Keep me where the light is

In an effort to divert my current thoughts and overwhelming emotions, I am going to remind myself of the amazing experience I had a few nights ago. It was one of those moments where I just wanted to say, “Time, stop right now. Stop moving. Don’t go anywhere. Just hold everything just the way it is.” Fortunately, I have had several moments in my life where I have wanted to tell Time to stop.

Stars scattered across the dark night sky and beautiful blues filled the air. When I managed to tear myself away from the beautiful sight of John Mayer standing in front of that mic and strumming his guitar as if he had the innate talent to move his fingers at the speed of light, I could see the big dipper sitting there, amongst other constellations I have yet to learn. My heart and my whole body became so full at that moment. Everything was absolutely perfect. But wait. I don’t know how it happened, but things managed to get even better. Better than perfect? How could it be? He played “Gravity”. And in that split moment when his voice entertwined with the melody of his guitar, I knew that life couldn’t get much better than this.

And I owe the totality of my experience to this girl, who was willing to come with me to the concert even though I sprung it on her that morning. The girl who sang with me at the top of her lungs and danced the night away.

Fisherman’s Wharf

There’s something about that phrase, and finding it at Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf that reminds me how much I love breathing in that salty sea air, walking down the boardwalks, passing by quaint little shops and restaurants. Somehow, the sea and all surrounding areas just scream ‘laidback.’ For me, being out at sea is so relaxing. The sea seems to pat me on the back and tell me, “Everything is going to be all right.” Plus, wharfs are another place to find cute moments like these:

Coffee Society

I don’t know why I don’t spend more time at the library. Every time I go, I always have a good time and I love the atmosphere. I remember walking with my brother from our house to the library with a bag slung over my brother’s shoulder filled with his science fiction books and my picture books. The minute we stepped inside the doors and the counter clicked twice, we always headed down the slope to the children’s section (until I got to the Sweet Valley High phase). I spent hours sitting between bookshelves, choosing which Encyclopedia Brown I would read next and which Junie B. Jones would accompany my growing selection.

To be honest, I wasn’t too happy when the library went under construction. I put my foot down and refused to accept the fact that the library I spent hours in would no longer look the same. But the new library has grown on me. I may not spend hours on end sitting and reading like I used to, but I always love the moments I spend there people-watching, sipping coffee, studying, reading, or listening to music. There is just this great laid-back atmosphere that comes with being at the library. When I am there, it’s as if time stops and the world just feels right.

I took this photo on one particular visit to the library. I borrowed some books, ordered a cup of coffee from Coffee Society, and settled myself down by one of their metal coffee tables to do some schoolwork. A couple guys kept walking in and out of the shop, talking to the baristas and smoking cigarettes against the wall. That day, I ended up staying at Coffee Society until the sun set and the lamps turned on, listening to these guys play a short set of songs. Moments like these are what I live for. The moments that just happen, not according to plan. The moments of being, not doing.

Mosaic

I am starting this blog on a whim because I had to post this mosaic inspired by Bohogirl’s post. I have yet to choose a specific direction for this blog, but I imagine that this will simply become an outlet for my thoughts, feelings, and mainly photographs that capture moments.

I think this mini-mosaic managed to capture all aspects of me really well. The colors and images show varying facets to my personality–the ever-quickly changing moods, the simple things that make me smile, the fantastical world I paint in my head, and the grounded, realistic side as well. What does your mosaic look like?

Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search, using only the first page, choose your favorite image, copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker (3 columns, 4 rows).

The questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you attend?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10.What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

1. Emily (before, after and the benefits of RAW), 2. Japanese plum, red flower, 3. harkers island #8, 4. Red Room ★ Racheal RockStar ★, 5. Jason Mraz, 6. Lonely Tea Time, 7. A door and two shadows, 8. Molten chocolate lava cake, 9. ©Rick Needle Gallery 1 Creative Artistic Glamour Wedding Photography AlterImage Wedding Photographer, 10. wisconsin fall leaves color 2007 hasselblad h3d 39 matt anderson photography warm october wheat grass, 11. grounded, 12. Sunday Afternoon