...HERE I AM, SEND ME

“Forget about what’s happened. Don't keep go by over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ —the coyotes and the buzzards— Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:16-21‬ ‭MSG‬‬ #bepresent #goodthingstocome #puravida (at Costa Rica)

Such a blessing to spend time with these amazing people. I'm inspired by their selfless dedication to build a positive culture for the future of Jaco, and Costa Rica. Been a long week of research, visioneering, plan making, praying and listening. Tired in such a good way. Excited for what is to come. 🙏✌️️🌻 (at Jacó, Costa Rica)

She's making friends. #ticos #lovethesepeople #puravida #costarica (at Playa Jaco Costa Rica)

Christian surfers headquarters in Jaco. This place is full of life and beautiful people who are serving the community here in Jaco. I just love seeing people pursuing their passions and using it to benefit others! Feeling so inspired as I hear stories of artists, surfers, and teachers who are giving their all to help the young surfers in this town grow up to achieve their full potential. #costarica #puravida #positivevibes #inspiredlife #photooftheday (at Playa Jacó C.R.)

Good morning 🌻 #juiceplease !!! @sarafreshjuice #liquidsunshine 🍏🍍🍋☀️☀️☀️ (at SaraFresh Juice)

✌️️😘 My day was crazy! But we made it!! Love that feeling of "pulling it off" and it was actually fun. Now for some rest... #sunsetsnevergetold #photooftheday #life #positivevibes (at Lido Key)

Can't wait to see you soon #CostaRica 🇨🇷😘 This one's a favorite from my Oceans series. Shot on a cloudy day in Tamarindo. Reminds me of the peaceful calm before the storm, I can just smell the salt air. #myhappyplace #lifeofaphotographer @unumdesign #unum #photographyeveryday #landscapes #nature #tamarindo #oceans #series (at Costa Rica)

Saturday 🌿 #lovenature #recharge #weekending (at Lido Key)

So very proud of this girl. Her first performance in the Sarasota Youth Opera this weekend was a huge milestone! She accepted a small part with a humble heart and worked hard all year long to be a part of the team. She gave her all in both performances. I can't explain the joy of seeing her smile up there on stage and singing her heart out. So thankful for this opportunity for her, amazing role models, and all the friends and family that came to support her. Full heart. 💗💗💗#gratitude #wowmoments #somanyflowers #thankyou (at Sarasota Opera House)

Sunday walks on the beach are just perfect. Ready for the week ahead . 🐚💙🌊 #weekending #latergram #happymonday (at Lido Key)

|| Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. || [Martin Luther King Jr.] No matter what: Light. Love. Peace. (at Sarasota, Florida)

Afternoon bliss. A breezy afternoon on Lido. I love the beach. That is all. . #photooftheday #photography #everyday #sunshine #soulshine #bliss (at Lido Beach Sarasota Fl)

Ah, can't wait to see this sweet girl in just a few weeks! ✨🇨🇷 #mypeople I thought I was done with this project a long time ago when I submitted the portfolio...but it just kept flowing. More photos, more writings, more lessons I just could not let myself forget, more people I had to give a voice to somehow. I don't even know if or when I will ever finish, but I am learning to love the process. {click the link in bio to see what I've got so far} I am SO looking forward to this trip. I cannot wait to see "my kids" and reconnect with the amazing locals that I worked with there. Hoping I will also find a few more pieces to the puzzle as well....we will see! #costarica #photographerlife #tbt #behindthescenes #ohmyheart #travel #photolove (at Finca La Verbena)

Picasso said it best. This seems to be a theme in my life. We are never done, we are always in a process. Learning, growing, getting to that place we want to be with our work, with ourselves. I think the real art form is learning to love our work AND ourselves right where we are in the journey. Not only that, but loving the process itself. There is certainly a lot of patience involved with that. A lot of work, a lot of problem solving, a lot of waiting for that inspiration to show up and bring it all together. ____ ...a taste from my recent blog post. Click the link in my bio to read the whole thing and get a peek at all the photos. This one here is one of "my kids" in Costa Rica, recreating his version of grafitti at the neighborhood park. This kid was the most crazy, rambunctious, adorable little guy. But when he had a piece of chalk in his hand he was quiet, focused and insanely creative. Art has that power. One more reason I love it so much. . . . #everychildisanartist #art #photography #picasso #lovetheprocess #lifeofaphotographer #inspiration #wednesday (at Sarasota, Florida)

This is me... remembering a family recipe. My Uncle Joe taught me how to cook. Ever since I can remember I loved going to his house in Brooklyn to visit. When we came he cooked EVERYTHING. He must have been cooking for days. Eggplant. Sausages. Puttanesca. Peppers. And artichokes were the star of the meal whenever they were in season. They were also my favorite dish to make with him, and to eat because artichokes are such a process. You have to slow down and enjoy it. Get through all of the tough layers, treat the bitter, hard leaves so they become soft and savory. Eating them is just as fun. Also a process. To tear off each single leaf of buttery goodness until at last you get to the heart. The best part. I was so happy to see the giant pile of artichokes this week at Whole Foods. They brought back so many memories and of course I selected the prettiest ones. (Maybe the guy at the checkout thought I was crazy because I was so happy with myself). Looking forward to teaching Sophia the art of artichokes this weekend. #happyfriday everyone! How will you unwind and reconnect this weekend? #foodstories #familyrecipes #weekending #family #onthetable #cookwithyourkids #lifeofaphotographer #wholefoods #fall #inseason #artichokes #foodphotography #foodphotographer (at Sarasota, Florida)

Oh happy day! I mean, sticking to this health challenge is really not hard with all of this amazing juice on hand. #feelinggreat #thankyou @sarafreshjuice !!! #sarafreshjuice #happyandhealthy #juicelife (at Caroline Thurman Photography)

!Happy Birthday @thurmanized !Life with you is an adventure and I love it that way. You level me out with your positivity, spontaneousness and ability to be funny in very serious situations. You inspire me everyday. Hope this year is the best ever. I love you! #happybirthday ✨🎂🎉 (at Santa Ana, Costa Rica)