roadmaps

Even though I live in a small town, I wanted to capture and record the hidden beauty for myself to keep. Here you can walk down cozy, hidden streets with the most beautiful Japanese-styled houses. Emerald green and soft wood tones mix and meld together. Living in the inaka and living in a city like Fukuoka City are so different, but they each have their own unique beauty. Even though I love cities, waking up to these rolling hills is one of the most calming things. Strangers bow and greet you as you pass them, everything seems more slow-paced and peaceful here.
I have seldom felt this way since returning to America, with swollen eyes and a swollen heart. Except, this time, excitement laces my skin. My mind is always spinning, like the earth orbiting the moon. It's odd, I've wanted so long for this moment that I'm afraid it will vanish. I'm trying to soak everything in with all five of my senses. Memorizing every lines in the a stranger's smile, to the color of the rooftops of houses that I can see out my window.
This innate impulse to create has swelled up inside of my heart from cramming it down with studying. I'm so thankful I'm here now, but I'm heartsick to travel again, to photograph, to create. India has been running through my mind, Austria, Bali, England, and Hawaii follow after. Travelling throughout Japan has also been running throughout my mind. Having a restless heart isn't easy.