Inspiration Photo Friday: Mother’s Day

10 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

Tags

confident woman, family, grandma, grandmother, gratitude, love, mom, mothers day, peas in a pod, women

Mother’s Day, to me, is a day to say thanks to the women in your lives who have made a difference and truly inspire. Yes, your mother is on top of that list, but its also your grandmother, aunts, and any women you know who is a fantastic mom. My mom, Nancy, is a unique individual. She has been through a lot and continues to stay strong as best she can. Being a single mother was hard enough but she raised me well and taught me a lot of great things, especially how to be an independent and confident woman. I thank her for that the most.

When I was a teenager, our lives were like a roller coaster. It was rough. And even though we were separated for a while as the years went by, and our relationship had its ups and downs, we still respect and love each other. As much as my mom has seen me grow, I have seen her grow into the mom and woman she is today. Of course, there are always lessons to be learned and at times life will make it truly hard to move forward, but she does move forward despite what’s in her way.

Today, she lives with an injury that has basically left her disabled, as she can’t work anymore. Her nerve problems don’t allow her to live a normal life and she needs help more than often to do everyday things. Living on medication for her pain and having to walk with a cane, are just two of the things she has had to get used to, and believe me, she hates it. She can’t even drive anymore, unless its a very short trip and she is feeling up for it. The whole situation sucks. This was the main reason for her moving here to NY to be close to me and family.

Despite our differences and issues we’ve had years ago, I love my mom very much. I am proud of her for tackling the obstacles that have been in her way and for staying true to who she is. I like to think of when I was a kid and all the fun times we had. We were two peas in a pod. When I look back at pictures we both look so happy. That is why I chose this photo for Inspiration Photo Friday. It’s one of my favorites because it captures just that, happiness. That is all I ever wanted for my mom and I hope that one day she can be truly happy again.

mom059-3

Color in Films: Beetlejuice

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films

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Tags

beetlejuice, comedy, death, family, films, friendship, love, new england, undead

Who hasn’t seen Beetlejuice? The story of this film is one to be remembered. Unique and strange as it is, the characters will make you laugh till you cry. You are sure to be constantly inspired by the original ideas that are expressed and how they are showcased.

Set in the New England countryside, a young couple decide to take the summer and restore/decorate their dream home. Suddenly, they both die in a car crash on the way home but realize they have become the undead. The story plays with the idea of death but with humorous undertone. As time goes by, a new family from New York move in the home with plans to renovate and turn it into a contemporary disaster. The couple try their hardest to scare the New Yorkers away while also deal with the fact that they are indeed dead, even though it feels like they are alive. All the while establishing a relationship with the one person who sees them, the depressed daughter.

Then comes Beetlejuice, who surely doesn’t need an introduction. Once the couple meet him, they gain knowledge about the undead as well as get into some trouble. The adventures are wacky and brilliant while as the same time exposing a dark side of life. I love how the color palette revolves around nature, with light and dark tones used to illustrate the emotion that runs through the film. With a happy ending, the film also tells a tale of friendship and love, which ties in very well with the characters.

This is one film from the past will always be current and sure to make you smile. Pops of color light the way as darker neutrals take you down the comedic depths of death. How can one resist?

Inspiration Photo Friday: Suburbia

18 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

american dream, brooklyn, earth, family, long island, nature, new jersey, new york, parks, peace, queens, quiet, suburbia, trees

Growing up in New Jersey, I was surrounded by trees, grass, parks and not much industrial exposure. What we all call Suburbia. Coming from Brooklyn, there was a very big difference in the environment. I really did love it though. I am a nature girl at heart so to be surrounded by the suburban backdrop made me happy. I also stayed with Aunt in Long Island almost every summer so that only enhanced my love for this type of atmosphere.

Now, this is not to say I didn’t like the city. Having family in Queens and Brooklyn and hanging out in NYC as a teen kept it alive for sure. But as I got older, my love grew more for the open spaces and cleaner air. The city like areas just felt congested, stuffy and loud. There is a special peace suburbia has to offer and its something I fell in love with more and more. What people call the American Dream, was very much on my mind. The house, the yard, having a family of my own, I would certainly make it happen one day. I am glad to say I did.

This photo was taken in a park on the island a few years ago while working for Patch. I think the parks here are gorgeous and most have so much to offer. As I looked up from where I was standing, it seemed so picturesque. Suburbia at its best. I captured the moment and to this day, I love this shot. In a way it feels like a painting to me, surreal and beautiful. The path so inviting, the trees so lush.

I am happy I placed my family and I in a space where I feel at home. I would never feel comfortable in a city like environment and am grateful I can live where my heart truly lies. I now have my peace and quiet. It’s funny to think about how I dreamed of living in Brooklyn or Queens when I was younger when I wouldn’t even consider it today. I guess that’s what happens when people grow up and change. Even though the one thing that has never changed is my love for the Earth. And now I can experience it everyday in my own backyard.

Little Holiday Heroes

13 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Decor Ideas, Events & Parties, Everyday Design, Shopping

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anthropologie, BHLDN, decor, dinner, family, festive, holiday, host, Jayson Home, linens, ModCloth, party, ruche, thanksgiving, Through the Country Door, VivaTerra, west elm, World Market

I always say, its in the details, because honestly, it is. Whenever I go to a party or wedding, even a dinner party, its the little details I see first. Whether big or small, they really show your guests you wanted the event to be special. When these little details are lacking, it just seems that sincerity is missing as well.

I searched for some really nice items to include in your holiday dinner this year for Thanksgiving. If you are not the host, than maybe you can use them the next time you have some friends or family over for a yummy meal. It’s always important to have fun and don’t overdo it. Especially, on a table where people are eating. Believe me, no one wants big centerpieces in their faces while they are trying to talk or tons of do daddies in their way when they want to get seconds. Keep it simple, clean and totally you.

Cutlery Portrait Napkin – Anthropologie