Crossroads of Freedom: College

His eyes were iceberg blue; he wore a torn and tattered OD green coat in the whipping wind. His large, rough hands gripped a one-word cardboard sign that read, "Imagine." A one-word cardboard sign that hit me like a bullet.

The light turned green. My heavy heart seemed to coarse through my veins all the way to my right foot and the gas petal mashed the floorboard. As I attempted to gulp down the frog in my throat, I imagined what his life must have encompassed, the roads he may have crossed to get to this street corner of humiliation. But as my mind turned this over and over again, I began to transition from not imagining this stranger's life, but imagining my own Dad; and moreover, thinking of my life.

You could say I've been dealt an ace in a hand full of struggles. I've witnessed heart wrenching events, lent a helping hand when it was probably time to walk away, and poured my whole being into holding a family together, but I will always have the knowledge that came with those events. The more I thought about that sign, I realized this could have been anyone; it could have been my Dad; my hero in my life that almost didn't make it. Or, it could have been me. 

That cardboard sign has stuck with me throughout the years. Encouraging me to take a different perspective and 'Imagine.' I now crave travel. I crave stories. I crave the knowledge it takes to delve deeper into the hearts and minds of those surrounding me on this little planet called Earth. Education is my window of opportunity to stop imagining, and start doing. Start seeking cultures that need a voice, people that have faced injustice, and seeds of knowledge planted in the minds of those who do not know it yet. I'm an aspiring photojournalist that is out to change the world; to explore, write, and capture the moments, memories, and stories of people around the world.  I have an incessant keyboard in my mind typing out accounts of the world through my eyes, and a higher education would allow me to excel in the pursuit of my dream. 

I believe we each start life with a breath of hope. We don't start with capturing charisma, eternal reassurance, or even the strength to love; we learn. We experience each avenue our life leads us, and sometimes we cross paths with a man on a street corner that makes us think, makes us imagine our path, and sometimes we come to a crossroads of freedom: college.  

 

High School Graduation

Graduated with Associate of Arts-
Now a full-time student at University of Colorado Denver

 

I Dare You To Try.

People always say live for the moments that you can't put into words.

I challenge you to find words for those moments. 

I dare you to take those speechless, powerful, life-changing moments and search for words. Describe the smile on your face, the sweet smell surrounding you, the way your heartbeat mimicked that of a hummingbird. I dare you to break out of the chains that hold you down in your weakest moments. To describe the way his knuckles went white and his grip suffocating.

Writing is healing. Writing is remembering. 

So for those moments you couldn't find words to describe your pure bliss, I dare you to try. It's a memory worth the books. When you find the right words for an experience like that, you've unlocked the power to relive that moment no matter where you are at, no matter how many years down the road. 

As for the moments you would rather push so deep inside you that they will never be able to escape; I dare you to let them. Sit down with your pen and just bleed. But only do this on one condition- promise once you are done you will leave it on that piece of paper. You will let that memory live on that page, forever. You won't bury it beneath every possible layer you can in your heart, you will unpack that memory from your heart and build it a new home on paper. 

Writing can hurt, or it can heal. It can make you laugh uncontrollably or it can make you weep. 

I challenge you to find words when words fail you. 

I dare you to remember your happiest moments,

and build a home on paper for your worst ones. 

 



The Heart Broken Heal Broken Hearts

I woke up this morning and couldn't help but smell the faint smell of a campfire, or rather, a wild fire. It instantly reminded me of the two Colorado fires I have been witness to, the Waldo Canyon Fire and the Black Forest Fire. One of them I watched flicker down the mountainside from my place of work until I drove home in an overheating car, and the other burnt down my childhood home and the homes of friends and families that I've known since preschool. Both experiences have tested and challenged me along with everyone I know; we all had different experiences. I'm not sharing how the natural disaster 'went down' for me, though. The point is not how much tragedy those fires caused, but how much camaraderie.

 

I woke up to the smell of fire and instead of instantly shifting my thoughts towards the hurt and sadness hundreds and hundreds of people are still experiencing, I thought of when I went to Village Inn when the fire was still roaring across those pine tree filled fields. This breakfast being actually one of my sweeter, most cherished memories.

