10/28/13

heart&soul



I've been finding it very difficult to write honestly and candidly for some time now. Since I can remember, journaling has always been my way of releasing pent up thoughts and emotions. At times I've wondered if there is something wrong with me, the way I feel things to such extremes. The way I'm so shaken by all of the chaos in this big crazy world. I feel much more at peace when I'm in the habit of letting all of my questions, confusion, and excitement flood the weathered pages of a well worn diary. I spend so many moments letting my fingers and eyes trace the memories of my past, trying to remember not to forget each heartache and happiness. For me, it's a means to heal and grow. I feel like things have changed so rapidly and so completely, I've been playing catch up and have felt a bit lost amidst it all, and it frightens me; the absence of feeling. I feel frightened that I will lose those gentle things within myself. The things that once made me feel so separate from most people are now the parts of myself that I realize are the most genuine and rare. My sensitivity and intuition, and the love I feel for the people in my life that is so strong and overwhelming it leaves my heart feeling raw. I wake in the night teary eyed, yearning for the people and places that feel so far away. But then I fold into the warmth of Brandon at my side and I'm reminded of just how lucky I am. our love has grown and transformed just as we have. He is home and familiarity, and his embrace quiets my restless mind. He holds me close when I have a bad dream and I tuck my face into the nape of his neck listening to his heartbeat, and it fills me with the reassurance and love I once felt as a child when my parents would sing me to sleep. We both struggle to find our bearings and feel rooted in our new home. We have so many plans and ideas, we've just been too distracted to see them through to fruition. The way of life here is so different than what I'm used to, I get frustrated and a lot of the time, very upset. I do find solace in the slower pace, how people seem to live without the anxious urgency of los angeles. But at times, it also seems as if people are in a mass state of apathy; and the lack of creativity, diversity, and open-mindedness has been extremely prevalent and extremely depressing. That's not to say I haven't met some really amazing, down to earth people here; I've made a few life long friends and my boyfriend's family members have all been so kind and open with me, I've really been blessed and I try to remind myself of that whenever I'm feeling the urge to disconnect. When it all seems like too much and I feel the familiar tug that comes from the inside out to retreat within myself, I go for long drives down the highway that weaves in and out of cornfields and forest. I breathe deeply and try to be present, taking in all the beauty and trying to mirror it back out to the earth in thanks. The mornings are cold and dark, and it's hard to force myself out of the soft safe place between Brandon and our sweet bed hog of a dog Monroe. I sit and draw and sip coffee while I daydream of all the places Brandon and I will travel to, all we will feel and experience. I remind myself of what's important, I try to learn from every challenging situation, I try to be kind, loving, and patient with everyone. Most of all, I remind myself that love and family comes first and foremost, and as Brandon and I learn to love each other more openly and generously- it makes our life together shine like gold and all the ugliness is forgotten.
 
xxSea

10/25/13

wake up

 
life has been a blur of places, sounds and thoughts lately. I've been caught up in the motion of it all and feel as if my tethers are coming a bit loose. I have so many dreams and desires that wake me from my sleep. my inner voice, usually so strong, has been diminished to a whisper. I feel far away from everything I know, and that makes it harder. I like the challenge. I like forcing myself into an uncomfortable place so that I may grow and learn. but what comes next? most things feel like a temporary distraction from the bigger picture, but it's like I'm looking too closely to see things for what they really are. loving someone changes you, both for the good and bad. it's the good moments that I cling to. I feel as if my entire life is on the other side of this locked door, my hands are full of a thousand keys, and I'm trying to find the one that fits. for now, I'm just peeking through the key hole, hoping the search won't wear me away before I get the chance to experience it all.
 
xxsea

10/24/13

DOLLS KILL

photos from Dolls Kill's instagram
 
SOooOOO this past weekend I got back from a short trip home to California. Not only did I get to spend some much needed time with my family (both human and furry) and best friends, but I also had the amazing opportunity to shoot with a couple of my favorite companies- one of which was Dolls Kill...probably my favorite online shop ever. My sister, two of my closest friends and I drove to San Francisco and back IN A DAY. Not our brightest idea ever but it was an adventure nonetheless and getting to work with the people over at Dolls Kill made it well worth the journey.
 
It reeeeaaallly sucked leaving my family and friends, but coming home to my boyfriend and our dog baby just as the leaves started to change color was so nice. This is my first time experiencing a REAL fall season, and I love everything about it MINUS the mother effin cold weather. It snowed yesterday for about five minutes and I could have cried; but there are so many awesome haunted houses and corn mazes here, it's Halloween heaven.
 
xxSea