Today I turn 28. The past year has been the most difficult year of my life. I've gone through change and heartbreak, pain and sadness. And although I could write a quite lengthy post about it all, I'm choosing to reflect back on the good things of twenty seven...

In April I drove down to Los Angeles by way of Highway 1 for the first time. I passed through Big Sur, stopped countless times to take pictures, and saw dozens of hawks along the way. I went for a floral water coloring and beginning calligraphy class a woman I found through Instagram was offering.

This is one of my favorite shots of the whole year. AND it's from before I started editing my photos with lightroom, so it's even more magical untouched/unedited

I took several trips to San Francisco

I went backpacking for the first time!

Back to SF

Spent two beautiful weeks in Manhattan

And explored Baltimore for the first time

Took many trips to Apple Hill

Went to an awesome conference hosted by Brit+Co

Went on several gorgeous hikes in the greater Sacramento area

Yankee Jim's Bridge

Hidden Falls

Pt. Reyes

Explored more of my own city

And then back to SF

I started doing more photoshoots with local events, Arden Hot Yoga, and friends and family that would let me use them as test subjects.

I've been so focused lately on all of my anxiety and frustration with finding a new job. But putting this post together has reminded me just how fortunate I am. Even though I'm broke, often in pain, and anxious for the future...right now, I am ok-better than ok. Years ago I saw a license plate that read: Too Blessed to be Stressed. And I have far too much to complain as much as I do.

Here's to twenty eight bringing more adventures, greater challenges, and a greater peace of mind.

xxo