• (Shutter Speed 1/250, F5.6, ISO 200)

    I took this picture in Tacoma, Washington, where I am going to college in the fall. While I am sad to leave my home of Mountain View – and Freestyle behind – I am so excited to explore Puget Sound and make so many new friends!

  • (Shutter Speed 1/120, F/5.6, ISO 400, 24mm Lens)

    Everyone I know that has been to Japan loves the culture, the nature, the aesthetic. But, the thing they talk about most is the food. After my first trip to Japan this April, I understand the hype. We had a number of unique dishes, all with their own savory and sweet flavors. The meal that intrigued me the most and was the most diverse was this meal, at a sushi buffet. An explosion of flavors all around!

    (Shutter Speed 1/50, F/4.5, ISO 200, 50mm Lens)

    Here’s another photo I took of some of the food posters. Check out the prices of a simple but delicious meal – ¥1000 is roughly $7 in America! Unfortunately, I ate all of my Chicken Yakisoba before I remembered to take a picture… they aren’t lying for a second when they call it the “Perfect comfort food”!

  • (Shutter Speed 1/400, F/6.3, ISO 100, 50mm Lens)

    Gas prices haven’t been friendly lately… and this is only if you use cash. It’s even more if you use a credit card. It’s really encouraging me to carpool or find other uses of transportation. It’s also got me thinking about electric cars. I’ve never been a huge fan, but now it’s starting to sway me. Go figure.

  • (Shutter Speed 1/60, F/11, ISO 800, Telephoto Lens)

    I’ve really fallen in love with this song by The Kid LAROI – KIDS ARE GROWING UP. It is very nostalgic and makes me dream. It reminds me of my own struggles, and my childhood before technology took over everything…

  • (Shutter Speed 1/500, F/2.8, ISO 100)

    Is the Statue of Liberty really that big? Or is the average skyscraper in Japan really that small?

  • A Bible, opened to Galatians Chapter 5.

    (Shutter Speed 1/10, F9, ISO 6400)

    Earth, Fire, Wind, Rain, and Spirit. I knew exactly which one to go with. Whenever I think of “Spirit”, I think back to Galatians Chapter 5. It talks about the nature of the Holy Spirit and how it works in our lives. In verses 22-23, it lists off the fruits of the spirit:

    Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. It’s a wonderful piece of scripture that allows us to understand what fruit or characteristics we should show when the spirit of God is living in and through us.

  • Snoopy dog plushes, at the center a picture of a little boy and his dog.

    (Shutter Speed 1/50, F1.8, ISO 2500)

    When I think of Gratitude, and what I’m thankful for in life, I think of my beagle, Snoopy. My parents got him the week they found out they were pregnant with me, and since I’m an only child, he was my dog-brother. He lived to be about 15 1/2, which is extremely rare for beagles. I keep a picture of him in my wallet, and we have this little “memorial” for him in our living room.

    I’ll see you soon, buddy.

  • Picture of big, athletic football player running with the ball

    (Shutter Speed 1/50, F1.8, ISO 3200)

    In my previous post, I highlighted my dad and his hard work as a father, educator, and friend. He is one of my main inspirations in life, but I can’t forget to mention George Kittle. He’s such a joking, silly guy, but he also knows when to be mature, humble, and is a leader by example. He just loves what he does on the field, and knows how to have fun doing it. And, he’s pretty good. Just look at what he’s done over the past 8 years and you’ll see what I mean.

  • Painting of Noah's ark

    (Shutter Speed 1/50, F2.8, ISO 6400)

    On the wall of my room, there is an old painting of Noah’s Ark. It was there when my parents first moved in – the room was previously a nursery for the old owners. My parents saw this painting and knew which room would be mine. Directly across from that painting is a closet with a giant mirror for a door. I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself. You might even see a familiar wise green guy.

  • (Shutter Speed 1/60, F/2.8, ISO 800, 50mm Lens)

    Green means go, red means to stop, but what does yellow mean? Slow down, or try and make it through quickly? I need to go, but I need to stop what I’m doing and slow down. I feel ready to go, but I know stopping is safer. Maybe slowing down is the best way to go. I can move forward cautiously. Oh! It’s green now. Time to exit this hesitant mindset and move forward.