Two

     Today marks 2 years since I first started writing this blog. It seems like just the other day I was staring at the text space, going back and forth about whether this was a good idea. 'A blog? Me? Write my thoughts so everyone could see? Uhh...i don't know about that.' And then I pressed publish. Of course I had the option of forgetting about this silly fantasy I had in my mind and just deleting it. But something stopped me and so I continued to write. It's incredible how much fear can really limit you from even attempting at trying something. Your mind thinks up of a million reasons of what could go wrong...and before you know it the time passes by anyway. 

     If you asked me how I knew I wanted to be a photographer, I'm not really sure I could explain it. It's almost as if God whispered over my shoulder that day and said, 'This is it, you found it...now go!' As silly as it sounds, I felt it in my heart. Who would have known a day of procrastinating a paper would change everything? There are days I just want to give up. Forget I even thought about this in the first place. But then I start to think, what if giving up means I never become what was planned for me? What if there's something beautiful waiting if I just give it time? I wouldn't want to miss out on something amazing just because of fear.

     And so, every single photograph I have taken and will take is a reflection of who I am. My photographs depict what I love, who I love, my thoughts, my faith...they are everything I see in my mind coming to life. No one knows what the future holds, and truth be told sometimes that really scares me. But I try to tell myself (even when it becomes unbearable) that with faith....absolutely nothing is impossible. 

     Sometimes all it takes is a quote or a verse, a song, a movie, or a loved one to remind me that it's always there...and to never ever let go of it. I've learned so much this year, and can only hope I will never stop. Here's to following your heart and chasing after your dreams...and to never forget that little whisper that tells you 'This is it...now go!' Happy Wednesday! 

Remember

"Remember to love your parents...We are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old."  

     Not too long ago I came across this quote, and then I just stood there with a lump in my throat for a good 5 minutes. Many times I like to think about all the wonderful things I want to do in my life, and where I want to go, or how excited I am about a concert coming up. Plan and plan, work and work, and then make more plans. It seems like the more we want to live in the now, the more we actually don't. I tend to get caught up in that far too many more times than I wish. 

     And then I stumble upon little sayings, little reminders that are almost like a pinch or tug on the heart. I start to think, maybe I do think about things that I shouldn't be concerned with too much. I should appreciate what I have, or rather who I have with me right now. And so this brings me to a little photo shoot I had of my grandparents the other day.

     I'm blessed to have all four of my grandparents still living, even though two of them live halfway around the world. Every once in a while I like to visit my grandparents' home that live near me and bring along their favorite Boston Cream Dunkin' Donuts or some other treats. I spend the entire time listening and laughing to their old stories, asking them to tell me their adventures when they were my age. I sit there thinking how beautiful it is to be able to speak to my grandparents and hear these songs and tales.

     Many of us don't really think about it, but in reality that old world and all of the stories along with it are slipping away, and one day all that will exist are the memories and stories we were told. Sometimes my grandparents laugh at me when I ask them to retell the super long poem they once told me. But little do they realize that what they are sharing with me is something that I'll hold on to until I have my own grandchildren. I want to remember. 

     The way my Nonna pouted as I told her to smile...and then laughed anyway. The way my Nonno told my Nonna to face my direction for the photo...and then she yelled at him that it was her turn and to mind his business. The way she uses her hands to speak (Clearly an Italian thing ;).) And the way they both finished each other's stories as if it just happened yesterday. 

     And so I say to you, remember your parents, your grandparents, your uncles and aunts. Even in the midst of everyday life. An unexpected call, a visit will mean more to them than you know. Life is overwhelming many times, but in the end the ones you love and loved you are the only things that will matter. My grandparents probably find it funny every time I ask them to retell a story they told so many times...if only they knew how I'll never forget those stories and memories we created as they told them. 

     Oh and a little side note, today is my 100th post!!!!! Woo I can't believe it =) Here are a few of the photographs... Happy Wednesday! 

I hope one of my children will someday have my Nonna's beautiful eyes. 

My Nonno is possibly THE coolest grandpa you'll ever meet.

Tending after her Fig tree

I got her to smile!

Lifestyle Portraits: Netta

     I love this time of year. The sunsets are always so vibrant and the subtle gusts of wind are a small reminder of the Fall season to come. I hope you're all having a wonderful week...here are a few photos I captured of my gawgeous sister the other day =). Happy Tuesday!

Happy Twirls!

That look.

I think American Eagle found their new model ;)