Michele Holcomb

summer:: manhattan beach

An awesome opportunity presented itself for Andre last Thursday. And we found our little family of four on a spur of the moment road trip to LA Friday evening. Before we left, I caught myself stressing out about everything; from thinking about the money we'll be spending, the wear & tear on the car, the drive, etc. I was seriously trying to talk myself out of going.

I'm so happy that we went because what I learned from this trip is "spontaneous escapades" are amazing.

Hello Manhattan Beach! 

This was Nyna's first time ever stepping foot on a beach. Anna's been to several different beaches in the past but I'm not sure she remembers.

What I want to remember is their joy as they stepped foot on the sand. Running towards the ocean. Their screams as the ocean water touched their feet. Their delight as we held hands and the water splashed us. Nyna falling into the water and exclaiming that "it really does taste like salt!" Their fascination with the surfers and their excitement as the ocean water swept back & forth to the shore. That few hours spent at the beach was totally worth the twelve hour drive. 

Goodbye Beach! We're so happy to have visited you! 

celebrating summer

 

Hello Sweet Summer!  The girls & my nephew are kicking into a slow gear spending their days at "Camp Booker's", which is just a fancy way of saying they'll be at my parents' house for the summer. This is no ordinary camp. There will be no rest for the weary.

Oh...there will be plenty of time for tv-movie watching/x-box playing/nap taking but the majority of the time will be spent learning, reading and playing outdoors (pending the weather).

Last week, my Dad had the kids make a summer to-do list. He's a big fan of list-making which is where I get my love for checking things off. At the top of each of their lists is swimming (of course) and summer-school activities. School may be out...but the extended learning will continue with a few field trips sprinkled throughout the months. Yes...they love school that much! I did too, though...so I guess it should be no surprise.

I just love my parents! I'm beyond grateful for the relationship they have with my girls.

I for one still have to work but I'm loving the ease of the mornings. No rushing through breakfast, no looking for homework or backpacks, no need to wash P.E. clothes at the last minute. Just time for me to get ready at my own pace, leave home at a decent hour and even have time to stop at Starbucks for a quick Iced Caramel Macchiato treat.

When my work days are done...I truly intend to savor this time doing the things that I love with the people I adore.

What about you? What are your plans this summer?

weekend: in photos

 

 Berkeley, CA -  I spent my Saturday hanging out with a friend shopping, eating, and creating late into the evening. They call this place The 4th Street. This was my first time down this way and it will definitely not be my last. 

There was such a great vibe in this area. Peet's coffee was bustling with customers from the smallest to the tallest; street guitarist were playing as people stopped to listen; the aroma coming from the restaurants was delicious; and the stores were amazing - Crate & Barrel Outlet, Sur La Table, Paper Source, Anthropologie and more. 

I'm already thinking up an excuse on why the whole family should take a day trip.

summer: in film

[click on images for better viewing]

 

In June we spent some time at a local place for children and families called Funderland. We typically only head down this part of town for birthday parties so I have forgotten how much fun this place is for the girls.

On this particular day, I brought along my father in law's 1960 Canon FT QL camera. I'm still learning how to use all of the different features and controls. I'm getting better at looking at surroundings, focusing, and trying to capture the essence of the moment. I didn't know what kinds photos (if at all) I would get from this old film camera; but I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. In our day and age of immediate gratification, I completely forgot what it was like to open a fresh package of film photographs.

These are not the best photos but I can tell you that once I opened them, it literally took my breath away. There's this old time feeling that they evoke. Not to mention I'm a little sentimental at the moment as my girls seem so grown to me right now. With school looming around the corner, I will officially be a momma to a highschooler. That first picture above really gets me as you can see my oldest just peeking in the park. All I was trying to capture in that photo was the sign above but what I got was even more priceless.

Happy Weekending!

outside my window

Outside my window is this beautiful tree with pink blossoms. It greets me every morning as I open the blinds to let in the sunlight. After two years in this home, I'm just now noticing the tree. I don't remember ever seeing it bloom this way. I regret not paying attention.

Outside my window I see people walking their dogs, families taking their nightly stroll, and neighborhood children playing. We live in a quiet community that I so deeply love.

Outside my window I sometimes see my husband pulling into the driveway and all is well in our world. When we are all HOME together. 

