Happy New Year! There's something invigorating about the blank canvas of a new year, filled with possibilities and exciting plans. Here's a glimpse into my adventures and fresh beginnings for 2024.
Dog Photography Adventures
Tails of Flyball Dogs
My most significant venture this year is the launch of "Tails of Flyball Dogs," a book project featuring the amazing dogs that engage in the sport of flyball. Although I'm no longer active in the sport, after dedicating nearly two decades of my life to it, the dogs, the people, and the sport itself hold a special place in my heart and I'm thrilled to share their inspiring stories through this project.
Events
Beyond portraits, I love photographing events. The pure joy of dogs chasing a lure and the focused intensity of those competing in agility and flyball is something special to witness and photograph. Here are some upcoming events I'll be capturing:
- Jan 19-21, 2024 NADAC Agility Trial at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City, NV;
- Jan 27-28, 2024 AKC Fast CAT at Simkins Park, Pahrump, NV;
- Mar 2-3, 2024 Dash Dogs at Simkins Park, Pahrump, NV;
- May 24027, 2024 AKC Fast CAT at San Bernardino Soccer Complex, San Bernardino, CA;
- Oct 24-27 U-Fli Flyball Championships, Purina Farms, Gray Summit, MO.
Dog Photography Continued Education
My commitment to learning and improving remains steadfast. I've enrolled in the 'Empower Photography Challenge,' the final and most challenging set of the Unleashed Education challenges. With 12 separate assignments over 6 months, these challenges are sure to push my skills to new heights.
personal development
Monthly 30-Day Challenges
To cultivate positive habits, I'm embarking on monthly 30-day challenges. This month, it's running before my morning coffee and yoga before bed. The goal is to build consistency in activities that I've wanted to integrate into my routine. I've also discovered Habitica, a life-changing app that keeps me accountable and organized.
Out With The Old
Buh bye Audible
Farewell, Audible! Despite enjoying countless books through Audible, (460 to be exact), after purchasing 57 books in 2023, I returned 2 titles, and I've now been cut off from returning books for 'excessive returns.' Because of this, every time I buy a new book, I stress out over which book to buy. So I decided to find the silver lining in this and I've signed up for a new digital library card from my local library and I'll be borrowing books instead of buying them. Woohoo!
See ya Netflix
Netflix, it's been real, but it's time for a change. While I've enjoyed many shows and movies, I've realized my viewing habits have changed and I mostly just enjoy the background noise. So, Pluto, Prime, and live TV will be my new companions, offering a different entertainment experience. Maybe at some point, I'll sign up for something different or even go back to Netflix. Who knows, just going to try new things for now and see.
In With The New
In the spirit of embracing positive changes, I've extended my quest for better choices to personal care products. It feels like a never-ending journey as the products I once trusted are often acquired by large corporations, leaving me uncertain about their ingredients.
Environmental Changes
Recently, a friend introduced me to bar shampoo and conditioner from The Earthling, Co. Skepticism lingered as I wondered if these bar hair care products could match the effectiveness of their bottled counterparts. To my delight, they exceeded expectations. The shampoo lathers luxuriously, and the conditioner works its magic, leaving my hair irresistibly soft. The bonus? My shower is now decluttered, and I'm actively contributing to reducing plastic waste. It's a small change, but it brings me immense joy to know I'm making a positive impact on both my hair and the environment.
I haven't been using it long, so I'll have to wait to do a full review, but so far, The Earthling, Co. has brought a refreshing and eco-friendly twist to my daily routine.
After a chaotic last year, my focus for 2024 is better time management and more enjoyable activities. Here's to a year of growth, creativity, and positive changes!
10 Comments
Jan 8, 2024, 12:26:46 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thanks, Lynn, I'm looking forward to both the project and the year!
Jan 8, 2024, 9:51:21 AM
Lynn - 2024 is going to be jam packed for you! Tails of Flyball Dogs looks like it will be a fun project.
Jan 6, 2024, 1:43:29 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Angela! We'll have to be accountability partners!
Jan 6, 2024, 1:25:04 PM
Angela Schneider - Dude, I love that you're trying to have a little restraint with a lot of things. That's happening at Chez Maremma, too. I can't wait to see Tails of Flyball Dogs come to life and everything else that comes from your dog photography adventures. It's going to be rad!
Jan 5, 2024, 10:03:39 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Sharon!
Jan 5, 2024, 10:03:19 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Kim!
Jan 5, 2024, 6:50:57 PM
Sharon - I am looking forward to seeing your book Tails of Flyball Dogs. Being a dog event photographer must be so much fun. Happy New Year!
Jan 5, 2024, 4:23:31 PM
Kim Hollis - Photographing dogs having fun is fun for me too. I totally understand why you enjoy it. That’s great that there are so many opportunities for you to do photograph dog events. Happy 2024 and best of luck with your goals!
Jan 5, 2024, 11:01:39 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Terri!
Jan 5, 2024, 7:43:40 AM
Terri Jankelow - It must be a lot of fun being a dog event photographer! Good luck with your Tails of Flyball Dogs project. Look forward to seeing some of the photos!