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Life update, or something

I’m currently writing from my bed back in Davidson with my new bunny love Winnie on my lap.

Today has been spent packing, reading, and preparing for yet another summer in Asia. When asked why I keep going back there, all I can think of is this — I’m seriously hooked on the continent. I have been entirely in love with the continent since I was seventeen and I cannot imagine my life today without that early introduction.

Already, I can feel that this summer will be incredibly different and yet, somewhat familiar. Packing for several months abroad is far more enjoyable than daunting these days and the only thing I really dread is lugging all my camera gear around with me everywhere I go.

One of the main reasons this summer will be different is because of all that is going on in the two places I plan to spent my time – Thailand and Burma. I somehow managed to book a flight the same day a coup started in Thailand and while I am a little worried that it will alter my plans, I know that this experience will be unforgettable and I feel ready for most anything.

I head out on Wednesday and am terribly excited to spend time with Amirah before heading to Thailand.

The past few weeks have been incredibly rewarding and I am so thankful for all the work I have been able to accomplish and take part in (including an amazing experience at CPJW in Eastern, NC just a week ago! *More on this coming soon!).

I cannot seem to wrap my head around the idea that it has been a year since last summer’s adventures. This time last year, I was in Rishikesh at an ashram and spending a good deal of time in silence.

What life looks like these days

Life lately has been a hilarious mix of funny events, wild emotions, and dramatic weather. I’ve lived my weekends out of bags and my week in the a variety of places too. I’ve thought a good deal about the big, scary future and feel that I really have no idea what is in store. I know with confidence, it’ll be something I never dreamed of doing and in a place I haven’t ever considered.And I’m excited. I’m ready for a challenge and ready to take on just about anything right now.

Maybe its all inspired by the new warm weather and the snow and ice slowly melting away, or maybe its just the constant reminder Spring is near. . . and with it comes a whole new set of possibilities.

“Everybody is identical in their secret unspoken belief that way deep down they are different from everyone else.” – David Foster Wallace

More photos -> here.

Years

A good reminder today:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – H. Jackson Brown

Today, I add a year.

I’m packing another bag for the weekend and this time around, I’m heading to Ohio. I cannot think of a better way to spend this weekend than with the ones I love (*my big, beautiful family from Charlottesville, D.C., on up to Ohio and even Michigan!). I just wish there was more time.

The day has already been pretty great with letters and tiny gifts in bed and even coffee and a slice of cake waiting for me in the fridge when I woke up. The sun’s out and it will be a good day to stare out the window of the car and have lots of car talks.

Photos from the past week. More –> here.