It's easy to get lost in the hustle of daily life, but as the year has come to a close and I reflect on 2024 I'm humbled by everything that I was able to enjoy and accomplish as well as some big life changes from high highs to low lows and everything in between!
After 17 years in my apartment, I moved to a new place with my girlfriend and couldn't be happier! We're mostly unpacked with about a half dozen small boxes of my collectibles to finish. I'm in love with the high ceilings and open kitchen with an island, and the living space is large enough that I was even able to set up a photo shoot at home as a backup amid torrential rains which continually postponed a family photo session.
On the concert front it was a little lighter this year as I focused on balancing life and adventures with the growing costs of everything. I typically only apply for photos for shows I've actually bought tickets for, so I can't cover nearly as many shows as I would like to. Some highlights included Art D'Ecco, Arrogant Worms, and seeing Gwen Stefani at Laketown thanks to an awesome friend. They had a spare hillside pass which they generously offered to me. Arriving at the box office I asked about paying to upgrade to the Stage Pit. The volunteer was incredibly friendly and asked me to sing the chorus of 3 Gwen Stefani songs and gave me the upgraded wristband for free! I picked a spot up front early in the afternoon and stood there until the end of the night, thankfully pacing my water intake and not having to leave my post for a bathroom break. I was thrilled to hear a wide range of solo songs and No Doubt faves and experience it all in the beautiful scenery of the Cowichan Valley! I wasn't able to join the photo crew at Rifflandia this year, but I simply couldn't miss that yearly tradition so thankfully I got to make some memories with a 1 day pass and see some favourite bands! September Forever!!
Professionally I was invigorated by the chance to capture memories for many families through portrait sessions and several weddings, and hear their reactions when delivering their photos. I also had an incredible honour of being hired by the Vancouver Whitecaps to document one of their many community events for local children!
Back on the personal side of the year, my girlfriend and I went on so many adventures! We bought inflatable kayaks and got to enjoy them on the gorgeous lakes we have near Nanaimo as well as Departure Bay. Looking forward to getting on the water again this year! We enjoyed some trips up and down island, visiting family on the mainland, getting to witness and photograph the Northern Lights, celebrity sightings on the Last of Us set in Nanaimo, and a much anticipated trip to Leavenworth WA to experience their Bavarian village and Oktoberfest festivities!
We returned to our favourite anniversary spot on Salt Spring Island where I set up the camera for our yearly fireplace photo. Unbeknownst to my girlfriend I hit the video button and surprised her with a ring! I didn't say half the things I planned but it was still perfect and I'm thrilled to now call her my fiance!
From that highest high of the year, we quickly got to the lowest low a week later when we unexpectedly had to say goodbye to our beloved dog Aura. It's still fresh and hard to talk about, but we're thankful that she is with us forever in our engagement video, and that we were able to bring her on most of our adventures together. She was simply the cutest girl in her life jacket as she laid in the front of the kayak, she loved the Salt Spring cabin, the Gabriola Apple Festival, so many walks, and reveled in the love from us and our family.
No matter what is going on, or how hectic life may be, I always try to take time to soak in the moment. We get so wrapped up in the day-to-day that we usually don't appreciate it until it's passed and then we struggle to remember the little details. The smells and sounds of nature, the views, the feeling of the loved ones you're with, the tippy tappies of your dogs feet as she gets excited or the adorable sound of her squeaky toy that she uses merely to communicate and get attention.
I encourage everyone to take that time. Even if it's only a minute, don't take it for granted. There's too many things happening in the world to let the amazing memories go by unnoticed.
What are some wins you had this year? Drop a comment below!