Blacksburg, Virginia

While visiting Blacksburg for a wedding last summer I found myself wide awake just as the sun was rising. Dew was still settling on the grass as I wandered around taking pictures of the morning's limelight for almost an hour. Once satisfied I went back to bed for a few more hours sleep - no wonder my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy.

where? Blacksburg, Virginia (the best place on Earth)

Great Falls, Virginia

One of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon - hiking in Great Falls. Nothing spectacular about this picture, but I appreciate the brief escape into the sunshine that this day provided. 

where? Great Falls, Virginia

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is probably one of my favorite (if not favorite) city in the United States. The unique and vibrant culture matches the amazing cityscape. Just across the Bay Bridge find giant redwoods and with wine country just a short drive farther what more could you ask for? I took this picture from inside Coit Tower during my first visit. I appreciate the simplicity of this photo with the moon peering through just as the sun was setting in the opposite direction.

where? Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

Miyajima Island, Japan

While exploring the sights near Hiroshima, I spent the better part of the day on Miyajima Island. A tourist destination which can only be navigated on foot, the island hosts extremely docile deer (which you can pet), huge torri gates, a historic working Japanese village, and mountain monkeys (seen here). Deceiving with their furry coats, these monkeys are known for their dangerous aggression. I took this picture on the top of Mount Misen in the center of the island.

where? Miyajima Island, Japan

Arlington, Virginia

Snowmageddon 2010- unforgettable in the abrupt stoppage of everyday life. For the first time ever the Government was closed for 4 1/2 days, Northern Virginia and DC were seriously under the weather. Wandering through the upside down world without cars, bustling traffic and the convenience driving, I came to appreciate the solitude of the quiet tranquility that the snow provided. 

where? Arlington, Virginia

Two Lovers Point, Tamuning, Guam

While sightseeing in Guam I was told I must see Two Lovers Point, a lookout point high atop a steep cliff on Tumon Bay. At the time I was uninterested in the sappy love story behind the title but I believe that it's something comparable to Romeo and Juliet with death and family feuding. This picture is obviously the shoreline from high above, for perspective note the people walking in the lower right hand corner.

where? Two Lovers Point, Tamuning, Guam

Chatan, Okinawa, Japan

Meandering through an Okinawan strip mall I couldn't convince myself to buy yet another magnet or plastic wrapped scarf. My coworker was searching for a Japanese Fender Telecaster guitar so I was left with time to kill. It wasn't until my third stroll down the main corridor of the mall that I noticed this little guy peering out to the busy street from a service entrance at the back of a shop. Calm and disinterested with me taking pictures, I couldn't help but wonder what he must have been thinking.

where? Chatan, Okinawa

Motta Sant Anastasia, Sicily, Italy

This is perhaps my favorite shot to date - exploring the tiny town of Sant Anastasia while working in Sicily I came upon these old friends enjoying an afternoon chat. I motioned to my camera, requesting their portrait. I received a nod and the group burst into laughter, apparently tickled by the thought that an American girl wanted their picture. I couldn't have asked for a better emotion to capture.

umm, where? Motta Sant Anastasia