NEW LENS

Buying a new lens is kind of exciting. It's like buying a new paintbrush and you can't help but wonder about all the exciting adventures and creations you will encounter. So here is me with my new lens:

I was originally thinking of purchasing the 50mm 1.4 because of how amazing it is (at least that's what all the reviews said). My heart was set on the lens and i couldn't wait to buy it once enough money was set aside. About two weeks ago, my sister and I were taking pictures at a wedding and I mentioned to her my plans for purchasing a new lens. She looked at me and and said, "you know the 50mm 1.8 is just as good as the 1.4, right?" I looked at her and said.. "ha, ya.. whatever." Once I got home to my apartment I threw open my laptop and began researching comparison reviews. Sure enough, the 1.8 came out on top. So here I am with a new lens, a couple hundred bucks richer, and happy as a clam.

I am not a professional photographer by any means or even skilled at taking pictures. But I love it. I love taking pictures because it gives me the opportunity to capture moments in a creative way and to expand my way of seeing things. I'm reading and watching video's daily and practicing taking photos as much as I can so that I can one day be the photographer I dream to be.

HOME

I love the smell of my home - it makes me feel safe and secure. I love walking through the door and having my dog Winston (I call him Winnie) run up to me with his whole body twisting and turning with excitement. I love the giggles and laughs that ring throughout every room and hallway. I love my home because of the people that fill it.

Trying to get Lincoln to cross his eyes. That face though...

My dearest mama cooking her famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

One of my favorites..

Freshly cut chocolate. Is that even a thing?

Whenever my mom is waiting for something to be done in the oven, she will spin the hot pad in the air. It's small memories like this i like to capture. They make me smile.

Playing through the glass door.

What makes a house a HOME to you?

Sincerely, Ashlyn

POSTING AT 3AM

I was babysitting my nieces and nephews a couple days ago and things started getting crazy or what some go to an extent to say "cray-cray." I decided to be original and flip on a movie for the children to watch. How many of you have seen "Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron"? Before we go any further on this topic, note that i have not cried in a movie for quite some time. Well, we get to the scene where Spirit (the horse) is being tied down by these horrible humans. Then his mom see's whats happening and has this "Oh my goodness, they are taking my child" face. I lost it. I was bawling. Anyways. Thought everyone should know that I cried in a horse movie. 

Quote from my journal from 2011: "I should probably get a job. People are starting to hate me because they always have to buy me food."

A couple months ago, a came across a Facebook Page called "The Lucky Fin Project" - a webpage that brings awareness to those who have limb differences. I am so extremely grateful for coming across this page. It has subgroup pages for each state so those with limb differences can connect with those in their state (it's mostly mom's who have a child with a limb difference). We are currently planning a day where we will meet up with our families. I can't wait! If i cried in the movie Spirit, then i will most likely cry when i get to hold these precious babies who were born with some type of limb difference. I'm counting down the days!

Here are some photos of what's been happening lately:

My mom went to this event called Rootstech - a family history and technology conference. They kept emphasizing writing down our life events for record keeping. Whether it be on a piece of paper or on a blog - do it! So you may just be seeing more of my blog. I apologize.

Sincerely, Ashlyn

CLOSING REMARKS

When I stand next to someone about my height, there's often a competition of who is actually taller. We instantly stand back to back and find someone to be the judge of who is taller. I attempt to stretch every part of my body so I can be as tall as I can possibly be.

+ Why is it that only in that moment, that I try to stand my tallest? +

In every moment of our lives, we should should strive to stand a little taller. The famous words by President Hinckley say, “Let us stand a little taller, if you don't, you will never strengthen yourself.” How you stand taller is up to you to decide. Do not wait till the very moment that demands you to be your tallest. Stand tall now. 

Be better.

Be braver.

Be more. 

Be you.

   HERE GOES TO 2014 - a new and beautiful chapter to our lives.

Now that the year is coming to a close, we often reflect on the year and all the sweet memories it contained. For me, this year hasn't necessarily been a "big year" with huge milestone events that have changed my life for forever; but it it was full of simple/small yet incredible events that have changed me for the better. That is what has made my year "perfect." Sure, life could be dandier and brighter right now if it weren't for those certain trials, but that's what makes my life meaningful and all the more memorable! I am truly grateful for the trials I have experienced this year - without them, I wouldn't be the Ashlyn Ririe I am now. 

"Reach for the stars. If you touch them, great shall be your reward. If you stumble and fall while reaching upward, you will be happy knowing you have made the effort."
- President Gordon B. Hinckley -

Sincerely, Ashlyn

LIBERATING EXPERIENCES

I should very well be studying for finals (the murderer of sanity) but there are obviously more enjoyable things to do at the moment. Such as, writing in my blog about the good things happening in life right now! 

At the beginning of our date, we were so confident that our house would dominate Chelsea and Spencer's house. Thomas and I were terribly wrong. The graham crackers kept breaking and the walls kept collapsing - nothing was working! We laughed our way through the ugly mess and I still smile about the memory. After we finished the not-so-good-looking "graham house," we grabbed a couple (like 30) fire crackers and put them on the inside of the house and blew it to smithereens! Brilliant idea if you ask me. The night went on as they always do but it was no ordinary night; this night was filled with laughs and smiles that i deem particularly special. 

I love downtown Salt Lake City in the winter time. The lights, the cold, the snow, the city sounds - everything about it makes me feel alive! Especially with a hot cup of cocoa from Kneaders in your hands. 

Speaking of Salt Lake City, I have some news! I decided to take a leave of absence from my current job (which i am terribly sad to leave) and schooling so I could work for an amazing company located in SLC! I couldn't be more thrilled for this new and exciting journey. It takes courage to take a step toward something new, to have the faith and courage in knowing that the choice you made is the right choice. But if this choice is something that will help me be a better person, then i need to set fear aside and take this chance. It's liberating to know that I can choose my journey and that I can be happy while doing it. 

+So today, I challenge you to liberate yourself and choose to be happy. It's a liberating experience that will take you places.  

Sincerely, Ashlyn