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My my, how things have changed. 2019, was hands down, one of the most fun, self fulfilling, rewarding years EVER to be! For me anyways. There were even fleeting moments where I believed in what I was doing, where the future was bright and the sacrifice was going to be worth it. 2019 gave me the opportunity to work side by side with my beautiful Michelle, she was at times my photography assistant, other times the second shooter, and still others she was the chef, meat prepper, cook extraordinaire and designer of the mighty Mother of all appies Grazing Table. But in each of those moments, and the ones in between she was my solid ground, my foundation and my courage. Through our latest life adventure she has allowed me to “crack on” as they say. Only through her was I afforded to take all that 2019 offered. You may be thinking, wow, he must have won the lottery, maybe he found religion, OR perhaps he discovered the pleasures of a freshly shorn scrotum! Nope! none of the above. 2019 was the first summer that I was able to work alongside one of my offspring, my youngest, Keir McKay. In my past life, I would stew over the potential of getting one of my kids a job. The last place I wanted them to be was working along with me. I saw getting someone a job in the patch as a last resort. Not out of disrespect for the job, but rather the opposite. The sacrifice that was made by everyone in the field, their spouses, their children, it wasn’t something that I wanted my kids to have to endure again, not only had they had to deal with it as orphans of the patch, but also again as adults, no way. It is with nothing but respect that I would try and keep them away. It takes strong men and women to endure. I also know the field well enough to know that the money comes easy, and when it comes easy, it goes easy and it can be an addicting roller coaster to be on. I don’t need to get into it, but spending is easy when you can just go back to work and refill the coffers in a short hitch. I got a little long winded there, but my point is, working with my son was a very, very, proud moment for me. Looking over to see him delicately focusing on the bride and groom gave me warm feelings inside. Feelings that I honestly did not think would be given the opportunity to be felt. Thank you 2019! Maybe one day I can get the others involved. Time will tell but it was a great start and a great feeling. These last couple of years have also given me an opportunity to spend a little more time with mom. Moving to the same quarter section as her would only be possible with her generosity. Seriously folks, Michelle and I could not be more thankful for having her close by. I personally think, truly in my soul, that us being here, Michelle and I, is not strictly and act of well timed social rebellion, but I think it is life’s way of making up for some lost time too.

Now 2019 would not be quite what it was without the creation of Woodland + Wildflower Weddings or WW3 as I like to call it. A one of a kind rustic wedding venue located mere minutes from my door. Laurie and Jessie, wow, I cannot thank the two of you enough for having us out and providing us all the opportunity to show what we have. I am the first to admit that I suck, suck badly, like horribly at self promotion. I rarely if ever can muster up nice things to think or say about myself and my work. I do think I have some good work out there, but I could never get up on a milk crate and say that. Posting on Facebook is torture to me. I like to share, but I am so introverted that it can be uncomfortable. Instagram as well. I just happen’d to be present one time when Laurie was going on about the BBQ to clients of theirs, and in that instant I knew that you two were my biggest supporters. Thank you, thank you , thank you! You were saying things that I never could :). 2019 was perhaps my favorite year to date and in no small part because of you two! I look forward to many more, but I know, somehow 2019 will be the one to remember. More weddings, more couples, more rain, more sunshine and more celebrations to come, but that first full year of WW3 will forever remain a smile in my memory. One I will never forget. Thank you.

Well with all that said, my happiest year to date behind me and what is sure to be a real test of resolve in 2020 to come. Where can I go? What can I do? What is the plan??? Well, crack on some more, take opportunities when they arrive, do as good a job as I can do, and do not sell myself short. I will not give away my work and I will always be fair with my clients and expect the same in return. I know what I am capable of and what I bring to the table, I have brought many homes to market and many couples to their loved ones and will continue to do so in only a way that I can. In the immortal words of Stuart Smalley “ I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggonit, people like me.” Hopefully, one day I can get up on my milk crate and tell someone.