The beginning of 2017 was a whirlwind of chaos. I had just been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis; a blood clot. This diagnosis came a few days after I turned 47 and accidentally brought home a 4 month old puppy. We also had our grandson and his mom living with us. Chaos. It was utter chaos. I was training this new puppy, injecting myself twice a day with blood thinning drugs, babysitting a 4 year old, getting lab work every other day, running one of REO Town's hottest venues and running a photography business. It was no surprise to me that all of this brought about quite a few dramatic changes. In June, after managing the AA Creative Corridor for 3.5 years, I hung up my gallery chains and stopped managing this venue. My grandson's parents also took a big step and moved out on their own for the first time. The blood clot treatment came to an end in April with no ill effect other than a little weight gain. By July I was "only" training a new puppy, running my photography business, writing my City Saunter book and rearing my 11 year old twins. My biggest fear with losing the gallery (and my studio space) was my photography business would take a huge hit. Luckily the opposite happened. With my weekends not booked with events I had a lot more time to take on more photography gigs. And that's exactly what I did. I continued my second year with Riverwalk Theatre shooting their production and lobby photography. I also continued shooting the Sparrow Foundation projects including the Sparrow Gala, Sparrow telethon and MSU Marching Band for Kids Concert. I continued to shoot family portraits and senior sessions. I even booked a few weddings. I was also hired through Contently for a job with Meijer. They needed a photographer to capture an auction that Meijer participates in every year. Through this auction many 4-H youth get funding for their college tuition. For a second year I photographed the Whitehills 5k. I even had some extra time to participate in some activities around Lansing and get great photographs.

I am so excited about 2018! I'm not sure exactly why. I feel much more stable this year, less chaotic. In 2017 I had quite a few family members pass away and I am sure this has changed my perspective. No longer will I sit around and wallow in self pity, or anxiousness. I will find joy in the little things. I will embrace the days for what each day brings and use it to be the best me at that moment. I will strive to provide the best service I can to my clients. I hope to improve my work flow and may, just maybe find another studio space to begin new and exciting shooting styles.

I raise my glass to you, my friends, my family, my clients and my community, and wish you all great joy, huge success, personal peace and an abundance of love!!

To 2018!

Much Love,
Ariniko