Dancing in the sunshine...

Lately I've been dancing in the sunshine.. only way to describe it really! Maybe it's the Christmas spirit and friends and family are on my mind constantly. Words of joy and peace and laughter are what I hear, what I continuously feel and see. I've learned that making the decision to be happy and spreading that joy is powerful.
Come this January until April I have the most incredible opportunity to go back out into the world and spread this joy.. this joy that only comes from God and his beautiful love. Four others and I will be backpacking for almost three months in Southeast Asia through the countries of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India. From working with local pastors for a ministry in Thailand to the Mother Teresa homes in India, serving and doing whatever it is for God's kingdom and for his glory it will be.
"You are my child, go and be, shed my light." I am yours God, use me.

Just yesterday I had an awesome shoot with Katarina. She's a german girl I met at church and just absolutely adore her! Her photos totally popped out at me while I was editing them.. Again, the light shined through..

Meet my Mama.

My mommy.

No matter how far apart we are, she will always be my mommy. I think about her more than she knows and can't explain how much I treasure her and miss all the memories we've had together, mother and daughter.

They drift in my mind all the time. I walk with her in the paths of fall, run with her in the dead of winter wearing snowpants, cry with her in hurt and joy, drive with her til there's no more road, fall asleep next to her by a dying fire, sing at the top of our lungs to a Cheryl Crowe album, I discover whole in the walls and meet the most fascinating people with her.

No matter the distance, no matter the time, she's always with me and she will always be my mommy.

MORE <3

Travelling back to Chicago and meeting my mom there, we discovered a new side of Chicago..

Living alive in fall..

What is it about fall?
My favorite season. The air is so fresh and peaceful; The wind blows like a melody and love syncs with the hopeful song.
My mind stirs with inspiration and I’m overwhelmed by the unlimited possibilities before me.
I’m torn between nostalgic memories and the beginning of my future. They both meet and I’m flying.
Constantly dreaming, I long to sail. Explore this world. Fall in love. Marry.
The feeling is suffocating and patience is the red light. I wait for the green light. I wait for you..

What is it about fall?
I’m dancing with life and grateful for endless things. God’s love, friends, hope..
I’m being defined. I’m forming into me. The path is before me.. I’m trusting God with everything I am. No fear..
I press in, I dive in and LIVE.

Oofta!

Ahhh Minnesota yaaa.. Land of over 10,000 lakes.

The land I was born and raised.

After years, I travelled back to my "mother country" and was reunited with my childhood.

Memories filled the air and oh the nastalgia...

Here are just a few things I adore about my Minnesota.

"I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Olson"

They did it! Caleb and Taylor tied the knot and said "I Do" August 6th, 2010

Finally, a preview..

Love you brother and new sister!

Once Upon A Time...

A CHANGE.

Writing it all down. Photographing everything.

Here's the beginning.