It’s been one heckuva year, my friends. Breakups, makeups, new homes, new friends, new jobs, surgeries, vacations, and all the ups and downs a year can bring. In a word, it’s been amazing. Maybe I’m just a glass-half-full kind of person, but I’m always confident the next year will be even more amazing! (Plus, history has proven this to be the case thus far.) So cheers, friends, and thank you so much for all your comments and love throughout the year. They truly mean so much to me. Only people who haven’t experienced it try and make you feel like internet friends don’t matter.
So here’s some select favorites from each month. Hope you’ll link me to a few of your favorites too!
January
The adorable Kaya was adopted from the shelter soon after I shot this – anyone surprised?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a place every local should visit at least once. It’s absolutely beautiful, and so peaceful.
February
Sweet Anja, with Lars and Sarah’s silhouettes reflected in her eyes.
My dad’s hand after his back surgery – he was feeling so good from the meds that he wanted me to make sure to point out how his finger glows like ET’s. :)
What Mindy wore to our Oscar viewing party. So perfectly her.
March
Sweet Willow, a lab mix at the shelter who had the most unusual grey-brown coloring I’ve ever seen!
My brother’s adorable pup Sprocket – it’s like he’s looking into my soul, man.
April
My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Dante’s bewildered expression while jumping. This one is framed on my wall!
Dancing with Grandma Glowin. Will always love this image.
May
Gorgeous Grayson was the first Blue-Nosed Pit I’d met, and he was so calm and friendly – while still a puppy!
Anja celebrated her first birthday in style.
June
You guys know that floppy ears are my kryptonite, so Laverne had me wrapped around her little finger paw!
This picture of Potter, aka The Brain, just slays me. So evil!
July
Erin and Chris got married! Seriously one of the sweetest backyard weddings, ever. See Part I and Part II.
We all wanted to take Gracie home with us. I really hope she gets cast in a movie or something, she’s so picture perfect!
August
There’s nothing like making your own personal pizza from scratch with fresh ingredients from the garden!
The mayhem of moving into the house took up most of the month. But Dante enjoyed the new carpet and I enjoyed the pretty light in my new bedroom!
September
I got to spend an afternoon with the lovely Chela and John and their kiddos (both furry and human).
When we got together to celebrate my mom’s birthday, I was able to capture one of my all-time favorite family portraits.
My Auntie Elissa visited at the end of the month and requested a few photos with my mama. This one still makes me smile.
October
Did I mention before how pretty the afternoon light is in my bedroom? I did? Well, then, here’s further proof.
Cheryl visited at the end of the month (her birthday is just before Halloween) and brought the sunshine with her.
November
I gotta admit, Prancer kinda stole my heart. Maybe because his little face reminds me of Dante?
We had a fantastic Thanksgiving, and I’m so glad Bill and Lesley asked for some photos. They’re just so wonderful together!
We spent Black Friday at the dog beach, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
December
I still haven’t gotten through everything from this month, but this one is an immediate standout. Nancy and I went up to downtown LA last week for an amazing day. Love how the reflection of the tree frames her face. I really need to consider my posture more, huh?
It counts if I used a remote to shoot the photo, right? Because I’m still not over how perfectly this turned out. My friends are the best.
If you’re still with me, THANK YOU and have a wonderful New Years!!
xo