We've all heard the saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words." I bet most people don't know where that came from or who said it, so I looked it up in order to give credit to the man Fred R. Barnard. It turns out he was right; obviously.

When I looked at this photo I had many thoughts about the time it was taken. It was a time where I felt free and awe inspired by the nature around me. I can almost feel the fresh air in my face and smell the flowers from the surrounding hillsides. I can remember that very moment, which I may never have remembered, had I not taken this photo. I stood in the middle of a street hoping a car wouldn't come around the corner so that I could capture what I saw and the way I saw it. Just simple, beautiful nature, crisp clean air, and peace. That is part of what I love about photography. No matter the device, the weather, where you are headed, or who you are with, you take time to stop and notice the simple things in life. Even better, is the fact that you can later look at the photo and remember it exactly as it was. 

No one else would look at this photo and see exactly what I see, and that is the beauty of it. Every artist has a story to tell and no person will ever interpret it the same way. 

My story has taken unexpected turns and had times where the peace felt few and far between. Looking at this photo reminds me how important it is to have peace, be kind to yourself, and pursue the things that bring you happiness. Sometimes those things are forgotten or put aside, or put off until the next chapter. In my case, this chapter is just beginning.