a year ago and a year from now

lately, i've been feeling so, so blessed. 

last night chas and i were snugging and talking in bed. 

"just think back to exactly this time last year," i told him. 

we were just beginning to play around with the idea of starting a videography business. and, because i'm a mover and a shaker, the "contemplation phase" lasted for a whole 24 hours before i started to put a plan in motion for kelly arts films. we started with nothing and have spent the past year working very hard to build our little business exactly how we want it to be. we've gone from 0 films made to nearly 40 films. we've done weddings, family films, photographer promos, kickstarter videos, and engagement films. we've filmed underwater and done stop motion. we've traveled to LA and west yellowstone to shoot films. once an empty calendar has become more and more full with fun projects in the works! 

and then there's been the recent development of my new-found love for photography. i really can't tell you how much i enjoy photography. i've always been "artsy" and, over the years, it's been interesting and exciting to see where my creative endeavors have taken me. starting out almost 10 years ago working on a BA in visual arts (emphasis in painting and drawing), and then to a small etsy shop selling my original art and prints, to commissioned portraits, to a master's degree in art therapy counseling, to writing a book, starting a film biz with chas, and now photography. what a journey! i feel so grateful to still be on the road of creative development and hope that i will always be able to continue to make time for this very, very important and life-giving part of my heart and soul. as a momma, photography gives me not only a chance to be creative but also a chance to get out of the house, on my own, and interact with others. and then, the work i do at home in the form of editing is a lovely way to spend my time when hero is sleeping. it's truly such a blessing for me in so many ways. it makes me feel happy and fulfilled as a whole person. 

"if all that has happened in just one year, imagine what the next year has in store for us!" 

and then chas and i both smiled a little uncontrollably at that thought. 

but, let me just say, that we've worked and worked and worked for every single bit of this happiness, excitement and small success that we've experienced. we've invested money into camera equipment, a nice printer, editing software, and mentorships with both a professional videographer and photographer. we've worked with a designer to create business logos, upgraded to custom packaging, written contracts, and designed websites. it's definitely been a journey and learning experience with every step being an important part of the process. 

working hard is the best. 

we are happy.