Aspen Grove....

Last week I had my second interview with Aspen Grove family camp. At the end of the interview they told me that they would give me a call in a day or so to let me know if I got the job. The next day as I was at work I got the call. Unfortunately, I was unable to answer it but as soon as my shift ended I ran outside to call them back. Well, they offered me the job and of course, without hesitation, I accepted! It still seems so surreal. I cannot believe that I will get to spend my whole summer living in the gorgeous mountains of Utah. I am so excited and cannot wait to document by experience to share with all of you. It's going to be a fun summer!

And of course here is a quote for the week:

Be yourself, cause life's to short to be somebody else!

Summer Jobs...

In less than 4 weeks winter semester will be over and the warmth and joy of summer will begin. I cannot contain my excitement knowing that, in less than a month, I will get to enjoy the luxuries of summer for 4 months. Summer is the perfect time to relax, try new things, make new friends, and have new experiences. For the past three summers I have continued working at the same place back home in Arizona. However, this summer I want to do something new because I always find myself going back to those places, people, or things that I know or are comfortable with. In other words, I lack the courage to try something new. Well, not anymore, not this summer. This summer I am pushing myself, this summer I am stepping out of my comfort zone to try something new. This summer I applied for employment at Aspen Grove family Camp just outside of Provo, UT. Not only is it something that I have never done before, but it is the perfect summer job. Working at Aspen Grove, I would get have the opportunity to experience the outdoors everyday. If hired, I would have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, have new experiences, and it would allow me to detox from the stresses of school. It would also give me the chance to grow and develop.

Today I had my second interview with Aspen Grove and I don't think it could have gone any better. I was so happy with how well it went especially since I am the type of person who would get nervous in a situation like this (I am shy individual). Fortunately, I was cool and calm and, if I do say so myself, handled myself very well. Now that the interview is over I get to play the waiting game.....

And of course, here is a quote for the week:

Trying times...are never a time to quit trying.

Girls Weekend...

This weekend has been a weekend full of laughter, love, and memories. My mom flew into to town to spend some quality time with my sister and I. It was a girls weekend and we did everything from going out to eat, shopping, staying up late watching movies, and having mother to daughter talks. It was everything I could have ever asked for. Sadly, Sunday came to soon and before we knew it, it was time for my mom to fly home. We said our goodbyes, wished each other well, expressed our gratitude for one another, said "I Love You", and then quietly prayed that each would be well till the next time we would be able to see each other. Though it went by too fast, it was a wonderful weekend that I will never forget. Mom, thanks for everything. Thanks for being there when I needed you and thanks for loving me and supporting me unconditionally. I love you!

And of course, here is a quote for the week:

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together!

Have a wonderful week!

Moab....

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to Moab on a field trip with my nature photography class. It was a two day trip full of camping, workshops, hikes, and of course photographic opportunities. Despite the freezing cold weather and the 4 a.m. wake up calls, it was a wonderful experience in which I was able to discover and be grateful for the beauty of the Earth. As we hiked to Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch, and Dead Horse Point I sat in wonderment as I gazed out at these beautiful creations.

This is Mesa Arch:

Our class was scattered all about Mesa Arch capturing the sunset on the red rock:

Our lens workshop:

Double Arch:

I love the sky in this one:

Delicate Arch (One of the Seven Wonders of the World):

Quote of the Week...

Hello Internet World! My apologies for the short post this week. There is much to do as I get ready for a weekend photography trip to Moab. I am so anxious to photograph the beauty of Utah and can't wait to share those photographs with all of you. So for now I leave you with this inspirational quote:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain!"

Alex and Cait....

This weekend I had the wonderful privilege of doing an engagement session. I have known these two for over a year and have become good friends with them. Cait was one of my room mates last year and I was able to see her relationship with Alex grow and develop into a loving relationship. They started out as best friends who spent every moment of every day together. There was never a day that passed without them seeing each other. In all reality, they were practically the same person.They liked the same food, the same music, the same movies...they had absolutely everything in common. A few months later their relationship began to grow as they started to date one another.One thing led to another and these two decided to tie the knot. Alex and Cait are absolutely perfect for each other and their love for one another just radiates in their photos. I am so happy for Cait and Alex and wish them all the best.

Fear...

What is your greatest fear? Mine, speaking in public and putting myself out there. I have thought a lot about this fear of mine and wish with all my heart that I could just conquer my fear. I am so incredibly jealous of those who can speak so eloquently in front of others. I not only can't speak in front of large crowds, but I can barely speak in front of 5 people. I know, I am completely hopeless. For so long I feel that this fear of mine has held me back and has caused me to miss out on a lot. Not anymore! Today I am making a goal to conquer my fear of speaking in public and I challenge you, internet world, to do the same with me. Find your greatest fear and overcome it with power. From now on let our only fear be this:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves- who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you not to be so?"

~Marianne Williamson