a follow-up to my latest blog about friendship. <3
I took this on my canon in the arboretum at my school. My roommate and I decided one summer day to have a "picnic in the park", so we packed up plenty of snacks, sweet treats, our books, and journals! It was such a sweet afternoon. I live for these kinds of activities: slow, outside, and with good food and company. :)
My kayaking adventure in Lake Michigan!! With good good friends. Our camping friends! During my trip to Wisconsin over the summer, my family and I camped at Peninsula State Park, one we've been to multiple times in the past, and spent some time on the water, soaking up the rays. I took this photo amidst the fun on my digital camera.
This display I had in my childhood bedroom was such a simple yet special one to me. I would frequently change out the printed photos, and being reminded of these memories, of the people I shared these memories with, would bring a smile to my face when I glanced up at them throughout my week.
In the summer of 2023, I went to Beaver Island for a field school. This island is located in Lake Michigan, and during our time there, I created a photography portfolio, this image being one that was included in it. I wanted to document the people, places, and experiences this opportunity brought to me, and this capture represents the place where I had some great conversations with my bunkmates. Us girls, most of us strangers to each other before the field school, could have said that we felt we had known each other since childhood after our week on the island. Living in close quarters and sharing new adventures in a foreign place connects people, and I feel forever grateful for the lessons I learned from each and every one of those girls, all of them with their own beautiful life stories.
Oftentimes I find out-of-focus image to encapsulate their own charm. I love the feeling this photo brings me: the joy in a walk and talk outside is absolutely unbeatable in my mind. Also taken on my digital camera.
This photo is of the aurora borealis. I feel so fortunate that I got to view this natural wonder outside of the house I'm living in with my friends in Grand Rapids. Actually, I would have completely missed this if it hadn't been for them as I was already in bed, glasses on, book in hand. They made sure I didn't miss something they knew I would be in absolute awe of. This is the kind of magic that is the display of what friendship means to me. It is inspiring and fills up your cup.
I wanted to also include this image because it shows the stars a little more, a detail that I find so fascinating. The fact that our cameras can pick up part of what our eyes get to witness is so incredible to me.
For two summers I got to spend a few days each in this cabin. Elcho, Wisconsin is home to Post Lake, and my friends' family is fortunate enough to be able to experience the natural beauty of this place. I myself was fortunate enough to be able to join my friend and her siblings on a trip to Elcho and stay in this rosy little home. For hours, my friend and I sat outside this cabin, just a handful of feet in front, right on a pier over the lake. Some of my most peaceful moments in life up to this point have been here, and for that I am forever grateful.
Another capture on my canon, this time in Tennessee! My four closest girlfriends and I chose Gatlinburg as our Spring Break destination in 2023, and my did we have a time. Each day was filled with many laughs, lots of food, and treks through the highs and lows of the Great Smoky Mountains. Again, to me there is nothing lovelier than spending time outdoors with friends (along with nutritious and delicious snacks along the way!).
