Lauren… my spirit guides knew I would need your strength and support when they sent me on a mission to reconnect and find you again. I still can’t fully process how someone I’ve ‘known of’ for years (since High School) would be the same person who walks such an incredible journey of healing and self discovery with me. Your ability to see the light in situations truly is a blessing within itself. You embody a type of energy that is gifted to only a few. Once people experience the unique flame you protect within your core, there is no denying that you are special.
You’ve walked through FIRE this past year, and somehow managed to continue touching souls in the most gentle and caring way. How do you do it?! I ask myself this often, and I still haven’t figured it out. You created space for me to practice speaking my truths. Yes, half of the time it starts out with… “This may seem really weird/crazy but hear me out”. We are now at the point where we just expect the unexpected. Speaking of that, thank you for being in the recording studio with me as a cheerleader when I recorded a song from the heart. My biggest goal that day was to ‘NOT’ cry while in the booth because I knew if I did, the producer would save that audio sample and loop it in the future so remind me of how I cried while in the studio. You have been right there during this ‘life test’ I’ve been navigating through and I’m so thankful for you.
You are one the BEST photographers in Washington State. Hands down… let me give you all your flowers for the way you photographed my baby niece!!! Those images will be cherished for a lifetime. Photography brought us together years ago and it reconnected us in a way once again. Our very first photography studio was shared together with April. 3 ladies from the same high school sharing a business location was fantastic. You’ve assisted me on projects like at Microsoft and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else by my side for those events because we have a way of laughing throughout the full work day/experiences.
Thank you for living on the edge of excitement and wonder with me. Thank you for creating spaces for me to to be open and vulnerable while I have been processing my new life happenings/changes. THANK YOU for the under eye patches you give me while I cry and instantly fear that my under eyes will turn into leather strips. (I think sadness tears actually burn and happy tears are used to aid in the creation of the fountain of youth). A researcher should study that theory, because I have questions and could totally be onto something!! Thank you for telling me about that sandwich shop inside of the Chevron gas station. It’s so flipping good and yes, the world could judge me but they can’t knock it too hard until they try one. Delicious!!
So this is me giving you, ‘Your Flowers’. Thank you Lauren for being you!
Your Flowers - XOXO