joni & laura

This is where I come from. No matter where I am in my life or in the world, if it isn't on the Iowa farm where I grew up, there is always a part of me that feels like my ultimate goal lies somewhere on these 200 acres in Iowa. Even though it is freezing cold here in the winter, I still love it. I love the drizzly gray days like today where the horizon isn't visible for all of the haze and colorlessness, because I know how vibrant and green it will be in the summer. It makes me appreciate it more. And there is beauty in colorlessness, too, even if it is harder to feel cheery on days like today.

I am at peace here. I feel like I can rest and sit peacefully and draw inside of myself to reflect. In Bloomington, I feel like a constant mess of motion, barely pausing to enjoy anything, always running from one thing to the next. Here, I can get a glimpse of who I am, where I am going, and how I should get there. I dream here. I hatch schemes. I paint and draw and feel inspired. I may have complained about the temperature on my Facebook status a couple of nights ago, but Iowa is my muse, with all of its corn and vast reaching fields - with its big sunsets and long stretches of highway.

Now, if I could find a way to recreate this kind of peace no matter where I am in the world, that would be perfection. But if that would happen, home would lose its sweetness, familiarity, and reward.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am thankful for this place and for its memories, and for the wonderful family who keeps me company here, and the wonderful friends and other family members who keep me company throughout life!

On that note, two of my first best friends from Bloomington were Joni and Laura. Joni is my fantastic, giving, sweet friend and accompanist. She is so beautiful, patient, kind, and she's such a hardworking and amazing musician. Joni, thank you for always being so supportive and such a wonderful friend to me and to Ayron. We love you! Last spring, Joni and I had a fun afternoon styling hair and I grabbed my camera and snapped a few shots of her. She is so effortlessly beautiful and feminine!

Another of my greatest friends is Laura. Laura is the whole reason why I survived at IU my first semester. I feel like we connect on a level that I have with very few people throughout life. She is a special treasure among friends for me. Laura, your friendship has meant so much to me and to my husband. We are so blessed to have you in our lives! You are beautiful in so many uncountable ways. Last spring, I purchased my headshot lens, and the day after I bought it, I got Laura to be my first experiment. I'd say the experiment went rather well! :)

I'm feeling blessed to be a musician and a photographer, and to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family.