A group of photographers around the states started a Twelve by Twelve Project in which each month we will write and take photos about a monthly topic. Our first topic is “Us”. I thought about making this about my husband and I but when I started thinking about the happiness in our marriage. I think about how I came to be so happy with him. It started with me.

Did you know that the information definition of “us” is “me”?

To be really happy with someone else, it starts with you as an individual. You have to be happy with yourself and by yourself.

I learned quite a few years ago that I had to and wanted to be the best version of myself. I wanted to try new things, learn new things and see new things.  So I set out to make myself the woman I wanted to be. This was the primary reason I took my photography from a hobby to a Tampa Small Business.

I always wanted to travel to Europe, so I booked a 21 day Trip to 6 different countries within Europe. I took up learning to play a new instrument, the guitar. I always wanted to take lessons but never just did it. I also downloaded any and every course on the Spanish language.

Lets just say, till this day I only know a few songs on the guitar and I can understand minimal Spanish but that’s just fine with me because I have the experience. I took that Europe trip and found my love for traveling. The most important fact is that I took my passion to a full time Tampa photography business. The experiences from that time period have stayed with me. They’ve “cultured” me and made me appreciate so much beyond my personal life.

Every now and then, when my every day routine gets away from me. I sit down and create new music, get crafty, try a new restaurant, etc.

Tampa is full of great classes. Start doing research. Try a sushi class, cake decorating, language class, photography class, painting, etc.

“Live your dreams and take risks.”

Take a look at the next photographer featured in our Series for this month- Laurel Photography.