Happy Easter.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. The weather here in Bonners Ferry was amazing. I can feel summer coming. It was amazing to sit outside with my family. I'm glad for a family gathering right before my trip. I'll sure miss them but happy to bring stories and photos back to share with them.

Hiking

The past week I have been hiking daily. With 18 days left till Europe I need to get my walking legs going. My hiking adventures have been a great way to start my day. Each morning I get up and hike the two mile trail. Tubbs Hill follows along the beautiful Lake Coeur D' Alene. The trail takes me on a journey up along the lake, traveling next the the cliffs, stepping next to the yellow wild flowers, and crossing two bridges. There is no time or allowance for stress or worry on these hikes. It has been a perfect way to start my day. I am refreshed and awake to begin the daily routine of homework and work.

Beautiful Day

The weather has been nice lately. I am really enjoying being outside and soaking up all the beauty. I have been really caught up in school and planning lately. I decided to "take the day off." Well, I don't have to work today and I wont be doing as much homework. My friend and I are going on a picnic. I am really looking forward to being outdoors for most of the day. I love outside and the fresh air. There is a peace to the outdoors. It makes me happy. I am excited to bring my camera and caption the peace. This is the first time in a while that I have really thought about how much I love the outdoors. I'm finding trouble describing the feeling. When I am outside I feel a sense of freedom. I can't imagine being grumpy in the beauty of nature.

30 days

The panic has begun. 30 days till I leave for Europe. I am so excited but completely scared. I am a home body. This is my first long trip. I love the comfort of my own home and my own bed. I know that I am going to be so home sick and I can not stop stressing over it. This adventure is going to change my life. I am going to see and experience things that I've only dreamed of. I'm looking forward to all the experiences but I can't help but think that I have no idea what life is going to be like when I get home. What am I going to miss? Is time and distance going to change me and the relationships I have with everyone here. I'm sure that I am being dramatic but I tend to stress more than necessary. I fear that the progress I have made in certain relationships will diminish once I get back. I know the only thing I can do is to put my faith in the fact that if a relationship is as meant to be and as strong as I think then it will still be strong when I get back.

Hired!

Its official. I booked the wedding job. The wedding is schedules for August but I am so excited. I met with the bride and she was really happy with my work. We talked a little about my style and what she wanted. I showed her a book I had made and some photos from the only wedding I have done and she loved them. This will be my first really photography job that is not done for friends or family. I'm a little nervous because I know how important wedding photos are for a bride but I have plenty of time to get things worked out. Plus, I will be getting lots of practice in with all the shots I will be taking in Europe. Life sure is getting exciting.

Photo Meeting

Photo Job! I am sitting at a coffee shop waiting to meet a couple who is interested in my photo services. I'm a little nervous to try and "sell" my photo abilities. However, this is so exciting. This will be my first real photo job. All others have been volunteer to build my portfolio. I took the photos at my uncles wedding and it was so stressful. There is no time for mistakes. I hope the meeting goes well. I could use the experience. I brought a photo book that I made and my computer to show her my work.
I was talking to a friend who is starting out with photography as well. She was helpful in making sure that I am prepared, however, she scared my a little. She said that contracts are a good idea in case something goes wrong. Something could happen with equipment or the wedding could be cancelled. She advised to make sure that I am legally covered. Scary. I never would have thought about that. All photo shoots that I have done have been through friends and family. I would never assume or think that I would need to enforce the contract but I guess it would not hurt for add precaution.