MusicOnMain.

This is MoM. Music on Main in Downtown Bozeman, MT. Every Thursday in the summer Bozeman locals gather for live music, dancing and socializing in the three main blocks of downtown. I took this shot with my phone, trying to stand on my tiptoes (making me a full 5 feet and one inch) to include as many bystanders possible. The nights are full of drinking, laughing, somewhat awkward conversations with people you haven't seen all summer, but always interesting times. The music blares, the colors flare, and people smile. . . Summer times just CliCK. 

Brightness!

So far most of my pictures have been taken outside, with subdued colors, and far away focal points... 

This one deals with an image inside - both my heart and home.

 The colors are so bright and vibrant in this photo, similar to my relationship with the focus. I love my little kid stuffed animals surrounding a guy that doesn't exactly treasure the childish toys. Yes, I forced him to pose for this picture. Though, it turned out not as I had planned. He still retains that casual pensive expression where I had expected a dorky "I'll play along" smile. The picture evokes a sense of withheld playfulness which makes me want to play along. It's fitting for today's entry as he moves away to college and really becomes a "big boy" in his next journey in life, much like most of us college freshmen. The future is full of this brightness for all of us!

"Good night"

Sunsets seem to have a mystical quality, that sense of liminality that creates lighting breathtaking to the photographer. Only during that limbo period between day and night can the soft colors of flowers, grasses, clouds, smiles, really be emphasized and experienced. The history, too, of this tree post is clearly conveyed as the sun sets. Its old wrinkles of time are ruggedly defined against its gentle surroundings. Our whole days are summed up in those few moments of the setting sunshine, good night to the day and good day till tomorrow. 

TOgether.

Seven best friends, one absent for our 'end of the summer reunion.' But with us, when you're physically not there, it doesn't mean you aren't there in spirit. Our friend Margot was still included in this self timed picture, just a quick depiction of the crazy girl we missed last night. Happiness is present everywhere in the photograph, from laughter to smiles to silly expressions. It is obvious we are all so comfortable and perfectly content with simply being together. Friendship is a feeling of elation in this shot.  

SummerDaze

These moments are few and far between. Laughing and jumping off of a floating dock, a warm breeze blowing through your hair, water swirling around bare feet, blue skies - moments like this need to be enjoyed, experienced, remembered. Take a deep breath and let the summer daze envelope you as the picture takes you into that contented place. 

Beyond.

I love this shot. After traveling through part of Europe this summer, this photograph always struck me as appealing and significant. The obvious idea of moving from dark to light, but beyond that, the cultural aspects of Germany {Munich, here} are apparent. The cobblestone streets, older ornate architecture and shorter buildings strike me as beauty commonplace all over Europe, but real wonders to us Americans :) 

Chained.

Chain link fences. This picture makes me realize how I sometimes focus too much on what is in my way, what my obstacle is, what is chaining me down, when the splendor beyond is already in sight. The day was bright and full of life, tennis being played behind me, people running and picnicking on the other side of the fence. Summertime!