Miscellaneous Thoughts

I took this shot of Emily I took last weekend when I was location scouting for a wedding.

(hashtag number one assistant; look at those notebook/keys/water bottle/camera bag holding skills)

I watched Marie Antoinette last night when I couldn't sleep. I always find inspiration from that film and this time was no different. I was struck by the shot accompanying this song, which plays as she returns to court from le Petit Trianon. I am learning to play it on the piano.

Although I know Gravity was mainly a vehicle for technology, and it was groundbreaking in that respect (DUH), I really do love the sentiment of their tagline ("don't let go"). Even down to the last frame, that film said volumes about perseverance, one step at a time, which spoke to me so deeply.

Apparently all I want to talk about today is movies, so while we're on the subject, I've had on my mind lately the distinction between Hazel and & Gus's respective illnesses in The Fault in Our Stars. (Sorry, not sorry) Hers is visible—the oxygen tank is practically a third main character. In fact, I'd say it is a third main character. But his is invisible unless he lets you in. Unless he showed it off to the world by choice, the majority of people he came in contact with would never know about his amputation. I don't really know how I want to wrap this up, but I've just been thinking a lot about the concept of "invisible" illness. It's a good thing to be deliberately conscious of.

I'm taking an online screenwriting class (for beginners, focusing on adapting for a short film) from James Franco. I'm excited to dive into something I've been wanting to approach for a while now! 

Yeaux leaux (aka YOLO in French, aka classy YOLO)

Thoughts At The End of The School Year

Holy cow. The past few weeks have been all over the map. So difficult and yet so good. I'm not feeling very eloquent but I want to get some thoughts down, so I give you a list. Do what you will with it:

• A couple weeks ago I called my mom and accidentally ended up crying for two hours to her over the phone. I love her so much and the more I grow the more I realize what an amazing individual she is. I am constantly blown away by her knowledge, compassion, and patience. I think about how much she truly, deeply cares about her patients and her family and I hope that one day I will be able to mirror with my work and family even a fraction of the good she has accomplished in this world. I love you so much, mom. You amaze me every single day. (You too, Dad. Love you!)
• I'm grateful for good friends that will stay up till 2 AM and talk about art and feelings and drink herbal tea and suggest movie nights and Sodalicious runs right when you need them. 
• I'm planning on about a thousand posts with all the beautiful things and epiphanies that I have come to over the course of the semester in 'Intro to Film,' but for now suffice it to say that I know that this is what I want to do. What a beautiful way to change the world.
• This photo acted as a catalyst for me to chop my hair when I saw it Wednesday night, but don't worry—I'd been wanting to try shorter hair for months! I chopped it yesterday and currently feel like a new woman (see photo at the top of this post). Here's to just a spoonful of spontaneity now and then. 
• Right now I need to be heading to a Biology review—speaking of Biology, pray for me because I need to approach like 20 strangers later today and ask to take their portrait for a project on genetics. SO SCARY
• Finally, I am grateful for figurative growing pains. I know I'm not the same person I was when I moved out here in August for that I am grateful.

Things That Are Currently Restoring My Faith In Humanity

Successfully taking the portrait of a stranger (above) after spending three hours on campus trying to work up the nerve to ask someone. (It was my photography class assignment this week.)

The score of the new Romeo & Juliet. Actually everything about the new Romeo & Juliet. But especially the score. I listen to it when I walk to/around campus. And it's beautiful. Things like this remind me why I want to make movies. I would literally go see it in theaters again if my friends would go with me—I love it that much. Any takers? I could give you a few reasons why I love it so much, but also there's a big part of it that I can't quite put my finger on yet. Everything about this movie just resonates really deeply with me.

Relay For Life!

A few months ago, there was a contest at my high school where students submitted designs for the t-shirt of this year's Relay For Life American Cancer Society fundraiser event. And mine won! I can't wait to see 700+ people wearing it this weekend! I don't even care if this is a little dramatic, but it might be a little surreal. 

sometimes black and white is better

a few fun things of no great importance:

a new quote // dorothea lange

"where there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see."

worn out boxes (with beautiful german cameras inside them)

  taking pictures in the street for fun

new favorite cozy scarves sold here

oh, sandra

we're hiding out for a few days while our not so nice little friend sandy pays the east coast a visit.

hopefully our power won't be out for two long, but if it is, don't worry, there will be a lot of games of rack-o, pumpkin scented candles (practical and enjoyable!), and catching up on some pleasurable reading and sheet music i've been meaning to learn. 

good luck, and stay safe, everyone!

 

(ps, i'm not sure why the quality is so bad, but i thought this was fun)

pick a pumpkin

this weekend we're visiting our family pumpkin patch.

i'm off to eat some apple cider doughnuts and carve some jack-o-lanterns, and in the car i'm doing lots of reading. happy october!

my last first day

today was my last first day of high school. i went to my college photography class today as well.

here are my thoughts:

i think that this year will be an opportunity to grow and develop my artistic side, if i work and focus on it. i've always loved quotes, because they eloquently and concisely express my feelings more articulately than i ever could.

so, basically this. EXACTLY this.

i don't want to waste a second! i'm just now realizing that i'll never have time and opportunities like this on my hands again.

besides my own, many projects, i have a weekly photography project for my class. this week's is to shoot 50+ photos in only natural light. i'll share my favorites!

ps, the california vacation video is coming, i promise! i unfortunately haven't had the opportunity to worl on it because we needed to order a new operating system for final cut pro, etc, etc, etc, but i want to share all of vacation at once. good things come to those who wait!

