Something else that has really inspired me lately is an exhibit I took Rachel to at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, "War Photography." Rachel and I pride ourselves on pictures that will stand the test of time for our couples and evoke lots of emotion...the pictures there, which I had grown up seeing over and over again in history books and on the news, did just that. It was three hundred images of raw emotion in one collection, a swirl of passion and grief that wouldn't cease-fire. It was such a powerful experience that I swear I felt like I could breathe more lightly just from turning the corner when I left that hall...
I want more of that. I want more inspiration that shakes me like that, and I think I'm about to get it in spades. Rachel and I are spending 23 days in Europe. 23 days of exploring the places that were the locations of some of the most important events in modern human history. 23 days of museums, of shops, of different languages, of cafès, and of strolling the strade and strassen with the love of my life.
Walking in the footsteps of people that were on the same path as you can be so powerful, and give an understanding and a connection that you would never have gained without BEING THERE. I want to use this time to refocus my energy and attention, to draw even more inspiration from these places, and to take in the great cities as the great artists of the past have done.
I hope to return not only with these pieces, but also with a closer relationship with Rachel and a better understanding of her. Putting ourselves in new environments together not only makes memories, but helps to form such a special bond. And as a bonus, she is taking me to see some old friends that she lived with for three months. That part of her past has always intrigued me, as it is a source of constant reference for her. I feel so thankful that I will get to walk with Rachel in her former footsteps, too!
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{Rachel} I'm so ready for this adventure. I'm ready to let creativity take precedence so that it can grow. I'm ready to let inspiration give way to new ideas. I'm ready to have my camera by my side every waking moment and take photos when the chills hit my skin. I'm ready to have lots of long talks with my muse (named Greg). And I'm ready to write and read voraciously during those train, plane, and automobile rides.
I'm excited to re-visit some places that I've always dreamed of taking my husband. I distinctly remember walking along the quaint streets of Altensteig, Germany in October 2004 thinking to myself "I can't wait to bring my husband here someday." And in less than a month, that dream will come true. I'll get to show him some of the places that hold so much meaning, contain so much memory, and helped shape the woman I am today. And even more amazing, I'll get to introduce him to some of the people who influenced me more than I could ever have imagined. We even get to stay with one of them (thank you so much Sus Anne)! I think my mind may implode from the incredible amount of memories being remembered and remade...all at the same time.
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| My old street, and just one of the incredible views. I'm so thankful for the chance to return to Altensteig! |
Thinking about our upcoming visit to this special village, I keep hearing a special Nelson Mandela quote pass through my mind: "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."
And finally, I'm so thankful that I get to spend so much quality time with my favorite person in the entire world! Experiences and adventures with him are always so much more rich, deep, and wonderful!
P.S. How awesome of a writer is Greg? You'll be hearing a lot more from him in the future, as he's a huge part of this business, so get excited!!
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