Inspiration Photo Friday: Celebrations

15 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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baby shower, celebrations, cousins, events, family, having a baby, inspiration photo friday, life, mom, mommy to be, new mom, parties, time

Tomorrow is my cousin’s baby shower and I am so excited for her and her husband on their new arrival. Just last year we were celebrating their wedding and now a little girl is on the way. The event is being held at my aunt’s house and I have helped her with some of the items for the party. From the invites and thank you’s to the favor tags and signs, it has been such a pleasure to design everything and be a part of this special day. I will be sure to write up a post on the event soon!

There are so many things to celebrate in a person’s life. Having a baby is definitely one of them. I have watched my cousin grow up and become such a beautiful woman and now I soon get to watch her become a mom. They also just bought their first house so it has been quite busy over there on the Nicholson home front. And with the little one expected early January, busy will be an understatement. But tomorrow, we all get to have fun and kick back with all the lovely women in her life. Such a great day to shower Diana with love.

You know, seeing how all we’ve all changed and grown up over the years, really puts you in a nostalgic place. It shows you how time truly passes by so quickly. Being able to celebrate all the great and exciting things in our lives just makes it so much more memorable. Creating memories that will last forever and showing each other love and support is so important. It’s how our lives become richer and our bonds grow stronger.

This photo was taken 4 years ago during the holidays. It will always be one of my all time favorites of me and my cousin. I love you Di ♥ Wishing you the most fulfilling experience as a new mother and years of happiness as a family. Now let’s celebrate!

Inspiration Photo Friday: Celebrations

Inspiration Photo Friday: Time

26 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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babies, birthday, family, growth, kids, life, time

Today is my best friend’s daughters birthday and I can’t believe she is already 9 years old. I remember the day Leona Faye was born, I was there at the hospital and was so excited to see the new arrival. She was adorable. I loved babysitting her and spending time together and of course buying her the cutest clothes and most awesome toys and books. It has so be so cool to see her grow up.

You know, its times like this you truly realize how time goes by so fast. To watch babies grow into children and then into tiny adults, its crazy. It’s the same with my cousins. I am the oldest in the family and was the first born, so I was able to see them all grow up right in front of me. And today, Diana is married and expecting her first child, Alexandra has graduated college and is now working in her field, Nicky is working and enjoying life, and Jonathan is pre-med and almost done with school. Crazy!

It just goes to show you that we can only take one day at a time and appreciate what life brings our way. There is no reason to rush or grow up too fast, time already does that for us. We just need to pace ourselves and enjoy every minute. Because before we know it, we have years to look back on and tons of memories to remember.

I took this photo before Lee turned 1 years old. She was so tiny and precious. Now she’s a 9 years old ready to take on the world. Where does the time go. Happy Birthday Leona!!

Inspiration Photo Friday: Time - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Contentment

07 Friday Jun 2013

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appreciation, beauty, contentment, evolve, family, friends, growth, happiness, life, love, nature, relationships

Today is a windy and cold morning here on the island. There is a storm coming our way so the air is fresh and everything has a dewy look. I love how this weather makes all the trees, grass, and plants a more prominent green. When the beauty of nature is accented, it makes you see the world a little bit different.

I stepped outside my back door today to let my dogs out and just took in how pretty my yard looked. Every time I am back there, I appreciate it more and more. The fact that I am content with where I am in my life and where I have chosen to build a family, surely makes me happy. My past has brought a lot of things, but feeling content was not really on that list. Sure, at times, but as a whole I always wanted more or something new. I guess that is part of growing up.

I know perfection doesn’t really exist. People, relationships, careers, children, you name it, nothing is perfect. We all have our issues and deal with them in our own ways. I can definitely say my life isn’t perfect, but I am content with how it is and look forward to the future. Rather than always wanting to move and evolve at a fast pace, I can take day by day and see what what comes my way.

I think that if you sit back and think of all the good things you have, the beauty that surrounds you, and the people who love you {as well as the ones you love}, you will realize that things aren’t so bad. Contentment doesn’t mean you want to stay where you are forever. It just means you appreciate all you have and are happy with how far you’ve come. It’s a mighty good feeling.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Changes

31 Friday May 2013

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change, earth, evolution, family, friends, grounded, journey, life, mother earth, nature, trees, world

The world we live in will always change. That goes for each of our lives as well. Expecting people to stay the same is very naive, we all grow and evolve. Hopefully, its for the better. My life has certainly gone through a lot of change, from childhood to now. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I look around at the people in my life, both friends and family, everyone has changes they are going through. From babies and marriage to ending relationships, moving, and coping with death, its all important to their growth as individuals. And it all happens for a reason, even if its not that great at the time. I can vouch for this for sure.

The photo below was taken recently while my husband Dan and I were on our vacation in Massachusetts. There is always something about a quiet road or path that inspires me to keep going in a positive direction. This photo also reminds me of one thing that will never change, nature. Mother Earth is always there to surround you with love and protection, sharing its beauty every chance it gets.

So when there are times that change gets a little too much, visit a park or take a peaceful walk in the woods. You can always count on nature to keep you grounded and calm. It’s the one thing that can never be taken away. So cherish it with all your heart and appreciate all it does for us. Because it doesn’t just give, it teaches all of us about the one thing we can’t escape, change. Evolving every minute, Earth does a fantastic job at showing us how to evolve with grace.