So much to say! Part 2 - Signs...or coincidence?

Alright, so I'll admit it. One of the stranger characteristics I have is that I tend to take signs pretty seriously. Whether it's good or bad I'll leave up to debate, but it's how I travel through life and it's made me examine things closer than I otherwise might have. 

For example, when I started driving away on my solo road trip in 2007, I was terrified. Absolutely terrified. My trip was well-planned, sure to be interesting, and perfect for an independent woman like myself. And I love traveling and driving, so it seemed ideal. But the very fact that I was actually doing it, actually driving away and heading to a dozen different states BY MYSELF was freaking me out. 

My ultimate destination was Yellowstone, and the place I was looking most forward to visiting.  So when I hopped on the very first of many highways to take me there, I was completely relieved when I saw a motor home in front of me. For painted on the back of this motor home was one word: Yellowstone. I felt better instantly. This trip was meant to be. 

And it was. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I will never regret going on that road trip.  (To see some pictures from my trek to Yellowstone, click here). 

Okay, so that's an example. Here's another one. At the top of the flight of stairs that takes you to the second floor of my parent's house there are a group of pictures. Wedding pictures. Basically a sort of family tree. I didn't think much about them when my mom put them up a few years ago, but eventually I started wondering about them. They're placed at the top of a stairway, so (in my sign-seeking mind), it's like you're working up to them. Working up to marriage? I was confused. 

^the wedding pictures at the top of the stairs

My independent spirit didn't like that idea much. Marriage is wonderful, I just didn't want it to be some ultimate goal in my life. 

THEN, the other month, I had a thought. Those pictures could be representative of marriage...or of something else entirely. Wedding photography. 

I love the variety of the wedding pictures that our family has. The fake background and softness of my paternal grandparents' photo (top right), the seeming informality of my maternal grandpa's parents (bottom right), and well, don't even get me started on my parents' picture. Ugh. 

So I'm choosing to interpret those pictures that way. Sometimes, now, when I climb those stairs, I'm reminded of the journey photography has taken me on so far. And I know, that there's so much more ahead. 

And that's exciting. :o)