Ailana’s Journal — 2026-01-22 (Patreon)

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GOOD MORNING

I want to apologize for taunting you last night about making the engagement official. To be honest, I feel we are official without having picked a date. I’ve been reading Cindi’s story and I remember one night when she and Michael just said, “Hey, let’s say today is the day we got engaged…”

I’m okay with being a copycat! The truth is, it’s just a matter of timing. We both want it to be nice and simple. Today does not look like a simple sort of day!

First off, Clay, Jason, and I are signing the lease with Ryan Properties of Chicago, who bought the building where we’ll have our studio—and where Kirina Yung will open her gallery/sandwich shop. That’s up next. Then Jason and I are going to start working on making the space into a functional studio!

Geoni’s idea for a sitting/viewing area is still in play. Dressing rooms… storage… To be honest, it’s going to be a great upgrade regarding all things photography for AGI Creative Group.

But for now, I’m letting the waves talk to me, listening to their calming voice. I’m thinking about God’s promises to walk with us as we face the future. That, too, is calming.

I’ll be back later with an update about the studio, so watch for that!

See you then.

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All characters in this story are fictional characters, their images generated with AI for AGI Stories. They do not represent any real person, nor is their appearance based on any real human.

THIS IS IT

Being here is different this time. We weren’t let in by the realtor. We have the keys, and we get to keep them. This is now our space. Lease signed. Let’s go!

I was still signing the lease when Jasmine called Naomi.

“Okay, we have a studio,” she said. “Now we’re ready for as much work as you can send our way.”

She was on speaker mode so I heard Naomi’s reply. “You got it. I’m literally working up some promo pieces about the ‘needed it yesterday’ service right now. I’ve got AGI Creative and another production house on board to take the work. I think this can be lucrative.”

Jasmine sounded like a boss. “I like that word. We’re here when you need us.”

Boom. Naomi dubbed us a production house. Let’s go with that—what do you say?

Meanwhile… back to reality… January is winding down, and we’ve all got our proposed ideas for Korea compiled. It’s not time to pack bags yet, but some strategic laundry cycles are probably called for.

So hold onto your hats!

Oh… about tonight’s “street look” photoshoot. We’re ready and the weather is looking good. We could literally walk out the door of the studio and start shooting! But, we already picked out a place over on the island.

I’ll be back with a report—so see you then.

COUNTING DOWN TO WHAT? by Vanessa Lenen

I’m working from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. tonight, and I didn’t ask why this shift is so random. I’m glad for the work. It’s given me a chance to… Well, if Amir Kumar hadn’t called, I’d be looking for a job here in NYC.

But Amir did call with a possible… call it probable… opportunity doing research in Texas. There’s a wedding in India happening this Saturday, so the flow of information about the project has stopped, for now.

What I know is that there’s a clinic piece that gives the project roots and an address. There’s an immigration piece that locates the clinic in the Brownsville, Texas area. And for my part—in addition to helping with the immigration piece—there’s a large research piece looking at epidemiology, spread of infectious disease, and vaccination efficacy in defined geographic communities.

The catch is that David lives here, not Texas.

Things with him have been excellent. We jumped in fast following the symposium where we met, then we got into a normal life routine. Going to work… Meeting for dinners… Weekends… It has been steady and meaningful.

I’ve definitely not decided that he’s not “the one.” Things are still early on, but there is real substance in our relationship.

We’ve obviously talked about Texas, and it creates concerns. Maybe more for me than him. He’s confident about us.

“Vanessa… look… The Texas thing looks good from the front end. Wait until all the pieces are in place and if it is something you think fits you, go for it. We’ll adjust. I’m not ready to say nix to things between us. There’s a lot going on, and I definitely want to keep finding out what this is. If Texas is part of your future, we’ll adjust. So, we wait until you have all the information, then make a plan.”

So, for now, I’ll put on my scrubs, find my stethoscope, and get to the rig for a 12-hour shift. We need to talk more about adjusting, but for now, I’m waiting on final details.

GOOD NIGHT

Okay, let me remind you that I’m getting paid to wear this. Sometimes, our jobs require us to do things we don’t necessarily like. But if we want to keep the job…

When I was growing up and working at the grocery store, I was primarily a checker. Did that stop me from going out to get baskets when the manager told me? Of course not. If I was told to get a broom, I got a broom and did what I was paid to do.

If you are new to the employment scene and happen to be reading this—there’s your lesson.

As for this outfit… And yes, I know some of you are going to have opinions.

But, someone might wear this to go… somewhere? Right?

Let me add that I do like the shoes (second image). I also would wear the skirt, but I can’t think of when I’d actually wear it!

So, with that, let me bring this day to a close.

May you find joy in all that you do. May you prosper greatly, becoming able to give back to others who are in need.

Good night.

Be your best you!

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The second image from the shoot and the thank you message that follows is exclusive to supporters…

"Thank You" Message to Paying Supporters:

It is my belief that most of you who help with the costs are doing so because you want to support the production process and show your encouragement. I am honored and greatly moved.

I know that I share a LOT of content FREE TO ALL. I'd imagine that you understand why. The stories about giving back and helping seem like they shouldn't be exclusive. Certain plot moments need to be understood by anyone trying to to follow the stories.

With that in mind, I always consider you, the paid members, when deciding how to share content.

My hope is that reserving a few pictures and small sections of the post for you is a modest indication of gratitude!

Thank you very much for your help underwriting the cost of producing AGI Stories content. You can be sure that your paid membership is valued greatly! At the time of this post, not counting hardware, AGI Stories racks up expenses of just over $100 per month.

Again, thank you very, very much.

~AGI Original Stories & AI Images