This is a personal, long post. And no, I will have no regrets.

It has been a year of ups and downs.

Sound cliché? Think again.

The year before it had been so clear to me. I actually spelled it out. “I shall have NO REGRETS”.

Somehow 2011 remained undefined for a long, long time. What was it going to be about? Could it possibly be better than the epic ’10? No way! Or … way?

2011 was to become my most amazing, epic and insightful year – EVER!

I connected with some of my heroes within the business. Some facades crumbled before my very eyes. I moved on… I grew as a photographer and – hopefully – as a person. I made new friends. Friends who stood by me and supported me every single day. Thank you for being there when I needed you! Thank you for giving me sanity when I doubted myself. You are awesome! And you are going places! I will be here to cheer you on, every step of the way!

Our kids grew up so fast this year.  They surprise and amaze me every single day. I see so much of myself in them. I am privileged to be their mother. It’s exhausting, frustrating, amazing and glorious and I wouldn’t miss it for the world!!!  One day I hope to have raised 3 harmonic, happy grownups. Meantime we’re enjoying the path that leads us there. I love the three of you with all my heart!

Birthday came – and so did the puppy I had wished for.  I thrive with a canine around. I heart my happy Willow. I’ve never had or met a happier dog – ever!

I travelled and took new friends on a roadtrip. Little did I know they were sisters from a different mother. I love you. You are always with me and I owe you so much! I may live far away, but know that I am there if you ever need me.

Summer came. Whilst everyone was complaining about the weather, I kept hearing the blast in Oslo over and over again in my head.  Hug your kids and pray for a sane future.

And finally … to my soulmate.
We were friends. We became lovers. We exchanged vows. We became parents.
I will grow old with you. You are there to pick me up when I feel insecure.  You are sanity when I am crazy.  You … are my ROCK.
I love you.

So with this said.
I look ahead, with no regrets. With only hope and plans for the future.
Where it will all take me, I do not know.
But I will give it my all.
I love my life. I just need to remind myself from time to time.

I still wonder what 2011 was all about… Maybe it was more about the journey than the actual goal.

Enjoy these last days of the year.  And make YOUR 2012 amazing!

Much love,

Tanja

PS: below are some shots from my favorite time this year… on a mountaintop in Norway – pre 7/22.  Enjoy the goofy selfies of the rock and me. xo