Because You.... (#9)

Christine.

Because you are from New Hampshire,
where you "Live free or die trying."
You are wicked funny. Most of the time without even trying to be. You introduced me to New England. I love how driven you are to become a writer... and how I brag to all my friends that you write for an actual magazine. And how you always dress so professionally.

Our awkward moments are some of my favorite. And I really don't know if I would survive school without you. Even if we do creep each other out from time to time. Parties are always better when Krizzy's present. And I can't think of a single time in my two years of knowing you where you've had a bad hair day.

Not to mention you share a birthday with my brother!
Hope your 20th was wonderful!!!

Because You... (#8)

Kim.
Because you are one of my oldest friends.
And have managed to stay one of my closest. I never have to censor a single story or fact or opinion, because 99% of the time you agree with me. And that 1% that you don't, is usually because you say I'm not giving myself enough credit. You are always there living life to its fullest. In fact it's that spontaneity that I truly admire and try to emulate in my own life. You know you make mistakes, but are the first person to admit that, and learn from them.

You are the only person I know that can rock a ponytail on the top of your head and bright orange and blonde highlights. You would buy a lizard out of nowhere. Know every single Filipino on the East Coast. Share a SYTYCD obsession. Introduce me to a Finish exchange student. Fantasize about living in NYC together. Go on midnight mcflurry runs. And wear rompers.

And even though Tyler and I give you a hard time about going to school in the midwest, know that we really only do it to mask the fact that it means we miss you that much more. On the 24th you celebrated your 20th birthday, and while I look back on the 15 years that we've known each other, I honestly couldn't have asked for a better friend.
Happy Birthday.

Can't Stay the Same...

So you may remember a few of these portraits from my Rainbow Connection series. Well, I reused some of the original sketches in my new computer project that utilizes photoshop. And let me just reiterate--I don't know how graphic design majors do it?! They must have the most patience ever. Anyways, I scanned the sketches in. Used various colors in the pen tool. Scanned in paintings for the background, used picture's of Brielle's actual hair, and actual yarn I knit.

Brielle.

Brianne.

Anila.

Malcolm.

(I'll post the final project in a little bit...)

Because You... (#7)

Sheerin...

Because your intelligence is only rivaled by your modesty. Because you have taught me a lot without even knowing. You are honest and understanding. Your sense of humor. The fact that you are at Johns Hopkins learning how to stop epidemics. Because you let me call you Dr. G in reference to Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN. Because every time I see you you're smiling. Because you're you.

Because You... (#6)

Brianne...

Because you are Caitlin's ex-roommate. Because you are my friend. Because you let me sleep in your bed whenever you weren't there. Because you scream and make a scene every time you see me on campus. Because you have the guts to shave half your head. Because I see you even less, and that makes me miss you even more. Because you're you.

Because You... (#5)

Brielle...

Because I'm in love with your hair. I'd trade you in a second. Because you give the absolute best head scratches anyone could ask for. Because you are ridiculously sarcastic and you don't even try. Because I love our tradition of late night walks to get chinese. Because you introduced me to pizza rolls. Because Tyler would be so much lonelier without you. Because you're you.

Because You... (#4)

Anila...

Because you never lose faith. You believe in what you say. You are independent. You don't make excuses. You are your own person. Because you're you.

Because You... (#3)

Tyler...

Because you are my best friend. Because I don't feel awkward talking to you. We share ideals. You make me laugh. And we're both in agreement as to how weird I am... Because you're you.

Because You... (#2)

Noelle...

Because you are almost as weird as I am. You listen to almost everything I say. And I've never met anyone else with a sense of humor so close to my own.

Because you're you.

Because You... (#1)

Im Starting a new series... it has to do with a personal project that I am using for my Drawing Sketchbook. I am drawing a bunch of interesting perspective portraits of the many interesting people I have in my life.  Under their pictures I explain why I drew them with the the words: "Because you..." 

Sarah...

Because you hug me every time you see me. You have one of the most comfortable beds I've ever napped in. Your obsession to "whoozer". The way you make me laugh. Because you're you.