Oh, 2017 you were not one of my favorites. This past year has been stressful for many of us in the United States and around the world. In many ways, it feels like we’re all in some kind of national depression and it’s been like no other time, at least in my lifetime.
For me personally, 2017 has been a bit of a fog. I’ve been back in Chicago full-time now for about a year and a half. I sold my former condo of 13 years which I haven’t lived in since 2006, when I left to travel around the world. I’ve been reconnecting with myself after being in a seven-year long relationship. It has not been easy, but I also am grateful for my alone time (well, with my adorable cat, Bug). At times I can feel completely content and at yet at other times, utterly alone.
I love my new neighborhood and apartment and have enjoyed reconnecting with my favorite city. One of the highlights of my year was having my mom come for a visit in May and my dad in June. It had been a long time since either were here and I loved having them here!
I’ve been working with a lot more video and photography clients through my business, LLmedia.co (check out my site re-design!). And I continue to write travel and food articles for American Way, The Chicago Tribune, and West Jet plus wrote for some new publications such as the Scandinavian Traveler, Luxury Las Vegas Magazine, and Hemispheres Magazine (United Airlines). I am also doing various speaking engagements here and there about travel and also video. I am also proud to have been named the executive director of Crate Free Illinois, a non-profit, that is working to lessen the suffering of farm animals.
Travels this year took me to Washington, DC (for the Women’s March), Mexico City, Guadalajara, Milwaukee, Indianapolis (for Bloghouse Indy!), Buffalo (for my third visit in 3 years — I have a crush on Buffalo, but don’t tell Chicago), Pittsburgh, Colorado, Bloomington, New York City, and New Jersey. Wow. That’s still 11 trips. But many were much shorter and closer than years past.
I am hoping for some more far flung trips next year. On my list are Iran, Georgia, and Iceland. Have you been? I’d LOVE your tips.
How was your 2017? And where are you hoping to visit in 2018? I’d love to hear from you.
And without further ado, here are my favorite photographs from 2017.
Happy Holidays & New Year!
Lisa’s 2017 Holiday Travel Gift Guide
2017 was blegh for me too! Good riddance is right.
Love the website redesign of LLMedia – especially that video!
Sounds like you have some fun adventures planned for 2018 – I’m hoping to make my way back to Iceland this year. I have a ton of Iceland tips… they are my most popular blog posts! 🙂
Thanks so much Amanda!! I will definitely check out your Iceland posts. I feel like the only one who hasn’t been yet! 😉 Hope to see you in 2018!
You have shared your whole year experience through these photographs and believe me or not you had a great collections of memories and experiences. Thanks for sharing them with us.
I love the Buffalo, NY art! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Thanks Veronica. Buffalo really impressed me.
Love the pictures you shared, a whole year in pictures is amazing thing to do and see. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful theme..and those Dishes and especially Buffalo really impressed me a lot!