 Nothing spectacular happened. I didn't meet anyone famous, I still had to pay for my own breakfast, all the calories I ate still counted, and I still sat in the same booth I always do. The thing that made this nonchalant trip to breakfast so good was the people surrounding me.

It was an experience that I've never seen before, and it makes me sad today to think that the only time we experience this is when a tragedy happens. Everyone was so concerned, so caring; everyone would open the door for the next person, they would smile when you passed them, they would hold a conversation with you although they didn't know you. The waitresses and waiters were treated with respect and thanked for their food and service. Many people were paying for other people's breakfasts simply because they knew how hard of a time they were going through.

People went out of their way to show kindness, in so many beautiful ways.

 

 

 Now if you read my blog often, you know I never show emotion; ever. Okay.... Kidding! I'm one of the most emotional people you will probably ever come across ;) But this time, it wasn't just me who thought this was so touching. You could see everyone's spirits be uplifted. You could feel the "togetherness" that we all shared, sitting in the little Village Inn that we've memorized which booth and waitress we like best. This time was different, and it's never been the same since.

Why?

 Why is it that tragedy can bring a group of people so strongly together, and once tragedy is gone, we are back to minding our own, not smiling at others, not paying for people's meals 'just because,' etc.

What I realized is that when the natural disaster happened, people KNEW without a shadow of doubt that others were in need. We could assume that even if your house was not currently on fire, your state was and even many that you knew. The heartbroken were helping heal broken hearts. But why is any other day now different?

We may not all be experiencing the same tragedy, but I can guarantee we are ALL still experiencing tragedy.

 

 I dream of the day mundane things like breakfast at Village Inn become memories we cherish because of the kindness of people; of strangers. I dream of the day people show kindness, openness, genuine concern, and giving attitudes every day, because it is every day that tragedies happen individually.

The fires may be put out, and the homes may be being rebuilt, but that doesn't mean it's time to hang up our hats on showing kindness and becoming one community.

With Love,

PhotoSoulSarah

"Why Do You W R I T E?"

I got asked the other day, "Why do you do it?" 

In a state of confusion, I asked "Do what?" 

 

"Why do you write if you don't even know anyone is reading. Doesn't it sometimes feel like a waste of time?" 

And to answer the question short and sweet:

"No. It does not ever feel like a waste of time, but thanks for your concern."

{albeit, rather rude concern..}

 

I write because it makes me happy to write, and I think people should do things that make them come alive and feel happiness.

{{If you haven't read my post about following your dreams, find it here }}

 

But to be honest; my answer should have been a lot more candid and truthful. So this is, stranger who asked me why I write, the real answer I owe you..

 

Sometimes I just stop in my tracks. I grab my phone or jot it down on a piece of paper...words catch my attention. Events, memories, smells, sights, desires.. They inspire me and I simply HAVE to remember 'whatever it was.'

 

And usually the things I write down are powerful for me; for self-realization. I have epiphany moments and maybe writing down two words helps wrap up this inner monologue and battle in my own mind. It may come weeks, months, or even years later, but when the words come to me, all is well. I gain a sense of clarity and understanding. But there's this crazy off-chance that maybe my two words will impact you as well. Yeah, I get it. It's far-fetched and absurd.... But maybe it's absurd to think that we're not all battling the same things. That we haven't all experienced the same emotions. Maybe it's far-fetched to think that my writing couldN'T impact someone struggling or dealing with the same things I am. That's why I write.

 

Maybe I will allow one person to go outside their comfort zone, to inspire someone to follow their dreams, to ignite a passion for life, to help someone else have an epiphany moment in this crazy thing called life. I write because sometimes I don't know what I think until I read what I say, and just maybe...there's a few other people like me out there.

 

I write because the world around me is filled with inspiration; I never want to forget that.......and there's this crazy, far-fetched, absurd chance... That it just might inspire you too. 

So whether it's watching 79 episodes of Netflix in a row, kissing your kids goodnight, getting lost in a good book, sculpting your near-perfect muscles, taking your dog on a walk, gardening, or whatever it is that makes you happy; do that. 

