resolutions

Seasons of 2020 by Tara Tayan

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It’s hard to even know where to start. This past year was a real mixed shit-bag. The collective sadness. The not knowing. The fighting and anger. We all know. We lived it together in varying degrees and I know I have much to be grateful for.

The first of many kayak trips

The first of many kayak trips

I also learned a shit ton this year. I learned to listen to my gut - it knows more than I. I learned that I’ve been neglecting my body and that I want to take most of 2021 to feel better in this vessel. I learned that taking a walk can help reset depressed days. I learned that journaling improves my memory and helps me sort out my feelings or ideas. I learned that two people working from home isn’t exactly easy. I learned that my depression is still here but that doesn’t mean I can’t have happy days.

It’s weird to see life before COVID.

It’s weird to see life before COVID.

Winter

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A proud puppy face!

A proud puppy face!

Was this a self-fulfilling prophecy? (found in January 2020)

Was this a self-fulfilling prophecy? (found in January 2020)

The first shoot of the year at our old (now demolished) high school. I love that Jennifer + Mike wanted to document their maternity session where their story began :))

The first shoot of the year at our old (now demolished) high school. I love that Jennifer + Mike wanted to document their maternity session where their story began :))

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This was the awesome cake at their baby shower!!

This was the awesome cake at their baby shower!!

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Explored Eastern State Penitentiary with my partner and his mom.

Explored Eastern State Penitentiary with my partner and his mom.

Experimented with film more so in the beginning of the year

Experimented with film more so in the beginning of the year

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I was really happy that we got to see the Designs for Different Futures exhibit at the PMA. I just love the PMA but this was HANDS DOWN one of my favorite exhibits of all time. Of course, now it would be completely reimagined but at this time, I lov…

I was really happy that we got to see the Designs for Different Futures exhibit at the PMA. I just love the PMA but this was HANDS DOWN one of my favorite exhibits of all time. Of course, now it would be completely reimagined but at this time, I loved it. There’s a video here that you can check on on the museum website of the different exhibits & artists.

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I got more comfortable in front of the camera - Carolyn Keys Jewelry Spring Collection 2020 before lock down. Carolyn Keys Jewelry

I got more comfortable in front of the camera - Carolyn Keys Jewelry Spring Collection 2020 before lock down. Carolyn Keys Jewelry

My mom bought a house with an actual Redwood Tree that the original owner started in the 1960s.

My mom bought a house with an actual Redwood Tree that the original owner started in the 1960s.

My piece was displayed high above the city at the Liberty One Observation Deck when everyone was on lock down. At least it lived in a fun place for a while.

My piece was displayed high above the city at the Liberty One Observation Deck when everyone was on lock down. At least it lived in a fun place for a while.

My first solo bat mitzvah with Sarah and her family! Check out the full blog post at Avi Loren Fox Photography.

My first solo bat mitzvah with Sarah and her family! Check out the full blog post at Avi Loren Fox Photography.

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Fun in Sephora before lockdown.

Fun in Sephora before lockdown.

The last restaurant meal

The last restaurant meal

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Spring

I love the panoramic option on the iPhone. It’s also crazy to see the slow growth of the forest coming back to life.

I love the panoramic option on the iPhone. It’s also crazy to see the slow growth of the forest coming back to life.

I searched for the rainbows in April

First painting of the year.

First painting of the year.

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I learned to give myself more permission to create or do things that may not seem like “me.” I learned that you can’t please everyone and it’s ok. I learned to put myself out there, you never know what might come of it. I learned that jealousy can be revelatory and a propeller for change but also comparison is the death of joy. I learned to get off my phone and do shit. I learned more about this country, the people, our place in the world, and how to better discuss and navigate hard grey area topics. I learned what things were missing in my life and I’m still learning how to make those things a priority.

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Photographed my first FaceTime Baby’s 1st Birthday Smash Cake Party with the adorable Gabriel!

Photographed my first FaceTime Baby’s 1st Birthday Smash Cake Party with the adorable Gabriel!

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And I bought my first car! Woo! It now has a dent in it! Boo.

And I bought my first car! Woo! It now has a dent in it! Boo.

