Collecting Life's Moments

"That's what I like about photographs. They're proof, that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect." I sat at the top of Zabriskie point in Death Valley by myself. I remember looking out over the skyline in utter silence. Not one person was near me, and for a moment, I could imagine being the only living thing in the world. I was alone without feeling alone. And it was in that moment, I began to feel such overwhelming peace. My eyes swelled with tears. How on earth could such a lonely and simple moment be so calming? I remember wishing that I could remember that moment forever, exactly as it occurred. How the ridgeline trail seemed to span for eternity. How the roughened edges of the mountain peaks seemed lightly touch the most beautiful clear blue sky I had ever seen. How the early morning sun beamed onto my cheeks, toasting them so delicately. And oh how quiet it was... I could hear the air leaving my lips, the gravel crunch quietly under my boots, and the hushed ringing in my ears. I wish I could go back to those few seconds and relive them again and again. Come to think of it... there are so many moments in life that I wish I could capture and hold on to. Not to change a single thing, but just to relive it one more time. What a gift that would be. I feel like people ask me why I take so many photos, and to be honest, I never really understood why they didn't. Think about memories for just a second... if you live to be 80 years old, how much of your life do you think you are going to remember? Maybe 20%.... maybe 10%.... maybe even that is too generous. Some articles suggest that it is less than 1%. Let that sink in.... I want you to look up from the computer screen for a minute. Look at everything around you... what do you hear... what do you see.... Are you sitting in your room curled up in a blanket? Is there soft music playing in the background? Can you hear the television playing in the room across from yours? Do you smell the dinner your mom is cooking in the kitchen? In one week, you probably won't remember reading this and you probably won't remember how you felt reading this. That is okay. It is not my goal to make you sad, but to make you appreciate all of the moments you encounter. Whether they are deemed small and insignificant, or bold and beautiful. So if a picture helps you piece together the moments from an inspiring road trip or helps you reminisce over a family outing to the drive-in theater... so be it. Memories and moments are all you have in this life. Take as many pictures as you want too. Make moments with the people you love. Capture their smiles and laughter. Memorize the way their face lights up in a moment of joy. Remind yourself of how beautiful the world is. Be grateful to be here every second of everyday. "Don't slide through life. Savor it. Slow down, be kind, pay attention, because this isn't going to happen again." -Carrie Fisher

Life is to be experienced, journey wisely. -Kelly Fitzgerald