7th Anniversary

I did say that I wanted to star documenting more of my personal life on here as well as art, so I'll start with a special occasion.

Saturday was mine and Ricky's seventh anniversary. It's weird that it's been that long because it doesn't feel like it at all. I love that we've basically grown up with each other and we have both changed so much over the years. We've helped mold each other into who we are now, I think. Anyway, enough of the lovey stuff because I know that isn't what you want to read about.

We grabbed a quick bite to eat and then spent the first part of our day rummaging through antiques and collectibles at The Depot at Gibson Mill. There was so much space to cover and so many things that I'm sure we'll be going back soon. I didn't take my camera with me, though I knew I should have, so I had to make due with my phone and I don't think it did to bad of a job.

We had a lot more time to kill after we were done at The Depot than we though, so we went off to look some something else to do. Our original idea was just to go to Ikea and walk around, but before we got there we found Flying Saucer. We've been wanting to go to this place for a while and just haven't. So, it was a nice and unexpected surprise to end up there. I have a new found love for ciders so I tried Sir Perry's Pear Cider and oh my goodness, I was in love. I also had a Raspberry n' Cream Beerfusion, I can't remember what all was in it though.
After we spent a few hours just relaxing and talking at Flying Saucer we headed to Spice 9 for some amazing Indian food. We've been going here for a few years and have never been disappointed. We started with some Chicken 65 and Paneer Kulcha and we also had Paneer Masala Dosa, which is a rice krepe stuffed with Indian cottage cheese and potatoes. It's my absolute favorite thing there. If you're ever near Concord Mills and feeling adventurous you should give it a try. After we got home, we spent the rest of the night cuddling on the couch and watching some bad movies on Netflix. It was the best anniversary we've had so far and one to remember.

Face Paint

Back in June of last year my friend Sam of The Wandering Pygmy wanted me to take some photos after she painted her sisters face like a day of
the dead sugarskull. Here are a few photos from that session.


For months she has been saying that she wanted to paint a more realistic skull on me, and we finally got around to it on Friday. I've never had to
sit still that long or have my entire face painted and at times it was really difficult not to move or laugh. But, I think the end result turned out
wonderful and I really hope there are some more art projects we can do together in the future.
You can see a couple more from this set here.

Adventure One

One of the most significant resolutions I made for this new year is to adventure more. To kick it off, yesterday I went on a bone collecting - turned
mountain climbing trip with two of my nature-loving pals. I don't typically enjoy going out on chilly rain days, and today I'm a little sore, bruised,
and scraped up. But, I'm very glad I didn't make the decision to crawl back into my warm bed.

The third photo is from a small, extremely old cemetery we stopped in first. I couldn't pass of snapping a photo of one of the markers.

Despite the few moments of panic I had from the height of the mountain, I had a really good time and I can't wait to do it again. Of course, in a more
prepared state. On my list of things to get is a pair of better shoes or boots, appropriate pants, and a different backpack that doesn't try and choke
me while I'm climbing rocks.

I intentionally left out/didn't take as many photos at the mountain to motivate me to go back soon. But, it's a truly fantastic site that I will definitely be
posting about again.

New Year's Resolutions

I've never sat down and made a legitimate list of New Year's Resolutions until now. People seem really cynical when it comes to making resolutions, but I think there's importance in reflecting on your strengths, weaknesses, and goals and strive to become a more effective and happier person.

Take more photos. Expand my creativity and document both the amazing and the mundane parts of my life.

Redesign my brand. Settle on a cohesive 'forever' brand that I am proud to have as my own.

Stress less. Accept that I cannot control everything in my life.

Eat healthier & get in shape. Go back to drinking a ton of water and always having fruits and veggies on hand.

Craft. I have a lot of ideas that I'm excited to take on, one in particular that I hope people will just eat up.

Have a functional office space. A place that fuels productivity and creativity.

Make a case for my old cameras. They're just waiting to be dusted off and put on display.

Be well on my way to becoming self-employed. I want to create, I want to do so many more shoots with people, so if anyone has any ideas they want to see come to life just let me know!

Adventure more.

bokeh stock via:trishamonsterr