Finding the spirit

This is All Faiths Chapel at Texas A&M. A cherished building with a definite presence on campus. We studied this building during my sacred architecture course under Anat Geva during my last year of graduate school. I found this photo when searching through some of my old course work. I had forgotten about this photograph. It's such a wonderful surprise finding a photo you'd forgotten; sort of like finding that twenty dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

But, what's really special about this photo is that it reminds me about why I entered the world of architecture in the first place. I actually started off in architecture wanting to design churches and to focus on sacred architecture because that was, in my mind, the best avenue to make a positive impact. What I found as I got deeper into architecture was that making an impact on people's lives through the built environment was not exclusive to sacred architecture. And, that's about when I found healthcare architecture, around my junior year. I felt a connection between healthcare and my original passion. The goal of each architectural genre was the same, to design a healing and spiritual place.

Finally taking a course dedicated to sacred architecture during my last year of school was a nice "full-circle" experience. I discovered I hadn't betrayed my original passion, I had only come to understand it in a broader sense. I'd found the spirit of the idea.

Reason to return

Last year we took the "Window Trail" hike on our last morning before leaving. It was absolutely incredible. The sun hadn't made it up over the ridge line yet and the color in the rocks along the way was astounding. The air was crisp and there was a calmness. We were a bit rushed seeing as we needed to hit the road fairly early. And the hike turned out to be a bit longer than we'd expected. About an hour and a half in to the hike we were reaching the trails end, where the rocks open up to an incredible vista, hence the window. Despite knowing we were so close we decided to turn back. We couldn't have been more than 5 minutes from the window, so why did we decide to turn back? We said it would leave us something to look forward to, a reason to return next year. And I'm so glad we did. All year long I looked forward to finishing that trail.

Sure enough, we took the Window Trail again this year. It was just as beautiful as an afternoon hike as it was a morning hike last year. As we winded our way to the window I reminisced about the things I had thought about during last year's peaceful hike. I remembered vividly what I was thinking about then, what I was hoping for as we quietly hiked. It made me smile. Rarely do I remember moments so vividly. I'd like to believe that those type of memories are the best ones in life, those that stay as fresh as the day you made them.

Finishing the trail was great, just as I hoped it would be all year long. The view was truly all it had been cracked up to be. But, really, as usually is the case, it was the journey to the window that I enjoyed most, not the window itself. So this is why I show you a photo of the trail and not the window, because the journey is actually better than the destination.

From the south rim

We did some new trails this trip. This photo comes from our hike through Laguna Meadows to the Comlina Trail. It was a lengthy hike, but incredibly diverse scenary. As we came around a corner we saw this. It is amazing how something this beautiful can sneak up on you out there. You'll be winding around wooded switchbacks then all of a sudden the trail opens up to this sort of view. Soaking it all in is tough, because nearly every view offers something unique.

This was a tough hike for us. The trail went up and down quite a bit through the 10 miles around the peak. Our legs were sore. Dehydration began to set in. We began to get generally weary at the end. But, it was well worth it, as the things we work hard for usually are. This hike might just be a metaphor for greater things.

The face of God

Big Bend take two occured this past weekend. We made the 8-hour trek out to the National Park again, and it was just as wonderful this go around. We were making our way back to the basin on our second hike when the sun was starting to make its way down behind the mountains. We looked up and saw the light streaming out from behind the rock. It was captivating to say the least. Naturally I got the camera out to try and capture it. We said in jest that it was so beautiful that it was "the face of God." Which is probably more true than it is a joke.

Once in a red, white and blue moon

Today is a big day for the country as we inaugurate a new president. This sure doesn't happen often. I got to thinking about it and I've really only known three presidents in my lifetime from two families (I'm not counting Reagan, I was too young to care.) No matter your side of the aisle there is some spirit to be felt. The peaceful transition of power is a special moment, especially for our great country. I wish soon-to-be President Obama well. He's got some amazing challenges ahead of him.

This photo is from the Texas Capitol, but if you squint you could trick yourself into thinking you were in DC.

