Konnichiwa!!! So far, my 30′s have been kick ass overall. I can’t complain. I’m 32 as of today at 10:15 AM, and as I reflected on all that’s happened in the past year since I turned 31, I realized just how blessed I am. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but that’s life. There were some pretty tragic things that happened, but out of those things happening came some amazing experiences and life changing events:
- I lost someone who was like a mother to me very suddenly and also lost a close friend. However, I also formed a new friendship with someone who is so fantastic and feel like I’ve known forever, whom I see as both a friend and like a mother.
- Since this time last year, I have been blessed enough to shoot my favorite band 4 times in 3 different cities. That’s not to brag and say ‘hey look how cool I am’. Personally, I could give a shit less about being cool. It’s the experience of the matter and I feel very thankful for being able to do what I’m passionate about with the best band in the world. Getting some recognition for it was just the extra bonus.
- Went through a major depression earlier this year in conjunction with some of the more dire things that happened. With the help of a lot of friends and loved ones’ support, I was able to make it through and find hope.
- I got to be a zombie extra in a commercial promo for AMC’s Tv premiere of “The Walking Dead”. Yes, it was a goal to be a zombie extra at one point in my life. Shut up.
- I’ve endured 2 surgeries on my neck within the last year. With the exception of a spinal fusion and giving birth to my son, I don’t think I’ve ever been in so much pain before. As a lay in the hospital recovering back in March, the news of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan was being broadcast 24/7. It was all I could watch and I felt helpless (and also not to mention a bit of a jerk for complaining about the pain while there were people who lost their homes, family, and lives). Out of this tragedy came the beautiful project, Sing It For Japan by my favorite band once again, and I was so thrilled to be a participating part of it. Not only was it touching and beautiful, I knew that I was able to help out.
- I was given the advice to create more artwork by hand, which I did plenty of in the past year and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. It’s because of this advice that I’ve rediscovered my passion for illustration and discovering new techniques to express my art. I’ve learned to take risks and try out new methods because of this. It’s fulfilling to rediscover what you love to do. I felt like I was always meant to create art and it’s what I thrive on: Being inspired and inspiring. That’s my goal. If I know I’m doing that, I’m doing something right in this world.
- Thank you for all of you who’ve been supportive on twitter, facebook, buzznet, and in my everyday life. I love you, and I wouldn’t be who I am without you. Thank you for an awesome year. Cheers to a whole new amazing one! Love, Jane
