New release!

I have a new logo. It's completely different than anything I would have done but I think it's pretty genius. Check out the work of the guy who designed it for me, he is really talented. Links to his stuff and contact info is here, here and here!

To test out my new logo, I had to do a self portrait. Since I'm staying up in Rhode Island this week I thought I would revisit one of my favorite spots. I was going to completely re-create the shot from picture # 145 of my 365 project, but when I got there the sign had fallen. I think I still rocked it anyway. 

#145: A Walk! 

And here is my picture after the 365:

So this is roughly what it's going to look like on the shots I'll be posting, I'm still playing around with size and opacity. For an up close look at the logo itself check out the new banner Charles made. And please guys, give me your opinions! If you don't think it's me, please let me know. I'm moving towards building a website and I need to have a basic personal brand in place before it can be launched. Thanks! 

Celebrating Nine Decades!

This past Thursday my grandmother turned 90 years old. Unfortunately I couldn't be here on Thursday, but my parents, my uncle and I celebrated her b-day last night. While we didn't put on 90 candles, she sure had fun!

My G'ma is the coolest

I'm living with mom mom for the week. Unfortunately she fractured her hip just before my graduation, so she wasn't able to make it to the ceremony. And she just got out of a physical therapy center yesterday so my parents want someone extra to be here while she recovers. 

I drove up expecting her to not be able to do anything, but the strength of my grandmother is astounding. She's up and walking around every hour in her walker, she's got the most upbeat attitude, and I'd say she's pretty much unstoppable. And when I cooked her dinner tonight, she kept giving me compliments, even though it was a very simple meal. I can't wait to see what this week is going to turn into!

Camera Battle

This is my friend Elliot. We love cameras. The end.

Duel to the death!

Air Show: Blue Angels

Last Saturday my friend Todd treated me to the air show that performed in town. WOW. It was such a great graduation present for sure. I wouldn't have gone otherwise and I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to go. It really was amazing and not a sight I will soon forget.

So precise!

Love the negative space!

Highly recommend going to see the Blue Angels perform if you are given the opportunity. Don't pass it up!

Devo: Discovering Your Creative Side

Wasn't sure if I was going to post this... but I've decided I will. And then hopefully I'll post more pictures soon as well.

This week it was about following a creative passion and using it to meet a specific need.

1. Many people who utilize their creativity ultimately start a part-time business or launch a full-time career. Have you ever pursued a creative idea as part of your work? What was the response?

I feel like this is a hard question for me to answer honestly. Since I've always been a student, I haven't really been able to pursue anything creatively as "work." Aside from occasionally making a buck or two from my services as a photographer I haven't really made a business out of anything else. I do plan on freelancing this year as a photographer/videographer, as well as work on writing. I would love to start selling scripts and try professionally blogging. Response has been so so to starting a freelancing business. Probably because I'm not where I need to be yet, as I just graduated and don't quite know how to go about this... business thing.    

2. Do you have any creative business or volunteer ideas you've been dreaming about? If so, describe. What's stopping you from pursuing your creative ideas?

Obviously video/photography work as described above. I also am thinking about approaching some local business to do social media work for them. I really like forming online communities and if I could get paid for it, well hey! :)

3. What flavors of ice cream would you use to describe your life? Are there any creative additions you would like to add in?

Hmmm, this one is really odd. I guess Moose Tracks and Mint Chocolate Chip? And I love adding brownie bits, yum!

4. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Write down the words and phrases in these verses that are the most meaningful to you.

"For we are God's handiwork... to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."


5. Do you think creativity is involved in the "good works" God has designed you to do? Why or why not? Do you tend to think creatively when it comes to honoring and serving God? Why or why not?


Of course I do. I plan on eventually having a career in the film industry. You need to be creative to stay on top. I feel a drive to get there and I know that God placed that desire within me. As for the second part of the question, I would have to say it depends on the situation. Because obviously if it's about art than I do think creatively, but if it's about the church building or where to put what food where for a church-wide picnic than not necessarily. Which is a shame, b/c I should use my creativity to solve problems. 


6. Read Exodus 26:1-29. Reflecting on all the specific instructions involved in constructing the tabernacle, make a list of the various artistic skills needed for its construction.

    1. Metal working
    2. Weaving
    3. Wood working

7. Are there any areas in your life in which you're tempted to bury your creative gifts? Explain.

I would definitely say my singing and acting. Most of my friends in college haven't really heard me sing. I know I have a sweet voice, but it's not a solo voice, and I think that getting rejected for many solos and such just pushed me away from singing in front of people. I'm actually thinking about taking up voice lessons again with my old teacher when I move back home. I also love acting, but I know I am not very good at it. So I will hopefully get to practice a lot by being in front of a camera in the fall. 


