Welcome back

Well, it is that time of year again: waking up early, going to practice, eating, going to class, studying, and sleeping. And then doing it all over again. Welcome back to college, Amanda. This first week of my sophomore year has been a great one. I am seeing old friends and making new ones, plus my sister is now  here too :) My classes this semester are going to be fun, yet challenging: history, math, newspaper, deaf ministry, and journalism. As I write this I am sitting back enjoying the sweet coed way of life, I definitely missed this during the summer. Socializing, fun eating at the caf, and studying and learning something new everyday! I cannot wait to see what the year brings!
Until next time,
Amanda

No Bad Days

Beach, sunshine, water... summer. Although we, as in students across the United States, have been on summer vacation for over a month now, I think it is fair to say we are loving every bit of it! Not only can we sleep in, go to the beach, and hang out with friends, we can also stay up late (for those of us who do not already), and have no worries.
The beach is the definition of summer time: cool breeze, catching the waves, warm sand between the toes, and laying out soaking up some vitamin D. Last week when my sister, mom, cousin, and I were down at Newport my mom pointed out the fact that everybody there had a smile on their face, no matter young or old, everyone was smiling. When I think of the joy and happiness the beach brings to many, I think of my window decal on my car: "No Bad Days". Next to the words is a little palm tree.
I do not think summer would be considered summer if nobody went to the beach. The beach is the essense of summer! If there was no beach, there would be only "bad days."
Until next time,
Amanda

Inspiring

OK, now these pictures mean A LOT to me! They were taken a year ago in Colorado in the San Juan Mountains. I went to camp and had the opportunity to go backpacking. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have had. If you ever get a chance to go hiking or backpacking, do it! You most definitely will not regret it. It's so great to get out in God's country. 

Photo Shoot May 2011

Well, first off these pictures were used with a Nikon D40 with a 15-100x lens (my brother's camera). They are barely even edited, I made the colors more vibrant using the little editing tools photobooth (on the macbook pro) gives.
My sister was the model. When I take portraits I focus (not literally) on the lighting and the background because I think that's what makes the picture.
Enjoy :)