300 days of beauty, day 12

Again, strolling through Amsterdam--the swans, the boat, the yellow hues from the afternoon light sparkling on the canal waters, the distinct Dutch architecture, and the words. Perfect, picturesque, profound.

LOVE ME.

The cry of every heart.

300 days of beauty, day 11

On that same stroll through Amsterdam...another of my favorite pictures capturing the beauty of this city. 

I love Holland.

300 days of beauty, day 10

I'm going to brag. I totally took this picture and it is one of my favorite photographs of all time. My husband didn't even think that I took it, and it remains free of any surgical alterations. 

The most magnificent aspect of this photo has nothing to do with the photo itself. I traveled by myself to Amsterdam to be with a very dear friend. On this day through late night, we walked the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, cameras in hand, and captured the city. I have no other friend who enjoys photography as much as I do. (Her abilities far outrank mine, however.) So, as we strolled, I never felt as if I had to apologize for holding her up. I could halt and linger and observe the beauty and unending photographic landscape around me. In my mind's eye, that day stands with crystal clarity, much like the canal tapestry I saw on this enchanted April evening in Amsterdam. 

Friends. Adventure. Beauty. 

Food for the soul.