 

And most importantly,

don't let people question why you do it. 

 

 

With Love,

PhotoSoul Sarah.

20 after Twenty

After twenty, you face the world a little bit alone. The things you learn actually stick, sometimes, and you learn on your own, not by being obedient and following direction. It’s this time in people’s lives where everyone’s lives look a little different…or, drastically different. Some people are leaving the nest and going off to college, some people are getting engaged or married, some people are having their second baby, some people are working full-time. But the Roaring Twenties have never felt better, because, well, you’re independent- and that means you can do anything your little heart desires! But in this journey of life, sometimes we stumble… into a great big mess or a little tiny fixer-upper; here’s twenty things I have learned after twenty!

Roaring Twenties

1. If you run out of dish detergent, you can't use dish soap. Your entire kitchen will be covered in bubbles in less than 30 minutes.

2. That whole cleaning and laundry thing..... Yeah it is a pain in the, you know, when you procrastinate and put it off. And no, your Mom won't rescue you and do it for you this time.

3. You will probably not know if you want kids right away; and that's okay. One moment you're thinking it is your sole purpose and the next you're booking tickets to Hawaii to get an adventure fix. Enjoy the 'here and now.' Children will happen in His time if it was meant to..... So stop counting down on your biological clock and enjoy life the way it is right now!

4. You won't ever be able to cook your mom/grandma/brother/aunt/sister/dad's (whoever the chef is in your family) favorite recipe. You will probably sharpen your skills at cooking, and it will even be delicious. But just stop trying that one recipe-- leave it for the pros. Create your own secret recipe that nobody else will be able to master!

5. Feeling like you have failed, bawling your eyes out thinking you took too many wrong turns to accomplish your dream now is a lie. It is never too late. So join an adult ballet class, start yoga being the least flexible person on the planet, or go write a book about your life. Go do what makes you come alive and stop worrying it's too late-- you're in your twenties for goodness sake! ;)

6. Celebrate holidays... Every holiday. No matter how big or small; celebrate. You're making memories here; invite family, friends, a stranger that needs a friend. Enjoy life's small reasons to celebrate.

7. Spend alone time with God. Period. No matter how you worship, praise, pray, journal, or do a bible study... Whatever way you connect with Him, make sure you fit in five minutes a day to do just that. Your heart will thank you.

8. If you procrastinate on a ten page paper until an hour before it is due, you may receive a bad grade, or worse, you may not learn anything at all from writing ten pages. Use education as a tool to learn, not just get an "A."

9. It's okay to hang out with your parents/ family. I know, confusing. It actually doesN'T make you uncool. It's uncool to put your family last behind alcohol, parties, disloyal friends, and t.r.o.u.b.l.e!

10. Stop confusing rejection with love. Rejection hurts, love heals. Cliché, I know, but true nonetheless.

11. If you text incessantly you will probably a. Have bad eyes b. get arthritis in your thumbs and c. Miss out on moments in life you will wish you gave your full attention....((Holla for unlimited texts, right?!)) ;)

12. Exercise, like, before it's too late and you have flabby arms when you wave ‘hi’ to people! ((Yuck!))

13. Don't take everything personally. Everything is not a reflection of you, sometimes it is other people expressing themselves and doesn’t have anything to do with you.

14. Vote.. Not just because you can, but because the choices you make today are going to build your tomorrow. Don't just fill out the bubbles.... Research. Fill yourself with knowledge and then apply yourself and determine how you want tomorrow to look. Vote. Even if politics are the last thing you want to be involved in.

15. Embrace your flaws. As hard as it may be, kicking yourself over your imperfections will only bring out bitterness.

16. Be on time. This one is a challenge for me. As my life is often an organized clutter. But it's respectful. Time is something you can never get back, never turn back, and never change. So try to honor other people's precious time by being somewhere when you said you would.

17. Expand your comfort zone.

18. Make art. Even if you are terrible. There will ALWAYS be someone better than you. Do it anyways. Art is made to build your soul, to express emotion, to make the world come alive with beauty.....

19. Stop comparing yourself to everyone and everything else. It will SERIOUSLY make you depressed and unhappy. Remember that everyone is in different seasons of their life; and that doesn’t mean you have to be right there with them!

