Hello 2018!

     Does anyone else think that 2018 just walked on in here without being invited?  I mean I was not nearly as prepared to celebrate or do any of the things I normally do for a New Year.  It literally just waltzed on in here and I was like, 'oh wait it happened!'  I barely had time to think about my goals for this year.  And everyone was posting on Instagram about them.  They even posted their highlights from the 2017 year.  I feel like I am late to the game this year.  But you know what I am okay with that.  I know that I spent time thinking about my goals.  I also realized that sometimes you can wait to make those lists or plans, because you see other people's ideas and you think that is a great idea for me.  Some of my goals for 2018 include things for my business and some of my goals include things like cooking one day a week.  What type of goals did you make for the New Year?

Here is a photo of the snow day we had in Alabama in December.

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#goals #newyear #alabamaphotographer #allierayphotography

Goodbye 2016

     It is almost time to say goodbye to 2016.  I learned a lot in 2016 in my business and with life.  The thing I learned in life is that I have a guardian Angel.  I know that sounds absolutely crazy, but I really do.  In an earlier post that I wrote The Truth about Fear I talked about my accident where I was hit by a car while riding a bike.  I walked away with seven stitches on my chin, a bruise all down my left leg, and loss skin in two or three places (which not many people can say that happened to them).  I still have to say in some ways I am in shock I was not more seriously injured after the car hit me.  I am surprised I was able to go back to working out just six weeks after my accident. Honestly, I did not think that I would be committed back into my exercise routine like I am today.  I still do IronTribe, but I have also started some home workouts through a program I heard about through a high school friend.  These home workouts have been great for me, because I was able to join an accountability group.  The people in my group give me tips on modifying my workouts and great healthy snack options for work.
     Another thing I have done this year is become more active in my creative life.  I have become more involved with my Instagram through an Instagram group where we try to post every day and comment on everyone else's photos.  I love this, because it gives me great feedback on my photographs.  It also gives me feedback on my gold and silver leaf pieces.
     When it comes to thinking of the New Year and New Goals for 2017 I always say to myself I am going to keep up with my networking.  I also think of how I can get my gold and silver leaf pieces to be seen.  I think of stores that might like them.
     However, the one thing I have to say about 2016 is that you taught me fear is real, but you have to keep going.  You showed me how to keep pushing myself when I wanted to give up.  2016 I have to say I think you taught me some of the best life lessons ever.

Here are a few photos from the trip! Enjoy! 

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Thank You 2015!

     As the year 2015 comes to end and I write my last blog post for the year.  I have to say a few things to my readers.  I have felt like my blog has become more and more about my life and photography.  I have been telling you about running a business, having a part-time job and having free time.  Now, I have come up with something new to talk to you about which is for all those creative people out there reading my blog.  My mom is discussing down sizing her house.  That is awesome for her.  I am thinking umm... hello do you actually know how much stuff I have at your house???  I have been thinking in between Christmas wrapping, editing photographs, and finishing commissions of how I can begin to clean out all my things I have kept over the years.  Now, I would not describe myself as a hoarder.  I would just say I am sentimental about a few things.  I have decided my first move is going to be to get some help with getting someone to make a quilt out of all my sweatshirts.  I have probably close to 20 sweatshirts.
     Now, that I have one idea down another thing I am trying to think about is the year 2016.  The goals I need to set for my business.  It is more that I need to always work on getting people involved with my work and the social media parts of my business.  I need to keep the word of mouth going.  I have this neighbor who has been helping a lot and who tells everyone about my work she can!  This helps me a lot.  I try to tell people at my part-time job, the people I work out with and whenever I see someone posting about it on Facebook.  For 2016 I want you all to know that I appreciate each and everyone's business in 2015.  I can not do what I am doing today without you all.  Have a Happy New Year's!

This is a recent commission I did over Christmas.

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