leap of faith

it's that time. school is starting in two weeks, vacation is over, and things are slowing down into more of a routine.

the sisters are back at school, and the cat is as crazy as ever.

i'm looking forward to making this year great. i want to seize the day, every day. (side note, the broadway sheet music for newsies was released on friday, and you better believe that i'll be ordering that puppy this week. the new arrangement of santa fe? it's like a dream. SOLD.)

basically, i'm just saying that this last year at home, i have a lot of opportunities that i might not have ever again.

i've been learning, reading, and gathering so much information this summer, and it's finally time to invest in myself. yep, it's time to make those purchases i've been researching for months, it's time to edit those videos i've been taking, and it's time to take a leap, and know that it's up to me to make these purchases worth every penny. in case you weren't aware, camera equipment and inexpensive don't exactly go hand in hand. (with the exception of a nifty fifty!)

i've personally decided that it's better to research and be willing to invest in high quality, versatile, key pieces of equipment, than to buy more, less expensive, cheaper stuff. i know this seems obvious, but it's important to realize.

that's all for now. i'm done geeking out now.

goodnight

i'm on my third chick flick of the night. quite the friday night, i must admit...


sleepless in seattle, breakfast at tiffany's, and now sabrina.

every time william holden puts the champagne flutes in his back pockets, i cringe. big mistake, buddy. i'm writing this because i'm sure you care as much as i do.

also, audrey's baby bangs are killing me. love it.

to the right is what happens when you impulse shop at walmart. no regrets.

tilt shift

someday i'll own a tilt shift lens, but for now i'll settle for the option on instagram and this DIY.

(first image is a screen shot of breakfast at tiffany's, edited in instagram)

If I Had a Baby Goose, I'd Name It Ryan

lots has been going on. i'll fill you in soon! 

but until then, please enjoy: (courtesy of emily)

i've missed this little hobby.

make it a great day [year] or not, the choice is yours

the title of this post it a quote that my school says every day after the morning announcements, just modified a little to be applicable.

there are countless reasons why i would wish to be done with high school and head of to college in the fall. i used to focus on them.

but lately, i've been so excited and grateful to have one more year---and get this---with just me at home. i've realized that i get this last year to really focus on myself. i get this last year to really become the girl i want to be when i leave for college, spiritually, emotionally--- i have undivided time to find my style, niche, and to develop my passions to the extent to which i push myself. it's all in my power. i can waste this time, or i can utilize it so well that i wish it was longer! and i couldn't be happier that i've realized this now, instead of wishing it were a year from now.

SOURCES: (top photo: mine), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

little comforts

this weekend was a whirlwind. and also hard.

my beautiful cousin becca left to serve her mission speaking spanish in salt lake (south) yesterday morning. that was so bittersweet because i know that this will be a beautiful experience for her and that there is no more selfless thing that she could do, but that won't prevent me from missing my angel of a cousin.

and my camera is broken. i'm not sure to what extent. this is both horrible timing and discouraging. all i want to do is take my photography class that starts on thursday. i worked all summer to earn money for my camera and took care of it and out of nowhere all it says when it's on is "ERROR 2".

however, instead of dwelling on these things, i'm going to curl up on the couch with a blanket, my cat (no shame), some warm herbal tea, and enjoy the thunderstorm outside, the phantom of the opera on the tv, and the letter i'm writing to my favorite missionary cousin. when in doubt, a broadway musical is my favorite way to spend a gloomy day. gerard butler, anyone? also, minnie driver is fantastic. i'd say things are looking up already. :)

PS: this is TRUTH

"the phrase "do not be afraid" is written in the bible 365 times. that's a daily reminder from God to live everyday fearless."

xo.

time

i was sitting in the passenger's seat when i looked up in disbelief and said to my friend, "the clock on your dashboard is broken? how do you live like this?!" her response was that her clock breaking was one of the best things. the more i think about it, the more it's true. stop fretting. stop cheking the time every minute and worrying about being late. do the best you can and let it be.

saturday

today was a good day. we headed into NYC this morning to see newsies for this girl's birthday.

then we went to a beautiful wedding reception. i love weddings.

i made a huge dent in this biography.

and now everyone else is asleep and i'm watching a movie while snacking on frozen chocolate chips.
i know it's weird, okay?

also, i start work on monday. more clothes, right?

it's never too cold for ice cream

there was room, rose

**i can't find the source for this photo, but they hit the nail right on the head.**

happy camper

The most devilish unit in Chemistry is finally over. And I finished my last AP history outline. Ever. Best day in a long time.

Also, the Newises Broadway Cast Album came out and I burned it for my car. Santa Fe, Santa Fe reprise, and Once and For All are my personal favorites. Because I know you cared.

What does this mean? I'm sure you're dying to know. Well, basically, it means that you'll be seeing a lot more of me on this little blog! And it also means that I will finally finish the chapter on different kinds of photo files. Really dull, that section of reading. Then on to manual settings! Voila!

I cannot wait for the month of May!

the best kind of pants. a la funny face.

Today I wore my new peachy coral cropped jeans. I like them. They are kind of unusual in length, but I kind of like the cropped style. Exhibit a. Exhibit b.

Have no fear. If you get a papercut, the church has bandaids that match your cute cropped pants: exhibit c.

Also there was an easter egg hunt and as the expert trader I am, I ended up with all pb cups. The mini ones, with the best chocolate to peanut butter ratio, of course.

Cropped Peach Pants. The end for today.