Grandpa // July-August, 2016
Newport & Corvallis, Oregon

Last summer is one I will never forget. It's the one where my grandfather passed away. The one where we all came together as a family - to grieve, eat, sleep, laugh, and cry.

My grandfather was 91 years old. He was a Boy Scout, musician, navy veteran, plane crash survivor, engineer, community leader, adventurer and advocate. He was a committed husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Grandpa was a man of few words who led by example. He devoted his life to serving his community and caring for the people around him. I always admired the dance in his step, twinkle in his eye and subtle joke under his tongue.

Below are a few photos from his spectacular life and from last summer.
Here's to you, Grandpa. We will always love you so.

Wonders of the Oregon Coast // Summer 2015
Newport, Oregon

Newport happens to be my favorite place on earth. It's a place I've visited since childhood with family and friends alike. It's a little beach town that has always provided me with a deep sense of comfort and happiness. I can never pinpoint exactly what I love most - perhaps it's a mixture of the salty air, calm beaches, grubby seafood, kitschy Old Town, and the barking sea lions. Or maybe my love stems from the many memories of going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium where I spent countless hours starring and smiling at Keiko; or the time spent gathering beach treasures and discovering curious life forms in tide pools.

I have visited, explored, and shared Newport with so many people in my life. Countless nights have been spent watching less than mediocre movies with my mamma, playing endless card games with relatives and international guests, and chatting with dear friends over home-cooked meals and wine. I've celebrated Easter, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving at the beach, and have relentlessly banged pots and pans with my grandparents on New Year's Eve while humming Imagine by John Lennon.

I have decided to share a few recent photographs of this special place. I plan to take many more, and continue to cherish the relationship that's formed between my life and this little beach town.