In commemoration of my 9th anniversary of being in the United States of America, I decided to create a 'historic' blog update.

It is dedicated to those who, all my life, have supported me, consciously or simply out of personal good will, as well as those others who'll never know they touched me so.

Here is a blog about a few people I have met, befriended, some who you may know, or who even is you...

...to all those of you throughout the 'ripples of time' (sub. for: years),

THANK YOU.

"Pedro, follow your dreams because you can."

~ Cedar

My friend Cedar gave me the best possible present. Without even knowing of my inner personal festivities, she spent the whole afternoon with me. Since the beginning of summer was filled with hard work, concentration, and determination, it was wonderful to finally relax with a familiar friend.

Cedar didn't actually say it

(^ quote above),

however, her allowing me to paint on her arm my "go-to" dream landscape was a clear message that touched my heart.

The violet, navy blue, and aqua near her eyes to me represents the many drops that build the ocean of my arm drawing.

Her eye, a gemstone of insight.

Quick throwback flashback to when we were stuck on a rollercoaster:

During our Winter Study Florida trip Byron inspired me to pursue my 'technical hobbies' with a deeper passion. Depicting the calming habitat of mangroves, wild dolphins, and manatees this picture became the title banner for this blog.

Thank you to Prof. Perez-Vellasquez for organizing the trip to Florida. I am grateful also because this opportunity rekindled my passion for photography. This was the perfect haven for recovery that I found myself in following my grandfather's passing.

David is a guitar god. His band's music is brilliant. I can't wait to continue sharing my music with him.

Often times, in pictures you don't recognize, you will wonder, "to whom does the outlined silhouette belong?"

Well, when I look at this picture I know that this is Herrick demonstrating his legendary status in Utah.

The 'Water Walker' as some may know him, planned and designed our entire freshman spring break road trip from Williamstown, MA, to California...and back... which we completed in two weeks.

That which seemed impossible, around Herrick, soon became discoverable.

Life, as fragile as a reposeful moment upon a Western road.

The road trippin' gentlemen, as retold in order of speech:

Herrick: "Yup, it's official! We are in Beverly Hills."

Pedro: Two choppers. Must have been sent for the Arab."

Omer: "Sir, please pardon my intrusion, but they were actually requested by the Arab. Dibbs on the one in the front... (no longer paying attention to the helicopters)

He is only part Arab anyway... most of him is purple and gold at this point!

Luiz: whoa. (said in a pensive tone)

...

Phillip: "Yo, do you hear that?"

Felicia, your voice resounds through the San Franciscan clouds!

Every time I go to New York City, my deepest dreams become reality.

(see pictures that follow)

Saved enough money to see my favorite Broadway show with my high school bestfriend. I never thought it would have happened this early in my life. The inspiration, mesmerizing.

With my friend Ben, I learned the true power of sharing.

Through my friend Ian, I learn the true power of chillin'.

To my brothers in arms, I salute you in memory of our undefeated 2008 Superbowl season.

"We are intrinsically bound to others and to those past experiences that mold us."

Within the spirit of the most artistic scientist and most scientific artist, I find my friend Muzhou, reaching not for the stars far away, but to that one which is closest to home.

In this picture he is saying, "it's already here, might as well use it," while talking about an 800mm astronomy zoom lens on the night of the supermoon.