Then & Now

Then- 

Now- 

My parents raised me to fit the Portland stereotype; love nature and be courteous. I like to think the person I was in the older photo already learned these lessons, but in reality, I doubt my thoughts were quite so developed. However, I'm sure I loved playing in the leaves and going to the pumpkin patch, just being outside after the summer heat and before the winter rains. I'm a bit more capable now, and my love for the outdoors can take me a little farther than Sauvie's Island, but it all started with the short trips I took as a kid. As for my parents' second life lesson, I'm sure I struggled to share toys and attention when I was younger. Now, I try to be inclusive and friendly and open to others, though there's no denying my childish,selfish tendencies are exposed every once and awhile. Getting older doesn't seem to rigidly mean becoming better. Some days I'm an oblivious child, who only wants to crunch dead leaves beneath her feet. Others, my attitude fits my age, as I backpack through mountain ranges and make friends with strangers. Either way, I always try to remember: love nature and be courteous.