Lunar New Year

This year the Lunar New Year has me reflecting on 4 Lunar New Year’s ago. My husband and I were living in the Uptown area of Chicago. We attended our first Lunar New Year parade days before setting off on our first jaunt in the Eastern hemisphere. Here’s a glimpse of our time in China & Thailand.

Travel Stories: Oshkosh, WI

After a cool 3 hour drive from Chicago, we made it to Brian’s cousin’s house in Oshkosh, WI. It was Memorial Day weekend and technically our first anniversary. We decided to spend the weekend with Ashley (Brian’s cousin) and her husband Jeff. Practically newlyweds themselves, they just purchased their first home, where Brian and I hadn’t yet been.

We made it! Let's drink!

Upon arrival, we were greeted with enthusiasm and a plethora of drink options.

After a tour of the house and some strong cocktails we turned our attention to this chest of Grandma’s.

It was full of vintage clothes & accessories from Grandma’s life. She wore this blue dress to her daughter’s wedding.

Some of the clothes had notes attached stating their significance.

We tried some on.

And threw away others. Like these pajamas. Uncle Glen died in them. Gross.

There was this incredible kimono. Sadly, it did not have a note attached.

Then we went out on the town to scope the local scene. Brian kept it classy.

Jeff & Brian

Ashley’s friend Erin met up with us.

Then we went to another bar. This one had a beer garden and the best ambient lighting for my Sony camera.

We took a lot of pictures.

The next morning.

Ashley & Sophie.

Lunch on the water, because you know, Wisconsin.

Sadly, my beautiful, new Sony digital camera got knocked off the table at this restaurant. It is not currently working. I don’t want to talk about it.

We stopped at a greenhouse thinking it would have a variety of plants for great prices (because we’re from Chicago).

It did not, but we got some great pics… with our iphones… sigh…

The local dog park is weird.

Hit up a local shop. Bought some wine, for the label of course.

Downtown Oshkosh.

Sushi restaurant.

Comical downtown window display.

After dinner drinks.

And dessert.

I used to live on Wilson and like this tile.

The night ended with a game of Trivial Pursuit.

Got McDonald’s breakfast on our way back to the city. They gave me a free coffee! It deserved a photo.

We had to hit up an antique shop before we left.

more like Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27, 2018

Travel Photography: Macau, China

May 11, 2018 EDIT:

The original contents of this post have been removed so they can be added to a zine I'm creating! The zine will cover our 9 day adventure through China & Thailand. It will include long prose and a multitude of photographs. If you would like a copy of the zine comment with your email address below. Until then, here are a few photos taken on our Asian adventure.  

Travel Photography: Eugene, Oregon

Last month, I went to Eugene, Oregon, to see my one and only sister graduate from University of Oregon with TWO master's degrees. It was a very immersive experience as I followed Lindsay everywhere. We partied non-stop in true Eugene fashion. My parents were there, you'll see several pictures of them in this post. Take a look at a week in Eugene, Oregon!

Portland, Oregon

Portland is my favorite place to travel by far. Every visit is filled with art, love, laughter and lots of coffee. Matthew Tomas (also a photographer) is half the reason I traveled to Portland last weekend. We've been best friends since high school and share a love for visual art. His photographs are true works of art (a few are featured below) you must check out his flickr page!

 Lindsay, my beautiful, talented sister is the other half reason I traveled to Portland. She is getting her masters degree in architecture from the University of Oregon and I couldn't be more proud. Aside from being a brilliant architect, Lindsay is also an incredible water color painter. Check out her masterpieces here.

I am immensely grateful for the time I got to spend with these two. The opportunity to learn and grow creatively with people you love does wonders for your craft and soul. Check out our weekend in Portland!

ugh, I just freaking love these two