Glittery Sunshine Adventure

As the last remaining minutes of 2011 tick away, I find myself in a constant state of reflection.

So many of my friends had "big" years filled with "big" and new things. As for me? Not so much. It was a beautiful year filled with new experiences and wonderful memories.... however, I wouldn't call it "big." But does it have to be...? I think not. 

If I had to choose one thing that sticks out  in my mind from the last year, it was realizing the importance of keeping my passion alive. My soul is weary at this year's end, and needs to be rejuvenated with fresh ideas and challenges. I fear I became too comfortable in where I was... and any artist will tell you that "comfortable" is the worst place for your soul to dwell. 

SO! This is what I have to say to 2012:

Dear 2012, 

      I hope your journey to the here and now has been kind to you. You have very little left to travel, and I can't wait to meet you. I just wanted to inform you that you, my friend, have a very important task at hand. You may not be aware, but you carry my soul in your hands. I need you to take good care of her: feed her, exercise her, encourage her strive to be better EVERY DAY, push her to challenge herself regularly, never allow her to take a single breath for granted, tell her she is beautiful no matter what, and NEVER (under ANY circumstances) allow her to settle into the "comfort zone." I trust you.

          All my love,    

                    Sarah

Needless to say, I wanted to end this year with a breath of sunshine (and glitter) for my soul. 

Sooooooooo.... my friends (who happen to be stunningly GORGEOUS) and I hiked a mountain in search of sunlight and inspiration. 

We found it.

Meet Lindsey Gomes.

She is a fellow photographer and creative... 

as well as (I think it's safe to say) a newly acquired best friend.

And most of you already know Quin. Her face has graced the pages of my blog many a time. 

She and I have been best friends for what seems like a million years, but is probably closer to 18.

Quin stole my camera a few times to snap some shots of me (and my sweet new hat!)

I was highly impressed with her photo skills. And I got to mess around with some new editing techniques, which is always fun times :)

Also.... be on the lookout for more photos of me on Lindsey's Blog :) I know I will be!!!!!!

I cannot express how much I love these next two images. 

They somehow capture every ounce of (what I feel to be) my personality. 

Happy New Year, Lovlies :)

The Lukasik Family

Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite families of all time!!!

The Lukasiks. 

Bill will blow your mind with his BBQing skills. 

Marci will breathe new life into your muscles with her massage skills. 

Katie is one of my bestest friends who I can always count on to call me on my crap. 

Hannah can save your life with her life-gaurding skills. 

Her daughter, Peyton, will stun you with cuteness. 

Becca is a rockin Pole Dancing Yoga instructor (yup, it's totally a thing!)

Steve is the master of the wine world at Justin winery. 

Their daughter, Skylar, has more energy than the energizer bunny. 

To know them is to love them :)

Nicole & Riley Jai & Lyla Wing

Say hello to the coolest of all cats -- Nicole and her two kids, Lyla Wing and Riley Jai. 

Nicole has been a friend of mine since the 4th wedding I ever shot, where she was the florist... which is just one of her many hats. She also has mad photographer and hair&makeup skills. She is one of the most beautiful and passionate souls I've had the pleasure of encountering. So when she told me about her "Dr. Seuss-like" vision for her family photos, I was pretty darn stoked. 

I'll let the photographs speak for themselves...