Soar Through the Air

Full Moon

The moon is incredible tonight...happy Friday everyone. :D

Beachin'

Going to my local beach in the evening is, by far, my favorite way to decompress after a long day at work.

^I will admit to slightly upping the saturation, but the color patterns were there from the beginning. 

Throwin' it back to 16

When I actually have the time, I like to reminisce. While searching my files for decent shots to edit, I came across this album. Back in January I'd had the privilege of photographing my neighbors' sweet 16. These girls, Maddy and Mel, are like my younger sisters. I've been watching them grow since they were in kindergarten and I was in second grade. It was surreal to see them on this night dressed up looking like beautiful young women. I sound more like a parent than a sibling, but that's how I see them. I've loved seeing them grow stronger and more mature, but also seeing that they're able to run around in public and act like children. I like that they're in no rush to grow up - we still roam the streets at night making stupid noises or play manhunt in their backyard or have family kickball tournaments. They are truly a blessing in my life and I hope they know that I see them as my sisters.

^My dearest friend Beth on prom night - how gorgeous is she?! This girl deserves some recognition and acknowledgement - she isn't only beautiful on the outside. A couple years ago, Beth had saved up money to have a big sweet 16 birthday party. But just as plans were about to fully come together, she stumbled upon a documentary that talked about children being sold into slavery in Africa. Her warm, compassionate heart drove her to say, "How can I possibly have a birthday party when there are children who can't eat dinner every night?" And thus she forwent her party plans and decided to put the money toward those enslaved children to help them escape. She still works closely with the Touch a Life Foundation, the organization through which the money helps these children. These past three years, she's hosted two Walk-a-Thons and one yard sale to raise money for TAL. I am extremely proud to be this girl's friend, incredibly inspired by her compassion, and strongly hope that others are impacted by what she does.

It's a little late, but Happy 4th :-)

Finally getting to do some editing. Time to sit down is rare over the summer with my work schedule. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and wouldn't spend eight hours a day doing anything else. Working with kids just gets strenuous, both mentally and physically. I'm merely driven by knowing that I'm giving children the same home-away-from-home experience I was given at this amazing summer camp. 

Furthermore, I'll stop rambling about my life (for now). Have a wonderful day & enjoy. :-)

Boarding

I got bored (no pun intended) and edited some shots of my brother long boarding...*fun fact* he taught me how to long board, actually on the day that some of these were taken (longboard? It looks odd as two words but it's underlined...).

I like when photos sort of tell a story. I feel like these tell a story about the journey, both literally and metaphorically. The progression of each journey - the beforehand, the preparation, the ambition, the action.

 La la la, my creative juices aren't quite flowing at the moment. Just take in the beauty (or whatever you see it as) of these photos. Lol.