I feel for all of you in 30″+ of melting snow and I got as close as I could to a “snow day” in Hawaii. The east coast got showered with record number snow this weekend and all I could think about was “LET’S EAT SHAVE ICE TO CELEBRATE!” (Ululani’s, of course). This is my first winter in four years that doesn’t involve slushing around melting snow, dodging ice patches on the sidewalk, wearing a sleeping bag for a jacket, and dreaming about what it felt like to be warm. I enjoyed cold winter walks and the newness fresh snow brought to the busy city. I’ll miss dressing up to be warm, but let’s be real, this view isn’t too bad either.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. I always am. From buildings to cotton candy clouds the view up there is always a bit different. I’m saying bye to the buildings and replanting my roots. Staying grounded where it all began, but thinking beyond the clouds too.

“Rules are meant to be broken Jen,” said one smart 9 year-old and in this photo, it certainly is. The rule of thirds helps create balance and interesting, captivating images. Follow this “rule of thirds” and create New York Times worthy compositions. Well you’d hope so. The rule is in place as a guideline you learn.  The rule is something you think about in the back of your mind, but maybe is skipped over a few times. That’s okay because as the 9 year-old said, “rules are meant to be broken.”

Now that 2016 is here, there are three “thirds” I hope will become my guidelines for 2016. Last year I started with a few ideas that focus put me on a path for the rest of the year. With my admiration for alliteration (ironic because I thought it was a joke in middle school English), these three categories are labeled with the 3L’s–location, love, and learn.

Location, location, location. It’s all about where you are because that should be where you want to be. If you’re not where you want to be, or where you think you should be, go there. Now. You won’t regret it and the people who care about you will respect it. That’s why I’m here again, on Maui for the love and life of someone I care about very much, G-Flo. New York is not going anywhere, but who knows about G-Flo. Her walker rolls where she goes and as quickly as life comes, it can also go. I need to be here before I regret not being here. I look forward to surrounding myself with the people I love and who love me. The second third, love, encompasses many things but an important one is that I figured out I truly love what I do. The artist life might not be easy but there is alway something to learn–that’s the final third. In 2016 I look forward to learning how to do better and be my best self. Last year I allowed myself to do things and try things I would have questioned the year before. I still question some of that now, but that’s how you learn. Right? All I can say it can only go up from here. *Raising both hands in celebration emoji*

These thirds–location, love, and learn–will serve as my guidelines for 2016. I’ll remember what my favorite 9 year-old said about breaking the rules as I try to make the most intriguing compositions of my life possible. This year will be very different from last and I welcome that with open arms. Change is good, and so is alliteration. ;)

Big Beach, it’s been awhile. There are many memories made on this beach year after year, so thank you for always being here.

2016 is three days deep and we’re not going to limit our chances for adventure. Even if adventure is throwing rocks into water and getting cold feet (from the river).

Mary mary quite contrary, where did this year go? Here’s to another great year.

Thank you, 2015 and everyone who made this year one full of change, courage, and cheer! My people are my purpose and with much more of the 808 to explore, I just can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store.

This is the view as you leave the Maui Airport. A drive I’ve seen many times returning home for happy times and even sad times. I’m here again and there really is no place like home.