Seattle Photo Diary

I know, I know. I'm a couple weeks late on this post, but here it is!

The drive from California to Washington. Top; Northern California. Bottom; Coming into Seattle.

Bunch of CDs I picked up while hanging at the Tooth & Nail Records office.

Being as touristy as possible in front of the gum wall with Micah.

Exploring Seattle with Micah as our tour guide.

Creation Fest! FF5 dance party//Merchin'//The Overseer

Reunited with Sarah! Hanging out in Portland.

Eating at Le Bistro Montage//View of Portland from a mountain//Driving through Battleground.

Where do I even begin? The first couple of days were spent exploring Seattle, lots of good food, and meeting all of Micah's old friends/roommates. I've been to Seattle before while on tour, but never really got to experience the city. Micah, having lived there for a large portion of his life, played tour guide and showed us all the best spots and places to eat. It was really nice actually being able to explore the city. Second day we visited his old place of work at Tooth & Nail, and then got to tour Jones Soda headquarters after that. Last day spent in northern Washington was at Creation Fest NW. I finally got to see one of my current favorite bands, The Overseer, there, which was an absolute pleasure. Super rad guys, and they put on a great show. It was also really nice to get behind the merch booth again at Creation. I didn't realize just how much I missed it until getting back there again.

After Creation fest, I said my goodbyes to Micah and FF5 crew, and headed south to Olympia to crash with my friend Mariaya for the night. Was really nice getting to spend some time with her and catching up. Later the next afternoon I headed down to Vancouver to meet up with my friend Sarah! I asked her if she'd show me around Portland, and that is indeed what we did. She took me to the most awesome restaurant, Le Bistro Montage. Their drink menu killed me. So funny. Also, our waiter wrapped my leftovers into the shape of a rose. Would definitely recommend this place. Afterwards, she took me to a record store, and then we went up to this mountain with the most gorgeous view of Portland. 

I met so many awesome people on this trip. I'd forgotten how much goodbyes sucks. 

Until we meet again.

xo

Maddie

InstUpdate

Gorgeous Fresno sunset.

Ready to take off for LA.

My sleeping situation while staying at my friend Lacey's for the night. Sleeping bag from third grade, no joke.

Spent way too much money here.

Went to see my friends in Wolves play at Cobalt Cafe.

Retaliating because Mike likes to take bad photos of me.

Stealing hats//Sean is metal even in his sleep.//Phinehas' new EP dropped today!

Truffles is glad to have her mama back home.

Spent the weekend down in SoCal to visit a couple of people close to me. Spent Saturday night and half of Sunday in LA with my lovely friend Lacey. Spent way too much money and ate too much food. Then Sunday night headed out to Canoga Park to see some friends at their show. After that, headed out to La Mirada to spend time with Sean. Which, by the way, his band, Phinehas' new EP, The Bridge Between, dropped today! Pick it up on iTunes here. Such genuine guys and genuine music. They're also heading out to record their next full length next month. 

This weekend did not work out anywhere near how I wanted it to. It was honestly more stressful than anything. Panic attacks a good majority of Sunday, and just a lot of us were pretty stressed out about things. But regardless, I'm glad I got to spend some time with the people I did. It's a whole lot better than nothing, and for that, I am grateful.

There has been so much going on the past couple months. I feel like some things are falling apart, other I am completely clueless on, and I think a lot of us have forgotten what we stand for and why we're even here to begin with. I've noticed some huge changes within myself the past month or so. I've gotten a whole lot closer to God. I'm starting to grow up and mature a lot. I realized how prideful I am, and gave that up. I know what I want, what I need to be. I need to learn to be at peace with my current situation, and trust that things will work out the way they are supposed to in God's timing. I need to slow down my though process. I overthink and overanalyze, and I forget that I can't read minds. I always assume things, when really, I forget I have no idea what other people are thinking and feeling. I stress myself out more than need be. It's almost an obsessive thought process. I need to work on this. Worrying and stressing myself out isn't going to do me or anyone else any good. Perhaps I've done all I can for right now, and need to accept that. Maybe it's not my turn to make the next move. Maybe I need to wait things out, and let them happen on their own. All of this is very hard for me to do. I don't like not being able to be in control. Uncertainty scares me. But I can't really do anything about that, except trust that God knows what's He's doing. Things will work out one way or another. He's watching over me and taking care of me. I need to remember this more than ever, and quit breaking myself down like I have been. It's a problem. 

Prayers and positive thoughts are more than welcome.

xo

Maddie