6/5/2026
Hello! We are back with another blog post because it is yet another Friday! I don’t have much prepared for today’s blog. I went home to Dubuque to see my parents for my birthday last week and Ellen had an urban sketching meetup in Dubuque as well so we were running around the whole time. I am now 25 years old. I don’t feel any different, if anything I am just more anxious about doing something with my life but I also still have time for that as well. I have found myself becoming subconsciously obsessed with success in this regard, but I also recognize that this is due to the larger amount of stress in my life surrounding the impending move. However, I have to remember that if all I want in life is to be a good person to others and make something meaningful, the capitalistic sense of success won’t hold me back from doing that, and certainly is not necessary for the construction of a fulfilled life.
I got another 30 rolls developed and will slowly be working my way through scanning those which is exciting! I still have to finish dusting some of the last batch of scans, but seeing new negatives and remembering the moments that were captured in them makes me so happy. Lots of amazing moments with friends on these newest rolls and of course lots and lots of photos of Ellen. I swear that sometimes I got the Leica just to take more portraits of her (even if she doesn’t like it ;) ). I have noticed that my favorite photos of my friends would almost certainly not be their favorites. Sometimes they are mid sentence with distorted faces, or their posture, outfit, or hair may not look the best. But they are as I remember them, not only factually but emotionally. That is something that I have been proud of recently, taking the photo in the moment and then setting the camera aside to experience life. A healthy middle ground between my obsession with photography and just living life.
I am in the process of getting into cycling as well. Indoor cycling has been my main method of cardio, especially Zone Two training, and New Orleans has so much more space to ride without worrying about traffic accidents. I am going to be building out a road bike with the hopes of it becoming a daily commuter/coffee run bike and would love any suggestions you have. I love reusing gear so I want to make it out of nearly all used parts and am so excited to try and piece together a frankenstein bike that can be an intro into the more serious cycling world. That being said, if anyone wants to randomly buy me a Twin Six Standard bike I would gladly accept!
Thank you so much for reading! If you made it this far you deserve a medal because honestly, this blog felt like getting teeth pulled as I was writing. I am working on feeling better and I appreciate all of the support you have given me. Just remember to drink your water, get your steps in, protect your friends, protect your family, protect your neighbors. And I love you.
Hoopless Stems
