Souls, Stories, and Stockholm

Though I only spent a little over a week in Sweden, I can look back and see that I had many great experiences. One of the greatest experiences was simply getting to walk around and talk to the people that lived there.

I have a great curiosity when it comes to other humans and their stories.  I always have. I love people and I love stories.  I think that is why I love antiques so much... They belonged to a person from another time, and that person had a story. 

It is my personal belief that we are created by God (though that my not be yours), and he made us in a way that we can relate to one another. There is hurt, happiness, disappointment and love.  It really is amazing to see that we are all created to be so different, but there are commonalities in every soul.  

We all have a story to tell, but at the same time, we should be willing to hear other peoples stories. We should be interested in those around us.  I encourage you to find a stranger and asks them about their story. 

Maybe that means being brave and just talking to someone at a coffee shop, or maybe that means you create a project that can allow you to meet others and share their stories. 

Just try it, you will be glad you did! 

                        

 

VALERIHANA

Looking for some new music?  I have some pretty great stuff for you to check out.
While in Sweden, I got to hang out with three incredible guys.  They make up the band Valerihana.  Not only are they great people, but they have some pretty great tunes.
soundcloud.com/valerihana
myspace.com/valerihana
valerihana@gmail.com

Nature Paint Brushes

Want a fun craft to do this summer?  This one is a winner.  You can even make it into a game.
I told the girls they had to make their own paint brush, but they could only use things that they found outside. It was so fun, and wasn't over in 30 seconds like most crafts I attempt.

Avery June

To Be Known

Recently I got the chance to go to Sweden.  I went as a photographer.  I was asked to go in order to document the musicians I went with, and to shoot a musical festival that was happening in Stockholm.
Since I got the opportunity to go on this trip I wanted to build my personal portfolio as well.  I wanted to really capture the people of Stockholm.  Where did they work? what did they do for fun? Did they like where they lived? Are they pursuing their dreams?
On our last day in Stockholm we went to an Italian restaurant called Vapianos.  It was some of the greatest food that I have ever had.  At this restaurant they had a coffee bar.  The man working there had just returned from Italy that morning.  He was studying espresso there (of course).  Ben (one of the musicians on the trip) and I were talking to the coffee bar tender and then I asked if I could photograph him.  He said of course and then struck a pose. I said "I am going to sell this fantastic photo of you and make lots of money."  He then replied "That is okay, I just want to be known."
Woah
Did you hear that?
I just want to be known.
Isn't that what we all want? Just to be known?
I realize that he had dreams of being famous and maybe that is what he was referring to, but I think it goes much deeper.  All of us want to be known. We all have that desire.  Some of us seek that from family, friends, lovers, or even from the media and the big stage.  We want to be known by someone... And we are. We are known. Not only are we known, but we are known by the creator of the universe. The God who spoke this world into creation knows us.
He knows me.
He created each one of us and formed us in the womb. He breathed life into us. And He deeply, deeply knows us.  He knows our fears, our pains, our desires, our loves, our grief, and our dreams. He knows our inmost being.
That is great news. We are known and we are loved.

Exploring the Waters

"May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing, no holding back, the way it is with children." -Rainer Maria Rilke

James & Julianne | A Louisville Wedding |