20. Have a pet. A cat, a dog, a lizard... Fifty cats. You know, whatever floats your boat! Animals are just great. They teach you things humans can't. And based on experience, I've found them to be the most attentive listeners!

Lastly, remember that you're human. This tiiiiiiiny factor we often forget is that, humans aren't perfect. So you will probably forget these things. ^^^ Then relearn them. Some will be at the forefront of your mind, and others will fall to the wayside depending on the season of life you are in. Don't be too hard on yourself.... We still have to learn 30 after 30, so leave room for some mistakes to write about ;)

With Love,
PhotoSoul Sarah.

Love Letter to the Broken-Hearted

Hurt just seems to be surrounding and consuming me lately. Every person I know is just drowning in sorrow; and as much as that sounds like a really catchy line in a song....It's true.

I look around and the faces are just… stolen. The nervous laughter of a mom going through divorce, the way it's forced to put up a wall so tall that no one can get in. The way nights turn into days from a father wanting to forget everything in his past. A sister hoping for true love to finally find the missing piece to her family of three. A brother trying to fulfill that empty void in his heart by strengthening his career. A prince trying to battle an all-consuming addiction. A little girl just wanting a kitty and her Daddy back at home to stay. And then there's me....

You see, I love- hard. I don't give people part of me, or half my heart. I’m not some façade of a girl, I’m real. What you see is what you get. I do wear my heart on my sleeve, every moment ((Who’s idea was that anyways, OUCH)) You could say I'm not your average twenty-one-year-old. But then again, what IS average anymore? I cry at the drop of a nickel.. I see the fear, the hurt in people's eyes. I want to just fix it all. Mend the broken hearts, be the light in the midst of a dark, dark world right now. I want to go to sleep at night knowing everyone I love most is just....happy.

You realize in times like these though, that family is really all that matters. Love conquers all. But sometimes love is the hardest thing you can do. Sometimes we are so filled with anger, so hurt, so upset; sometimes our blood is past boiling...and then you have to do it. You have to shove all that aside and be what people need.

You need to be the love that was given to us. Unconditional, forgiving love.

&&Sometimes, well, that’s nearly impossible. Just like controlling your dreams; not too many people I know have mastered “lucid-dreaming.” However, I know a person or two with night terrors.

Night terrors.

What a concept....

This bone-chilling, screaming with all the air in your lungs kind-of-feeling. The kind of nights where vivid imagery of your worst days just haunts you. It's like in King Kong where the gorilla snatches people up and they are just completely vulnerable. He could either crush them in his hands, or gently set them back down. Images like that replay in your mind until it's suffocating. No other thoughts are welcome..... For some comical relief here, yes...It's like being held in the daunting hands of a giant gorilla.
I know-TERRIBLE analogy. But you see my point! The constriction, the lack of control over your own body, the all-consuming nature.

Sometimes that’s love. That’s the deep, real, passionate love. To see every fault in someone else, and continue to love them.

&&this hurts.

A lot.

But I promise you, broken-hearted….

You will sleep again. You will love again. You will find the missing piece to your puzzle. You will gain that sense of accomplishment to fill the void. You will overcome your addiction.
This hurt will get better.

Everything you are going through is making you stronger. You are clay in His hands and he is forming you into the person you are meant to become. You may not see WHY you must endure this, but I promise you will later. This moment of hurt will be worth it.

You'll be able to dream again. You'll be able to love again.

With all my love,

PhotoSoul Sarah.

Quick drawing && short story! Enjoy!

Kamala's Hunger

In the midst of a blistering slum, Kamala pulls the threadbare sheet to the side. Her almond shaped, dark eyes gaze at the dust surrounding her. A frail cough is let out, and a small dog scurries across her hand and into the distance. “Mata?” the sun kissed child whispers. Her vision blurs as she looks across the waves of heat as far as she can see. “Mata, mata?” she frantically whispers a little louder this time. She looks down at her what-used-to-be teal sandals and her toes hang over the edge; she slips them off her cramped feet and holds them in her soft, fragile hands.

