Anne Miller: With Gratitude and Thanks

Can we do it all over again? Man, Thanksgiving you are so amazing, what a beautiful holiday to give us the excuse to disconnect and just simply be together. I really wanted to post a Happy Thanksgiving yesterday and had every intention of doing so but spent the morning writing a special message to my families from this past year, so thankful for those memories I treasure so much from each session. So many families and children who have entered my heart and made me SO grateful this year.

Today, the day after Thanksgiving, I tried to get a one-line post out there, to simply say Happy Thanksgiving and thank you but if you follow me, then you know my words are reflective so this sentimental soul has a tough time keeping anything to one line, especially when it comes to saying thank you!

When I think back to where I was this time last year in 2014 having just ended my first "official" season as Anne Marie Photography, I would have never thought I would have the year I just had, no...for real. It's because of all of YOU that I am here today finishing out the most mind-blowing, amazing, and incredible season. It's because of all of YOU and your support, encouragement, comments, "likes", shares, texts, emails, phone calls, you name it that I have had such a memorable year. From my teachers, mentors, behind-the-scenes supporters and dear friends, to the last minute coffee dates, and of course my own incredible family, I am so fortunate to have you all in my life, by my side--there is so much gratitude and endless amounts of hugs and thank yous' for all you continue to do for me.

I do my best to reflect and give thanks every day, but yesterday was extra special and wonderful. I sat at my parent's house, the house I grew up in the West End of Hartford, as we all gathered around their dining room table, beautifully decorated with crisp ironed linens, polished silverware, glowing candles, the good china, we gave thanks to our health and happiness. My mother always puts her heart into her cooking, every last detail perfected. The timing of the meal, the seamless way she somehow gets each dish out all at once and hot, amazes me. My dad raising a glass to say grace, his words always so reflective and meaningful, and yes, now you know where I get it from! It was a beautiful afternoon that spilled into the late evening, as most of our family gatherings do. No one ever wanting to leave. I am blessed.

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and dear friends. I know I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have been blessed by so many of you who I am thankful who take the time out of your busy day to read my blog or look at my posts on Facebook or Instagram. I am so fortunate to have you all in my life whether we've been friends forever, or have yet to meet. Thank you for touching my life in the most meaningful way. I am grateful for your encouragement and love you show me and the future excites me beyond belief!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, the Christmas music will officially start playing non-stop in our house starting on Monday till after the New Year! But today, I'm heading to my sister's house for round two Thanksgiving with my Mastronardi side and I can't wait!

And of course, my final thanks and gratitude goes to the leading man in my life- my rock, and my biggest believer. My husband, Justin. My love. He knows how thankful I am for him but wow, this year he has seen me at my lowest of lows and at my highest of highs, his calming nature, comforting words, and kind heart, he has given it all to me, unconditionally. He's picked me up and pushed me along in the latest of nights and the earliest of mornings. So much of my inner strength comes from him, we are a team and without him (as I often tell him) I wouldn't be where I am today.

Enjoy your weekend, celebrating the gift of togetherness and the beautiful people in your life. I celebrate all of you and wish you peace today and throughout this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!
xo
Anne

I took this photograph on Drift Inn Beach up in Port Clyde, Maine this past August where my family spent the week on vacation while visiting my brother who owns Yardbird Canteen, across the street to Drift Inn Beach. It was right after my time with photographer Tiffany Farley, a time I am so grateful for. I was waiting for my dad and Justin to arrive as they were paddling from Marshall Point Lighthouse in my dad's canoe as the fog and pouring rain set in. I love the mood, colors, and texture this image portrays. It's a photograph that holds a ton of meaning for me and I can't wait to hang it in our house!