“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”  Melody Beattie

This past journey has been filled with so much gratitude.  This year, I’ve had remarkable clients, and I thank YOU for having me help capture your memories and share your special day.  This past month, has made me feel more thankful than ever to be able to do the things I do, and see the people I choose to see.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been in Los Angeles, and Southern California, recollecting myself and preparing myself for the end of the year.

There are so many things and people that I want to thank and share my gratitude for, but I want to highlight some of the people who I recently saw and visited in Los Angeles, and inspire me and keep me going throughout my journey.

Colorado Street Bridge (Pasadena, California)

Thank you to my photography papa and mentor, Scott Robert Lim, for taking time out of your day to eat at Tasty Garden.

Thank you Matthew Jordan Smith for taking the time out of your busy schedule to discuss deeply about life – you are such an inspiration to the world, including myself.  Thank you to Jenny Shung, photographer and now mother of 5, was one of those wonderful friends whom I’ve been so grateful to keep in touch with, and I had the honor of spending the past few days with her at the tail end of my trip in Southern California.  She has taught me there are so many more joys in life.  At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what happened in this world, as long as you have you, and your family to come home to.

Lastly, and most importantly, I want to say thank you to my family.  Thank you to my family for always supporting me, whether its letting me sleep on your couch, grabbing a bite to eat for dinner, and hang out with when I need some company.  Thank you to my parents and my brother, without your support, this journey would be even harder.  Thank you to my new and old friends (aka, my family all over the world) –  you friends are not just friends, you’re family.  Thank you for the memories that help mold and shape me to who I am today.

For everyone and more, those who I have met and would love to meet, this is my gratitude to you, and all I want to do is say is, thank you.  Thank you for being you.  Thank you for being candid, thank you for being so kind.  Thank you for your inspiration.  Thank you for helping me appreciate the littlest things in life.  Thank you for lending out your helping hand when I didn’t need it, your motivation, and keeping me sane.  And thank you for your support throughout this journey.  Thank you for sharing my love with your love.

Temecula, California

xoxo ❤, mn
www.michellenicolephoto.com