Chicago | 2012

I love Chicago. It's one of those cities that I could venture to every weekend. There is a PICTURE everywhere you look.

My husband and I were recently there for a Mutemath concert, and I must say - the city was beautiful. Something about it this time - maybe it was because I was with him. :) It was magical.

Took a few photos, of course, while we were there - and wanted to share them. :)

There is something about Chicago that keeps me coming back. I can't really say for one reason or another - I just know - I LOVE THIS CITY. And I can't wait to go back.

Love how the sun peeks through the buildings - no matter what part of the day it is!

Millenium Park! Serene and gorgeous here.

The Bean. :) The coolest piece of artwork I've ever seen.

The skyline of Chicago can be seen all the way around this awesome piece of artwork.

The Hard Rock Hotel! So ROCKIN' inside. :)

Little nook/sitting area, inside the Hard Rock Hotel. Ummm ... I totally want to stay here someday!

Bar area inside the Hard Rock Hotel. Very chill. Very cool. Very mod.

It wouldn't be the Hard Rock Hotel, without musical instruments!

Just LOVE this guitar!

The musicians in Chicago are the absolute best!

Mmmmmmm, chocolate!

There is just something about the city at night!

Mutemath played at the House of Blues. They were AWESOME!

The lead singer is Paul Meany - and he's actually married to my cousin! How cool is that?!

The Elephant Castle is an awesome little pub in the heart of downtown. If you're starting or ending the night, in need of food and refreshment, this is the place to go!

Projecting Reflections

I saw this video the other day. I couldn't help but STOP - WATCH - and LISTEN. It made me pause. And in this day and age, that's a rarity.

Our lives have become increasingly busy. No time for many of the things we love - the people we love.We overlook the small things and in doing so, we miss out on some of the most important things this beautiful life has to offer.

It's amazing that if we simply STOP and enjoy the simplicities of life, we won't regret not noticing them in years to come.

Take some time daily to notice the small things - because most often, those are the most beautiful projections of how amazingly magnificent this life really is. :)

Happy FREEDOM Day

So I’m thinking about Independence Day - the Fourth of July - what it ALL truly means.

We live in a country where we can have the freedom to do as we wish; the freedom of speech to say what we want; the freedom to be who we are and not have to worry about being condemned in any way for it.

It’s amazing to me that we have such freedoms, yet so many times, we take it for granted.

I’m so thankful for the freedom we have, to be who we are and NOT be afraid of it! I’d like to think then we shouldn’t be ASHAMED either of who we are - we have the freedom, so why not reflect that?

Men and women die to protect this freedom - their blood has been shed for centuries and yet we still don’t recognize the significance of what they’ve done for us. It’s NOT about politics, it’s NOT about democracy, it’s about the sacrifice of one for another.

In reflection, that sacrifice could be mirrored to what Christ did on the cross. He died so you and I could live - could be free - could still be who we are and yet, He still chooses to love us anyway.

In this moment in time, on this day of remembrance of what our forefathers did so many thousands of years ago, I think it’s pretty fitting to understand why we are free today - to thank and appreciate the men and women who are fighting for that freedom still today, and how we can be FREE through the one who so freely gave His life on a cross.

[What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July, than with a few fireworks and 'The Windy City'. These were taken a couple weekends ago, while in Chicago, on Navy Pier. Happy Fourth of July! Celebrate your FREEDOM today and everyday! God Bless!]

The Windy City - At Night!

Chicago is one of those places that no matter the time of day or time of year, there is always something worthy of photographing. It's like many big cities - everywhere you look serves as a blank canvas for your lense.

It's easy to be inspired by a place like Chicago - there is so much beauty and history. It's a place where you can go and get lost in the magnificence of what's right in front of you. I suppose that's what's so amazing about photography itself - no matter how old you are, what culture you come from, or what economic status you find yourself in, the beauty is all around us - sometimes, it just takes a little time from our busy worlds to notice it.

Inspired

It's amazing how a single moment can bring so much joy and inspiration. Sometimes those moments are hard to come by, but when they do, they completely knock your socks off!

Yesterday was one of those moments. My little sis and I had the privilege of attending the WPPI Road Tour in Chicago and got to hear and meet some amazing photographers.

The highlight of the day came at the end of the show, when Jasmine Star, international wedding photographer and all around rockstar got up on stage and began sharing her story. Maybe you know her, maybe not, but honestly, she has to be one of the most inspiring speakers we have ever had the privilege to hear. While successful and amazingly talented, she also is incredibly humble. She chose to take the road less traveled - and she followed her dreams. While the road always hasn't been easy, she's stayed true to herself and has become an inspiration to so many photographers around the globe.

After hearing her speak, my sister and I were excited about the future. While it's been daunting at times, and failure has loomed, we realized there isn't anything we can't overcome.

After all, following your dreams is never easy - but taking that leap of faith is sometimes all you need to turn those failures into successes - and turn a single moment for someone else into inspiration for them to chase their own dreams.

Dreaming ...

An idea? Hmm … what is it really? Is it only a thought? Personally, I think 'raw ideas' are essentially, dreams that are resurfacing ... it's kinda' like when in our youth, we have these profound ideas, an epiphany if you will, of our lives when we are ‘all grown up’.

We dream big when we are younger … when we have NO idea whatsoever of what it will take to make that dream come true … yet, as we get older and life complicates things, those ‘dreams’ or ‘epiphanies’ seem to resurface because someway, somehow, they make life worth living … they make mornings worth waking up to … and they surely make for something to fight for … to hope for … so come on already! Stare up at the vast sky, and start dreaming again! Who knows … that ‘idea’ could just turn into what you’ve always ‘dreamed’ for!