These past twelve months have gone by entirely too quickly. I feel like I say that every year, but this year seriously flew by in a hurry. So much has happened.
This has been a stellar year! I’d fail miserably if I tried to capture it all. Instead I’ll share some highlights.
Got engaged!
One of my most life-altering moments happened in May. My man and I were in Positano, Italy, on vacation with his parents. The day we arrived he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. We’ve been grinning like idiots ever since! My man keeps me calm, makes me laugh, and challenges me to be a better woman. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with this guy.
My man and I on the day we got engaged, with one of the coolest views of Positano, Italy.
Finished Abandoned Allies and Premiered at IMAX
This year I finally finished Abandoned Allies, my directorial debut and first feature-length film. My team helped me finish the film, put it on DVD, and premiere it at IMAX at Marbles! How great it feels to finally have the film finished. What a rewarding experience to see it on the state’s largest screen — 70′ wide — with a captive audience! We had a really rewarding Q&A session after the film, where WRAL-TV anchor Bill Leslie served as the emcee. (Bill also interviewed me about the film and our premiere which you can watch here.) I’m so, so, so lucky. And I have so many people to thank for all of these good things. We’re now planning additional screenings, talking with audiences, and using the film as a tool for change. It’s exciting!
In this pic, I’m answering questions about the film at the August premiere at IMAX at Marbles. Such a great day.
Traveled the World
While working on Abanoned Allies, I did very little traveling — for so many reasons. This year I made up for lots of lost time! There were many exciting trips. I spent time with loved ones in lovely N.C. towns like Brevard, Pittsboro (Fearrington Village), Beaufort, and Wilmington. Then I went out of state to Ohio, South Carolina, and California. And then some unforgettable memories were made in Positano, Italy, and in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
“When in Rome!”
Spent Time With Family and Friends
This year was full of great moments spent with loved ones. I’m so grateful for that. There were great weddings, festivities, casual nights with a brew, home cooked meals, costume parties, concerts, and new adventures. There was even a little time for relaxing. I want more of all of that in 2013!
Elton John concert in March 2012. So much fun!
Had Many Filmmaking Adventures
Last — but certainly not least — there were some wonderful moments in filmmaking this year. Following industry news about big productions in N.C. (Homeland, Revolution, Iron Man 3, Save Haven, etc.), Full Frame 2012, 48 Hour Film Project, Documentary Summit, Second Sunday Film Series, filmSPARK, and TriFilm were all very good for me. Plus I spent a little time in Los Angeles with a friend, and had a great time! Throughout the year I learned a lot from workshops, festivals, conversations, and simply being on set. I have a lot of people to thank for that. It was a really wonderful year for learning, sharing, and connecting.
In 2012 I helped make a short film during the 48 Hour Film Project. I’m looking forward to doing that again soon.
Looking back at 2012 makes me realize how quickly time flies. It’s amazing. So much happened this year, and I want to savor it all. These highlight don’t do it justice. I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such smart, passionate, talented, dedicated, kind, and generous people. I hope next year is just as wonderful as this one. We’ll find out soon enough, won’t we?!
Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, y’all!