Kamala’s stomach is aching with hunger. She usually wakes up to her mother preparing her a couple spoonful’s of rice with bread hardened like a cracker. The hot air is oppressing and the girl’s hunger is prominent. She tacks the sheet back to the corner of the dilapidated doorframe, and moves swiftly as though someone is chasing her. She scurries into the middle of Dharavi; the slum glistens with vibrant clothes laid out next to the water and the smell of spices surrounds her. The pang of hunger in her stomach grows stronger. “Mata!”  Kamala’s pace grows faster and faster, her feet searing with pain from the hot rocks and sand beneath her. She holds her only sandals in her hand still, and carries on. “Mata! Mata! Mata!”

Her eyes grow increasingly aware as she rushes past the flocks of women tending to their families. She hears a voice and stops instantly; “Mata?” the frog in her throat mutters. Pure silence surrounds her, her frustration engulfs her emotions and boiling tears roll down her face. They slide through her dusty face and leave a trail to her chin. Her stomach rumbles to the beat of the wheelbarrows wooden wheels carrying supplies. “Mat…..” Her lips purse, her eyes widen, and her heartbeat seems to waver. A man in camouflage hovers above her, his sand-colored boots the size of her body grasp the earth with bold authority. She quivers with fear.

A moment in time passes and they both look at each other with fear; a clear language boundary. The sun beats down on the beads of sweat on his pale face, and the tears continue to flood down Kamala’s. He hesitates only to wipe his brow, but then reaches into his over-sized pocket and pulls out a bread-like biscuit. She gains tunnel-vision now, only seeing the food before her.

Her almond-shaped brown eyes look straight up, only to find this soldier gazing down at her with gentle eyes. His massive hand reaches down to give Kamala the bread. Their hands touch only for a second in time until a woman’s voice shatters the silent gesture, “KAMALA!”

Her fierce green eyes spin around and grab up her baby. “Kamala, you must never leave my side baby.”  And the camouflaged man disappears into the waves of heat on the horizon.

With love,

PhotoSoul Sarah.

LadyBug Takes Flight... Does it speak to you?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129302409/ladybug-takes-flight-by-sarah-kadlec-11?ref=shop_home_active

This image is a lightweight, durable, beautiful 11 X 14 print.

**Note: Watermark is not on final image. The glossy finish gives the final product amazing depth and reflectivity.

 It is printed on Aluminum to make the vibrant colors come alive, illuminate every detail and add depth and dimension to an otherwise flat surface. This print has a unique aesthetic of antique tintypes, but modern durability to last a lifetime.


Complete with an easel fixture on the back (as shown in the images) that allows you the option to display on tabletops, counters, and antique furniture and armoires with no hassle of adding extra stability.

 This image requires no framing for a sophisticated look anywhere you want to make a statement.

Find more of my photography and original art here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotoSoulBoutique

With love,

PhotoSoul Sarah.

TwitterPated..

1.) To be completely enamored with someone/ something.
2.) The flighty excited feeling you get when you think about/ see the object of your affection.

Nothing is more precious than a girl in love.

That’s what I believe.

I was driving home from dinner tonight and saw a girl holding hands with (well, obviously) the man of her dreams. Her cheeks were rosy red; her ribbons of hair were perfectly curled and bounced with every eager step she took. Her laughter was contagious, and her smile was filled with sincerity. I didn’t notice myself just giggling to myself, smiling from ear to ear. It took a minute to snap back into reality. How happy she was; how alive! I decided we need more people in love- that mad, passionate, extraordinary love. There are too many ‘mediocre’ things in life, and love should not be one of those. We don’t coast in love. We give it our ALL- we come alive!

My hope for you today is to fall in love. No, not find the man or woman of your dreams, but just let yourself fall in love. Go out and buy that paintbrush you’ve had your eye on for a while, and fall in love with the perfect strokes it paints. Bake home-made chocolate chip cookies and fall in love with that warm, fresh-baked-cookie smell that will fill your home. Take the long way to work, and fall in love with your surroundings. Call your loved ones and fall in love with their voice.

