Hobbies and Passions
Hobbies are great distractions from the worries and troubles that plague daily living.
Hobbies fulfill an intrinsic need. We choose our hobbies effortlessly because we are drawn to them, and the passion behind them motivates us to push the boundaries of what is possible for us. Hobbies allow us to express oneself, be oneself, master a bespoke craft, provide a thrill or joy, and get into the ‘flow’ of the activity itself while removing oneself from the regular flow of life.
My hobbies tend to have a theme. They take me out of the daily grind and helps me focus on the present moment and freeing my mind from thoughts that weigh me down.
Woodworking
Farmhouse Table 1
Farmhouse Table 2
Planter Box
Custom Topper for Sitting/Standing Desk
Alivia Working Hard
I enjoy all activities that involve creating. Turning raw materials into something functional or pleasing to the eye is gratifying. There is something about wood that just makes it a joy to work with. Regardless, the garage is my favorite place in the house.
Remodeling
Bathroom - Before
Bathroom - Before
Bathroom - After
Bathroom - After
Bedroom - Before
Bedroom - After
“Babe, I think we should paint the bathroom.” — This is how all big projects start. You change one thing, then suddenly everything else no longer works together and it all has to go. My wife is smart, she knows that if she has me start something, I can't quit until it's 100% complete.
Photography
Hurricane Ridge, WA
Willapa River, WA
Willapa River, WA
Rona Shaking Off
Our Dog Rona
Molten Falls, WA
Almost Full Moon
Full Moon
Night Sky over Thomas Lake, WA
Night Sky over Thomas Lake, WA
The Atomium - Brussels, Belgium
Lake McDonald, Montana
Lake McDonald, Montana
Lake McDonald, Montana
Lake McDonald, Montana
Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica
Sutton Lake - Florence, Oregon
Long Beach, Oregon
As in life, photography is all about perspective. Seeing through different eyes and capturing it. When I have a camera in my hands, I look at the world differently and see the minutia of beauty that is contained in all things.
Skydiving
Mirror image with my brother-in-law.
Coming in for a landing.
Leaving the Air Balloon in Eloy, AZ
Which way is up?
Getting the balloon ready.
The trip up with the crew.
Barrel rolls out of the plane
Nothing better than partly cloudy.
There are not many things better than the freedom of freefall. Turns out, it is also a shortcut to learning how to live in the moment. Skydiving for me, is a meditation where I'm able to clear my head and let it all go.
Motorcycle Touring / Camping
Riding through the Teton Mountains and Yellowstone Park
Riding around the Olympic Peninsula
Crater Lake, OR
Alivia's first motorcycle ride to her first day of school!
Annual Motorcycle Trip - Camp Spot #3
Looking over Hurricane Ridge, WA
Exposed to the elements, surrounded by beauty, and feeling the fresh wind in your face? Yes please. Hitting the open road, riding all day, and camping under the stars at night is one of my all-time favorite rejuvenating activities.
Backpacking
Hiking the Alps through Germany, Austria and Italy
St. Helens - Camping with a view.
Island Lake was very difficult to get to. Rewarded with peace, quiet, and low-hanging fog.
At the peak looking down on the lakes.
Final Destination spotted in the distance!
The great outdoors beckons. Move your body and earn that beautiful scenery and vistas on top of a mountain, at a hidden lake, or distant waterfalls.
Traveling
La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona, Spain
La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona, Spain
On the Danube - Budapest, Hungary
Giotto's Bell Tower - Florence, Italy
On a Hike through El Cinque Terre, Italy
Inside La Alhambra - Granada, Spain
La Alhambra - Granada, Spain
The Atomium - Brussels, Belgium
St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican City
Sistine Chapel - Vatican City
Sintra, Portugal
City Tram Ride - Lisbon, Portugal
Looking over San Sebastian, Spain
They say a life not traveled is similar to reading a single page in a book. Traveling allows us to explore new ways of living and teaches us that just because we live the way we do, it isn't the only way. Before starting a family, I was an avid traveler and have been to 17 countries and lived in Spain for two years.
Music
Although I'm not an avid player anymore, I love to play the guitar and piano. I don't consider myself great at either of these instruments but it is a great mental escape.
Reading
There isn't anything more peaceful than a quiet location, a coffee or a whiskey, and reading a great book. I tend to always have a long backlog I can never get through but try to read about a book a week. Usually reading three concurrently:
- A digital book I can pull up at any time.
- A paperback for planned reading time.
- Audiobook for on-the-go, walks, and workouts.
