This year has been quite the workout and by workout, I'm referencing my attempts to balance the emotional onslaughts which began in January and still haven't subsided as of today's date. I've created a space for which to breathe, no television, newspapers, or Facebook; I picked up my camera frequently and I pushed myself to be creative.

In 2017, I bore witness to the words, "For better or for worse", "I Do", and "For the first time, anywhere, Mr. and Mrs." It's funny to think that people actually trusted me to capture their top five life moments with a camera and flash. I mean think about it, all the stories, tears, trips, and laughter which are never captured. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone REALLY took place this year, more so than in past years.

I'm not a "resolutions" guy but I am hoping that I continue to grow wiser within my 41st year of life, I pray that I continue to have an influential voice (even in my silence), I pray that I see new places, meet new people, kiss more, dream, hear new stories, and most of all continue to write.

Our world is becoming darker and darker and I'm resigned to the fact things will continue to become worse before they become better, however, as the song goes...

"Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

There's a land that I heard of

Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow

Skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream

Really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star

And wake up where the clouds are far

Behind me.

Where troubles melt like lemon drops

Away above the chimney tops

That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow

Why then, oh why can't I

Thank you 2017 for being pretty damn real; tis time to say hello to 2018 and a new set of obstacles. Please join me, lord knows, it's going to be magical come joy or pain.