Let's Talk About 2023

Wow. Hey guys, it's Ry. It's been a long time and I'm not exactly sure what to say about my absence on this site. Despite the last year being one of the most fulfilling, rich, and whole years of my life, it was also a year where I really lacked motivation - creatively speaking. Every time I sat down to write, I just couldn't. Not that there wasn't anything to say, quite the opposite actually, I had too much to say! And I plan to do that now, with you.

Let's recap 2023:

This was the year of traveling for myself! I took four big trips this year and made a whole lot of memories in the process. Starting the year out with Bonita Springs, Florida to Portland, Oregon to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and back to Bonita Springs. I was lucky enough to be able to work remotely while I traveled, allowing me to stay and explore for much longer. I was even luckier to be able to make two of these trips with my grandmother and visit family that I don't otherwise get to see during the year. I even went to visit one of my college best friends this year! All in all, I was very blessed to be able to do all this traveling and continue to work while doing so. I will definitely be writing blogs detailing further my trips - I have so many photos to share, this post alone could end up being miles long!

I also read a lot this year. Most, if not all, of my free time has been spent reading. Or scouting new books on Goodreads. Or scrolling on Bookstagram and BookTok. It has been so much fun growing my TBR, discovering new authors, and exploring bookstores (I went to Powell's in Portland!!). I've even started a highlight on my Instagram where I 'review' the books I finish - this started as posting for myself, but soon after I started getting DM's from old high school friends and mutuals of mine who wanted to talk about my reads or ask for recs! It's been a really fun way to connect with people this past year. My favorite authors have definitely become Emily Henry (who knew I'd adore rom-com novels??) and Grady Hendrix (anyone else can't look at puppets the same ever again?) who has quickly become my go-to author.

Lastly, I have worked a lot this year. In October of 2022, I accepted a freelance position as Social Media Manager for a start-up edutainment and foods company called Grady's Garden. Though I thought this job would be only temporary, it has now become my home and I cannot imagine working for any other company at this point in my life. It may not be fashion-oriented, but the social mission behind our brand helps to enrich elementary-aged students in learning about gardening and healthy eating. Helping to grow this company and create healthier communities within Michigan has been so so special for me!

Well, that was 2023 - what about 2024? I created a vision board to set goals for what I want out of this year (more traveling, more reading, more healthy lifestyle habits). I'd love to grow more personally, professionally, and within the relationships in my life. I'd like to keep my creative streak going with this website - use it more as a journal and an outlet for my passions. Expect to see more of me. I hope you stick around. :)