so, i've mentioned my friend Kyle Weber once or twice before on here, but if you haven't checked out his site already, you should now (and not just because he was awesome enough to put a link to this blog on it). there are many things i wish i were- (expert linguist, amazing guitarist, inspired cook, etc. etc. to infinity!!)- and 'better photographer' is one of them. which is why it's fun for me to peruse kyle's photos. they're not just technically good, they're moving. it takes more than skill to make a still photograph affect you in a way that makes you feel personally involved; it takes heart and kyle has plenty of that. i'm a bit of a blog/facebook stalker. (i like to say i'm an 'internet anthropologist.' hahaha...) it always interests me what image people project of themselves on these public mediums ~ what they want you to see, what they don't even think about that comes through anyway and so on... in reading kyle's blog, what i appreciate is how his passion for God comes through in all the details. calling it 'A Journey Through Faith and Photography' is fitting, and not just because i enjoy alliteration;) so if you're looking to be inspired with some good food for thought, or just some aesthetic pleasure, click here. and then, don't be disappointed by my own photos when i get around to scanning them- yes, i do use film;) enjoy!

(btw, i swiped the above picture - a Kyle Weber original photo- from his facebook, so go Like.)

1.) it has to have some sort of meaning beyond- aren't robots cool? who's gonna want to have a robot on their body at 57? unless, for some reason, robots have an association for you with something significant. otherwise, it's a little asinine...

2.) you have to decide on the design and placement and then still want it 6 months later before getting it. that's my rule, but i've actually always waited 2-3 years before getting a tattoo i wanted. (i only have three...)

3.) you have to be at least 22 before you get your first tattoo! (at least that's what i tell my son when he says, 'when can i get a real tattoo?' haha...)

This one (that I got yesterday):

A couple years ago, a few events happened simultaneously that really challenged my view of love and whether or not I was able to give it as freely as I had been. I went home for one of the worst, emotionally numb summers of my life. I remember thinking, "I should be feeling something right now, right? Something? Anything?" But the only feelings I could decipher involved such intense pain, it was almost too difficult to face; the kind of pain that stunts your ability to even cry.

Before I left for that summer, my beautiful sister, who is my constant and best friend, gave me a pink bracelet that said LOVE. (I'm wearing it in the Relationship Status Thought of the Day post) With it, she wrote me a note that said I was one of the most loving people she knew and that I should wear this bracelet and remind myself of who I am and who God has given me the strength to be. I shouldn't let those who have let me down hinder my capacity to love those who are deserving, including myself. And there were times that summer, and in the following year, that looking down at that bracelet was the only thing grounding me that day- obviously with God's help.

So, I prayed that God would restore my heart to its previous condition and more. Cuz, not to sound conceited or anything, but I think something God has given me is the ability to understand the purity in love and display it in an unconditional manner, as it should be. Love shouldn't come with conditions... This openness of heart has unfortunately opened me up to many heartaches, but I think I'm finally getting there and the truth is- I really have no regrets. This tattoo is on my right hand, because I am right handed and it reminds me to act in love, which I will continue to do- acknowledging that I will get hurt again but knowing that it is ultimately worth it to be someone capable of accepting and giving God's love. And also, knowing that God will use the pain that comes my way to draw me closer to Him and redeem the situation to His glory and to my benefit. After all, "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." - Galatians 5:6 (a verse advocated often by a loving guy I know named Kyle Weber.)

Friends, know that I love you and I hope you have a blessed day...

I want to know what it'd be like to aim so high above that any card that you get dealt you Always Love... ~ one of my fav songs ever, btw...

"i don't wanna look like you because
you're too perfect
you're too perfect.
and I don't wanna fill your shoes cause
its not worth it
its not worth it
don't fit the mold, i am real
too colorful to conceal.
imperfect is the new perfect
imperfect is the new perfect"

source