Some places never leave you. You may pack your life into boxes, chase dreams across state lines, lose yourself in noise and neon somewhere else… but your hometown — if you're lucky — waits. Silent. Still. Familiar. And when you return, it doesn’t ask questions. It just opens its arms.

Get ready, Olympia—because the thunder is coming back to Black Lake. On July 12–13, 2025, the Black Lake Regatta returns, bringing with it a weekend of speed, skill, and tradition in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most legendary boat-racing venues.

There’s something magical about walking into Woodland Park Zoo on a bright Seattle summer day. The weather on June 25th was pure perfection a comfortable 74°F, with blue skies peeking between the trees and a light breeze making it easy to roam for hours. With school out and locals enjoying the tail end of the Fremont Solstice Parade weekend, the energy in the city was lively yet relaxed—perfect for a visit with nature.

June 19, 2025 — The smell of burning rubber, sizzling sausage, and sunblock filled the air as hundreds of car enthusiasts gathered under the summer sun for this year’s much-anticipated Rides & Rods Car Show. Hosted in true American steel-and-soul style, this show wasn’t just about muscle—it was about community.

There are certain places that carry a kind of stillness—where nature speaks softly, and every corner feels like it has something to offer if you’re willing to slow down and listen. Squaxin Park in Olympia, Washington (formerly known as Priest Point Park) is one of those rare places. On June 16, 2025, I had the joy of experiencing it at its most colorful and unexpectedly personal.

On June 13th, I had the privilege of working with a stunning and graceful model, known here as Ms. C, during a portrait session at Tumwater Falls Park. The day unfolded beneath soft summer skies, with the sound of rushing water echoing through one of Washington’s most scenic and historically rich locations.