8. What changes do you need to make in your life to unleash your creative side?

I think number one would be to become more disciplined. I know I have potential. But so often I let time just slip away from me. I really do need to pay more attention to time and what I can accomplish before relaxing and just being lazy in front of a computer screen. Sometimes the internet just needs to be TURNED OFF.


D.I.Y.
Make a wish list of 5 activities you really want to do. Set aside time this week to complete one of the items on your list.


1. Read a book without getting distracted and forgetting to finish it. 
2. Throw a dance party. Even if it's just myself. 
3. Release my facebook page.
4. Design a poster for a competition.
5. Go swimming! 

New Devo; Discovering Joy in your Creativity.

My roommate Amy and I each bought a devotional book in a certain series. There are twelve weeks of study, and we are both going to do one each Monday until we are done and then switch on her birthday. I'm hoping by having to fill out the devo on here every Monday will help keep me accountable in doing it, though if it gets really personal I might switch to a paper journal. I'll just have to wait and see I guess!

Chapter One: Our Wildly Artistic God

1. Make a list of five of your favorite aspects of creation. What strikes you as beautiful in each one?
-The colors in nature.
It is so unfortunate that some people cannot see the full range of colors God has given. Orange is my favorite color... and it makes me happy. When someone specifically gives me something that is Orange they are acknowledging my uniqueness.
-Laughter. 
It's how we as people connect. The sound itself might not be the most beautiful, but typically the meaning behind it is.
-Function.
So much of the world has a job to be done, whether it's as complex as an eco-system, a scavenger cleaning up roadkill, or simply providing something pretty to look at, I love that God has made a purpose for everything.
-Clouds.
They are pretty. And you can see different animals in them. So clever!
-Oceans.
Though fraught with danger, oceans are just to awesome to ignore. I want to go swim with wild Dolphins, how fun would that be?!

2. If we are not careful, we can take God's creativity for granted. Are there any aspects of nature that you tend to take for granted?
I know I used to take rain for granted. Then I went to Egypt for two months and would get happy at the sight of clouds. But they never brought rain. I think I also take for granted the peace that comes when listening to a babbling brook. Really random, I know, but it's what I thought of. Can't really explain it.

3. What activities help you take the time to stop and admire God's great creation? What prevents you from engaging in these activities more often?
I'd have to say writing. And hiking. Watching my cat cautiously walk out onto the balcony. I'm hoping to do a lot more of all three.

4. This is a chart question... I'll do this offline.

5. Re-read Genesis  1:27. Rewrite the phrase "in his own image" in the space below. How does it feel to know God made you in His likeness?
I think Ben Stein said it best when he rephrased this as, "the spark of the Divine." Maybe this is shrugging off the question, but it was a statement that struck me then and it stays with me now. And I guess... it makes me feel honored. Loved. etc.

6. Reread Genesis 2:203. Why do you think God created a day of rest?
Because He knew we would get ourselves all wound up and need one. We start thinking we are to important to be still, but really it's in that stillness when we really know that He is God.

7. Does being creative tend to energize or de-energize you?
It really depends. I love photography, and I want to always have a camera on me... but sometimes it can feel more like a chore especially when I feel treated like I am expected to be taking pictures. Maybe sometimes I just want to experience. This can apply to almost anything I think.

8. Do you ever feel closer to God when you are being creative? Explain.
Definitely. I feel like I am using my talents that He gave me, and that's something pretty special. I might not be the best at anything, but that doesn't matter to God. When I give Him the glory through my creativity there is no denying that bond.

Film Festival!

Every spring semester, my major holds an advanced video class. The students of this class get divided into groups and are told they have to create a 15-25 minute film. This is a very stress-filled and trying class. But the experience you gain from it is just SO worth it. Anyway, today I went out to celebrate the finished product of three student films. It was so fun, and guess who was the professional photographer for the photoshoot before hand?! :)

Here are some fun shots all throughout the event!

Playing around on the Steps

Creating a Pyramid

Girl time!

And one of my favorites, "The Interview!"

I'm not going to lie, the lighting was really difficult today. Completing the 365 really helped in my training as a photographer, but I am not quite where I want to be yet. Hopefully they like the pictures when I hand them over. *Crosses fingers*