Where I Come From.

I was born January 9th 1988 in Mason City, Iowa. Although I loved my childhood, the best thing to happen to me was when we moved to Dubuque in 2000. I wasn't born here, but the place that really shaped who I am today is where my parents live now. I like to refer to it as the house on a hill down in the valley.

The reason I love this place so much is because it really let me explore my thoughts on this thing called life. In school I made friends pretty quick when we first moved here but shortly after I made these new "friends" I realized that they were more like enemies. There's nothing greater than being bullied right? I won't get into that. The thing is, we live in the country which was the biggest blessing of my life. I didn't realize it then but living out in the country allowed me to walk out my front door and get lost in nature. Living on several acres allowed me to just go. Me and our pup Lucky would go on walks through the woods, take photos, and just sit and think. I was able to look at the big picture. I was able to  grow as an individual at such a young age because of these woods, and tall grass. I didn't get caught up in the mall after school, or the movies. I was able to get caught up in the smell of the air, and the textures of the outdoors. There's just something about stepping out of the city and taking it all in. Life seems to slow down a bit and open up your eyes to the real things in life.

I'm so thankful that the memories I made here are still part of the air I breathe today. Each time I go out to my parents house I'm reminded of when I really discovered who I am. What makes me happy, and soothes my soul. It's crazy to think that next September...13 years after moving here, I will be able to marry my best friend on this very same land. All of my secrets and thoughts are in this land. The sky above I've looked up at so many times and asked questions about life and why things are the way they are. I wouldn't change a thing and I am so thankful of the memories I have made here.

I can't wait until the day I get to add more memories to this land with all of my family and friends. The day I get to say I do on this hill down in the valley.

xo