So here's some news: I'm moving back to Ohio.
... And I can't even explain to you how much I'm going to miss Fresno.
This decision has been a long time coming, but I am excited to be able to be close to my family again for at least a little while. I've grown to love it here in Fresno. I've made friends that are more like family and had the opportunity to work at my favorite job to date. Fresno has become a second home to me, and that's something I can say for certain I will hold on to, no matter where I end up in the future.
They say home is where the heart is, but now my heart is in two places. I’ve spent the last two years getting to know this city and it’s absolutely wonderful inhabitants, growing up and finding my true passion. I’ve met so many people who have changed my life beyond measure, encouraged me to pursue my passions and (quite literally) helped me find my voice. I don't think I will ever have the words to thank those who have encouraged me here, who have helped me become the person I am today, who have loved me and been there for me through some really difficult situations. I feel so blessed to know each and every Fresnan I'm lucky enough to call a friend.
Embrace the under-dog mentality
This brings me to my second piece of news: I'm (finally) launching my own business.
In the next two months I'll be going on adventures, packing my life into boxes, completing several photo shoots and sending emails to a few folks that would be dream clients. I'm already busy planning my going away party as well as working on launching my new portfolio website.
I can't wait to see where life takes me. I know from this point on there will be no escaping the way I miss people I cannot be near, but this is part of life. I can't take everyone with me everywhere I go, but that isn't to say I won't nag you constantly to come visit me wherever it is that I am (or ask to crash on your couch wherever YOU are).
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my life, especially during this season of change.
Special thanks to Creative Fresno, The Hide & Seek Family, Mayor Ashley Swearengin & her staff, Suzanne Bertz-Rosa, Hilary Malveaux and the entire team at Catalano Fenske & Associates. All of you have shown me just how amazing Fresno can be, and for that I am so grateful.
Additional thanks to my dear friend Ryan C. Jones for taking the photos that accompany this announcement. I can never thank him enough for his encouragement and friendship.