I spent my last and first days of the years in Seattle with a group of photographers who I have only ever met online before, and it was absolutely the most moving trip of my life. It's almost insane to think that spending ten days with a new group of friends could affect me as much as it has (constant chills as reminders), but the way I view myself and the world shifted completely. Somehow, amidst the daily adventures, cuddles piles, coffee outings, all the parties, impromptu shoots and late-night conversations, I fell more deeply in love with life than I've ever been before.
I am a new person.
I have new goals and new fire and any sadness that was sitting with me has run away because I've realized it doesn't belong anymore.
'I have never felt like this or experienced anything so profound before, ever. I'm in awe at how beautiful the whole world seems just from spending ten days with all of you.' (text messages to Jacquelyn)
Photographs have become more important than ever. Times undocumented fragment easily, particularly in my ever-racing mind. The photos that I took on this trip will only grow in importance as time goes on. This is the type of experience that cannot be described; it can only be had and cherished by memory and photograph.
It's really bittersweet to be posting this. I feel like
now that the photos are edited and the blog post is made, the trip has
come to an official end, which is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. I'm excited to experience life from this fresh perspective, especially with such a solid group of friends (family) standing behind me with all the love and support I could ever want. I have endless gratitude in my heart and and cannot wait for our next adventure together.
(till next time)
