Since this is the very first post on my very first blog, i suppose i should put forward a mission...something to contextualize this online endeavor. Simply put, this space is an offering of gratitude. Each day i am thankful, deep down in my bones, for the beauty that surrounds me, and sometimes i need to be reminded of my own gratitude. Let the images and words i share in this space be a reminder of gratitude & a commitment to joy.
Life Is More Beautiful Near the Water
On a recent Saturday i went on a day trip to the Eastern Shore (of Maryland) with friends- my roommate Eden and our now mutual friend Alison. Sharing friends is one of my absolute favorite things to do (up there with parking lot dance parties). Alison is a dear friend from college, and it has been so much fun to spend time with her in this new season of life! I love when friendships have the chance to grow in a new context. When Alison moved to DC recently i was eager to introduce her to Eden. They share a fondness for adventure and out of the ordinary experiences, an appreciation for deep, meaningful conversation, and they both have supremely sharp intellects. Not surprisingly their friendship has taken root.
While my love for the water and places near the water goes as far back as my birth (in a hospital on an Island), if not farther back, more recently i've been drawn to nautical themes in both my fashion choices and my photographs. The life preserver is a nautical classic. When i saw this tied up on the dock, i couldn't resist playing with it. I love the bright orange & white against the blue hues.
I fell in love with this carolina-blue sail boat, perhaps because it reminded me of A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken; a heartbreaking autobiographical love story about Vanauken and his wife Jean, interwoven with letters he shared with friend, C.S. Lewis. Sheldon and Jean have a sail boat, named Grey Goose, which is not just a setting for their story, but also a metaphor which draws out the rarity of their love; the exhilaration of the wide open waters, the freedom and power of the wind, the intimacy, isolation and intensity of life at sea. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you're up for it, i recommend picking up a copy.
This familiar vista was captured from a dock on a beloved property called Osprey Point. I've captured pictures from his exact spot a few times over the years, as i've been out to visit the eastern shore. Osprey Point is a special place to many people- including Eden who went frequently as a child with her family. A handful of dear friends have had the privilege of living there at various times. I am especially grateful to my friend Monica who has been the reason for many a visit to the eastern shore. The reflection and peace Osprey Point offers is always good for my soul.
This delightful day trip was inspired by our sweet friend Maggie who used to live in these parts. Thanks for encouraging us to get out of the city on this perfect Spring day!
