Life has been so, so, so crazy these last few days. I went from exams to packing up my entire dorm room to moving all my things back home to a job interview and then finally to a working schedule in a matter of....about 3 days. My life is boxes and sore feet and tired eyes.

Back when I was still in Asheville finishing up exams(which feels like eons ago), I spent one of my last days walking around campus and shooting the blooms before they were all gone for good. I'm so glad I did. It was so nice to get out of the dorm room, breathe some fresh air, and take a minute out of my busy schedule to appreciate the fleeting springtime. Looking back on these photos lets me relive it all again and reminds me to take moments of peace for myself in the midst of all the craziness.

taking a breather.

On one of our school's student-run Facebook pages, a professor was quoted saying "October is one of the most stressful months. It is also the most beautiful."

I am totally feeling it.

And if I'm being honest, lately I haven't really been doing that well. Every week, I am struggling to complete projects. Every week is filled with its stressful, freak-out moments. Every week, I don't think I'm going to make it to Friday. But every week, I always do make it. I get the projects done, and I'm doing my best.

But then I look at my calender and realize that the end of October is in 2 days. I realize how quickly these days are passing. I realize how I'm not paying much attention to anything that isn't due on Thursday.

So this past week, I've been really making an effort to look around and enjoy the moment. To step away from a project, take a breather, and live for just a moment. Sometimes, taking time out of a hectic day to go on a photo-spree on the Quad to capture the maple leaves is just as necessary as homework. Especially since homework will always be there. These beautiful colors will not.

Side note: I took these pictures using only the Manual setting on my camera. I've used Manual before, but I've never really pushed myself to use it as my primary setting. I've always been afraid to just go out and do it. And even though these pictures are a little over-exposed (I haven't quite gotten used to it yet), I'm pretty proud of myself for taking the jump and just doing it. If any of y'all are wondering how to make the switch to Manual, the best advice I can give is just to go out and take a few play shots, like this. I was just walking around campus, so there was no pressure. It really helped me!