2018 Year in Review

Last year was about growth. This year was about contentment. The thing is, I like fireworks, surprises, the way seemingly disconnected things align through pure life magic. I like opportunities that only come once in a lifetime, the buzzing energy of What if I just went for it? My confidence is in those moments. I feel secure in hyped-up spaces.

2018 was none of these things.

This year was a different challenge. What happens when I'm not on the edge of my seat in anticipation? Who am I when I'm hurt and downtrodden? When I acknowledge that yes, what happened was shitty and I'm angry about that. How do I release then bounce back? How do I find renewed strength? Can I let those closest to me know I need help? That I can't always be the pillar holding everyone else up, sometimes I'm the one who needs holding. How do I handle calm moments when I thrive off of chaos and pressure? Can I be happy when it isn't about my individual pursuits? Can I keep those to myself and be there for the collective that needs more listeners fewer talkers?

It was a year where roaring like a lion wasn't needed of me but rather a quiet showing up. Just doing the work and then being done with it. Pursuit is my nature. 2018 showed me patience can be too, albeit not my first choice. I just needed things to happen that would bring that side of me to the forefront.

Here are my top highlights of 2018:

Personal

Moved (back) to the Lakeshore

We decided to move back to our little cottage by the lake after a year in the city. It was a time we'll never regret. It shifted our perspective and made us more grateful for the life we have here by the lake. Read more about it [here].

Celebrated our 2-year wedding anniversary

I hope the memory of our wedding always feels like it just happened. It still does 2 years later as we continue to grow and learn more about each other. This year we celebrated with an unplugged weekend on Mackinac Island. Just the 2 of us and a ghost (more on that below). It's as if the Great Creator is doing everything in its power to show me marriage is anything but boring.

Kayak Sunday's

Joel and I started going for kayak rides to a bayou near our place most Sundays in the summer. It became our church. Spiritual by nature and a time we could always count on together before the week would get away from us. It allowed us conversation and rest that one can only find on the water. Joel only lost his paddle one time.

International Women's Day

Ashley, on the far left, and I came up with a plan to celebrate International Women's Day with a photoshoot very last minute and I'm so glad we went through with it. Each of these ladies is impacting our creative community in powerful ways. It was an honor to stand by their side last winter. This was right before we were kicked out of the parking garage but I made sure to give the employee a piece of my mind as we left. Something about having 5 women backing you up that gives a girl a little extra oomph.

Travel

Nashville, Tennessee (x2)

I loved Nashville so much the first time I had to go back a month later! The first time was for my friend's bachelorette party and the second time was with Joel and another couple. We stayed in East Nashville both times. My favorite places were Bar Taco in 12 South and Bourbon Street Blues. I don't need to hear Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy, or Wagon Wheel again in my life but the vibes, live music, and the food are so good! We're already trying to find time to go back soon.

Recommendations: Imogene + Willie / Acme Feed + Seed / The Nash Collection Ball Cap

Lake Michigan, Michigan

I took a staycation for a week this summer and didn't tell anyone. The Lake Michigan lakeshore in West Michigan is buzzing with tourists from Memorial Day to Labor Day so I joined in on the fun as a tourist in my own town for a few days. It was wonderful to view my town from a vacationer’s perspective. I went to antique shops, had a glass of rosé overlooking the channel, and sunbathed on the beach for hours. It was the perfect mid-year pick-me-up.

Recommendations: Saugatuck Antique Pavilion / Snug Harbor / Rosy Mound Natural Area

Mackinac Island, Michigan

We went to Mackinac Island in September for our anniversary. It was my first time ever which is crazy considering I've been a Michigander my entire life! We stayed at Pine Cottage. We didn't know until our last night it's the most haunted bed & breakfast on the island! Those who know Joel and I know we're chickens with that stuff so we had a good laugh on the ferry home. We will definitely be going back. The charm and natural beauty of the island is one you have to see more than once.

Recommendations: Anne's Tablet / The Woods Lounge / Fort Holmes

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Our girl's trip has become an annual fall getaway. This year we went hiking in Hocking Hills, a state forest in Southern Ohio. We added miles to our hikes, took naps in our super cozy cabin, and watched old movies. We didn't have WIFI and only a landline (remember those?!) to call anyone. It was the perfect way to start the holiday season and have downtime with my closest friends. I wonder where we'll go next year!

Recommendations: Eagle Ridge Cabin Airbnb / Kindred Spirits Restaurant / Cantwell Cliffs

Professional

Brave Girl featured in Bella Grace magazine, Spring Issue 2018 | Brave Girl Design + Blog

Published in Bella Grace Magazine

I've had a goal to be published in print for the last couple of years so when Bella Grace accepted my submission of what grace means to me, I was ecstatic! They even added a story I wrote about hustling as the center spread with Tiger's big mug on it. I couldn't believe it. The feeling to see my words in print, and on the shelves at Barnes & Noble! It can keep a girl going on her toughest days that's for sure. More details [here].

Design professor at Grand Valley!

I continue to be amazed at the way life works. It was only a year ago I wrote in my 2017 Year in Review that I'd like to teach a design class one day and 8 months later here I am teaching a design class. You just never know and it makes me believe so much in the power of believing and faith. There were challenges and it was exhausting but I loved every minute of it.

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Spacial design for furniture conference & apartment building brand

I was brought on the creative team at Full Circle last Spring to create a conference booth design for a German furniture company. It is my favorite kind of design to do and I'm super happy with the results. I also created the logo and brand elements for a new apartment building in Grand Rapids in the Monroe neighborhood, 601 Bond. I can't wait to see how it all comes together when the building is ready for tenants.

Top 100 Women Blogs to Follow by Feedspot

My, my. This look of pure joy and I can't believe it shows how I feel about this best. This is a top recognition I'm just so proud of for this little space of mine. It is because of all you who keep coming back to read. Thank you, it means so very much to me. More on being a Top 100 blog [here].

Walked in the Lee & Birch Holiday Fashion Show

This was another goal I didn't think I'd ever had the guts to follow through on. But I did it. It was very symbolic to walk in a fashion show this year for very personal reasons. Every time I remember I was a model for a day I will know I am worthy of feeling feminine, beautiful, and taking care of myself just the way I am. More details [here].

Nominated for 20 on the Rise by Honeybook

I was a 20 on the Rise nominee by Honeybook for my work as a freelance designer and writer this year. There are so many people who have created services and opportunities for others by leading with their hearts and not following the status quo. It's made the landscape of career so much more interesting than I could've ever imagined growing up with my limited ideas of what a career can be. To be a small part of this bigger message is an honor. See 20 On the Rise Winners

2018 brought so many blessings and magic. I became more self-aware and read my emotions better since I wasn't hyper-focused on goals for once. It's hard work to change a mindset & habit! I'm a little more goal-oriented for 2019 and feeling a bit stir crazy and excited for the possibilities this next year.

I hope you've had a wonderful 2018. Best wishes for 2019! Let's all be kind and not make excuses for doing rude phone things in public. xo, Em