On My Own Blog

Tag: memories

  • OCEAN TRIBUTE FOR TIM

    The past few weeks were overwhelming preparing and planning for Tim’s 1-year anniversary of his passing. How does one honor someone so great?

    On May 28th, the actual anniversary of Tim’s arrival to heaven and Memorial Day (ironically), I planned a boat charter out to Tim’s favorite surfing spot to scatter some of his ashes. Close family and friends took a boat from Dana Point down to Trestles in San Clemente. This was his second home. He grew up in Orange County, but this is where you’d find him, this was his sanctuary and his playground.

    When Tim was in his tweens, his parents would drop him and his friends off at the beach in the morning, and they’d surf all day, and then hitchhike a ride back home or his parents would return. Such a simpler, safer time. And Tim progressed with his surf and competed. Trestles and this area isn’t for beginners.

    It was such a surreal moment to be on the boat, knowing the reason for this cruise. It was an out-of-body feeling. I was present, but I was also jelly. My heart was broken. And this loss is still unexplainable.

    But it was such an honor and comfort to put some of him in this special place.

    After we did this special ceremony, the boat slowly turned around and proceeded back to Dana Point. And within five minutes, about a dozen dolphins surrounded the boat, swimming and jumping around. There was baby dolphins and clusters of them. All excited and happy.

    Tim told me that whenever I saw a dolphin (in whatever form), that it was him thinking of me.

    Anyways, the captain of the boat told us that this was very rare. And we all knew Tim and God were high-fiving and thanking us for such a beautiful celebration. As sad as that day and ceremony was, seeing all the dolphins lifted my and all of our spirits and made us all laugh and squeal with delight.

    Witnessing this magical moment was amazing for all of us. That even in heaven, Tim is so magical. He always has a way of making us smile and us loving him more.

    It was definitely an acknowledgement that Tim was watching this celebration, and didn’t want us to be sad all night. That he wants us to know he’s full of love up above. And always in our hearts.

    So I leave you with some of our magic from Tim, some photos of the day and of the dolphins. All photos except the second one below are by my friend Eric. Thank you Eric for capturing this magic!

    Boat charter from Dana Point
    Boat charter

    Celebration at seaCelebration at SeaDolphins in seaDolphins in sea

     

     

  • 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.

  • HAPPY FRIDAY

    outside lands festival

    Happy Friday ya’ll! I’m looking forward to a packed and good weekend. Got a bit of freelance to juggle in there, but hoping to maximize the downtime.

    I’ve still got other photos and memories I want to share with you, but its Friday, and thought this shot cracks me up.

    This was taken up at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Festival back in 2008. It was such a blast. The highlight was seeing Radiohead, Manu Chao, The Black Keys, Beck, and Cold War Kids.

    This was an early birthday present gift from Tim that year. He’s not one to go to concerts that are this big or crowded, but he was up for it. I’m glad we went, it was such a fun trip.

    And speaking of cold. It was the middle of August, but freezing in San Francisco. This shot was taken in the afternoon, and I’m wearing a beanie, scarf and fleece jacket. I also had gloves that I wore once the sun went down.

    In some ways the cooler weather was nice, and the crowds were nice too. I mean, I don’t know how people can do it, going to Coachella or Burning Man. So much heat, people get cranky.

    This trip also allowed us to visit  Tim’s good friend Toby and his wife Sonja, and their adorable kiddos.

    Anyways, have a fabulous and fulfilling weekend!

     

  • TIM SNOWBOARDING

    A week or so after Tim had passed I found this video on my laptop.

    I have to tell you the first time I saw this my heart sank, as Tim’s voice yells out in the first seconds of this. It’s awesome to hear but also so heartbreaking. But it’s typical Tim, and I’m so blessed to have this amazing video.

    And I’ve watched this enough times to be proud and honored to share this with you.

    This is from 3 or 4 years ago, when Big Bear Mountain had a pretty good dumping of snow, and it documents mainly Tim cruising down the mountain. I’m amazed at how Scott was able to film and snowboard at the same time. Its a bit long, but its a great way to see Tim in action on the mountain. And you’ll see Tim’s big smile, completely stoked and having so much fun. And I think that’s why I love this video so much.

    His ability to capture the day and genuinely live it up. And his energy was so contagious. Those are some of his best qualities and things I miss. I miss so many more things, but everyone that knew Tim, knows what I mean, and misses these qualities too.

    Watching this video also reminds me of the great times Tim and I had snowboarding together. And he was so good at snowboarding that it forced me to get better with it quickly, so that I could cruise with him, instead of falling so much. I love how this video makes you feel like you’re with Tim.

    Thank you Scott for documenting and sharing this with me. You and Tim had some great memories together, and I know this one brings a smile to your heart also.

    We miss you Tim, but we know you are up in heaven with happiness everywhere. And perfect snowboarding conditions and jumps that would make us all hoot and holler for yah.

    With all my heart, love & miss you shugar!! xo

  • TIM + OLIVER

    This photo was taken back in 2007. I love how candid the first shot is. And the second shot makes me smile. Oliver looks a bit goofy, and Tim’s got a sassy grin, like he’s about to make a joke of some sort.