. I love you lots. You are awesome. Seriously, I have the most kick ass siblings in the world. You are both so incredibly talented and have so many gifts they are just oozing out of your pores (I am honestly very jelly) I have always looked up to you both, and I still do now. You are my best friends.
My friends, you know who you are! Thank you for being my advertising, my cheerleaders, my shoulders to cry on, my sounding boards and everything in between. How did I get so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life?
Can I dedicate a little part of this to my dog, 2014? Lola the Cocker Spaniel- you patient, stinky little dog. I love you. Even though there is a new baby in the house, I have not forgotten you. You have been my best friend for so long and you sat in bed with me everyday of that miserable pregnancy and watched Netflix with me until you passed out (which was really in 5 minutes of turning on Netflix but thats okay). Too bad you can't read this. If you did you might give me a hug. Might.
So in conclusion 2014. You were amazing, thanks for everything.
Best,
Laura