In college I created a double major of Visual Arts and Environmental Studies, with a focus on Marine Ecology. It didn’t make a lot of sense to most people, as these subjects are viewed as very separate in our dominant culture. Their questions filled me with doubt, but I still argued then as I argue now, that an interdisciplinary education is what helps us to become better communicators and problem solvers. With so much at stake, I believe we must learn to work between disciplines to find solutions that may not be labeled as “art” OR “science,” but both. I also want to say to anyone who may be in college right now–– don’t sweat your major too much. I didn’t know that art & science would actually help me in any way in my career, but it makes complete sense looking back. I also took classes that had “nothing” to do with either major… like Literature of Birds and The Bible (if you went to SUNY Purchase, you know Lee Schlesinger is legendary). Follow the things you are pulled to, the things that might not fall under “should” but that excite you. Your curiosity is a gift. This fever of mobula rays is one of the most stunning things I’ve ever seen in nature. How do you know where they are swimming if you can’t see them from the surface? Well… they fly. Scroll to the end for a treat. 🦋 
A little reminder for myself, maybe you today, if it feels true. This was outside a hotel I stayed at last year. I like that it’s a mirror, given that we MUST truly look at ourselves if we ever want to get “through”. 
Gentle rain, underwater ☂️ 
Join me on a journey to the Blundstone Wilderness 🥾 I’ve taken my @blundstoneusa boots on many adventures, but never like this one 😉 These boots have been my go-to for years, so when Blundstone wanted to get in on the miniature fun, it was a big YES from me! These scenes were inspired by the wildness of Tasmania. I used the textures and colors from 4 different pairs of boots (new & old) to achieve layers of moody mountains and hills. I love the soft blues and browns, and the 5 years’ worth of wear on one of the pairs. These boots are built to last and to be lived in. Happy 150 years, @blundstoneusa. A couple more images from this set in my stories today. Enjoy! 🏕 @blundstoneusa #sponsored #ourgreatindoors 
There’s nothing quite like dozens of sea lions curiously zipping and flipping around you. Maybe like visiting a preschool where the kids have been given unlimited caffeine and sour patch kids. 😂 As you can see, the water was fairly murky which makes it tougher to focus. Coupled with the speed of the pups, it was a fun challenge to photograph these playful animals. I spent time with them with and without my camera— without gave me more freedom to move and interact. 
“I miss when you used to post more miniature photos.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve been getting this feedback lately... and I completely understand! So many of you found my work because of my miniature quarantine series, #OurGreatIndoors. I love that you’ve been on that journey with me. I love that it will continue. But it has never been, and will never be, the ONLY thing I do or share. 🤫 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Miniature adventures were something that came out of creative exploration and play for me— something I endeavor to do every day. THAT is what I share: the process and the whole human experience, not just the result. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you only want to see miniatures, no hard feelings! Give @ourgreatindoors a follow - we’ll be starting to post there in 2021 with both my work and work from those of you who have created your own tiny adventures. 💫 Love you, and so looking forward to getting to know you more next year and beyond. 👩🚀 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Photo by @beingbaden 💖 & edit by me. 
What an experience to be alive among all of this 🌙 
The weary world rejoices. Tonight I feel joy and I feel weariness, gratitude and sadness, mourning and hope. Many of you have echoed the same. I pray you are able to rest and find joy. “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone 💫 Scene made with a sweatshirt, paper I poked holes in for the stars, shepherd & sheep model train figures, and a little help from Photoshop for the North Star 🌟 #OurGreatIndoors 
Whale sharks are not whales, but the world’s largest fish 🐟 They’re filter feeders and gentle giants. This was my first time seeing one, and there were many in the area! I didn’t expect to think they were so cute 😂 The water was really murky - check out the raw photo in my stories if you’re curious. 
This year my greatest challenge has been in softening. I had to ask if I was allowing hard circumstances to harden ME. Can I cultivate COMPASSION, growing my understanding that it is forever flowing and endless? Can I practice NON-JUDGEMENT, knowing that I and others are doing our best in every moment with what we have, from our current level of understanding? Can I give out FORGIVENESS, every single day, to myself and others, until it flows effortlessly? I’ve wrestled with much of my own shadow this year and it has been troubling, scary, challenging, and isolating at times. But it’s been required. I know that our outside world is always a reflection of what is happening inside. And creating a beautiful inner world is not a race or competition but an ever-evolving relationship with self and God. 🌝 What a beautiful opportunity! I’m continuing to embrace radical honesty with myself, even if I don’t like what I find superficially. I am learning what it really means to hand my life over to God, and to accept Grace deeply. I am learning that my work is not only in what may be measurable. I am learning to reach— out, up, across, down. And I am learning that I know less than EVER before. 😉 Just a few thoughts as we close out this year 💫 (and a selfie from my birthday last month!)