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I take Rowdy to Riverside Park almost every day before work. It’s a time to be outside in the quiet morning air, to center myself, and to let Rowdy run around off the leash. Sometimes I sit down and try to actively focus on my breath, and other times I walk and just try to be in that moment. It's my favorite way to start the day.
"There is a part of me that will forever want to be walking under autumn leaves, carrying a briefcase containing the works of Shakespeare and Yeats and a portable chess set. I will pass an old tree under which once on a summer night I lay on the grass with a fragrant young woman and we quoted e.e. cummings back and forth."
- Roger Ebert
Exploring new places in the Lower East Side! Top Hops Beer Shop has a great selection of beer, a sunny and airy bar, and friendly bartenders. Oh, and pretzels. What more could you want?
“People with the name Laura have a deep inner desire for travel and adventure, and want to set their own pace in life without being governed by tradition.”
This definition of my sister’s name is perfect for her. Laura deeply loves traveling and is down for any adventure. She marches to the beat of her own drum and is confident with who she is, and because of this shines a little brighter. I took this picture on a train in Boston last month, where we got to spend a few days catching up and exploring the city. It was wonderful to see my beautiful sister after being so many miles apart for the past year!
I am in love with the beautiful architecture in New York City. No matter what street you stumble down, there are guaranteed to be unique structures, carvings, and details. These are contrasted by trees and parks, modern amenities, and unfortunately trash. The city possesses continuous juxtapositions: old and new, pristine and grit, elegance and junk, wilderness and concrete. These pictures were all taken within a three block radius of my apartment, which just goes to show how much New York has to offer!
My sister and my pup, aka two of the cutest things in the world. My sister spent the last four months in Argentina, and I am so happy she is back safe and sound!
I'm so happy that two of our best friends from Atlanta came to visit us this weekend! They did all sorts of cool stuff while they were in New York, including Sleep No More.
And another thing I love about New York is the beautiful churches that peek out and up between the brownstones and skyscrapers.
"Each time a person stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, (s)he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
- Robert F Kennedy
"That is one of the reasons numbers matter: they build on themselves, speaking to the part in each of us that doubts change can really happen. But numbers also say something to the larger world; they are the basic currency a movement relies on. The fossil-fuel industry represents the one per cent of the one per cent; lacking scientific arguments, its advocates use their only asset, an unparalleled pool of cash, to maintain the status quo. If the rest of us are going to shake up the planetary gestalt, our equivalent currency is bodies—and the passion, spirit, and creativity they contain." - Bill McKibben, Among the Marchers - The New Yorker
One of my favorite touristy things to do in New York is taking the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline at night. The ferry is free, frequent, and huge. You can buy beer and food at the terminal to bring on board, which is pretty great. There is little else as wonderful as leaning over the railing with the wind whipping through your hair and breathing in salty, fresh air. Seeing the statue is incredibly powerful too. It's not one of those real-life letdowns like some famous attractions are (looking at you, Mona Lisa). It fills you with awe and pride and a closeness to history. As soon as you land in Staten Island, you just hop off and hop on the next boat back. If you time it right, you'll see the city skyline sparkle in the darkness on the way home.
I love wedding rehearsals. They are fun, intimate, and brimming with anticipation. Jackie and Jarrett's rehearsal was just such an occasion. It was truly a celebration of joy, love, friends, and family. I am so excited for them as they begin this new journey together!
"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."
It's a wonderful thing to witness two people you love fall in love with one another. Brent and Gabby are the type of people who radiate happiness wherever they go, and their shared sense of adventure is contagious. I am so thankful that they found each other, and I wish them all the bliss in the world!
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” - Shel Silverstein
I met Isabel when we were both corps members at Teach For America almost four years ago. I have truly enjoyed getting to know her over the years, meeting her beautiful family, and watching them all grow together. I was so thrilled when she and Richard announced their engagement, and then again when they asked me to take their engagement pictures. I absolutely loved doing these photos; there is such a deep level of love and warmth between these two that it is palpable. It is clear by the way they look at each other how much love and respect exists in their relationship. These qualities are reflected in their children as well; they are sweet, precocious, and joyful. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of the kiddos too. I felt so inspired by this wonderful family!
The pictures were taken at The Goat Farm in Atlanta, Georgia.
My parents have an affinity for adopting lab mixes from the local animal shelter. They scooped up this bundle of joy two years ago. As a baby, Rosy suffered from parvovirus and pneumonia and most likely would not have survived in the pound, had my parents not taken her home when they did. Today, Rosy is one of the happiest and love-filled dogs that you will ever meet.
"Now I lay me down in the southern sunset
Where it rest far out to sea
But I know it'll soon be rising
Any place close in my memory"
-Brendan Nolan
"The cure for anything is salt water - tears, sweat, or the sea" - Isak Dinesen
My favorite flowers are blooming! I especially love daffodils because their sunny yellow heads start to appear at the same time that spring weather does in Georgia. Even though it's only February, the sunshine is warmer and the evening air has lost its chill. I am ready for it!
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." - Albert Schweitzer
