Listen Explore

Two weekends ago, Aleah and I had the privilege of meeting Nate & Amanda Howard and several other lovely creatives and photographers at Listen Explore. It was such a rich, encouraging time of sharing stories of our creative journeys, hiking, laughing, learning, eating really good food, and talking around a campfire. Overall, it was really encouraging to meet other photographers with similar goals, struggles, and dreams. And hearing the Howards share their story and thought process behind their work was just so inspiring. I'm so thankful I got to start off my summer with a sweet burst of inspiration. 

To my fellow Explorers: I'm so glad to have met you all! I can't wait to see where you all go with your crazy dreams and amazing talent. 

The Successful Failure

Sometimes things go as planned… and sometimes they don't.

If your field trip ever gets thwarted by a visit from the First Lady…


-Speculate about the mysterious people in business attire
-Question the police officer with the well-trained dog
-Give up and visit the State capitol
-Spend all your pocket change on overpriced parking
-Ride in historic elevators (but don't ring the bell more than once. It's right below the elevator operator!)
-Try to blend in with the elementary school kids on their field trip as you climb to the top of the dome
-Drive aimlessly around the city, taking pictures in the middle of the street
-Freak out when you see a merry-go-round and promptly park next to the "no parking" sign
-Let the excitement overtake you and fall off the merry-go-round before you can even get on
-Play cat-and-mouse. (make sure you have good climbing shoes so you don't fall a great many feet.)
-Chill on the ground for a bit
-Take lots of pictures

11:38 on a Tuesday

Today I was working on writing my final paper of the year when I stopped to photograph my mamma's garden and a few little details lying around. So here's a glimpse into the messy-beautiful of our home.