There is a place in North Georgia I have only ever visited a few times. It's a scenic lookout with gorgeous views during the fall, especially when all the leaves are changing.

Last time I went, exactly ten years ago, in November 2014, and a couple days after that day trip, I got a call that my father unexpectedly passed away. One moment I was living the young, carefree life of a twenty-something, and the next I was taught how all the sweet moments in life often have some bitter ones on their heels. 

There was a shift for me that season. More loss followed. I threw myself into the hustle of building my budding freelance portfolio and prayerfully made it through to better days. But I haven't been back to see that gorgeous view... until recently. 


The dog days of summer dragged me by my edges this year.

But thank God, they're still in tact.

It, admittedly, took me entirely too long to visit Washington, DC. 


Costa Rica is the most humid climate I've ever had the privilege of visiting. I knew it was a tropical destination. I knew it was a rainforest. I knew it would be warm and muggy... but I did not anticipate how quickly my camera lens would fog up as soon as I held the viewfinder to my eye. So, while I didn't get nearly as many photos as I would've liked during this family vacation, I've got countless memories of splashing around in the Pacific Ocean with Gabriel and holding Christian in my arms as we sat on the shore playing in the sand. The smiles, the giggles, the laughs are stamped in my brain forever.

Pura vida, verdaderamente.
© the active spirit. +