Life Lately in the Final Stretch of 2024

Life Lately: Fall Reflections, Creative Wins, and What’s on the Horizon for 2025

The last time I sat down to write here, it was October 29, 2024. The world felt heavy, didn’t it? Just before the election, we were all holding our breath, bracing ourselves for what would come next. I needed time to process. To exhale. To sift through the noise, both out there and in my own mind. Sometimes, stepping away is the only way forward.

Now, here we are, staring down the final days of December. The last month of the year always feels like a moment suspended in time—a chance to reflect on everything behind us and dream about everything ahead. So, let’s catch up.

October: Family, Fall Break, and Finding Rest

We kicked off fall break in Georgia, spending time with Erik’s family. Watching Malcolm connect with his other grandpa? Pure joy. It was one of those quiet moments that reminded me why we pause, why we step away from the hustle and just be.

Our trip included a visit to the Atlanta Aquarium—a bittersweet experience for me. Don’t get me wrong, the underwater world is fascinating, but I can’t help feeling conflicted about animals in captivity. Still, Malcolm’s wide-eyed wonder was worth it.

Back home, we leaned into creativity with a school project. Together, we transformed an ordinary pumpkin into Bad Kitty, inspired by his favorite book series. It was a simple act of crafting, but the pride on his face? That was the masterpiece.

November: Creative Sparks and Meaningful Milestones

Pittsburgh Film Festival Script Reading

Thanksgiving 2024

November carried me to Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival, where my script placed fourth. Even though I’ve been here before, the nerves hit just as hard as the first time.

What made this year different? The audience. Hearing their interpretations of my script breathed new life into my work. There’s something magical about watching strangers connect with a story you’ve nurtured from the ground up. It’s validation, inspiration, and fuel for the next chapter.

Thanksgiving brought us back home for a cozy, love-filled holiday. Malcolm spent time with his grandma, and we caught up with one of Erik’s cousins. There were no elaborate plans, just simple moments that filled the room with warmth.

And because I can’t sit still for too long, I also worked on a personal project: a prototype for an accessory line I’m planning to launch in 2025. It’s early days, but there’s something exhilarating about taking an idea and watching it come to life.

December: Big Wins and Bigger Dreams

December has been about clarity and accountability. I sat down and wrote a detailed plan for my business and brand for 2025—something I’ve never done quite like this before. The pivots I’m making are big. Exciting. Terrifying. But the entrepreneurial journey isn’t for the faint of heart, and I’ve learned to embrace the thrill of the unknown.

On the creative side, I’ve been knee-deep in my short documentary. The goal? To have a rough cut I’m proud of before the clock strikes midnight on December 31. It’s a labor of love and an exercise in patience, but the pieces are finally coming together.

Erik and I also took time to celebrate. His fraternity’s holiday party gave us a rare chance to dress up, step out, and let go of the daily grind. But the real highlight? Erik received the Individual Culture of Belonging Champion Award—a testament to his tireless work fostering inclusion and belonging in his organization and community. Watching him walk in his purpose fills me with pride and inspires me to keep chasing mine.

On my professional journey, I earned my Purpose Driven Brand Storytelling Certification from East Tennessee State University. It’s a reminder that growth requires curiosity and the willingness to evolve—not just as the world changes, but as we do.

Looking Ahead: A Note for You

As much as I love sharing my journey here, I’m taking the rest of the year to reset, plan, and be present. 2025 is calling, and I want to step into it with a clear mind and an open heart.

But before I go, let me leave you with this:

Wherever you are in your journey, know that you’re exactly where you need to be. Every step, every stumble, every triumph—it’s all part of your story. Give yourself grace, and keep planting seeds. The harvest is coming.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with love and a New Year that surprises you in the best ways. I’ll see you in 2025, ready to share fresh stories, new projects, and maybe even a few surprises.

Here’s to what’s next.

With gratitude,

Michelle