Processed. Print. Ten.

Pentax K1000/ Kodak Portra 400

Upland, CA June 2012

Here is a portrait of my friend Abraham holding the best ice cream in Upland. I met Abraham at a local music show one night, it was cool because even though we have so many mutual friends, we didn't meet through any of them. We met because we just introduced ourselves to each other.

Abraham and I have had our ups and downs as friends due to my personality clashing with his but we got through it by learning more about each other. And I like our current friendship now because we have both learned how to adjust in ways that are not extreme but enough to respect each other and accept each other fully. I speak for myself when I say these things and I speak for myself when I say that I really look up to plenty of Abrahams traits. He is one of the most considerate and respectful roommates that I've ever lived with but he's still not as cool as my roommate Toph.

I'm so proud of him for all the strength that he has carried and I'm so happy that we had a chance to really get to know and understand each other recently. I'm happy that I have the chance to be there for friends that need me, even if it's a small gesture, I think it makes such a difference in both of our lives. Abraham told me a few weeks ago, "things can only get better from here" and those words of hope and trust in himself and his faith have stayed with me.

I'm grateful to have a friend that I can learn so much from, but also a friend that displays so much strength within himself. The most inspiring thing about Abe is that he always trying to better himself, he is constantly checking himself and finding ways to be a better Abe. I think that's pretty rad.

Squirtle Power.