The rainbows continued during the 1st wedding back after shut down shooting second with my awesome friend - Gabrielle - find her beautiful work and book a portrait session, you’ll feel so glamorous!!! click here :)

The rainbows continued during the 1st wedding back after shut down shooting second with my awesome friend - Gabrielle - find her beautiful work and book a portrait session, you’ll feel so glamorous!!! click here :)

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I reimagined old work.

I reimagined old work.

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Started hunting for Chanterelle mushrooms

Started hunting for Chanterelle mushrooms

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A 2020 still life.

A 2020 still life.

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Summer

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But apart from learning, I grieved things that could have been, trips missed out on, restaurants, movie theaters, museums and live shows I miss going to and long nights with friends. I’m grateful for the things I continue to bring into 2021 - my health, partner, family, friends, and employment.

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait

I started selling more and more stickers :)

I started selling more and more stickers :)

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Laura + Kevin are just the sweetest. Check out all of the little details of their intimate wedding day Covid Part 1 :)) - check it out here!

Laura + Kevin are just the sweetest. Check out all of the little details of their intimate wedding day Covid Part 1 :)) - check it out here!

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The best day

The best day

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The best part of 2020 has been creating. I have had the privilege to photograph many beautiful families, weddings, and bat mitzvahs. I created my first large scale mounted photos and I love how they look. I created several paintings, crocheted a blanket, and had many awesome zoom art nights. I created many custom designs using the laser engraver, figured out my Cricut machine (thank you Elena!) and was surprised out how both are similar file creation. I started listing on Etsy and my one design really took off! I am so grateful for everyone of my customers and friends who have bought art from me. They have driven much of my expansion. I'’m proud of how it’s building up and excited for more in 2021.

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Had another styled shoot for my mom’s handmade jewelry - check it out here!

Had another styled shoot for my mom’s handmade jewelry - check it out here!

I spent a lot of time outside in nature with my partner and puppy. We basically kayaked our way through 2020. We found new places to explore, Betsy almost fought a bear, and camped while it snowed.

I checked several things off my resolution list from last year and considering the year we had - I’m proud! I was able to check another National Park off my list and visit a state I’ve never been to (several actually). I showed three pieces in a local office building. I made new friends and met fellow photographers. I gave myself permission to play and create. I did not read a book a month but completed 6 and half-read three so almost?

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Another really good night with one of my favorite comedians - Taylor Tomlinson

Another really good night with one of my favorite comedians - Taylor Tomlinson

Autumn

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I made new sticker designs!!

I made new sticker designs!!

Did some really fun shoots!

Did some really fun shoots!

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2020 was a year that felt simultaneously stagnant and spirited so cheers to more living and growing. 2021 is probably going to be another weird year.

I started making t-shirts!!

I started making t-shirts!!

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Back to Winter

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Gratitude & Intention by Tara Tayan

Reflections of 2019 and Ideas for 2020

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I love lists. Taking scraps of paper. Writing down everything that I can possibly think of, just to get it out. I work better with lists. They give me direction and make me realize I do know the answers. I just have to trust myself.

Patterns. Repetitions and rhythms of life. Noticing. Is that the key to finding change? Sometime last year I found an “18 resolutions for 2018” list I made and loved how I accomplished so much. Despite being packed away and completely forgotten, the ideas that I created in that list continued to dictate my next steps. And it happened on a subconscious level. Then a couple days later I listened to a podcast where the guest said, “Map your actions to your aspirations.” Then it clicked that I had been taking the steps all along, but there are always going to be roadblocks.

Sometimes I believe in magic. Maybe I believe in the magic of lists and that in some cosmic way that 2018 list was a binding contract with the universe. Either way, I’m doing it again.

So this year I made some modifications: 19 times/things I was grateful for in 2019 & 20 desires for 2020.

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19 Things I was Grateful for in 2019

  1. I am grateful for the newest & cutest edition to the team, Betsy Ross. She has taught me SO MUCH about patience, compassion, overcoming your fears, and being a lil badass pup.

  2. I am grateful for all my opportunities for travel & to see all the different beauties or oddities of the world.

  3. I am grateful for hot Hawaiian days, turquoise waters, and being reunited with my honu friends.

  4. I am SO grateful for our little house, our little neighborhood, caring + strange neighbors, this city, and the fact that I look forward to coming back to our cozy home all the time.

