grand canyon // sunrise on the 5.

i left early in the morning to drive back to the bay.
i couldn't help but stop to catch the morning light hitting the mass farmland along the 5 fwy.
the sunrise was in process of awakening all of the beloved plants to arise & grow - grow strong.

grand canyon // a spirit of generosity

it followed each of us there.
and it manifested each day.
and it multiplied the longer we were together.

i saw it uniquely in each individual,
but ajuhshee's generosity struck a deep chord.
the way he would put on his 45+lb pack, and
as soon as someone would ask for something,
he wouldn't hesitate to take it pack off and get it for them.
the way he would cook, wash the dishes, and serve the group.
his willingness to be the sweeper, and move at the rate of our last member
to make sure we were all well.

how could i not be moved by the beauty of his quiet actions?
unassuming, humble...a grounded-in-love kind of servant.
i unmistakably experienced a reflection of jesus.

and i am changed by it.

grand canyon // the video recap.

i have been in a intense flow today editing photos and getting this video together. and although i prefer to be outdoors than sit in front of a screen, i have felt an immense satisfaction in creating something - it's not perfect; in fact, it's too fast....but for the practice of just putting things out there w/o the expectation that it needs to be perfect, here it is.

grand canyon // july 3-5, 2010 (click here for larger view)

i hope you enjoy this 3 day journey in 3:49 minutes. this video features my group - 5 other folks, including my mom; each of them a unique and beautiful gift to my life. i am inspired by their stories and who they are because of those stories.

grand canyon // exploration of two kinds.

my mind's about to blow as i look through my grand canyon photos. i am so grateful that i took my dslr even though it was ~3.5lbs of added weight (particularly around my shoulder/neck). it was completely worth it. next time i go backpacking, i'll just have to get rid of something else so i can make sure to take my camera again. (maybe i can forgo the food.)

anyway, there's so much to share from the experience, but for now i had to share this one photo because it communicates two new explorations.

ps. this is my mom, an inspiration!

1. faux tilt-shift effect // this picture already had the TS feel to it, so i just manipulated it some more. do you think it i captured the tilt-shift effect well? if not, how would you do it differently? (i'm learning!)

2. the north rim of the grand canyon // i can't believe i backpacked ~21 miles from the south rim to the north rim this weekend. it was my first "real" backpacking trip and the experience at GC has redefined the word "awesome" for me. it was truly amazing & i can't wait to share more.

sooo much more to come!