Today is the day many of us sit and reflect over the year that just ended and contemplate our resolutions for the new year.

My reflection of my year hit me smack in the middle of my heart on Christmas eve. I had just delivered my last portrait order. Then WHAM! the reality of what had occured in the last 6 months hit me, FULL force. Rewind to summer……..

August – I was very excited to have my wedding season beginning, summer was not my busy wedding season but it was fall. 9 weddings, including one in Punta Cana. School is almost ready to begin and I get a tip about some potential studio space. I had already priced space downtown last Dec. but nothing worked. Off I go to check out the space not sure what I would find, or if it could work. I walked in and knew, this was it! Alot of love and attention was needed. But it was an awesome space with room to grow.

My life hits fast forward…..

I have painted the studio, which I would still be doing with out Jill’s help (our new office manager), we spent many late nights painting the 1600 sq ft studio space. We have shopped for the perfect furniture and accessories, developed my business plan, researched products, tried new labs, working to give my clients the best unique products….. i was juggling life, lovin’ every second.

Remember I still had weddings to shoot, families were calling for portraits, Mommy duties and my house still has not learned to clean itself, I was even out of the country for a week! All this and we still managed to open Julie Rhodes Photography for Santa portraits the last week of November.

So, this surreal, intense, overwhelming feeling hits me……..I did it!

But oh, so not on my own;

my clients; your encouraging words, understanding, patience. It is for all of you I do this! Your magic and moments you share with me set the stage for our unbelievable portraits. I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart. (((Hugs)))

my friends; your support, understanding my non existence for the past months, encouraging words and love for myself, kirk and girls. So many of you offered to help and I thank you!

my girls; how you have grown these last few months, many more responsiblities for each of you. each one of you grabbed the reins and pulled together with such strength. you each inspire me everyday. you make me smile and i love all of you to the moon and back and back and back….(((smooches)))

kirky; your support gives me strength, i thank you for everything, you are amazing! I love you!

Has the past six months been perfect, Nope.

will there be changes, Absolutely.

So as I sit here and write my goals for 2010 and reflect on 2009, everything that has happened has happened for a reason. I learn from everything I do. I know where I can improve and have so many exciting things to offer. I am thankful for each and everyone of you.

Thank you.

Wishing you love, peace and much magic!

“Don’t let the fear of striking our keep you from playing the game!”

Amazing, exciting things are happening!

Cheers! to each and everyone of you, to celebrate the beginning of a new year enjoy the 24 hour sale!

Julie

what is a blog post without a picture! Welcome to the studio:

24 hour Sale runs midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow!