//ONE//

//TWO//

//THREE//

I've been out of town this past week for a youth conference. Here are a few lists.

things I've learned

simple truths that resonate now like never before
indiana summers are green and beautiful
i automatically respond to the name "taylor" now (oops)
longs talks with old friends while walking around campus are good for the soul
everything sounds better when the voices of 1,400 people join together
ain't no showers as good as home's showers
throwing all thoughts of self conciousness to the wind & belting out my favorites songs is very freeing
packing four books for a week cannot be justified no matter what i tell myself
my love for anti joke apple has been rekindled
perhaps i'm more of an extrovert than i thought

things i've lost

1 hairbrush
a couple bobby pins (what else is new?)
1 tube of chapstick
1 pair of sandals (turns out it was a false alarm & i forgot them at home, oops)
all my willpower when it comes to chocolate chip cookies & pasta

things i miss

being on the road
living in st. louis
evening prayer every night (only the most gorgeous of services)
being with my second family 24/7

things i love

being back home with my family
not having to wait in line for the shower
my own bed
memories

////a small study in motion////

the world seems to move so terribly fast sometimes.

I'm really blessed to have a little person who likes having her picture taken. Well, her cooperation may have something to do with getting to be in my car, but ya know. Whatever goes. ;)

Can I be honest a sec?

I feel like a fraud when I label myself a photographer.

Don't get me wrong, I love doing shoots (and the extra cash doesn't hurt either ;)), but...me? A photographer? I just like to photograph life. Unposed, little moments, everyday things.

I feel like these days the pressure to become a successful photographer at a young age is incredibly high. And that's great! I'm all for pushing yourself and having a thriving business! But honestly? Don't beat yourself up if you don't have a wedding every weekend. As great as it is to jump in feet first and learn as you go, I think it's just as important important to practice and cultivate your craft.

Soo....having said that, anyone want to hire me to photograph their life? ;)

can't get enough of this shirt, I've worn it for the past 36 hours and it's the most comfortable, oversized thing ever.

It's nice, this unfussy, easy-going, casual way of living.

Secrets are easier to tell while staring into dying embers and I like sleeping with only the sky as a tent, gazing at the stars until my eyelids fall shut.

I woke up at dawn, smelling of campfire smoke and dew, my bones achy from the hard ground.

No plans, no fuss.

I think that's how summer should be, laid-back and spontaneous whenever possible, with a touch of wanderlust and restlessness for good measure.