Boston | Boston Public Library

This is the most magnificent library I have ever seen. We weren't able check out (haha, no pun intended) the entirety of the library, but I saw enough to describe it as timeless, grand and classic. Even with the greenery covered in snow, I was still able to appreciate the courtyard. I can just imagine how perfect it would feel in the other seasons with the plants, fountains and people crowding the area lost in books.

I can't wait to explore this library in its entirety one day.
I would feel like Matilda at the library! (Please tell me you understood that reference).

Ps: Aren't my best friends just gorgeous?! :D

For more Boston posts, click here.

Boston | Brattle Book Shop

 

 

Renée took us to one of her favorite book shops in Boston called Brattle Book Shop. What a perfect little shop! The exterior alone is so inviting with its larger than life pencil sign and open bookstore with discounted books in the space next to them. It was three, four(?) floors of pure heaven! They even had a section for "Mountaineering". Yeah, I kind of freaked out.

In the photos above, do you see the stairwell with poster board photos of books? That is a display of all the first editions they have. I didn't go into their "Rare Books" room, but they have a floor dedicated to their collection they sell. How wonderful would it be to own the first edition of your favorite novel?!

Local book shops are one of my favorite finds. They go beyond the stories found in the books. Definitely check them out if you're ever in Boston! For more Boston photos, click here.

Boston | Gold Gallery

A couple weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to pack up my bags and spend the weekend with some of my best friends in Boston. Renée, the now local, played tour guide for us as we explored South End, went shopping on Newbury Street, dined at fabulous places and literally got blown away by the wind. Aside from my freezing toes, foggy glasses and slight anxiety when it comes to big cities (I am a mountain girl at heart!), it was a wonderful trip! Boston is a kind of cold I only have nightmares about. Brrr!

While waiting for brunch, we took a little walk around South End and discovered Gold Gallery. This month they celebrate their one year anniversary! Aside from the brilliant art it is home to, what caught my initial attention was their logo and then it got even better inside. Safe to say, I think the pictures can show you proof themselves. The director told us this building was supposed to be a Dunkin Donuts I believe and then when that fell through, Gold Gallery had to set up in three weeks. What a turn of wonderful events!

Gold Gallery, thank you for being inspiring and extending the warm welcome to Boston.
The aspiring graphic design in me says Kudos to your fabulous logo + identity.

More pictures from Boston to come :)

ROADTRIP!

FRI Nov. 30, 2012

Off to Wilmington this weekend I go!

Some of my best of best friends live in Wilmington so what better way to end the month than to spend it with my second family? I foresee lots of catching up, a trip to Hobby Lobby, hazelnut coffee in the morning, Flaming Amy's and just the best of company. On a not-so-fun note, we are sending off a dear friend of ours as he makes a move to Philly. I will miss you Sean! I never thought we would get to know each other so well and have countless adventures, but I hope they treat you well up there. North Carolina will always keep her arms open for you ;)

Okay, I should go pack and make a kick-butt playlist for the trip or something.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend friends! xo

ON TRAVELING

FRI. Sept 28 2012
listening to: Mumford & Sons, Babel

Have you read this article yet? Converge Magazine wrote an article about traveling young and the author could not have put it in better words. Oh...you haven't read it? Well, go read the article and then come back to my blog.

Done? Good. Let's continue.

"You won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you. So travel, young person. Experience the world for all its worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion. While you still can."

"This is my calling! My life! I don’t want what you have. I will always be an adventurer.”

Adventure.

We all crave it. We read about it in novels, close our eyes and wish for it but didn't you know it is right in front of you? It's on that plane/train/bus ticket you have yet to purchase, in the pages of your passport, stuck between the tires of your car and right in the palm of your hand. It's that road trip you have planned on taking but just "never had a good weekend" and that international trip you just "couldn't afford". It happens when you escape your world for a little bit to discover another. It's what you get when you travel.

It is easy to find a comfortable place and stay in it. There's nothing wrong with that, but I urge you all to get out of your comfort zone even if it's just the next county over. Traveling doesn't have to cost you thousands. It is exploring the unknown. I love nothing more than visiting a new city, checking out the local places and discovering what makes the heart beat in that particular town. I think every place has a little something to offer in the world. Whether it's a quick trip to Atlanta or a month-long trip to the Philippines (I recently did both), it changes you. It challenges you to be lost in the unknown and start from scratch because only when you're lost do you find yourself.

