So really, this has been a long time coming. When I moved to the DC area 5 years ago, my intent was to only stay for 4 months. I came out to work for a dental temp agency, and my photography business was still in its infancy. After my 4 month contract ended, I had planned to jet out to Colorado. Well,time came and went. I applied to jobs out in Boulder and Denver (my prime targets), but I kept landing work in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Then of course, friendships and relationship bloom and develop, and before I knew it, I was finding the will to leave less and less.However, there was always this deep seated discontentment that I just couldn't shake. Why was I unhappy? I had 2 great hygiene jobs, a handful of very dear friends, and a plethora of activities at my fingertips. Well, I realized that what my mind constantly drifted to was the country. Two years ago, I rode down with 2 dear friends, Abi and Emma, to the Charlottesville area. We were going to see Emma's friend Erica, whom along with her fiance Joel, run a pasture based organic farm. Its super inspiring (and delicious!), and you can read more about Free Union Grass Farm here!
Anyway, I FELL IN LOVE. This was the place I had dreamed about since I was a kid. Luscious green forests, the old, worn down mountains, rivers and creeks and ponds. Old charm mixed with fresh young blood. This place had it all. And I knew I had to get back.
So, I took a leap. A leap of faith. I left my two very wonderful dental offices, my friends, my growing photography clients, and everything that had grown close and familiar to me. I had 1 day to find a place to live. I had 1 day to move my belongings. To say I was stressed would be an understatement. But you know what? Everything came together and was orchestrated beautifully. I found the most amazing cottage in the woods. I have the mountains, I have the trees, I have the pond. I ever have a neighbor who is an organic farmer. I have a new job that is looking to be promising. I still have my photography, and my clients (old and new) are awesome! But most importantly, I have found my inner peace. That quiet and calm, yet fierce happiness that can only come because of a deep seated joy. I am so excited to see where this next chapter of life will lead. I am excited to see where my photography will lead me. I'm just plain excited!
So naturally, I would like to share that joy with you in the form of photography. I will still be traveling to the DC/NOVA area, so don't feel shy about contacting me! Distance is of no matter to me. In the meantime, enjoy what I now get to call home. :-D
Love and Happiness,
Leah :-)
