2012 in review

It has been a great year--not something I can say often, and in no small part because I spent it with a wonderful boyfriend. I've never been afraid to be single, but after so very many years it's nice to finally connect with someone.

I also got two new nephews in 2012, one close to home here in Chicago! On a more bittersweet note, one of my dearest friends moved away, but it was for a terrific job, the kind of position that she'd been working toward for years. Best of all, it's in Boston, convenient for lots of visits as that is where my brother and his family live.

I set aside my freelance writing career for the most part and stopped blogging about fashion for a local publication because I felt I had nothing more to say about it. I also decided to stop working as a personal stylist. With my day job, plus a relationship, it just got to be too much (I need my relaxation time, y'all) and while I enjoyed it to a point--especially the feeling I got from helping people--I realized it didn't really make me happy. I still enjoy fashion and I still think it is an important part of life for many people, but it's not a really important part of my life anymore. I still dress like it is, but that's as far as it goes.

So this year, I made a conscious decision to just work at my regular job and enjoy my life as a regular working stiff without worrying what I am "meant" to do or fretting about how to become a rock-star writer or impressing others with my creative status and output. I need to develop the confidence and courage to tackle more personal writing. That is my goal for 2013.

Some photos from the last few months of the year.

Downtown Chicago at night from the lakefront.

Lobstah in Bahstahn.

Wall mural detail from the Boston Public Library.

Yes please. (In Boston, surprise.)

There they are. Slurp.

Cape Codding.

My Christmas tradition.

I got crabs. (Are you sensing a theme here?)

Wishing you and yours the very best for the New Year.