When I’m in a beautiful place, I find I tend to look at the world differently, through a lens of “this would make a beautiful photo.” It helps me pay more attention to the beauty that is all around me. Photography and my silly phone camera are treasures to me. They help me remember to be present. It’s my way of showing gratitude to the universe for all there is.

Fungus: We found some craaaaaaaaazy mushrooms when we were out in Oregon. They are everywhere out there. The property where we parked our RV had several acres to it and there was a little walking path through the forest right outside our door. I quickly noticed how many different kind of mushrooms were growing all around me and I was fascinated. I don’t know much about them but I can’t believe how weird and different they all are! I think I’ve always loved weird things. So here’s a weird album of all my mushroom pictures. You’re welcome.

The Ocean: I will always be in love with the ocean and all of its massive, terrifyingly beautiful glory. It teaches me so much. It helps me calm down and breathe deeper. Oh to be a beach bum for the rest of my life. The air, the waves, the sound, the expansiveness of it all, soaks deep into my bones and reminds me everything will be alright. “I am Moana!”

Best of Oregon: There will always be a place in my heart for Oregon. The trees, the moss, the rain, the fog, the ocean, the wind.. I swear I heard the trees talk to me.. I swear the angry ocean washed away my troubles.. I swear I could hear the prayers of spirit guides, of animals, and of ancestors surround me.. There’s a part of me that felt infinite there, like nothing could touch me and if it did, the nature would heal it away. Now that we’re back in Idaho, it’s easy for me to look back and only see the good times, like maybe life would be easier if we moved back. But I know things were very difficult there as well and when I go back to Oregon, I will do it right this time, not living in a cold RV :)

Best of Idaho: I always knew Idaho was beautiful but it took living in Oregon to really learn how to appreciate the beauty of any place. It has always been a place I wanted to leave. Until I realized just how empty my life felt without my people who live there. Until I realized this place has been holding us in our pain since we got back from Oregon. This sometimes messy place that always welcomes me back with open arms. A particular kind of beautiful.