NEEDING SPACE FROM MY OWN SPACE

TUES. Sept 18 2012

  

First and foremost, I apologize for my "little hiatus" that turned into a full blown break up...well at least it felt like it. I just needed to step out for some fresh air and much needed space. You know? The cyber life needed to be put on hold so I could catch up with my real one. So many beautiful things have happened these past few months and I can't wait to relive those journeys with you all on the blog, but for now here's a little insight on this "much needed space".

I initially started this blog to create my own space, yet here I am needing space from my own space.

What?

Interesting concept, I know, but I wanted the 25th hour to be about finding that extra time to do those things you love, to see the people you love, to catch up, to find that extra moment for inspiration and to really focus on what matters in life. You can even quote me from my blog explanation here. Well, I took a sip of my own advice and that is exactly what I did. I found my 25th hour this summer by traveling the world, breathing, sleeping in, not rushing, not planning, enjoying every single moment, getting a little "lost" and placing my life into God's hands.

I got a little worried when I discovered I couldn't hide behind my college schedule anymore, focusing on my GPA and how this would make me look on my resume. School was really what I threw myself into and as rewarding as that is (i.e. graduating), there were things that needed tending to. Honestly it was hard to wrap my head about anything past the year 2012. I just always knew that this was the year I would graduate and have my life all figured out. I did to a point, but then I changed gears and I let myself wander a little bit and explore different options then heading straight into work. Remember, all who wander are not lost.

If you knew me for any part of the last eight years of my life, you would know how dedicated I am to my work and to my studies... so why am I not throwing myself whole heartedly into a career? I actually am, but just in a way that isn't textbook after graduation. Don't blame the economy on this one because I didn't even try applying for a "big girl" position. I think my head finally listened to my heart on this one and told me, "Don't grow up too fast, but keep growing."

So here I am, growing.

Growing in a way I never truly gave myself a chance to experience.

The future is a little hazy, but I couldn't be more thankful about the present.

photo. Taken by my sister Megan in Iriga City, Philippines summer 2012.

 

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.

So, I may have a new obsession.

It may be not new to most people, but because I've recently joined the "iPhone club" aka the cool club, I have been constantly downloading apps, texting more because it is fun and instagram-ing the CRAP out of my life. My boss Courtney, introduced me a wonderful photo app called Incredibooth, where it takes your iPhone and makes it into a photo booth..right in your pocket. These four photo strips are my first attempt and with my best friend Abe.

Wouldn't they be really fun to print as well?

So my fellow iPhoners, download this app so you can even have more pictures of yourself.

What are some of your favorite iPhone apps?

DISPOSABLE CAMERA FUN

 

There is something about disposable cameras that I can't just get enough of. Maybe it's the mystery, maybe it's the uncertainty. Maybe it's the sound of winding the film or maybe because it reminds me of when I was growing up. How about all of the above?

A few months ago I bought a pack of two disposable cameras for $10! (Walgreen's was having a deal. Woo-hoo!) I developed one camera already after I went to Athens, Georgia with it. Remember this post? Well I finally went to developed the second camera! Twenty-seven exposures of family fun including a trampoline, dogs named Peanut, spring, Raleigh, backyards and smiles.

Don't you just love film?

Boone: Bittersweet goodbye (for now)

Dear Boone,

Not many people can appreciate your hidden beauty, but every day since I first moved here four years ago, I have been falling in love with you more each day. You changed my world. You changed my perspective. You changed me. Who knew that a little town in the High County, whose population doubles when school is in session, could have such a lasting impact on a girl trying to find her way in the world. You may not have had the hip clubs, Target, student discount at the movie theater or the other million things the world likes to use to distract themselves, but you had heart. You had a culture of people that cared, cared about one another and cared about leaving the world better than how they left it. You became my home when I was 18 and as much as it hurts to say goodbye to my home, I think you have prepared me to take on the rest of my life. It is silly how attached I've become to you. After four years of holding hands with such a place, I guess it is really time to let go.

I thought I knew everything when I first moved to Boone. I thought I was just so "mature" for my age and knew everything about life, love and everything in between, but doesn't every 17-18 year old? Boy was I wrong. You taught me to stay grounded, become more patient, breathe every once in a while and appreciate the little things in life. You showed me a different kind of love. A kind of love that does not stay the same but grows. A love that involves much more than simply caring but respect, trust and understanding. You have put me in situations that tested my character. You let me make mistakes in order to learn from them because it is not the act of making mistakes that define your character, but how you react and learn from them that does. You enabled me to listen to the other side of the argument by getting off my stubborn high horse. You inspire me. You gave me opportunities to show what kind of person I am personally and professionally. Most of all, you gave me lasting friendships and gave me the courage, resources and drive to follow my dreams.

Not all days were good. Your winters realllllllly tested my patience. I admit to cursing your name under my breath every time I had to walk outside in your snow globe. Your winters are beautiful when I am inside with a coffee mug sitting by the fire, but man you were a bit brutal with your wind (admit it). But once you shed your winter blues and leaves starting showing their true colors, you made it all worth the wait. I can't even describe how absolutely breathtaking it was to hike your mountains and see the Blue Ridge Parkway or to feel SO close to the constellations, you felt they were in reach. You have been one heck of a back drop to my life. You let me understand the natural beauty of our surroundings. Forget those man-made skyscrapers or malls built to buy your happiness and find peace through retail therapy (although it does work temporarily). Seeing your inner peace and beauty every day has helped me to continue to find mine.
 
I have learned that we never stop growing ...and this is truly the beginning. I am not the same person I was four years ago and it would be silly if I was. It would be even more silly if I was the same person 10 years from now as I am today. Boone, you have helped me grow up and have led me to choose the path of greater resistance. There are no shortcuts in life and it is truly about the journey rather than the destination. I used to focus so much on the goal that I lost sight of the beauty about everything in between. You bring me back to reality but always made sure I knew my dreams were within reach. 

I still have a novel of things to learn, but Boone you have been one heck of a chapter. I will continue to write about you for years because you have been one of my true loves. Thank you for the lessons. Thank for your the change. You were everything I needed and so much more. This college graduate is going to share the beauty and strength you showed me and really make a difference in the world. I may not be able to reach the whole world, but if I can just change one life, that will be perfect enough for me. Thank for your some the best four years of my life.

This is only the beginning dearest Boone.
 Keep changing lives like you changed mine.
Plus, did I mention how kick butt your local restaurants and stores are? My goodness I am going to miss stuffing my face.


Now, excuse me while I go have a little emotional breakdown about moving. There a few happy tears in there, too. I promise. Like Dr. Suess says, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

Photo details: Photo was taken July 26, 2011, in Moses Cone off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once upon a time my friends and I were involved in a local band. We went out for a walk about took some band pictures showcasing the beauty that stood right outside our door, literally. This was one of scenic photos. Isn't Boone a beauty?