Inspiration Photo Friday: Lots of Love

17 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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animals, anniversary, cottage, friendship, heart, life, love, marriage, massachusetts, nature, time, vacation, wedding

So much has been happening around here in my home, sometimes I forget to think. It’s surely been crazy with the kitchen renovation taking over our lives and both of use trying to juggle work in between. Orders have been coming in and I am preparing for the Forgotten Friends of Long Island Spring Fair tomorrow, so I have been a little crazy. But its soon time to move forward and be able to actually relax.

Monday is my first wedding anniversary and I can’t believe a year has gone by already. I can close my eyes and imagine myself back at the farm marrying my best friend, like its yesterday. Even though that day was sort of a blur itself. So much has happened since then, like my life always tends to be. It’s never dull, thats for sure! But Monday will not only begin a new year with my husband, it will launch our much needed vacation. I am so excited.

We aren’t doing anything extravagant, just renting a little cottage in Massachusetts surrounded by nature. It will truly be a relaxing and peaceful time away from life here on Long Island. Our dogs will be with us as well, as they always are, so it will be nice to share some quality time, just us four. I am especially looking forward to time with Dan to reflect on our marriage and all that life has brought us since our wedding day. Quality time with him is a must.

So for this Inspiration Photo Friday, I ask you all to look at the loves in your life and let them know you appreciate them. Whether its a partner or friend, show them they have a place in your heart. Sometimes life can pull you away and become a distraction, so create that quality time and be in the moment. Time seems to continue to fly by, whether we want it to or not, so live life to the fullest and let your soul truly shine.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Lots of Love - Photo by Lauren Elle
Photograph by Lauren Elle Photography

Color in Films: Beetlejuice

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films

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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: Fallen Souls

22 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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death, friends, friendship, loss, memories, memory, rememberance, sadness, souls

It’s a sad time when people you know or knew have passed away. Even if you are not close with them, it hits you at the core, and forces you to put life in perspective. Unfortunately, I have had many people in my life leave this Earth too soon, both family and friends. It is certainly not something I like to think about or remember, considering the upsetting thoughts that remain.

Yesterday, I heard, yet again, that a friend I knew growing up has died. I don’t know all the facts and am not even sure how it happened but it upsets me, to say the least. His name is Mike and he was a really good guy. We were neighbors in an apartment complex when I was a teenager and saw each other pretty much every day for the time I lived there. When I got older, around 15 or so, I started to hang out with him and his friends a little more, which led to us becoming closer. Back in the day, we surely had good times.

We roamed the streets together, explored different types of drugs together and got into trouble together. We were all a crew and Mike was someone who you could just count on. At least I did. About 10 or so years ago, his brother died of an overdose, which surprised us all. I was still living in New Jersey at this point so my mother and I went to the funeral. Years passed since I saw Mike but just recently, about 8 months ago, I saw him and a few other guys from our old crew at a benefit for a friend. It was really nice to see them all. I am so happy, especially now, that I got to see Mike and catch up. Who knew it would be the last time I would be able to?

Mike, Tony & Jimmy – June 8, 2012

There are fallen souls all around us. We don’t want to think of it but we know some people just let the worst of life get to them. It’s sad in so many ways. Every time I saw Mike nothing had really changed. When we talked, it seemed like everything was the same. I definitely couldn’t say that about my life as I have moved on and explored so many new things. I think some people just get stuck. Although they have made their own choices in life to be where they are, maybe it would have been different if they were led down a brighter path.

Take the time to appreciate who you have in your life and surround yourself with positive people. When you know a soul who has fallen, just hope they are in a better place. Picture them smiling and feeling happy, once and for all. I now have another friend who will be remembered and memories that shall be locked away forever. Tucked for good in a place that no one can get to. There, they will live on and be safe. Something I surely wish for Mike…xo

Mike, Jimmy & Tony – June 8, 2012

Inspiration Photo Friday: BFF’s Rule!

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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best friends, childhood, friends, friendship, growing up, love, wedding

Everyone has those special people in their lives they will always love and feel connected too. These can be family, friends and of course someone you are in a relationship with. I can probably count on my two hands the people I consider great friends in my life. They aren’t acquaintances or people I just met, they are the ones that I have known for years and will always be close with, no matter what.

My wedding day was a fantastic memorable day. I was so happy my friends could be there to celebrate with Dan and I and be a part of it all. Capturing these special moments was really important to me so I tried to get all the pictures I could. Of course I was all over the place and overwhelmed so I didn’t get as many as I would like but there are a few that truly make me smile.

This photo is one I will cherish forever. I am so thankful to my photographer, Lauren Elle, for capturing all of us so perfectly. I have known the people in this picture since middle school and have had the pleasure to grow up with them with and be a part of their lives. We were a crew back in the day and had gone through so much together. Although none of us really see each other that often, when we get together, its like we were never apart.

I only have one other photo with all of us together and it was taken in 2006 after I graduated. Now, six years later, we are still best friends and know that we will always have each other, no matter what. I can’t tell you enough how much I adore this photograph. I think back to when we were kids and how long its been since we all first met, over 20 years ago.

Meg is now a mom to a beautiful 6 year old girl, Hernan is working and focusing on his music, I am recently a Mrs., Joe is doing great with his partner Dan and having a blast traveling and living life, and Val is a new mom to a gorgeous little girl and engaged to the love of her life. I couldn’t be more happier.

Starting from the left – Meg {my maid of honor}, Hernan, Me, Joe & Valerie

This other photo captures what my girls and I have shared for so many years, a love for music. Asunta and I have known each other since 1996 when I moved to Florida. We have been great friends ever since and she even lived with me for awhile a few years ago. To the right is Heather, we’ve been close ever since I moved to Long Island back in 1996 {before Florida}. She was the first girl I was ever in a relationship with and I will always love her. We are still best friends and see other often as she lives only 25 minutes from me. Her present girlfriend, Brytni, is next to her, whom I adore greatly. They have been together for a number of years and I think she is awesome.

I have gone through a lot with Asunta and Heather throughout the years and we have so many great memories to look back on. This photo is one of my favorites though. It’s up on my wall with the other one, for all to see.

Starting from the left – Asunta, Me, Brytni & Heather

Remember to keep your true friends close to your heart. They are the ones that will be there to pick you up when you are down and give your life a special happiness only they can provide. BFF’s rule!