Hello poetry lovers,

As another year comes to a close, I’m excited to share my annual recap with you all! First off, a huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of my poetic journey; whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just stumbled upon my blog. This little blog witnessed a 17% growth, jumping from 241 to 283 followers in the last year, and I appreciate every single one of you for reading, commenting, and supporting my work.

If you’re new here, welcome! Every year, I like to put together a recap; not just stats, but a glimpse into my world outside of poetry. Feel free to check out past updates and non-poetry posts under the “Personal” category.

Seven Years & Counting
It’s hard to believe I’ve been running this blog for seven years now, with a total of 428 posts accumulated! Time really flies when you’re pouring your heart into words.

This past year, I shared pieces from 2003, 2010, 2023, and the start of 2024. But the work I’m most proud of recently? My pentalogy:

Tortured Artists Yield Loss Over Remembrance

Part 1: Denial
Part 2: Anger
Part 3: Bargaining
Part 4: Depression
Part 5: Acceptance

I spent months crafting this, and I’m beyond grateful to finally have it out in the world. If you’ve read it, thank you for taking that emotional journey with me. There’s plenty more to come as I continue unraveling the rest of 2024. Here’s what the year looked like from my end:

Beyond The Blog
Outside of writing, I’ve kept myself busy with running and social leagues (softball, bowling, and cornhole have all made an appearance on my calendar this year). It’s been a fun way to stay active, make memories, and let my competitive side shine.

Recreation Photos
I always take the opportunity to recreate photos when possible! When both of my close friends got married a few months apart, we couldn’t help but take the same photo twice! I also included Halloween 2023 and 2024. Although not all the same guests were in attendance both years, we swapped one Gemini for another. We’re all twins, right?! Lastly, a selfie taken after my company’s holiday party in 2023 and again in 2024!

17 Concerts Later…
I might have gone a little overboard on concerts this year (but honestly, no regrets). From nostalgic throwbacks to fresh new sounds, live music fueled my soul in 2024. Here’s a list of almost every artist I saw this year:

• MVSSIE
• Daisy Grenade
• Jimmy Eat World
• Fall Out Boy
• Chelsea Cutler
• REDDSTAR
• Blaze Ya Dead Homie
• ABK
• Twiztid
• Goo Goo Dolls
• Broadside
• Normandie
• Our Last Night
• Taylor Acorn
• Escape The Fate featuring Emo Orchestra
• Ryder Thieves
• DESTROY BOYS
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Knuckle Puck
• The Maine
• Mayday Parade
• Four Year Strong
• The Story So Far
• A Day To Remember
• Sueco
• Sleeping With Sirens
• P.O.D.
• Bad Wolves
• Staind
• Breaking Benjamin
• Tech N9ne
• Catch Your Breath
• Dayseeker
• Like Moths to Flames
• Silent Planet
• The Devil Wears Prada

Photos with MVSSIE and REDDSTAR because meeting artists always makes the experience even better:

Soundtrack of My Year
If you’re curious about the music that shaped my 2024, my Spotify Wrapped sums it up best:

Life Beyond the Blog
Want a glimpse of everything else I did this year? My video recap has all the random highlights, adventures, and probably some questionable dance moves:

@misskarissaann

17 concerts, 4 weddings, and many other countless memories from 2024. That’s a wrap! 🎉 #2024 #newyear #capcut

♬ original sound – Ariana Tehandon

Cheers to 2025!
I know this post is a little late, but as we turn the page on the new year, I just want to say thank you again for being here. Whether you come for the poetry, the music, or just the occasional update, I appreciate you.

Wishing you all a Happy 2025. Here’s to another year of poetry, passion, and endless possibilities!