From Where I'm Standing

This is a blog post that has entered and exited my brain on several occasions over the last year or two. I liked the idea but I wasn't quite sure how to execute it. And the truth is, I still don't. Sometimes I try to write drafts in my head before I put my fingers to my keyboard. Not today. Today I'm just winging this shit. 

I'm not sure when I started to take photos of my feet but my guess is 2005, when I received my first digital camera (from Dustin for Christmas). Now, I don't have some weird foot fetish. I promise! To me, there's just something special about capturing where I'm standing and what I'm standing on or near (or sometimes whom I'm with), to show future me where I've been. I know there are all sorts of campaigns in this phone obsessed world to "LOOK UP!" and of course I agree with the message they are trying to send, but I also think that standing in one place and looking down with or without a camera lens is a great thing. I think it's my way to "stop and smell the roses". It's helped me to just be present in that moment. To reflect on how I got there. To appreciate what's beneath my feet just as much as what's in the distance. 

I've always wanted to compile all of these photos into one place. This unintentional on-going "project" has turned out to be such a cool little series that I'm really proud of. The thing that strikes me the most is how I can tell you exactly where I was in every single one of these photos by just studying the ground beneath me. I've got a great memory in general but that seems kind of crazy. I just love how a simple photo of the ground I'm currently standing on can bring back such a rush of memories. They say a photo is worth a thousand words and I guess that goes for the ones facing down.

So here they are. Photos of the ground. Photos of feet and shoes. Photos taken outside and in. Photos of people I love and people that are no longer in my life. Photos of the past. Photos of the steps I've taken to the present.

 

Just some buds gathered around a tiny table after a Pirates game in Pittsburgh. 

It's hard to see but if you look close you'll find feet and hands in the cement. The date is a little more clear - '67. This was (probably still is) located on my grandparent's old driveway. From what I remember they are my uncles doing. // This was taken during a trip to Ron Jon's with Matt & Rachelle a couple summers ago. 

Our current doormat. Also, check out that wrinkled dress! I was on my way to vend at the Big Bang Bazaar. 

I can tell immediately that this is not Florida grass. That's definitely in a cemetery in Weirton, WV. // Dustin, me, and my whole (old) work gang went to RDV to ice-skate except there was some kind of hockey championship game going on so there wasn't any free skate. We decided to go rollerblading at Semoran Skateway. So much fun! 

About a month ago I bought a bunch of succulents so I could play gardner. So far so good!

I threw on my rainbows while sitting in my car. Always prepared! // Miranda and I enjoying a Starbucks treat and probably having a very inappropriate conversation. 

Erin and I in matching flats when we used to work together. I'd spot that carpet anywhere. 

This was when we got a new bathroom rug that was oh so comfy on the feet.  // One of my favorite floors! This is in the bathroom at Alchemy (hair salon). I had just chopped my hair off and had to pee!

A group date. This is all of us eating our gelati in front of Jeremiah's in Maitland. 

A Valentine's Day surprise at my front door. // Erin and I hanging out at a pretty spot in Winter Park just days before she moved to Texas. 

This one is only a couple weeks old. New rug. Holla!

Sitting on the steps of my grandparent's old front porch. I always loved that spot. // Killing time while Dustin tests out every drum in the store. 

Siesta Key at sunset. <3

Bridesmaid at a wedding. It's not easy walking in wedges in squishy grass. // The parking lot at the hotel Erin and I stayed at in Savannah. 

Another one of my favorite floors because it's the only time I've been able to walk through central Florida in only a couple of strides. 

My aunt's friend let us crash her beach intercostal house. I could've sat on that cute little dock all day and watched the little crabs. // A Saturday morning yoga mesh with M & E.

On my way to a baby shower of an old co-worker. 

Shopping is tough. I think I'll just relax on this couch in Big Lots. // Watching a sunset on my grandparent's old dock. I miss being able to do that. 

Waiting to board a flight to Pittsburgh in MCO where the carpet and seating are horrid. 

Disney day with Erin and Tim. It was a long and exhausting one but totally worth it. // I'm standing on some rocks in the ocean at Siesta Key. 

Another one of my grandparent's dock. Lots of weeds. 

 

Waiting to take in a Penguins game at the old Igloo in downtown Pittsburgh. // We finally got around to iceskating and it was just as fun as rollerskating. 

The first thing I noticed about this is the flooring. It's the linoleum from the first house Dustin and I lived in together. But also, the sunburn on my knees from wearing shorts to a Steelers game in Tampa. 

Both of these photos were taken in Savannah at completely different times with different people. I love how much age and character both of them show.

Another Pens game but this time in Tampa. 

Our first Steelers game at Heinz Field. I had to get all of the yellow seats! And also it was like 40 degrees and rainy. // Dustin and I lounging after a day of anniversary activities. 

Erin and I sipping on lemonades at a park in downtown Dallas. 

Flagler Beach - Home of the worst sand ever because it's actually crushed shells. // Dustin and I all fancy at the Fidak wedding!

The only time I've ever worn pants to a wedding. But it was outside and cold so I think it's justified. 

Backyard hangs with my mom at my grandparent's old place. // Texas has so many flowers so you bet your ass I had to document that. 

The floor in the kitchen of our old house. The outfit I wore to a Christmas party. 

RDV Sportsplex has all of these basketball player shoes you can "try on". Dwight and I are almost the same size! // Mom and me checking out Flagler Beach from a distance in November. 

Just doing a little pillow making. 

Helping Kierce on the escalator. // The carpet/chair of my old cubicle! Also, a fun outfit. 

Wekiwa Springs. We dove and jumped. (Not really.)

There's that northern grass again. Miranda and I hanging in HowDee's backyard. // Just comparing my foot to a elephant's at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Harry Potter watching in our old bedroom. 

Dustin and I taking a break at IKEA. // Dustin went to hang with his boss and watch football which meant I took over his chair and watched Sex and the City! 

The first and only time I've been snowboarding (in the Poconos). I hated it. 

To most, this is a very boring photo of some fancy legs and feet. But little do they know this is me sitting on THE BENCH (where all the Pens sit) at the Consol Energy Center.