  5. I am grateful for being able to work with my family, which gives me a chance to see them often and have unique flexibility.

  6. I am grateful that we live in an area where we can have so many different adventures less than an hour away.

  7. I am grateful to get to meet new people even though my social anxiety.

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During the hike 11 miles up Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

During the hike 11 miles up Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

La Casa Del Caffe has delicious coffee granitas + it’s right around the corner from the Pantheon.

La Casa Del Caffe has delicious coffee granitas + it’s right around the corner from the Pantheon.

The Painted Desert in January.

The Painted Desert in January.

Zack caught a baby hammerhead shark off the coast of Georgia.

Zack caught a baby hammerhead shark off the coast of Georgia.

This was the first day we got our pupper, Betsy Ross!

This was the first day we got our pupper, Betsy Ross!

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8. I am grateful for SO MUCH GOOD FOOD.

9. I am grateful for outdoor adventures, finding little critters & creatures, and maintaining my curiosity about our natural world.

10. I am grateful for the enchanting and mystical beauty of the desert, especially the moment when a mysterious flute pipe player flooded Cathedral Rock, Sedona with music and magic.

11. I am grateful for the cuteness of puppies, their soft little bellies, and the precious sounds they make when they sleep.

12. I am grateful for my person, how we continue to learn and grow from one another, how we support one another, how I have seen my definition of love expand.

13. I am grateful for late Italian nights (especially Siena), walking/dancing along the uneven, stoney streets, buzzed on red wine, and a little high from jet lag + life.

Sedona, AZ

Sedona, AZ

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA

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14. I am grateful that pieces of the prehistoric world are still here.

15. I am grateful for the stronger connections I made with incredible people I already know.

16. I am grateful to see so many gorgeous, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

17. I am grateful to start photographing again, meeting fun, amazing clients up for anything and rediscovering the joy of the unexpected.

18. I am grateful for the individuals that share their lives on blogs, podcasts, books, social media, what have you. They have granted me permission to create for the sake of creating and helped me find a voice.

19. One of the things I am most grateful for is my body and how it surprises me. It is not lost on me how grateful I am to have the ability to hike 11 miles uphill with a pack, some unnecessary items (sunscreen should not have been sacrificed), and no previous experience or training. I learned so much about my own resilience and power that I would love to bring into 2020.

Check out the turtles (honu) in the background!

Check out the turtles (honu) in the background!

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20 Intentions for 2020:

  1. Meditate daily

  2. Go to one National Park I’ve never been to

  3. Create a large multi-media piece 24 x 36

  4. Be more connected with where I live - participate in neighborhood events

  5. Enter one art festival

  6. Create space for myself - r e l a x

Paddleboarding with Betsy!

Paddleboarding with Betsy!

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7. Visit Colorado - or another state I’ve never been to

8. Declutter more

9. Read a book a month

10. Communicate my needs more clearly to myself and others

11. Make stronger connections with friends

12. Get a botanical tattoo on my forearm

13. Play more

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The Prohibition Museum

The Prohibition Museum

14. Finally see Rocky. (I know, I live in Philadelphia and have never seen this movie. NO I DIDN’T LIVE UNDER A ROCK)

15. Sign up for art workshops or classes

16. Make a new friend

17. Sign up for yoga classes

18. Display pieces in a local shop or restaurant

19. Create more b a l a n c e

20. If I find myself overthinking, take a step back

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The first wedding of the year- Zack’s brother + his wife, Abbey!

The first wedding of the year- Zack’s brother + his wife, Abbey!

Red Brick Craft Distillery in Philadelphia

Red Brick Craft Distillery in Philadelphia

Hawaiian Sea Turtles hanging out on Black Sand Beach.

Hawaiian Sea Turtles hanging out on Black Sand Beach.

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Calm nights in Siena.

Calm nights in Siena.

Jasmine + Dan celebrating their first baby, Gabriel!

Jasmine + Dan celebrating their first baby, Gabriel!

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First attempt at product photography in different travel locations.

First attempt at product photography in different travel locations.

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The best part of 2019 was sharing my favorite place with my favorite human.

The best part of 2019 was sharing my favorite place with my favorite human.