This is the time of year I generally begin to reflect on the year that is closing. I take along hard look at the good and the bad to see where my improvements for the upcoming year need to be made. This is my time to really dig into myself and take a look at the big picture. It has been a really good year for me. Considering all that occurred last year, this was really my year to shine and I did just that.

I downsized my living space at the beginning of the year. This was a tough but necessary step. And at that point the only way to stay in the area which I had to do since I need the court’s permission to leave with my daughter if her father does not agree. We spent most of the beginning of the year tied up in court with that.

Yet, instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for myself, I decided to move forward with my life as best as I could. I purchased a new laptop (my ex got custody of the computer in the split up…) and soon after officially launched my company Fanci Ink. My blog Fanci Thoughts soon followed. Before long I had set a deadline for myself with a book I have been trying to write for many years now.  

There have been some issues I have needed to square away for a very long time. It took a lot of courage and soul searching to decide the best route to take, but I did it. There comes a point in life when you say, “I’m tired. It’s time to just own up to the past and do what you have to do.” We can’t change the past but we can start today and create a new future.

After my mother (who turned 75 this year) had her fifth surgery in just a few short months, I knew it was time to return to the place I had worked so hard to get away from and was now fighting so hard to return to. So without permission to take my daughter, I left her with her alcoholic father for two weeks. The trip went well, but not as I expected. I was reminded of all the things I love and hate about the south. Seeing everyone again was great but I wish I had time to see more. The trip gave me the insight for my book; and a new outlook on my decision to return permanently.

The summer here was much warmer and sunnier than it had been in the previous years. With the camera I also purchased at the beginning of the year, I took full advantage of the days and my geographical location. It is almost surreal to know someone will see something as it was seen through your eyes. Many hours were spent on the beach in an attempt to capture the perfect image. What I didn’t know then was what the universe was teaching me.

As summer drew towards an end, I met someone who taught me a little about perspective. Thus enriching my views of the images I created and would create in the future. And when I thought all was right with the world the universe knocked me on my ass.

The thing with the universe is you never know when it is going to remind you who is boss. And so I had to take a few steps back. It took a few weeks, but I managed to regroup, get everything squared away, and make some much needed apologies. Then a few months later, I received an apology. The universe was reopening a door for me. It was now up to me to decide what to do with it.

In September I rejoined the workforce with a great new job. Working with the elderly is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I am fortunate enough that I stay busy and work around some truly amazing people. This is not a job I take lightly nor that I plan to leave any time in the near future.

My photography managed to take on a life of its own. first it was the Reflection Album addition to my website. A few weeks ago, I launched the first design in a line of postcards/note cards on my website. After viewing  my work for the first time encouraging words from a friend, “Your work should be on display.” It is a new goal in which I have already begun to set in motion.