Doughnut Peaches

These are doughnut peaches. As if I didn't like doughnuts enough already, they went and named a peach after them. And the result is delicious. The peaches are firm, almost like an apple, yet surprisingly smooth in texture. The inherent sweetness of the fruit is strong but expected when its name is considered. 

These specific doughnut peaches were found in Seattle at Pike Place Market when I went to visit my best friend. We had been walking around all day when these little gems called our names and naturally we had to have them. We were tired and hungry from a day in the city and their fresh, juicy sweetness provided quite the refreshing contrast to the hard brick streets below our feet. Their varying colors and bright, natural appeal were visibly opposite to the city that surrounded them. In a place where things were metered out, where space was limited and used to it's fullest extent, these short, squatty, round little orbs were perfectly imperfect and even a little misshapen (see upper left peach). The asymmetrical balance between these peaches and their environment was stark, though not displeasing. 

The beauty of this picture partly lies in the day it was taken. It was an unforgettable day. But the harmony of it is what brings it all together. Two left hands press together to hold what one alone could not, while the skin tones blend together as if belonging to one individual. The unity and camaraderie depicted is a glimpse at something much deeper, a friendship and love that has withstood distance and time apart. It is an appreciation of the little things, the time that can be spent together and the beautiful truth that even when life is harsh there is refreshment with those we love.

Hobble Creek #5

Over this past summer I was employed at my favorite golf course in Utah, Hobble Creek. Tucked away in a canyon just outside of Springville, it is by many considered the most picturesque and well designed course in the state. 

Hobble Creek is always packed, especially in the morning, so to play early you have to be there before dawn. To me, the 4:27 wake up time was always worth the experience.

This is a picture of hole #5 taken at approximately 5:45 in the morning. 

I wanted to capture the feeling of the morning, of all of the mornings where I was able to go out with just me, my clubs and a hot cup of coffee steaming in the chill morning air. The untouched dew on the fairway and green echoed the newness of the day, with so many possibilities. Regardless of the quality of golf played it was impossible to be in a bad mood when surrounded by so much serenity. 

The design of the course it's self is stunning. At first #5 can seem straightforward and boring. But after a summer of getting to know it the character of it came alive through the curvature of the fairway as it slowly winds from left to right and tucks it's green securely behind a sand trap. The trees lining the fairway give a sense of security and depth as the surrounding mountains focus the eye on the comparatively dwarfed course.

This particular moment caused a catch in my chest, just left of center. The rose sunrise that slowly faded through strawberry blond rays to the pale blue of the morning sky and the incredible blessing of being there, in that moment left my heart full to overflowing. It had all been designed for beauty, for enjoyment, seemingly for this very moment. For me. 

Hello Friends

Life is such an amazing string of moments. For me, learning has produced some of the greatest experiences of my life, both inside and outside of the classroom, and I'm so excited to share this last semester with you. 

A few good things to know about me are that I love relationships (with people, with God and with my mini Australian Sheppard Moki), I am wholly dedicated to the Green Bay Packers and I do my best work when given a strong Americano and doughnuts. So now you know.