When asked the question, "What is one thing you would love to do right now?" many people reply "Travel". If I could drop all responsibilities and had an infinite amount of money that is all I would do! Wouldn't you? Most of us want it, we crave it, we desire it, we cling to those two week vacations from work. Make sure you travel as soon as you can because one day you may not have that luxury anymore. 

Travel my dear friends.
Enjoy your life, spend a little bit of your earnings and reach out because the world really is in arms reach. You may find yourself falling in love - with a place, a person, an idea and a new perspective. Traveling refreshes you, energizes you, changes you, moves you, and makes you a better person. A person who is cultured, who understands the world around them, who breaks barriers and begins the little steps of linking us all together. We all live in this crazy world together and really should get to know one another. There's something great in all of us and traveling can help us discover that.

The feelings I get when I travel are indescribable. I wish I could capture the moments when I rode an elephant, saw the Madrid skyline, experienced the night markets in The Philippines and Thailand, ziplined through the Costa Rican mountains or swam near waterfalls with more than my camera and my stories. I wish I could describe those sensations, the scents and make you feel the wind or how the water felt, but it is merely impossible. You must experience it for yourself.

Next time you are stuck between "What should I do with my life?" or "What should I do this weekend?"...travel dearest friends. It would be an absolute shame for this beautiful world to go unseen, for cultures to be unknown and for people to stay strangers.

And this is why I travel.

 

For the next few days I will be in the wonderful town of Wilmington to celebrate the wedding of my dearest best friends Joe and Hannah! You know, the ones I always photograph like here, here and here? The next few days will be filled with a bachelorette party, bridesmaid luncheon, amazing yellow bridesmaid dresses, the best of friends, dress rehearsals, the best wedding ever and just so much love all around. I am so honored to be a part of this wedding and to be witness to one of the greatest loves I have ever seen. Seriously. This couple makes you so sick because they are just that perfect together. You know, that couple :) Ps. That is a total compliment.

I can't wait to share with you their perfect day and of course, her bridal portraits that I have been DYING to share! So here's to Hannah, Joe and to true, everlasting love. Love you both so much.

Here's the almost-married couple:

image one: Taken in Wilmington 2011 during a weekend trip with my best friends.
Image two: Part of the engagement photo shoot we had in Wilmington. Find the rest in the above links.

BACK FROM VACATION

June 7, 2012

I can't believe it has been a little over a month since I last blogged. My sincerest apologies! Between the last month of my undergrad, graduation, New York City and Thailand, I just couldn't keep up with what life was handing to me. No worries though, I have every intention of sharing my photos and experiences of my last month...just spare me some patience and I'll get right to it :)

In a nutshell, I just came back from my two week excursion to Thailand! We went all over including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Cha Am. I met some of the most incredible people and I can't wait to share all the details soon.

Just hold on tight and the blogging world of the 25th Hour will be back shortly.
Right after I recover from some major jet lag.

*Photo was taken at Cha Am Beach, Thailand last week.

ATHENS, GA VIA FILM

Dear Athens,

Where did you come from? Where have you been hiding? I didn't know you existed but my goodness, since my first trip in October, you've introduced me to some lovely people and you never cease to host some unforgettable moments. Did you know you're only four hours away from Boone? It was bittersweet leaving you again this weekend. I'm not sure of our next reunion, but just know that everything that happened keeps me smiling at night.

This weekend was filled with late nights, seeing my friend's band Funk You play (everyone needs to check them out...NOW), windows down, running in the rain, rooftop bars, fish tacos, a failed attempt to watch Harry Potter, beautiful mornings, warmth, great company, completely sucking at darts, a very small tour of UGA, Jittery Joe's..twice, porch conversations, new inside jokes, winking, little moments, learning new things, meeting new people, staying out, sleeping in and just overall a new refreshing perspective.

I must say Athens, you threw me off this weekend and yet made everything make sense. I tried to capture some moments with disposable cameras. There's something authentic, wonderful and "road trippy" when using film cameras. Although I may not have much money, or any money at all, I will be investing into film a lot more.

Thank you for a [insert best adjective here] weekend.
I'm still smiling.