Two Weekends in Minneapolis

Have you ever traveled somewhere, and it pulls on your heart so much that you think to yourself, yes, I could live here – I never want to leave!

Minneapolis, Chicago, Ireland, and Scotland are four places that have completely captured my heart to the point where I could get up and move there in a heart-beat if given the opportunity. 

Over the years I have realized that when I feel strongly about a place, I get so attached to the point where it leaves me with a great feeling of sadness when it’s time for me to leave. I seem to be at a constant battle with the mysterious, complicated emotion that is nostalgia. Why I can’t be a normal person with normal feelings, I’ll never know.  (:

When I start to get the restless urge to simply hop in my car and go somewhere, I am reminded how fortunate I am to only live 4 short hours from Minneapolis; the city I was born and raised in until around the age of 9. 

Whether it's visiting family for the holidays, seeing friends for the weekend, or even a simple day trip, I take every and any chance I can to make the trek. 

Two weekends ago, my friend Dani and I decided we wanted to get out of town, so we packed our stuff, got in my car, and drove to Minneapolis without any real plan. I'm starting to really enjoy the spur-of-the-moment, impromptu trips. There is something thrilling about not knowing what may happen and having the freedom to make spontaneous decisions. 

You would think that after traveling for four months I would want a break now that I am home…wrong! I guess one weekend in the cities wasn't enough, because four days later I found myself back in my car with a sense of deja vu as I drove the familiar route along I-94. 

I spent the weekend visiting and catching up with my good friends from school; Morgan, Kayla and Garrett.

 We discovered a quaint little lunch spot, explored parts of Minneapolis I've never been to, acted like 5 year olds at Skyzone, challenged ourselves by taking pictures with Kodak disposable cameras, drank a lot of Caribou, and spent our Sunday helping out with photography at Morgan's church.

Until next time, Minneapolis. I'm sure I will be seeing you again shortly.

Seeking Adventure in Scotland

This past fall, I had the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time. Our group voyaged to Scotland to hike the West Highland Way, a 96 mile trek along side rolling hills, towering mountains, dense woodland and deep Lochs (lakes).

Top of Conic Hill overlooking Loch Lomond

 I distinctly remember feeling a sense of admiration during my time in Scotland. My eyes were all of wide with wonder as they kept discovering new sights never seen before. My ears felt rich with diverse languages and accents being conversed around me. The feeling of being a foreigner in a land I’ve never been was such a humbling experience. 

Beginning of the West Highland Way

Hiking the highlands only intensified that feeling. For once, I felt like a true traveler, wandering uncharted territory. Our journey began in Milngavie, a small town just outside Glasgow and ended in Fort Williams, a bustling settlement in the Highlands of Scotland. 

Highland Hikers

Our days ranged from 9-19 miles of hiking from one bed and breakfast to the next.

Nights were spend relaxing in the pubs, where we mingled with the locals and even got a private bagpipe show from a Scottish pub owner named Stuart.

Top of Devil's Staircase

The most anticipated stage of the West Highland Way occurred on one of our last hiking days. The Devil's Staircase begins with a steep climb leading up and out of majestic Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic Highlands valleys, followed by a long descent to the town of Kinlochieven.

"On the Bonnie Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond."

Traveling to Scotland, and hiking the West Highland Way very much deepened my curiosity to see and experience the rest of the world. I highly recommend anyone to take this trek or a section of it at the least! 

If you have any further questions about my journey, don't hesitate to ask!

Captivated.

Coffee// Cameras// Books// Travel// Fashion// Food
A few of my favorite things.

I have always been captivated by the way you can see someone’s passion in their eyes when they talk about the thing they love. Their eyes gleam with excitement and fill with light. It’s infectious. Passion is something our hearts desire, and it ultimately defines who we are.

A song I feel fully embodies the idea and feel of passion is called
 “This Is Beautiful”, by singer/songwriter Tyrone Wells.
It goes something like this…

“I never could have seen this coming

The most amazing things

They arrive within a moment

You are here with me, I'm alive all of a sudden

Anyone can see, anyone can see it's beautiful

You set off avalanches in my heart”

For me, this song fully embodies the feeling of passion and desire.

Although I believe Tyrone wrote this song about love for another person, you can certainly relate it to all aspects of life. Whether coffee and books, fashion and photography, or a compelling case of wanderlust, surround yourself with whatever it is that makes you happy. I for one, am remarkably intrigued by all the above.

I am excited to share with you my stories and pictures, along with thoughts and ideas about anything and everything. Enjoy!