On My Own Blog

Tag: inspiration

  • TIME FOR ADVENTURE

    It’s officially summer, thanks to the June 20th summer solstice. Time to shalack on the sunscreen, enjoy icy treats and relish in the good times.

    Last summer was quite a blur for me. I was stoked to re-introduce myself to my quaint beachy, surf town, since the previous summers were filled with intense rollercoasters–and not the fun kind at the fair—more like the emotional kind. I was lovingly devoted to being at Tim’s side either at home or in the hospital, or chained to the intense deadlines at work.

    And although I was able to enjoy time at the beach last year, one might think sitting at a beach should bring one happiness, it did in many ways, don’t get me wrong, but at the same time, it filled my heart and mind with so many great memories that I shared with Tim, so it was very sad, numbing, and surreal.

    So this summer, I’m ready to enjoy life again, explore and create some new memories.

    Get the salt in my hair. Spend time with friends (from my past and new ones that I have yet to meet). Barbecues. Outdoor festivals and fairs. Fireworks lighting up the sky. Road trips. And more.

    Enjoying your summertime doesn’t involve lots of money or lots of work. Just the right mindset.

    Thought these few things might inspire your summer agenda too. Above art from here.

    This found here

    This found here

    Enjoy your summer peeps! xoxo

  • SHARE + INSPIRE + EMPOWER

     

     

    I’m not sure how I stumbled on this site, but I love everything they do.

    Bee Things are a husband and wife team that creates sweet, colorful, and witty illustrations, prints and designs. (Seems I keep hearing about husband and wife creative teams which is really cool too.)

    I checked their blog recently and found these inspiring prints. There’s a lot of transition and change going on with myself and my friends. And well, spring has sprung.

  • HAPPY EASTER

    I’ve been in love with Serena Mitnik Miller‘s work for a long time. Check out her amazing watercolors, prints and photography, inspired by the ocean and coastal habitats. I thought this print looked like Easter eggs and wanted to share. I hope your Easter was full of colorful treats and treasures (and maybe tasty omelets with bacon!).

    I took last week off from blogging, while my parents were out here visiting. I had such a fun time, eating out, relaxing in the sun, and having some good heart-to-heart chats. And as a favor, please keep my Dad tucked in your prayers, as he is on the hunt for a new job. This visit, was their first visit out here since Tim has passed. It was a bit surreal at times, that Tim wasn’t physically here to enjoy our outings, but this is the new routine. It’s always a good visit when they come out, and now I’m looking forward to my sister and her boyfriend coming out in May. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Lots of love and blessings on this amazing day!

  • CELEBRATING YOUR AWESOMENESS

    Well, today you are 42. I heard that even though you aren’t physically here, that you still age in heaven.

    Soooo… Happy Birthday, my big shugar!

    I don’t understand why I can’t give you a big, tight birthday hug and smoocherz. Or why we can’t go to our favorite sake/japanese restaurant tonight to celebrate. Or why this year’s birthday song to you isn’t as uplifting to hear. But I will celebrate. Because I still love you. Because I want to celebrate and honor you, especially because you aren’t here.

    You were the most awesome son, brother, friend, surfer, chef, neighbor and soul mate one could find.

    One month after we met, it was your birthday. And of course you put together a big birthday bash, but unlike anyone I know, you did it with an extra dose of sweetness. You had your buddy’s band play, Buckfast Superbee, and then had a DJ, to get everyone dancing. But the thing you did that showed this day wasn’t about you, was you made everyone bring at least 2 cans of food to donate to the local food bank. And the person who brought the most won a prize! I think it was a wine basket. I’ve never known anyone to do that. You had such a big heart!

    Its still a shock that you aren’t here, but life isn’t forever. We all gotta take each day as a gift, no matter the circumstance. Luckily our love is forever, and your delightful spirit and love keeps me going.

    I’ve been a jumble of emotions, trying to figure out how to celebrate this day without you here. So I will light a candle, but I’m not going to sing.

    And our lovely gals, Fall and Hayley have remembered too, and we’re going to celebrate at your favorite restaurant. Yuka’sexcited and got our reservation set. Table for 3 for TIMMMMAYY!

    And all of us (near and far) will celebrate you on this special day! We will try our best to make it awesome and relish in your witty, sweet, and genuine spirit.

    Whole lotta love sending up your way! All my love and miss you, shug, xoxoxo Michelle

     

    And now a montage… of some of my favorite photos.

     



    Fun, photobooth shots from Kristi’s 30th birthday. I think these will help boost the mood.

    Classic shot. With Tim sporting his favorite band’s shirt.

    From his surf trip with Mike, Steve, Tim V. & David.

    Costa Rica trip with Finch.


    The amazing trek and camping trip to Hamma Hamma in Olympic National Park with Bray & Lisa. One of my favorite memories!


    From our trip to Glacier National Park.

    He was quite the fisherman, which he gets from his Dad. And I actually caught this one. Yep, I did.


    Best friends forever, yep. yep. Tim was so proud and stoked for Mike on this day! Autobiography on artist Wolfgang Bloch, written by Mike and designed by David Carson. This was the opening reception for Wolfgang Bloch’s gallery showing. And at the end of the night, Mike, David & Wolfgang were all signing autographs together. Sweetness, brah. Get the book here.

    The gang’s all here. Best friends and the best parents.

    Beautiful sunset on Maui’s Haleakala volcano, on our honeymoon.

     

    Thanks everyone for all your love and reading.

  • HELLO SPRING!

    Was looking for some inspiration and found these wonderfully fun posters by Heath Killen via Jacky Winter Group‘s fine selection of Australian illustrators. Heath is a graphic designer, illustrator and blogger from Newcastle.

    These posters make me feel like dancing for spring. Or maybe skipping! And I hope this will delight your day too.

    Heath Killen posters