Some Quiet Time on the Esplanade

Photo by: Rory M.

These are some shots taken the day before Hurricane Sandy hit. I'm glad I got out to take photos because, although much of Boston was spared the devastation, the leaves are all wet, and most blew off the trees. So here are some weekend snapshots of Boston in the fall!

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Babysitters of the Month

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me."
-Isaiah 49:16

When the Circus Comes to Town

Photo by: Rory M.

This past weekend was Family Weekend at my school. Even though my family is local, I do get nostalgic when I see students showing their parents around campus. Fortunately for me, my brother and sister were also in town! Here are some of my favorite snapshots of our picnic in the Boston Common on Saturday morning. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

I'm so lucky to be a part of such a big, goofy, lovey-dovey family. Everyday I feel so blessed to have grown up around the six best people I know!

Love you guys.

Rory 

A Very Special Project

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Recently, one of my best friends asked me to take some head shots for an open casting call we planned to attend together. The call was for print models in one of our school's many fashion and lifestyle magazines. This particular publication produces high-quality photos and articles, so it was a little stressful trying to get the best shots that would stand out to their casting directors. 

Shortly after taking the photos, I last-minute dropped out of the call because I remembered I had class that night. I was nervous that my friend (who can be a little shy) would drop out since I wasn't going to follow through on my end of the deal. I was so excited when he attended without me, breaking out of his comfort zone to do something that stretched him personally.

I have found that this year I've been trying to do what my friend did. I've been taking opportunities to explore my abilities and share them with others. For instance, this year I auditioned for two acapella groups for the first time and even auditioned for an on-air position for a news organization at my school.

Photo by: Rory M.  

As scary as these things are, they've helped me to understand that my value isn't in my performance. For the record, I didn't get any of the positions I auditioned for. And that's okay. 

Even starting this blog was a stretch. The truth is, it's not about proving my worth to other people. It's about taking opportunities for growth by submitting myself to scrutiny. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Also, is it so bad to say that I'm proud of my accomplishments? Because I am. 

Rory 

Java Joy

Photo by: Rory M.

I absolutely love flowers, and consider them the most romantic gift. That said, I like to keep them alive and looking fresh for as long as possible, and I think I've stumbled on the secret: coffee.

Coffee does wonders for sleepy Rory in an 8AM class, but flowers? When I brought these babies home, I realized that I had no vase to keep them in. So, I trimmed the stems and filled up one of my old coffee travel mugs with water, and placed them inside. As I prepared the mug, I noticed that there was old coffee residue near the bottom, and wondered what effect (if any) it would have on the flowers.

The result? The most vibrant, healthy, and firm flowers I've ever cared for. So, next time someone gives you flowers, give those babies some caffeine and watch them do as Rory does during 8AM classes- come alive!

Rory

Just Rockin' Out

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M.