Outside my window is a new opportunity for our family. I will continue to tell myself this on an hourly basis because in all honesty, I'm going to really miss looking outside this window.

summer: state fair

 

 

 

 

 

We spent last Saturday at the California State Fair taking in the sights, the rides, and some of the delicious (but not really good for you) food. It's been ages since I've been to the fair and our first time as a family. 

Coming back after so many years just reminded me of my childhood. Walking with my dad as he took me from game to game as I was too afraid to go on the rides. When we got tired we use to sit on the grass and people watch. This is my most favorite memory of all. The prizes we won were just a bonus. 

And now as parent, watching my girls get excited as they are lifted in the air by the WindSurfer or eating the most yummiest grilled corn, I look forward to building memories that will last them lifetime. 

"life is sweet" - my version of the good list

This has not been one of my better summer weeks. Too many little things have happened that accumulated into one giant piece of [insert word of your choice]. 

Rather than soak in self pity, I decided to take the same approach from Heather Smith Jones, whose blog that I found recently in which she came up with the good list.

So here's my version of the "sweet" happenings this week:

• hearing the words from my 7yr old: "It's cuddle time mommy"
• reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• homemade smoothies and chocolate shakes
• an evening walk with Dre and the dog (just us)
• lunch with a co-worker & NOT talking about work
• thankful for one working vehicle at the moment
• linguine and zucchini pasta with roast chicken
• watching the movie UP for the first, second, third...time
• a sweet comment from a good friend on Facebook
• backing up files on an external hard drive (this really makes me super happy)

There. I feel better already. I need to do this more often. I attempted something similar to this last year called the Gratitude Album. I may need to revisit and tweak that project a little bit.

So, what's on your "good list"?

habit in july: some favorites

There's something fulfilling about capturing a moment in time, then adding the words to make it even more powerful. I always thought that a photo a day would be hard for me but surprisingly this has come to be second nature. This whole project has been so liberating. 

• One photo a day capturing a real moment 
• Thirty words or less to describe a moment or essence of your day

The collection of photos/words in the habit flickr group is really inspiring. Real life people sharing a tid-bits of their day, words of kindness flowing in the comments section, beautiful photos to add to my flickr favorites. Visit. I promise you will not be disappointed. 

Here are some of my own favorite photos that I've taken from the past two weeks: 

7/4 - looking at old family photos, laughing and hearing mom's stories was the best part of my day. 

7/5 - trying to have the "glass half full" perspective; but sometimes it's really hard.

7/8 - confession: i just love, love, love young adult books. ok...confession over. 

7/13 - sometimes i wonder if we're ever going to get time to just be by ourselves.  no kids. just us. 

7/15 - another confession: i really want to do this but i'm scared. thanks a lot mom & dad.   

habit in july

For the month of July, i'll be joining some amazingly talented people posting photos and short thoughts about our day from an open invitation to the world wide web by the Habit blog creators. 

I've been feeling like this summer is just moving way too fast; but in a sort of groundhog day movie fashion. My days are filled with repetitive motion and I feel that in capturing these small thoughts throughout my day will help break up the monotony.

So, if you're looking for a creative summer project, it's not too late to join the flickr group. 

See you there!

bring it on: summer beginnings

It's here! Summer Vacation can officially start. I'm bursting at the seams to give the girls their Summer gifts that I made for them, wrapped of course, in my favorite kraft wrapping paper and Martha Stewart twine. LOVE.

Last night, we celebrated Anna's 8th grade promotion. Surrounded by the people that love her most. It was all the more special because my little bro flew in from N. Virginia to celebrate this day with us. We were all surprised to see him (he likes to sneak into town every so often). Not the best photo but...seriously...my brother has the best relationship with my girls'. Their love really runs deep!

When they called her name, I swear we were the loudest people there. My heart was so full. I was so in the moment that I didn't get pictures of her accepting her certificate. To be honest, I didn't get that many photos at all. And...i'm actually okay with that. Just the memory alone will be with me forever.

We ended our evening with dinner at the Spaghetti Factory chosen by the graduate. Party of 11. Yes...that was us in the back of the restaurant. I apologize now for any commotion we may have caused. 

Now...let the summer happenings begin! First things first...swim lessons.