100th // blog post

As I was trying to think of what to write about for my 100th post, the only thing I could come up with was to say what an incredibly year it's been. One year ago today, I wouldn't have ever imagined I'd be  where I am today. I created this blog with the small hopes & desire to capture and document my life while living abroad, and I think that I can proudly say I've been able to accomplish just that and more. There's still plenty of life to be figured out, but one thing I know and have definitely confirmed is the fact that I absolutely love being able to capture every day life from my beautiful friends, memories made, candid moments, and so on. 

Thank you so much to everyone who has let me take their photos and share those photos via blogging. I'm excited to say that I am hoping to continue blogging, even as I return back to the USA and my exchange ends. But until then, I still got a month to go & many things to document. Xx

nyrkkeily kuvat // boxing photos

boxer, (left) unkown; boxer (right) Dmitry Keronen 

A few weeks ago... I had the opportunity to visit my friend Juusef's gym, where he's been boxing for the past 1½years. I have been eager to try something new w/ action shots, and somehow boxing really intrigues me. Not only is it because whenever I talk to Juusef, or other boxers, they seem so passionate about their work.. but also there seems to be a brutal reality to the sport, and that captures so well on film. It was a great opportunity being able to dive right into their practice & try my best to find creative ways to capture everything which was happening. Thanks a ton to everyone who let me take their photo, && best of luck with all of your boxing years which lie ahead!  Xx

Same as listed above.

boxer (left) Cia Djavidan; boxer (right) the coach

May: Photoshoot w/ Stephanie, & some

My gorgeous friend Stephanie from Brazil had just gotten this darling new dress && she asked if I would like to take some photos of her in it. Of course, I was eager to do so! We agreed to snap some photos on our next picnic the following Monday. Stephanie is honestly such a beautiful girl both inside & out and I think it clearly shows through photos. :) I am quite happy with the way they turned out! <33

// alongside the photoshoot with Stephanie, 

I was also able to snap a few photos here and there of  the others as well. 

Photos of May // Memories

May: Picnics in the Park

So now that it's summer weather & it's looking like it's here to stay the local exchange students have been getting together every Monday to enjoy sunshine, warmth, and each other's company. You see, there's many of us exchange students here in the Turku area.. I mean, I'm talking somewhere between 15-20 students. As we all live our own lives going to school & hanging out with Finnish friends, everyone is also really close with one another. It's like one big family. And so with that in mind, for the past year everyone within the Turku area has been meeting on every Monday afternoon after school. Generally, this meeting has been at a local cafe/restaurant but now that the weather is warm & the sun is shining, the opportunity has come to enjoy the afternoons in a local park. I've gone to these meetings on and off throughout the year but as it's now nearly impossible to resist a good picnic & wonderful friends, I've of course joined! 

This set of photos is from the first picnic we had together a few weeks ago. It was the first time pulling out my camera in an outdoor setting taking portraits with direct sunlight. The first batch of summer photos always takes me awhile to figure out the correct settings and such, but you always have to start somewhere, right? With the blog posts to come the photos continue to improve.. I promise. :) Nonetheless, each one of these have a fun story in itself! Or also, I simply have beautiful friends from around the world. 

Saturday, May 18th, 2013

Yesterday I: 

spent my entire day outdoors from 11 a.m. to about 8:00 p.m.

achieved my first sunburn of the year

saw some of my favorite exchange students, and sadly had to say goodbye to some too

took hundreds of photo's.. both artistic and for memories sake

attended a 50's themed event, dreamed we lived in the 50's

talked so much with one of my dearest friends... no actually, two of my dearest friends

learned how to make a flower crown

smiled 

laughed 

lived 

16 things I've learned from living abroad:

1. After 9 months of an addiction, don't try to leave the house in the morning without having your first cup of coffee. 

2. A bike isn't just a vintage hipster image of something cool to ride around in, it actually is a great and fast way of transportation. 

3. And buses are always your best friend. 

4. Don't count calories, just enjoy. Because after all as an American you won't always have access to European chocolate. 

5. Oldies always give the best advice. 

6. Some people come and go, going abroad doesn't change that. Instead, sometimes it's best to enjoy the times you have and if anything, memories were made. Hold them close to your heart. 

7. But also, lifelong friendships are made. Keep those, they're amazing. 

8. Never be afraid to meet new people, you never know what kind of friendships can blossom from that. 

9. Try new things. As cliche as it is, it's true. 

10. In Finland, school food is free. Eat it & be thankful. Exchange student = poor; Free lunch = happy and full exchange student. 

11. Appreciate the little things as much as the big ones. Coffee with a friend is just as precious of a memory as is visiting a new country. 

12. Take up every travel opportunity that you can. After all, you never know when you might have the opportunity to travel next. 

13. Document as much as possible! Whether it's photo's, videos, journal, etc. it's something you'll treasure for years to come. 

14. That being said, also just live in the moment. Another cliche, but also true. 

15. Don't be afraid to make mistakes but also live with the consequences. Be honest. 

16. Be true to who you are no matter what. In one year you change a lot, especially on exchange. Embrace who you and and who you've become with confidence.