A few of my favorite things

Because we all have our specific reasons, and I think it's interesting to find out what those are.

First, flowers. Yes, it's basic, but also understandable why these natural beauties catch so many of our eyes. In mine, they represent growth, change, a positive reaction to the sun- all things that I believe we as humans also experience.

This is a photo I took on my Canon of a crab apple tree in bloom during the Spring in my hometown, Brookfield, WI.

I really enjoy sitting back with a good book. This one I would not have said five years ago; it's only recently that I've learned to appreciate the immense feeling of slowing down when I pick up a book. In fact, this is one of the greatest lessons I've received in my early years of adulthood- the value there is in slow down activities. In later blogs I will get more into this topic, but for now I'd like to say that making it a point to do this- slow down- is a game changer. It allows for so much more clarity and care because our minds get overstimulated in our productivity-driven society. In my opinion, a slower way of living is what we are meant to do, especially in certain seasons, like the one we are currently entering (winter!).

This is a photo I took on my Canon of my friend at the Grand River Park in Allendale, MI. We both go to Grand Valley State University, and last year, I took this to submit for an assignment in my photography class.

Every single sunset and sunrise I've seen, where the sky lights up in color, has filled my heart completely, making me feel so grateful to be alive, to be here. For me, sunrises are especially remarkable; there is something about being up at that time (I've gotten up as early as 4:00 AM multiple times to see a sunrise over Lake Michigan in Wisconsin) that just feels otherworldly. By this I mean that I escape reality when it's just me, the sky, and oftentimes the water (plus my neighbor I grew up with who is and has been my sunrise pal). Again, during these moments, life feels slow. I don't feel rushed but instead connected and rejuvenated mother earth.

This is a photo I took on my Canon of a sunset I saw from the roof (yes, I was sitting on it) of the Airbnb my friends and I rented for our Tennessee spring break trip in 2023.

This is a photo I took on my Canon of a sunrise at Rosy Mound Natural Area, Michigan. This area is a neat one for the reason that visitors have to hike a short trail through the woods in order to reach beach access. This stunning, warm-colored sunrise I captured was one I'll never forget.

Lastly for today, I cherish music. I think that many of us have felt the power that music can have on our soul. Hearing lovely melodies, like viewing a breathtaking canvas in the sky, rejuvenates me. In my eyes, remembering how valuable this form of art is reinforces the importance of listening, something I think we could all get a little better at (and it takes work).

This is a photo I took on my Canon of my ukulele.

Thanks for being here. :)

xox, Kat