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

Getting Wild in Kenya

Going on a African wildlife safari was a dream come true. 

We visited Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara during our journey through Kenya.

Each reserve provided wildlife spotting & views for days, while the cross country travel to each park was an experience all in itself. 

Like most of Kenya, the safari was a mix of contradictions for me... but it was a truly unforgettable experience that I feel so blessed to have done.

See more photos from Africa Here and Here :-)

Cheers ~ Lara

Quiet Moments in Mombasa

Mombasa is the gateway to the Kenyan coast, and it's anything but quiet.

The vibe is electric & tense, and traveling through on a late Friday afternoon felt out of control.
I've not been many places that I felt could erupt at any moment...but I knew it could happen here.
My gut feeling was right, and Mombasa did in fact erupt the evening we left.
Rioting, Hand Grenades & several people wounded and killed.

It was along the eclectic streets of Old Town Mombasa and along the shore at Ft. Jesus that I felt most at ease in this hectic city.

We returned through Mombasa 2 additional times during our trip, but didn't want to risk our safety exploring again.  I am thankful however, to say that I was able to experience the thrill of this chaotic city.

Maisha Marefu ~ Lara

Under the Kenyan Sky

I've recently returned from a journey to Kenya.

A place that was both a challenge & joy for my mind and senses.

Each day I was reminded of the beauty of the world we live in,

 and the fact that no matter where in the world we are...were all under the same sky.

 We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon.                                                                                                                            -Adenauer, KonradCheers ~ Lara