It’s the rest of the 50 that I haven’t seen, Ireland that I haven’t roamed over the hills of, Italy that I haven’t tasted, Africa that I haven’t felt the wild heart of, and the lands and streets beyond that I haven’t experienced – curious still. I can’t help but wonder, all of those places confined to the walls of my imagination still. Moments come and sometimes I rattle out words – pre-formed in my mind – at dizzying paces about these dreams and places.

But this thought rolls around in my head… What if, the wonder, the mystery of the unknown, is what’s making up half the fun of this? I’m curious about that. It doesn’t really stop every desire to experience the world, but the question of “what if” still lingers.

Am I the only one?

This tiny little wonderstruck boy in a big red store filled with other late Christmas shoppers… He had maybe filled into the shoes of about age 4, maybe 5? I was searching for this one gift in particular and every sense was shaken to it’s feet. I strolled on past the cards, headed out, and this bright, small, cheerful, and simply wonderstruck voice filled the air with the sounds of, “It’s a Christmas tree!”

—-

Sometimes I think we’re allowed experiences for sheer pleasure and because that might be the magic bullet that heals the unknown place in our soul, the one even we haven’t fully uncovered yet.

It’s not that I’ve left being all that, but for maybe the first time, I’m sensing a real evolution of myself – a constant, slight recreation of what has existed in a more plain state until that moment. I’m slightly oblivious until the reality of my life shocks me into feeling. It’s a very raw, open feeling that does something to my soul with every move I make.

I read words differently.

On Providing Space and Being Left Behind | The Outdoor Wife

that thing you did. | Love, Sara Sophia

I Am My Mother’s Daughter | A Deeper Story

the art of change. | Lauren Nicole Love

I see things differently.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

It thrills me to shoot again and again with these people and the amount of photogenic-ness they all have is insane. You can see the shoot I did with them last year here, which just further backs up that little bit about the common photogenic thread they all have. Speaking of threads, Melissa totally coordinated their outfits perfectly and it’s probably due partially to the fact that she is one ninja of a scrapbooker.

This is Thomas and Melissa – the ones I’ve known ever since I can remember. Thomas remembers things about me like how my 3 year old self would stare at him constantly. We sat in their kitchen and talked about them and their boys, Seattle, rocks (read below), and chocolate covered pretzels from past Christmas parties.

This is Bryson. Someone please tell him to stop being so cute.

This is Braden, also known as their resident geologist. This guy knows his stuff and he has the prettiest rocks ever, but he’d probably tell you that “Pretty Sparkly Rock” isn’t an actual name of a rock. Ask me how I know. (I kind of got told in the rock department.)

Y’all, thanks for letting me and my camera freeze part of your lives in time over and over. xo

1. I totally got my permit last week and it’s been awesome! I’m still getting used to having the option of driving…

Source: piccsy.com via Hannah on Pinterest

2. Tuesday brought a flight for my sister Alli, on a plane decked out in shades of blue and red and gold. We marched in and got through security, and it was the best experience ever, thanks to a fabulous TSA lady. But I’m ready to see my sister again, and I’m picking her up from the airport tomorrow!

3. We bought a new car a couple days back and it’s the best! We are getting a new sound system put in because the current one sounds like music coming out of a tin can, and I’m not even playing. I did hear All Your Life by The Band Perry out of it, and it’s pretty much one of the sweetest songs ever. It makes me so happy!

4. My best friend ran hist first 5K today and I’m so proud! He’s always texting me about how he’s going for a run or just came back from one, so I know he did a great job.

Source: skinnyfit-thebestyou.tumblr.com via Hannah on Pinterest

5. I’m still getting used to the full-force school and work that has hit, but I think I’m getting the swing of things. It’s my junior year and I’m just feeling my way through. It’s not too scary!

6. I need to get out and shoot a portrait session soon. My ideas are overflowing and my hands are dying to wrap around the camera again. [Any takers? Email me!]

Stay fabulous! xo

To my best friends/family :: I love you all with a fierce passion. Always and forever.

To my other fabulous friends :: Oh you. You mean so much. Thank you. For reals. ♥

To my kick awesome co-workers and co-collaborators :: Oh my goodness, y’all. I couldn’t ask for better. Thank you for being you. Thank you for trusting me and accepting me.

To everyone :: I’m not sure I could ever get just the right words out to express to you how grateful I am – for each one of you, who you are, and how you’ve loved me.

[I'll put some pictures up soon of all the birthday stuff. ♥]