As I reflect back on 2015, I am reminded of just how truly blessed I am! I had so many amazing opportunities & experiences, and these are just a few!

I started my year by attending Lori Harder’s Bliss Project. (BTW: today is the last day to get in on her payment plan for the 2016 retreat!) I have “followed” Lori for years and finally had the chance to meet her live. She is just as wonderful as you would expect, and her message & retreat are reflective of the ray of light that she is! Plus, I was able to attend with my soul sister, Edyta Schwartz, my forever friend!

In May, I took my first trip to Charleston, SC to visit my fitness friend, Stephanie Keenan of SK Fit Life. I meet Stephanie when she was a competitor, and was so excited to learn that she lived right here in Philadelphia. Well, until she moved last year. So what better excuse for a road trip! We had a great time catching up, working out, and seeing the sights!

This past summer for the 1st time, my family rented a house in Cape May, NJ for a week. I have a very small family consisting of my parents, brother, his wife & children. So we are very close and had a blast at the beach. The only caveat of getting the house was that it needed to pet friendly! It was Bella’s vacation too, you know?!

Last year I had the pleasure of shooting with Michael-David Reilly in Houston, Texas. He had discussed this vision he had of creating an online community of fitness professionals from all walks to connect, network, and have opportunities that only a select few experience in the industry. He did just that! And I am honored to have been chosen as 1 of the groups Founding Members at FitnessModels.com.

A major part of 2015 was spent attending obedience classes with Ms. Bella. We completed Obedience 2 & 3, and took the Canine Good Citizen’s test. Which she passed! We also completed Therapy Dog training, but unfortunately did not pass the certification exam. What I can say, she gets excited when she meets new people and likes to jump on them to show her love! LOL. We are currently working on that, and have plans to pass the exam early in 2016 so we can visit Children’s Hospital and spread some joy!

While I was at the Bliss Project in February, I had the pleasure of participating in the international movement entitled, Love is the True Black. Natalie Alexia’s movement & vision came to fruition on September 21, 2015, Peace Day. She posted over 2000 images of people who were asked; “If you wore your message on your body? What one message would you share with the world?” Each individual message was written on the participant’s body, and all of the images were released on that day. Truly a remarkable & memorable moment!

In October, I was able to check off a bucket list item! I have ALWAYS wanted to work with James Patrick of James Patrick Photography. I had been in contact with James for well over a year and we discussed shooting, but he is based in Arizona; a place I only get to for work. But this year he hosted the 1st ever Fitposium, an educational and inspirational seminar focused on success in the fitness talent and modeling industry. Um, yes please! So now was my chance to do it all! Shoot with James and attend the seminar! He had a stacked panel of presenters including Lori Harder, Kim Dolan Leto, Dave Dreas, Felicia Romero, and Sarah Lyons! Which was another bonus! I shot with Sarah of Picture Groove Photography as well. It was a trifecta weekend, I tell you! But the icing on the cake was the networking & getting to meet some amazing women who were in attendance as well!

And like EVERY year, the best close to 2015 was spending Christmas back home in New York with my family! I cherish the time I spend with them! I am so truly blessed to have the tight knit relationships I do with my parents, brother, sister-in-law (her immediate family as well), my 2 teen-aged nephews, and 5 year-old niece! They truly make the holiday…well them and all of the Christmas Cookies! 🙂

So now you can clearly understand why I have so much gratitude on this last day of 2015. Not only do I  have my health, a thriving career amongst truly good people, the love of my family & friends, the best dog EVER, but all of these wonderful memories to last a lifetime!

Happy New Year! Wishing you the best 2016 EVER!

Love and Light,
Tawny