Imagine the world filled with twitter pated souls. People completely enamored by their loves; their love of painting, photography, skating, traveling, riding, driving, creating…. Endless loves. Imagine a world filled with people who genuinely LOVED love.

Take the time to love.

Take the time to fall in love.

Take the time to just. be. Twitter pated with LIFE.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129305355/bleeding-hearts-by-sarah-kadlec?ref=shop_home_active

With love,

PhotoSoul Sarah.

If Your Dreams Dont Scare You... They Aren't Big ENOUGH.

What makes you come alive?

I've always been a dreamer.

 I know; cliché.

I have high hopes about..well, everything! From the simple things in life like buying the right lip-gloss, or the deeper things like changing someone's life. Now, I KNOW there are dreamers && perfectionists out there just like myself. AYOOO.

But you see, I had this 'epiphany' moment, if you will. I realized that from the very smallest of things, to the most grandiose, they are one in the same. Changing someone's life could be loaning them a dollar. And picking the right lip gloss; that's a feat in and of itself. (girls, you know what I am talking about. Not too sticky, not too glittery...the list goes on) What's important in life is giving everything- all. of. you.

What the world needs is for people to come alive. Whether that be playing basketball, painting, or working in Wal*Mart. It's all important. And again, cliché, but....We are all connected.

As an artist, you have this insatiable need to create.

This unending craving for inspiration and passion. Harness that....

Feed that passion and give it everything you have. Do the little things every day, until one day you have this born legacy.

That's my plan.

Following my passion one step at a time. One photo; one painting; dollar by dollar...I'll get there. Trust me.

These days, if you want to go anywhere in life- you need a backbone && conviction. More conviction and faith in what you believe in so that all the 'haters' can't stop you. Because let me tell you; Hater's gon' hate. Or if you prefer to put it a little more eloquently-- You are going to come across people that are highly discouraging. Let them.

Just live out your dream. Live with a fiery passion to fulfill your every goal. Do the little things in life that mean as much as the big things; without them you would never get that BIG end result.
Go out in the world and COME ALIVE.

Check out my site- http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotoSoulBoutique to see a glimpse of what makes ME come alive!
Let me ask you now; what is it that fills your heart and makes you come alive?

With love,
PhotoSoulSarah.

I need to develop some patience-- Immediately!

We all know the saying, "Patience is a virtue," right? Well.. let's just say I know the saying, but am not exemplifying it fully! I am so thrilled at getting some more art work up on my site that patience and I are not on good terms! I wake up in the morning and canNOT wait; however, I also want to provide the best quality and "tip-top" shape pieces. I want the photos to be lighted magnificently, the photos to be in the right frames, and I want to appeal to a unique audience.

Anywho...

While I wait for the "GRAND opening," shall we say, I do have one of my favorite pieces up already! It was inspired by the Cirque du Soleil I watched before I came up with the idea for the piece. The show is a mind-blowing adventure.. if you have never seen it before- Go online, buy tickets at cirquedusoleil.com, and go to the soonest one you can! Oh, and for all dreams during the week after- You. Are. Welcome! Your brain will need a seatbelt, the imagination and pure TALENT is simply incredible.

I sketched the girl with pencil to get that soft feeling. The light, airy feeling of an active imagination! The word, "Create," speaks volumes. My message to you is this-

Go out and be inspired.. Create your world.

Have an empty space in your home? Or lacking that wild imagination..
Check out my site @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotoSoulBoutique

A bit about the actual art I am selling-

This image is a lightweight, durable, beautiful 11 X 14 print.

The glossy finish gives the final product amazing depth and reflectivity. It is printed on Aluminum to make the vibrant colors come alive, illuminate every detail and add depth and dimension to an otherwise flat surface. This print has a unique aesthetic of antique tintypes, but modern durability to last a lifetime.

Complete with an easel fixture on the back (as shown in the images) that allows you the option to display on tabletops, counters, and antique furniture and armoires with no hassle of adding extra stability. This image requires no framing for a sophisticated look anywhere you want to make a statement.

Payment options: PayPal

Hopefully the piece speaks to you, as it does me.

Go out and be inspired;
Share your inspiration on my page! I canNOT wait to hear more....


With Love,
PhotoSoul Sarah.