On the Eve of 39…

I took this photo in the middle of week-day while working at my desk. This is the view I had for the first 5 months of living in Laurel Canyon during the day. Me.

As many would agree, I've always had a fond relationship with mirrors. They covered the walls of most rooms in my childhood home and I am enjoying having a little more reflection around again after all these years. However, being forced to see yourself all day sure does give you a better idea of what you really look like.

And it has come to my attention that I now look like an almost-39-year-old. My face is a little thinner. My eyes look a bit mored tired. Sometimes I even look like a mom!

Tomorrow is the last day I will ever be 38. On Thursday I will begin my path down the finale of the 30s. I am curious how they will wrap up. My life feels very peaceful and pleasant these days on one hand, and on the other, there is slight confusion and struggle with what exactly my dreams are for the rest of my life. I'm feeling like right-about-now would a great time to figure that out.

Peaceful Easy Grieving

For as long as I can remember, I have experienced grief in what some might consider an unusual manner. In times of great loss, I feel, ironically, most alive. I assume the pain I experience is similar to others, however, the manner in which my body responds is surprisingly peaceful. While recently perusing through my many collections of photos, I came across these two images that capture the same emotion for me. This is my vision of what grief can be… beautiful, deeply sad and peaceful.

Paris, France September 2009

Chico, California July 2009

Visit to Grandpa Jim

In 1991, I scattered some of my Dad's ashes in a campfire pit in a gorgeous spot in Bidwell Park in Chico. I used to run there in the early mornings to visit my Pops and stay connected to him. Since moving from Chico in 1995, I have missed this spot as it has become, for me, his grave.

Here I am, 17 years later, back in Chico spending a few weeks introducing my 6-year-old son to the magic of summertime in this sweet town. Because Woody seems to have an amazing connection to Grandpa Jim already, I thought he would enjoy visiting this special spot.

I feel good knowing that Woody has a place to go visit Grandpa Jim now and he even named the swimming hole next to the campfire pit 'Grandpa Jim's Swimming Hole'.

68 never looked so good!

I'm sure every little kid grows up thinking their Mom is the most beautiful woman in the world. Crazy thing is… mine really is! Today is her 68th birthday. As you can see from the photo above, she looks as gorgeous in 2009 as she did back in 1970. Today I celebrate and honor this incredible lady. Happy Birthday Mama!

Spring Break Sketching

Woody and I spent one afternoon of our Spring Break road trip in April drawing the view from my in-laws' incredible home in Camarillo, California. To say it is stunning would be an understatement. I love the way these drawings both capture a moment I will never forget sitting with my son in the hot afternoon sun drawing for two hours – silent, together and happy.

... I need a blog.

Being Molly Tuttle, I realized I need a blog.

My life is filled with hilarious moments, beautiful places, amazing people, exciting adventures and sacred moments. I am ready to share these tidbits of what I experience with the interested reader. And away we go...