Author: Michelle

WORK IN PROGRESS

Soo, you may have noticed that I’ve updated the look of this blog. I’ve been going through a transformation personally and felt the blog should as well.

I’m still on this wave. The wave of life, but I’m feeling good. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t exactly know the plan. But I’m more focused, full of love, trusting in above and loving today. This is not easy. We are a society used to being pulled in so many directions.

In Chinese Zodiac, we are in the Year of the Snake and it happens to be my animal sign. To find out yours, go to this chinese calendar. The year of snake is filled with slow and methodical progress.

And I’m going through that transformation, like a snake. I’m ready to shed part of myself, like a snake sheds his skin. I’m still me. But wanting to showcase myself as more than a “young widow.” And the previous design, well, it yelled “young widow.” At the time, when I created the blog. That’s what I wanted. I wanted empathy and a voice for those going for that loss and death.

I’m evolving and so is this blog. I’m a creative who wants to enrich people’s lives. My ultimate goal is to be a “Creative Humanitarian.” Not sure if that’s a legit title, but it sounds deep and fun to me. And yes, I’ve got quite an endeavor ahead before I earn that title.

And I think I couldn’t have realized this new direction, had it not been for my circumstance. God smacked me down, and I totally surrendered. Tim had to surrender too. And dang, it wasn’t easy/ isn’t easy to surrender.

Anyhoots, I’m so excited about the direction and new design for this blog. Please click-through the pages. I’m still tweaking with “resources.”

Here are some of the new updates. Let me know what you think. And if you have suggestions, comments or requests, please comment below or email me.

Thank you! xo

March 18, 2013
SLOW DOWN + FEEL LOVE

This song (play it below) came to me today, and I’ve been playing AND dancing nonstop! Play this loud and dance around. Trust me, you’ll feel so good.

I’ve had so many discussions in the past few days about “LOVE”. Not just love in relationships or a soulmate, but what I love, love with life, career, personal things, God, etc.

That love is bigger than just a word. It’s a verb, a way of life.

Instead of a life-style, we are in a LOVE-style. A love story. A story that is bigger than we can imagine.

So, these past few days, I’ve been formulating my business plan and in reality I’ve defined (am still defining) my plan for love and happiness. Or at least, I’ve defined my priorities, and making sure my career, life, love, and etc sync with this.

Cuz as we know, life doesn’t go as planned. I’m a witness to this. Heartbreaking reality of that!

But, I’ve forced myself to slow down and focus. And it feels good. Feelin’ that love from the universe. MMM-hmmm!

And I couldn’t have realized or done this many months ago or a year ago, too much in the widow fog, feeling lost, deep heartbreaking pain. And still demanding answers to the “WHYs.”

Anyways, I know we go through waves of emotions and thoughts of what the future will be, why certain things happened, etc. But realize that allowing yourself to slow down — to stop and pause — that all the other distractions that tug at our lives, you’ll realize what’s really important.

To Feel Love. Maybe you’ll call it Self Love. Loving others. Loving what you do. But you are unconditionally and always loved. And you are the beholder/vessel/giver/ mirror of love.

And as an ending lil nugget… someone wise once told me, to be an influence of change, just smile.

March 14, 2013
SHARE + INSPIRE + EMPOWER

This is a shot from my Paris trip this last September. Amazing trip and I’m still transported to that blissful adventure when I look through my photos. I still need to share these with you too!!!

So, looking at this photo, I wanted to share this and a realization.

We are all going bananas. Or should I say… Bahh-naaaan-uuuuuzz.

Trying to keep up. Conquer our deadlines, tasks, errands. Taking care of our loved ones (maybe kiddos, pets, spouses), trying to be successful, juggle everything, keep up with who’s and who’s and what’s and what, catchup on all those DVR’d shows, and you name it. But we’ve lost the bit of time for ourselves. To honor our awesomeness. To look inward and realize, that you can’t do it all. You’re human, but not superhuman.

Soooo, this is my lil short and sweet moment, to thank you for being you. This is a moment for you to take 3 deep breaths. (hint: follow the above poster). And to be grateful for what you have. And to say… ahhh yeah to this day.

To move forward with a bit of intention. A bit of gratitude. A bit of spring in your step. A bit of “make it work, honey.” Here’s to loving yourself. Trying to get through your life sitchy and realizing that in time things will get better.

Sources: Breathe poster

March 5, 2013
DOG DAY OF WINTER: OLIVER’S BIRTHDAY

Yesterday I celebrated Oliver’s 7th birthday. Woof Woof! To the Best. Dog. Ever.

I treated him like a proud and happy momma does. Took him to his favorite beach. Threw the ball until he was luggage. Then took him home (after a good dog wash, of course, no sand in my house!) and, gave him lots of yummy treats, and big smoochers. Even gave him a spoon full of peanut butter!

And then… I might have gone a lil crazy and decorated him with birthday garlands. Yep, he gave me the evil eyeballs with that, but he got extra treats. And geesh, it was the first time I’d ever celebrated his birthday. And he deserved some fun and festive-ness.

On mornings when I’m not eager for his runs or walks, or when I’ve come home and realize this situation isn’t what we both planned, he is ALWAYS wiggles and love. I’m so thankful and invigorated by him. He truly is my light. My light with four legs.

Four-five months after Tim passed away, I found out that Oliver had cancer tumors that had to be removed. After a hefty vet bill, the vet said he’d have at least 4 more years. I was heartbroken. I wasn’t ready for him to go yet, but thankfully, Oliver’s still got plenty of time. It was just another wake up call, that we should never take our loved ones for granted.

It’s so easy to get caught up in our busy, busy routines and lives. Work is always nagging. Tons of excuses. Tons of distractions. Whatever it may be. But cherish and honor the time you have with friends, family, husbands/wives, mates, etc.

I’ve made a promise to consciously enjoy my time with Oliver. To relish it. His bouncing energy is so uplifting and hilarious. He constantly makes me smile, even when I’m in a bad mood, stressed out, or feeling lonely. His unconditional sweetness and goofiness, is such a gift.

So with that, here’s photos and Video from our fun-filled morning.

And then… I had to try party hats and garlands.

And the best for last…

Thanks Jollie Ollie, for making my life awesome! xoxo

March 1, 2013
ELECTRIC SOLSTICE

I’m completely in love with this jewelry from Biko. I was first struck by the styling of simple makeup, the subtle graphic blouse, torn jeans, and overlay photography, but its her jewelry that really got me. It’s classy yet edgy. I found out about her stuff from Scout & Catalogue. I love the mystery and astrological feel of Biko’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. See more here.

February 26, 2013