When You Find Your Passion

I think its a pretty big deal to look in the mirror and be able to say “I have found my passion.” Often, it’s not that hard to figure out — it’ll actually be pretty obvious once you come upon it. 

I can pretty much pin point when and where I was when I discovered my love of photography. It was the summer going into my 8th grade year. My family and I had driven out to Montana for our third year in a row and we were stopped at a lookout point; taking in the vast, mountainous scene that was before us. It was then my dad handed me his camera and told me I could try taking a few photos.  

After just a few shots, I found myself filled with pure excitement. Excitement that was slowly turning into adrenaline. I was confused. Why was my heart beating so fast? Was this stress? What was there to stress about? Or was it just adrenaline that was fooling me because my heart was beating too fast? 

Then I got it. 

Maybe this was what it felt like to be passionate about something.

Eight years later and that feeling of passion for taking pictures has only grown. 

Here's a look into what I've been up to lately…

Happy Friday!

Friday Fun

I had way too much fun doing a little photo shoot with my sister and her friend tonight. 

Needless to say, it was a Friday night well spent!

Ciao!

I have been officially accepted to study abroad next spring in Florence, Italy!

I will be studying art and graphic design in the heart of florence at an international school called Lorenzo de' Medici.

I cannot explain how excited I am!
Here's what I'm looking forward to...

1. Being fully immersed in the Italian lifestyle and learning to live like the locals.

2. Witnessing majestic sights of places I've only dreamed about.

3. Eating Italian food and wine. (Hopefully visiting some vineyards as well!)

4. Not only learning about art, but being surrounded by what I'll be studying.

The famous art museum, Galleria degli Uffizi, is home to works from artists like 
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

5. Having the opportunity to travel other countries.

6. Having my best friend, Meghan, there studying with me.

7. My family coming to visit!

Updates on the specifics of what I'll be doing and studying are coming...

I am so excited to share my experiences abroad with you!

Arrivederci!

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!