December Magic: Gratitude and Growth
It’s December 2nd, and the Christmas lights are finally up. The girls are buzzing with excitement—it’s hard not to feel the magic of this season through their eyes. Tonight, we’ll introduce them to their first Elf on the Shelf. I can already imagine their excitement when they see it for the first time.
Thanksgiving was low-key but perfect. My wife cooked an incredible meal, and we spent the day together, just the four of us. After dinner, we went to the movies and watched Moana 2. It’s always a treat to see their little faces light up at the theater. We managed to visit some family the night before Thanksgiving, too. Aunt Joni brought her four kids, and Uncle Clint came with his two boys, giving the girls some good cousin time.
Now we’re back to the grind—school, work, and a packed schedule until the long-awaited holiday break. My oldest daughter’s school is hosting a PTA silent auction soon, and I’m donating a short film or promo video for the cause. It’s a way to give back, but it also feels good to see my work contributing to something meaningful.
On the professional side, there’s so much to be thankful for this year. My PBS documentary is essentially done, aside from the titles and credits. The promotional design proofs from Panhandle PBS look fantastic, and I’m thrilled for the series’ release in February. It feels surreal to see it all come together.
I also have an unreleased short promo video for a local ranch—a project I’m particularly proud of. It highlights a horse they’re studding out, and I believe it’s some of my best work yet. The ranch’s history, the bond with their animals, and the rugged beauty of the western lifestyle—it’s the kind of story I love to tell. Projects like these connect me to my roots and remind me why I started creating in the first place.
On the digital front, my young calf roper video is performing well. My Instagram and YouTube channels are steadily growing, nearing 6,000 followers and subscribers, respectively. It may not sound like much to some, but every single one of those feels hard-earned. Having an audience that genuinely connects with my work is something I’m deeply grateful for.
This year has been a whirlwind of opportunities—ones I actively pursued and brought to life. From releasing my first short film to the Shad Mayfield videos, each project has led to bigger and better things. They paved the way for my PBS docuseries and my latest ranch and rodeo films.
As 2024 winds down, I’m reflecting on how much I’ve grown, both personally and creatively. A year ago, I wouldn’t have even called myself a filmmaker. Now, I have a clearer sense of direction. I’m more intentional about the stories I choose to tell. I don’t just film everything; I focus on stories that matter, stories that resonate.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to refining my craft. It’s time to upgrade my editing process and streamline my workflow. The tools I’ve been using have taken me this far, but to keep growing, I need to embrace a more professional setup.
As I approach 2025, patience is my guiding word. I have a couple of documentary projects lined up—one hinging on a grant application and another with a current client. Both hold incredible potential, but great things take time. My job is to stay prepared, remain patient, and seize the opportunities when they come.
This month, though, I’m focusing on the magic of December. My wife and daughters are my top priorities, and I want to make unforgettable memories with them. As I juggle my creative projects, I’m reminded that the best stories take time to unfold. Here’s to a season of gratitude, patience, and growth—and to making 2025 my best year yet.
