a montage {california part v}

It's amazing how a few couple-second clips made into a montage can make me feel. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do! 

Music by the Narrative.

xoxo - hope

the santa monica pier {california part iv}

The Santa Monica Pier may just be my favourite part about California. With all the people, the little shops, the rides, and the artists, it's just about the most perfect place ever. 

We walked along the pier, took photos, and stopped to watch one extremely talented man make gorgeous paintings in less than five minutes. There was live music and the sound of the waves crashing against the pier. There was one woman who braved the cold of the pacific for a swim, and seagulls flying in all directions. There was one lone sailboat on the horizon, and there was us, standing in the middle of it all and never wanting to leave. 

xoxo - hope

venice beach {california part iii}

Venice Beach. It's vibrant and bustling and beautiful. We walked up and down the boardwalk for a couple of hours, observing all of the beautiful artwork and jewelry, and taking a break to stop for deep fried oreos and shave ice. We lounged on the beach, our feet sinking into the silky sand, sodas resting next to us. It wasn't particularly warm or sunny that day, but it sure was beautiful.

xoxo - hope

hollywood {california part ii}

We walked through the crowded streets, looking down at the famous stars that make up the walk of fame and slipped into small souvenir shops that all carried the exact same things. We laughed until we cried while taking pictures in a photo booth and stopped at Skooby's for lunch, which for the record, has the most delicious food ever. Hollywood is so much different than it appears on TV, but still exciting and entertaining nonetheless.

Hollywood, I think I like you.

xoxo - hope

griffith observatory {california part i}

Los Angeles, the city of angels. Gosh, I love this place.

On my first day in LA, we headed up to the Griffith Observatory to check out the sights from a higher viewpoint, and let me tell you, this place is gorgeous. I've been to LA before, but have never seen it from such an amazing perspective. To the right was the Hollywood sign, to the left, abundant mountains. In front of us was the city of Hollywood, and further beyond that, the city of LA. I'm always humbled when seeing big cities from above. Much like I felt when we viewed all of New York from the Top of the Rock, I felt smaller than usual, with each ant-sized car and each person, I thought of how each one of them, who I couldn't even see the faces of, have an entire life as complex as my own -- with friends and family and stresses and joys. It's amazing, really. 

xoxo - hope