I've been writing these posts for 6 years now to share the highs and lows that I experience. Every year that I write one of these, I am in a place that I never thought imaginable. The continued growth year over year is something that I am incredibly proud of. We're all rotating on this giant rock together enduring struggles and clerating in triumphs. The highs and the small moments are what make it all worth it.
I was able to spend the first day of my 29th year with my best friend while she was visiting from Florida with her husband and son. These are those small quiet moments, where I can simply exists with someone who has been there with me through it all. Over the years this woman has grown into a a wonderful mother and I don't think I can be more proud to call her my best friend. And like ALL true best friends, we have absolutely no photos together. So shout out to my 'wife,' I love you.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular came next in Providence, RI. This is simply a must see for the Halloween lovers out there. The intricate design of these jack-o-lanterns truly is spectacular.
About a month later, I took the journey out to Las Vegas, NV for SEMA 2023. This was my second year in attendance and my first time in Vegas alone. Being an avid solo traveler, this was an exciting time for me. While visiting a city with so much life can be better with friends, I was able to enjoy a different side of it alone. SEMA will likely stand as one of my favorite events of the year, and one that I will always try and get to. My time kicked off with the welcome night where they honor the most notable builds of the year. The next few days were fueled by burnout displays, incredible builds and meeting some of the best in the industry.
Upon returning, I didn't stay long and went down to Florida to visit my best friend. We took a trip to Disney, where I caught up with another one of my friend's who also lives down in Florida. After a few good days soaking up the sun in Florida, my next adventure was to see Trans Siberian Orchestra for the first time. It was an incredible experience. As I write this, I already have tickets purchased for this years (2024) show.
In the beginning of December I flew to Arizona for Fuel Fest and to visit Sedona. Sedona was one of the most beautiful places I have visited thus far, and I felt o at peace being there. A large part of the recent my recent life journey's have been spiritual; looking inward. I have found in most all cases, that what I need is inside me, and I can do whatever I can dream up. My only limit is myself.
The rest of the winter rolled on slowly. I did a pet painting night with a friend, went out for New Year's with my friend group, went to Las Vegas again for CES (which you can also read a fill write up about on my blog), and patiently awaited the spring to come around again so I could take my cars out of storage and ride my motorcycle. March brought about another trip to Florida for The Amelia, a wonderful Concours event at Fernandina Beach at the Ritz Carlton. If you have the ability to go, I highly recommend it. At the end of April I took the annual pilgrimage south to MINIs on the Dragon. The Tail of the Dragon has easily become one of my favorite roads to drive thus far, which is just a bonus of bring in that area. The real treat is the ability to see my friends from all over the country and hang out with them in one spot. I am already counting down the days until I return for 2025.
I did a lot of fishing this year. Something that I didn't get to do much of in the last. Being outside is therapeutic for many reasons, and the high of reeling in something big is even better. June brought about Laconia Bike Week. Stunt shows, seafood, scenic routes and just again being outside. The following week I also took another trip to Florida to see my best friend to prepare for one of the biggest trips of my life. I had secured tickets to go see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Zurich, Switzerland. Yes you read that right. So we got to work making bracelets for trading at the show.
July 8th couldn't come fast enough. My flight was finally here. I spent a total of 12 hours in the air between my two flights and layover, but when I finally landed it all became worth it. I took a quick nap before getting ready for the night I would not soon forget. Taylor Swift was amazing live. Growing up listening to her music and then hearing a decade of that all come together in front of me was surreal. I had the time of my life. July also brought about some Wedding photography gigs, which I never thought would be my thing. But I learned that I just enjoy seeing people genuinely happy, for whatever reason it may be. I am now also excited whenever someone asks me to photograph their wedding.
August brought another first for me, being a photographer at Camp to Belong Maine. Another surreal and humbling experience which you can also read about on my blog. I also took a trip out to upstate New York for MINI at the Glenn, another annual event bringing together MINI enthusiasts around the country, and yet another place I can see friends that I don't frequently get to.
In September I got to enjoy the annual Seafood Festival at Hampton Beach, Glendi in Manchester, NH and staffed at Granite State Comicon for my third year in a row. At the end of the month I flew to Atlanta, GA and got to watch my friends get married. Once I landed back home the realization hit me that the following week would be the biggest event of my life so far. The Audrain Newport Concours d'Elegance. I had been preparing for this all year, the process beginning on March with the order of the materials for the interior of my Classic Mini. I ended that event with 2nd place in my class. It was my first ever Concours as a participant and my first win. I also made connections that weekend that I believe will last a lifetime.
Which brings us full circle to October 8th, 2024, my 29th birthday. I can express nothing but gratitude for what this year has taught me. It has not been easy, and the path has been anything but straight and narrow. I learned so much about myself and the people in my life. I learned the meaning of loyalty, and that people will toss you and your ideas aside the moment you no longer serve them or their own goals. I also learned that the other people, the good people, will stick by and celebrate in your wins with you instead of rooting against you. My family. my friends, my communities, I thank you for being a part of my journey each and every year. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.
Until next time.
Motor on.
Cover photo by : David Lockhart
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