Waiting

I have spent my whole life waiting for things. Waiting to be old enough for kindergarten, have my first slumber party, the chance to shave my legs, wear a bra, go to middle school, babysit, have a boyfriend, go to high school, go to college. All my life I have anticipated the next step. WHY??! I had great experiences at every stage of my life... Why can't I just be content with where I am now?

I've decided to put the extra effort into living for today and embracing it. I look back on my college days, when I couldn't WAIT to be able to move in with Chad, be done with school, have my own place. Well it's here. College was perhaps the best time of my life, surrounded by wonderful people, learning every day about what I love, and feeling good about who I am. And now it's gone. It's so different to not be around so many friends day-in and day-out, and I miss it so much. But I need to take things into perspective and understand that there is a sequence of things for a reason.

I am so lucky. I just started a job that I love and will only learn to enjoy more and more every day. I have a wonderful boyfriend who cooked me fantastic meals and played songs he knows I love on the guitar this weekend. I have the best 4 sisters a girl could ask for, who I know will stand by me in whatever stage of life I'm in. I have great friends who have not let the distance get in the way of our fun and laughter. I have a cute apartment which I am glad to call home. I have parents who support my decisions and are allowing me to be a grown-up, even though it probably scared them to send their little girl 1600 miles away. I am blessed beyond words.

And from now on, I'll live for now. There's no rush to get that ring on my finger... although I won't stop dreaming of being Mrs. Sarah Whitney (and I secretly have most of the details already planned for my wedding). I love babies and children so much but who am I kidding???!! I don't need a baby any time soon. That time will come. There are enough little babies and children around for me to share my love with. "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be GLAD in it!" I surely have a lot to live for, but I want to try harder to enjoy what I have at this moment, not what I will have in the future. Life is too good to look back and say- "Why was I in such a rush to get through that time?"

Chad and I have been taking walks every Friday night, when most people are in their pajamas, ready to sleep. We walk a few blocks to the Gore Place (a historic estate in our neighborhood), enjoying the company of each other, absent of worries of being too tired at work the next day. We walk in the moonlight, and sometimes bring a picnic blanket to sit and watch the stars. This time, I brought my camera and took photos with really long exposures. This is when I thought about all this. As I held the shutter of my camera open, I realized that my whole existence as a photographer is living in the moment... capturing slices of time which are impossible to return to. I need to hold on the every second that I am living- and not waste that wishing I were somewhere else (in time). Here are some images from Friday- they are all exposed with moonlight (and ambient light from the city) on long exposures which I didn't count- just exposed it as long as I felt it needed...

^^You can see the stars :)

So on I go- right now.

Love Sarah

Sweetest Little Siblings

I just had to share these photos of the kids I used to babysit. Actually, their mom, Alyson, babysat me when I was little! They are just the cutest little kids, who love to love on each other and are endlessly sharing kisses. I had so much fun with Benjamin, Sarah Margaret, and Kate, and I look forward to watching them grow up!

Sweet sisterly love. There's nothing like it!

And a very kind big brother!!

I miss these little sweeties!

Sailing

Yesterday we went sailing for the first time with Meredith and Seli. We had so much fun!! Captain Seli was hilarious with purposely catching us off guard with his orders. As you can see, the view of the city was amazing! We had just enough time to go for a cruise.


That boat in the photo below that Chad's looking at belongs to John Henry, the guy who owns the Red Sox!! We could see bartenders and fresh flowers through the windows... pretty sweet.

We were smiling and laughing the whole time- perfect weather, and completely enjoyable.
We're so lucky to have family near us. Thanks for taking us Seli and Meredith!!

Soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Kaya! (Seli takes his Captain job pretty serious :)

After sailing we had drinks and ate right on the harbor while the sun went down. Then I attempted some night shots of the city... Needed a tripod though.

This fountain was cool. We accidentally came across it and hung out there for a little while.

On a sad note, before we went sailing yesterday, I sat at the RMV for two hours. My car is no longer Louisianian... I had to get my Massachusetts plates and title. The Louisiana license plate is so much prettier.

That's okay though... YAY for new adventures and an evening full of good laughs!

Beautiful Bonnie and Growing Baby Boston!

I am so proud to be the aunt of the little tiny human growing inside of Bonnie. The whole family has been so excited about Boston William, my first and favorite nephew!

I just hope I'm half as pretty as Bonnie is when I'm pregnant some day. These photos were taken at six months!! She has definitely grown a lot since then, and I'm sad I haven't seen the progression since June.

Bonnie and my wonderful brother-in-law Tim are so in love and glowing. It makes me so happy for my big sister to have such a supportive, sweet husband. You can tell it's the truest of love!


Can you tell Molly's excited for her baby brother? I think she's getting impatient. Bonnie said Molly's noticed them spending a lot of time in the nursery when they never used to use that room! What a surprise Molly will get!

September 18th couldn't come sooner... my oldest sister is so special to me, and words cannot describe how much I already love her son.