2024 Q4 - Dream Trip!
3-4 minute read
NOTE: This newsletter was intended to be narrated, but due to the fires in Los Angeles, I developed smoke sickness and went to stay with a friend further from the fires. I am safe, but heartbroken for all the people and wildlife impacted by the fires, and for our incredible city, in the midst of such devastation. Our firefighters, first responders, and communities are making progress and support is being quickly set up. Links to information for helping: SoCal Wildfires: How You Can Help | Mutual Aid LA Network
I took too many photos.
I realized pretty quickly during my dream trip to Aotearoa (New Zealand) that I was not taking photos for myself; rather, I was instead attempting to bring slices of NZ home to share with my friends. And only after returning home, I realized that I hadn’t taken many photos of my partner and I really doing anything. The subject of every shot was pretty much “New Zealand.” In my defense, I have never been the archivist of the party. I’m a very “in the moment” type of person, preferring indulgence in the ephemeral over preservation of it.
In other words, I wasn’t really thinking about taking photos beyond “I’m Google Street View if it cared about composition.” So, going through the 10.8 GB of 2,457 photos (and, honestly, too many videos simply of clouds moving across the sky), I felt disappointed that I wasn’t a better photojournalist. (Although it should be noted that since the Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, which means “land of long white clouds” — I’m not the first person to be mesmerized by the clouds, at least.)
After the disappointment in not being a good photojournalist, however, came a feeling of accomplishment. I’m proud of myself for staying true to the vow I made to myself last quarter: Be intentional about time away from work. (And it’s worth mentioning that I also learned to check my camera roll before leaving! 😅) If this trip was a final exam for 2024, I give myself an A+!
I also felt proud of myself for not pressuring myself to be “good” at something artistic; for taking time off from art as a profession, craft, and discipline, and simply snapping shots that felt easeful and inspiring in the moment.
It’s a good reminder for moving into 2025: progress over perfection, and taking it one day at a time. I am grateful to have finally taken my dream trip. I am grateful for the love and community in my life. I am grateful for the wins I’m celebrating this quarter and for all of 2024.
2024 had me celebrating my audiobook directing debut, narrating my 50th audiobook, receiving a Lambda Literary Award and an Earphones Award, updating my headshots and audiobook demos, and growing as a mentor to other narrators.
Moving into 2025, I’m already trying to focus on positive, constructive things. I wish us all fortitude and connection in the year ahead. May we nurture our strength and courage together moving into this new year, and always.
And now it’s time for the breakdown. Q4 in review:
🎧 Audiobooks 🎧
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Releases:
Recorded/Recording:
Second Chance Romance
Trans Autofiction
Duet Erotica Series (pseudonym)
Trans Literary Fiction
🎙 Voiceover 🎙
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Dubbing!
Squid Game 2 - (English dub) supporting lead
Thanks for spending time with me and sharing my celebrations again this quarter! Much love!
🖤🤎❤🧡💛💚💙💜 { progress rainbow heart emojis }
Cheers!
Nicky