Inspiration Photo Friday: Keeping Cool

02 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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cool, fall, garden, gardening, growth, happiness, home sweet home, life, love, nature, plants, positivity, summer, weather

This past week or so has been super nice around Long Island. Even though its late summer, there has been a break in the hot weather and keeping cool has been much easier. I am loving it. Especially, since I am not a fan of the warmer season. And its interesting because my home, as well as Dan and myself, have been undergoing a change as well. Not to mention, friends and family around us. It’s like the weather helped guide us all to something new or different.

Being able to have all the windows open in our home, instantly changes how it feels in here. Letting the fresh air in, as well as the sweet sounds of birds chirping, helps me to relax and feel more at peace. If there is a way I can let nature in, I take it. Just thinking about fall and how close it is, makes me so happy. So all this cool weather has been holding me over till September rolls around. I can’t wait.

The photo below was taken this morning. It’s of various plants and herbs we planted in our patio garden box. It’s amazing to see how everything has grown since we put them in the ground, it truly fascinates me. All the little bugs that call this garden home have a safe place to be and each plant gets to thrive to its fullest potential. I am sure they have been loving this cooler weather as well.

I feel your surroundings have a major impact on how you feel and live your life. During the summer, my husband and I feel a little trapped because we don’t like the heat. Whereas fall brings a whole new world. The fact that we’ve been keeping cool much more lately, allows us to have a more positive outlook and enjoy our surroundings a lot more. To feel happy within ourselves and to see the world around us grow and evolve, makes all the difference.

picstitch

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: Seek and Discover

12 Friday Jul 2013

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beauty, challenge, change, determination, discover, earth, evolution, growth, intense, life, nature, patience, pear tree, seek, strength, thoughts

Throughout my life, I’ve had to reinvent myself many times in order to adapt to change. We all do. I don’t mean become a different person, I just mean evolving and growing at a faster pace. Some people have a hard time doing that but I just never had a choice, so I got used to it. You really learn a lot about yourself when life is a constant challenge. I always felt it was healthy to seek out the “new” within you because you never know what you will discover.

I took this photo the other day in our backyard. We have two cherry trees which always bloom in the spring and grow the cutest plump cherries in the summer. I love watching the process. We also have a small pear tree not too far from them, but I never really pay attention to it because it just doesn’t really grow. Well, the other day I visited the tree and to my surprise there were tiny pears hanging off its branches. This really made me smile.

It’s moments like this that remind me of how life can be funny, yet intense. There are new and exciting things out there, right in front of you, that are just waiting for you to discover them. Some may be scary or sad, but it’s these things that inspire growth and change and push you to see more of you are, as well as who you can be. Some may even remind you of who you once were.

Today, I still encounter challenges on a daily basis. They keep my thoughts flowing and my determination to move forward, right on the surface. The strength and patience I have gained throughout the years surely make a big difference in my battles as well. This all makes up “me”. And because of all the times I had to seek within myself to persevere, I have discovered there is an endless amount of beauty that will always remain. No one can destroy it or take it away because it’s all mine. And I promise myself to let it shine every new day I have on this Earth. Okay “life”, bring it on. I’m ready for your next journey.

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.