When One Door Closes, Another One Opens

It's hard to believe I've been a Patch freelancer for over two years. When I first started, no one knew what Patch was. I must have explained it over a thousand times during my assignments. Two years later, a lot of people know what Patch is, and that's pretty neat.

My first Patch assignment was covering the annual Senior Citizen's Thanksgiving Dinner at Emmaus High School. I was nervous to get paid to take pictures at my alma mater. I wanted to make sure I did a terrific job!

When I walked into the cafeteria, a calm came over me. This was home to me.

I saw familiar faces, knew names and realized this was the right job for me. What could be better than attending local events and already knowing names of people I was photographing? This is what I love about our small town!

I was very busy in that first year, 2011. I covered breaking news (LOTS of bank robberies and fires!), community events like the Memorial Day and Halloween Parades. I attended Easter Egg Hunts and Breakfasts with Santa. I interviewed people in our neighborhood and featured local businesses.

And best of all, I was given the opportunity to write a weekly column about memories of living here as a young girl in Emmaus to my current life and experiences as I raise a family here now.

The past two years have been very special to me. I've met some amazing people and have covered very interesting stories. I've grown and learned (a LOT!). I've laughed and cried (a LOT!).

But now, Patch has decided to go in a new direction. I will no longer write my 'Mountain View' column, but would love to figure out what new door is about to open.

I've contemplated giving piano lessons, consulting people in travel plans, selling more Avon, doing more photography ...

For now, I will continue to post an occasional blog covering things I love most - photography, travel, music, and being a parent in this lovely part of Pennsylvania.

I thank all of you who so religiously read and commented on my columns. I've been so touched by the kinds words I've received over the past few weeks. It has meant the world to hear from so many of you.

And if you need a photographer for a party, wedding, portrait, or other special event, don't hesitate to contact me! If you want piano lessons, I'm here! Or, if you want to plan a very special vacation, I'm the Travel Gal you've been looking for!

Here's to an exciting new year for all of us! God bless!