Horses pull Santa's sleigh through downtown Bozeman, Montana.
Each year I find myself believing more and more that Christmas – winter in general, but especially Christmas – is a time to reflect, to enjoy those around us, and to simply celebrate life. One of my best Christmas memories was when I was eight or nine and my family decided to do a strictly homemade Christmas. I remember working feverishly out in the garage on the scroll saw making wooden “pictures” for Christmas presents. What can I say, I liked getting my hands dirty and I liked creating.
Not much has changed, really.
Whether it’s enjoying the little things, like Jake’s hilarious – and true – story of unexpected fly fishing-related Christmas revelry (talk about turning the drudgery of retail at the holidays into something fun!) or simply taking the time to sip a cup of tea and reflect on times gone past, this is a time of year to be thankful.
This has been a banner year for Fire Girl Photography and the coming year is shaping up to be even better. The biggest news of the season is that I have accepted a job in Colorado managing a high-end dressage barn and training horses. This is my dream job – it still feels very surreal to be writing this. I am extraordinarily anxious and excited to get up there and start work. In a “former life” I rode competitively and managed a barn, and after a several year break this feels like coming home. There is simply nothing like combining passion and work. Magical things begin to happen.
I will be moving to Colorado right after the new year. Never fear, photography will continue full throttle. I am very much looking forward to getting back into some high country (Colorado isn’t Montana, but the mountains make all the difference in the world!) and working – both with the horses and the camera.
Twelve months ago I never could have imagined what this year would bring. I can only wonder where next Christmas will find me.
No doubt it will be an adventure – life generally is if you’re living it right.
Merry Christmas, all. May it be merry and bright.
Tags: Fire Girl Photography
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
FireGirl,
What a great news ! I wish you all the best there in Colorado. I will start a new job on the 3rd january. It is only a nice job but photography is the most imported thing for me and it will be a new Year with a lot of photography !
Greetings and a great Christmas,
Henk Versteeg
Henk,
I have just been browsing your site – wonderful work! I especially fancy your winter scenic work. Congratulations on your new job; it’s wonderful to be able to pursue photography as we work.
Thanks for your kind thoughts. This is a big transition for me and I am looking forward to new horizons both with photography and with my riding.
Merry Christmas and best wishes,
Jess