Reflecting on 2012

It's hard to believe another year has come & gone...and boy am I sad to see 2012 go.

This past year has been an exciting one, as I've made new friends and created memories across the world. I never imagined the journeys it would hold...but I've realized that saying "YES" to unexpected propositions can lead to opportunities I would've never dreamed possible.

Clockwise L to R: Singapore Skyscraper, Flower in my front yard, Sunset in Kenya, Camels on the Beach in Diani Kenya, Temple in Bali, Mosque Door in Casablanca Morocco

I've been fortunate to see the sun rise and set on 4 continents within the last 12 months and I swam in the Indian Ocean in both Asia & Africa.  I've seen beauty in poverty and felt danger in places that should be safe. Many dream destinations have been checked off of my list, and my urge to see more of the world is stronger than ever.

Clockwise L to R: Little Girl in Mombasa Kenya, Old Canoe in Kilifi Kenya, Starfish found in Sunset Beach CA, Rose from Long Beach CA, Downtown LA Sunset

While many months were highlighted with new experiences, my day to days passed as always. I continue to question my life and wether it's moving in the right direction or if it's time to make some major changes. I've spent unforgettable time with family, and experienced success and loss in equal amounts. I've strengthened friendships and lost love ones, and felt pain and joy just like every other year I can remember.

Clockwise L to R: Monaco Palace, Door in Marrakech Morocco, San Francisco Bridge, Sunset in Kenya, Lombardi Street San Francisco, Statue in Eze France

I've begun to recognize the beauty in the everyday, and that it's my perspective that chooses to see it or ignore it.  I also realize how much I enjoy photography and capturing my life's magical moments.

Clockwise L to R: Bridge in Singapore, Yacht in St. Tropez, Delano Hotel Pool Marrakech, Levitated Mass LACMA, Sunset Beach CA, NYC Skyline

I feel truly blessed and so thankful for the people in my life who continually support, encourage, and strengthen me and for Tim who accepts and allows me to be me.

Clockwise L to R: Kenyan Sisal Field, Mosque in Singapore, Singapore Pay Phone, Cali Flower, Bench in Morocco

While 2012 didn't bring all the answers, I have realized a few things: People, no matter place or circumstance, are more alike than they are different. Time passes faster with each year, and seize opportunities when they are in front of you as they may never come again. 

Clockwise L to R: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Marrakech Fountain, Queen Mary Long Beach, Nassau Bahamas, Statue at Bali Temple

I don't know yet what 2013 holds, but I look forward to having it unfold! I'll be putting my letter of resolutions to 2013 down in the next few days and I'm excited to write the chapters of a 2013!

Happy New Year!
Lara

Stop & Smell the Roses

Even my dog Lucy knows to Stop & Smell the Roses!

Though she may not love the blooms as much as I do :-)

Cheers ~ Lara

Spring Blooms

Happy Easter!

I just love all of the flowers blooming right now.  I took these pics this week while out strolling with my dogs in Long Beach.  

Hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Cheers ~ Lara

Botanical Garden Goodness

We recently traveled to southeast Asia (Bali & Singapore).  One of my favorite stops during the trip was my afternoon spent at the Singapore Botanical Gardens.  The National Orchid Garden there was divine, and I could've happily spent the entire day photographing flowers.  I can't keep an orchid alive to save my life...so I was in awe the entire afternoon!  Here are a few of my favorite shots!

Cheers ~ Lara

Bouquet of Blooms

Blooms on a beautiful Sunday January afternoon in Beverly Hills.

Cheers ~ Lara

Blooms VI

A few new Blooms from July & August.

Cheers ~ Lara

Recent Strolls along the LA River Trail

We are fortunate to live very close to a Wetlands area that runs along the LA River Trail.

We've been going there to walk the dogs more recently, and I just love it.

Not only are we able to let the dogs off the leash to run, were getting some exercise too, and are surrounded by beautiful wildlife & some amazing birds.

Thankfully the girls haven't dove into the water yet, though it came very close last night as they tried to approach an amazing giant Blue Heron that was perched on the bank of the water.

Check out this cool flower I found last night too!  I've never seen a bloom quite like this one before, and thanks to Van over at Thrift Core I learned that it's a Passion Flower!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers ~ Lara

Blooms V

Beautiful Blooms from around the neighborhood & our front yard.

Cheers ~ Lara

Blooms IV

OK Seriously, Enough Already...I can't stop the insanity!

Taking pictures of flowers on my walks with Stella is my new favorite past time!  These are from last week.  Hope you enjoy them too!

These little beauties are called Fuschias

More Fuschias...how wonderful are these amazing flowers?

These were blooming all over a tree - Hyacinth maybe?

Roses

When the flowers are gone, your going to see lots of tree bark & roots.

Cheers ~ Lara

Blooms III

I love taking pictures of the amazing flowers in bloom in Cali...usually on my nightly neighborhood strolls with Stella.

This rose drenched trellis is so romantic. 

Lilly

The Jacaranda Trees are in full bloom, and there are beautiful purple flowers alive in the sky!

Surrounded by a world of Color on the Ground.

Cheers ~ Lara