Sneaking a peek

This was one of my absolute favorites from Andrew and Pam's wedding. Once all of the girls were ready or mostly so, I caught Pam peeking out the window towards the parking lot to see if Andrew had arrived yet. It was terribly cute because no one really noticed what she was doing and then I saw her. Thank goodness because it made for an excellent photo. I'm so glad I was able to catch her smile in the reflection. A true reflection of the day.

Speaking of guitars

It seems I have an obsession. A photographic obsession that is. I looked back at my photos last night and I found that I have quite a few photographs of guitars. And you know, why not? They are beautiful works of art. In fact, I have plans to visit Guitar Center to take some photos, assuming they don't kick me out like Borders did. The walls of Guitar Center are lined floor to ceiling with gorgeous guitars. Just wait it's going to be a beauitful photo. But for now, enjoy this one. It almost feels like the strings are humming doesn't it?

Come by here

Next Monday marks the end of an era. The comal house era. Andrea, Ali, Stacey, Sam, Aspen, and Ken have all graced the comal house with their residential greatness. You could even say I did for all the times I visited. The comal house will probably forever be embeddded in everyone's memories. So many great times were had there. More than I'm even aware of I'm sure. But, the ones I was around for and remember are certainly worth remembering.

One last hurrah was had last weekend. A bid farewell. The encore of comal house parties, and a true encore at that. And naturally, as things finally started winding down in the wee hours, the guitars appeared. And the kumbaya began. Song after song we sat around. It was one of those moments that was timeless because it was so enjoyable.

When I was looking at this photo last night I decided to lookup the origin of Kumbaya. What did it mean anyway? And what I found couldn't have been more perfect. The song Kumbaya has southern roots, and was originally sung in a creole dialect called "Gullah". Kumbaya, or "come by yah" really boils down to "come by here." Yes, come by here. Now if that wasn't the comal house motto, then I don't know what was. Everyone was always welcome. Long live the memories.

Starting off with a bang

Goodness. It is 2009 and I've hardly had time to notice. So far I have traveled two weekends and spent an entire, and very long and busy, week in Birmingham. And I'm not settled yet.

And, some of you Daily Photo readers have given me a hard time lately, saying that my blog should be titled Ashley's Occasional Photo, since "daily" is so much the case lately. Once the smoke clears from all this crazy-start-of-year stuff I will get back on track. I have a bunch of great photos lined up. So, keep tuning in. Enjoy this one, these fireworks were only moments into the new year.

Just like a Texan

About every fifth or sixth time I'm in Austin I end up visiting the capitol. It is sort of magnetic like that, without intending you just end up there enjoying the grounds and walking the building. We actually ended up there last weekend, and took some photos with the ol' Nikon while we were there. It really is a great place to be, and we certainly weren't the only ones with the same idea. People were all over the outside and the inside, taking it in. It seems so appropriate if you think about it. Like a true Texan the capitol is very approachable, fun to hang out with and generally relaxed, yet completely capable of being elegant and poised.

I love the dome inside, that's a part of its elegance. It's big and beautiful, but not over done. I'm sure the other states are jealous of our capitol. And, if they aren't then they should be.

When in Austin

I headed to Austin for the weekend on Saturday. As always it was relaxing and fun. We took Aucuba out to Redbud, a dog park, for a little while in the afternoon. She got a good swim in. It was amazing weather, probably close to 85 degrees. I took my camera to get some good shots of her while she played. I accidently got this photo of Andrea which I really enjoy. Way in the background is Aucuba chasing down her tennis ball that Andrea had launced out into the water. The color is good in the photo and it is just generally very "Austin".

Holiday hangover

Well kids, it's January 2nd and the holidays are officially over. Are you exhausted? Personally I could use a little break. But, this season was fun as it always is. I thought this was a good photograph for today. This was from when we did the photo shoot with Ty. We worked and worked with him. Made him pose. Whisled at him. Snapped our fingers at him. And generally wore him out. Eventually he just laid down and I caught this photo. Poor guy. Looks like a holiday hangover to me. Anyone else feeling the same way?