View From Here // My Fair Lady

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

In Your Face

Happy Golden Birthday!  Love you brother!

♥, Molly 

Christmas Greetings 2012!

Although Jill and I may be half-way around the world from each other (Hey there, Australia!) we still wanted to make our annual Christmas video.  (Hello 2009, 2010, and 2011.) Admittedly 8000 miles was a bit of a set back.  However, we dusted off some footage, added one of our very favorite holiday songs, tossed in a picture from our last trip together, and voila:  a wonderful Christmas time!

Wishing you a Simply Wonderful wherever you may be!

Christmas 2012 from Jill Cox on Vimeo.

Much much love,
Molly (& Jillie)

View From Here // Once A Year

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

Ho Ho Ho!

credits from The Northern Light

This year my grandpa was asked to play Santa at the Christmas celebration in his little town.  Don't know about you, but between this kid and I, we think he's the real deal.

♥, Molly

View From Here // Take Away Brigade

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

View from Here // Desert Caravan

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // New Friends

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

photo by Sharon

♥, Molly 

View From Here // Hodariyat Bridge

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

View From Here // Morning Paddle

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

View From Here // Frida Kalho

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

Instant Love: an Instax Summer in Bellingham

U-pick blueberries

Indian Paintbrush

Sam ♥

Pop's 85th birthday!!

the ever-lovely Rosie Schultz

my momma

a break in the clouds

Although I was home for 5 weeks this summer, my little Instax camera and I were sadly separated for 4 of them.  Good thing I love these prints so much--it somehow balances things out and makes me feel less sad to only have 7 instax from the whole US trip!

Although I'm not sure I will ever be able to do more than visit, Bellingham will forever hold a special little place in my heart.  I think you can see that in these prints.  It's such a gift to be with people you love in a place you love. 

♥, Molly

View From Here // Slices

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

 ♥, Molly

Up & At 'Em!

This is what happens when you come home from an Emirati wedding at 2 o'clock in the morning. Chai and chocolate much?

♥, Molly

View from Here // Painting Party

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama

an image // from the week // no words

 ♥, Molly

View from Here // Binat & Bubbles

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

 

♥, Molly

View from Here // Abu Dhabi Film Festival

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View from Here // Mosque in the Afternoon

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View from Here // Airport Arrival

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View from Here // Cupcake Date

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // Rainbows, Butterflies & Sunshine

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // 12 Months

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

View From Here // Heliotrope Ridge

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // My Happy Place

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // The Day Before the Big Day

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // Golden Gate

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // Yodelayheehoo

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // Astoria to Brookings

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // UP

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words



 ♥, Molly

View From Here // Kitchen Tetris

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

View From Here // Time Gone By

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

Sweet Land of Liberty

July 4th, 2011 & July 4th, 1985

Happy Birthday America!  I'm excited to see you sooooon!

♥, Molly

Yeehaw!

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

 ♥, Molly

View From Here // Go with the Flow

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

Happy Summer Solstice!

A hazy sunset from the Burj Khalifa

Oh, sweet summer!  I'm so glad you're here!
♥, Molly

Pumpkin on the Prowl

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly 

Last Day of School

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

 

♥, Molly 

View from Here // Gulf Waters

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

Make My Dreams

Ooo-ooo, ooo-ooo.

Although I love playing games, my new favorite party activity is the photo booth.  (Did you ever see this?) The photo booth at Hannah's shower was no exception.  It took a bit of encouragement to get people involved, but by the end of the afternoon we managed to get every guest in at least one picture.  Success!


Happy shower!
♥, 
Molly 

P.S.  This is my first time to edit the video! (New Years resolution:  check!)  Special thanks to Jill for gifting me a little imovie lesson and for all of her help & patience! 

From the Hip

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

For this week's View From Here, I have an image up on Jill's lovely little travel blog, Battered Suitcases.

Please hop on over to check it out!
♥,
Molly

Yosemite on my Mind

My mom and I are planning a little trip to Yosemite this summer. (!!!!!)  It's a destination that has been on my list for a long, long time.  In fact, I can still clearly recall an Ansel Adams print of Half Dome hanging in the home of family friends--a memory that dates back to 1991.  I was 8.

As is often the case, now that I'm serious about going, "Yosemite" seems to be everywhere.  Links, people who've been, books, articles, and photos just keep popping up all over the place.  (Someone once told me this is called "top of the mind consciousness".  I guess it's a marketing term.)  Of all the resources that I've run across lately, this video has definitely made an impression.  It's both terrifying and amazing--to such a degree that my palms were sweaty after the first time I watched it. 

Warning:  If you're scared of heights, this video is probably not for you.



See what I mean?
♥, Molly

Holy Moly!

inspired by {this moment} by soulemama
an image // from the week // no words

♥, Molly

Look Both Ways

This video shows the organized chaos also known as "traffic" in Ho Chi Minh City.  Although we didn't get a chance to visit HCMC, Hanoi bears a striking resemblance.  Crazy!


by Rob Whitworth as seen on The Occasional Traveler

♥, Molly  

Birthday Boy

My boy is turning 22 today!  I've been missing him a lot lately--his quiet ways, soft nose, and steady clip clop.  I'm so thankful for the countless happy memories we've shared out riding among the hills. 

Happy Birthday, Charlie!
♥, Molly

Memoirs of a Giesha

{7.2012}

Another hostel find.  Another quick read. 

It's an interesting (though fictional) glimpse into the life of a geisha working in Kyoto, Japan before and after World War II.  I'm sure it's full of stereotypes but I honestly don't know enough about Japanese culture to sort between the truths and the fallacies.  The main character does a beautiful job of narrating her life, but after awhile I wanted to smack her.  Her identity is wholly dependent on the love of a certain character.  The sappy ending was also a bit much.  When I think of it as "memoir" it bothers me.  When I think of it as fairytale, then it's much easier to like.

♥, Molly

It's Not About the Bike

{6.2012}

It's always interesting to exchange books at the hostel. On one hand, the selection can be less than ideal.  On the other, it nudges you towards books you might otherwise ignore.  I found this little book sandwiched between 15 books in German, the 3 Paul Coelho novels, and a token Stephen King title.  Although skeptical at first, I actually consider it a decent find.

Let me be clear:  Lance is defintely a better biker than writer.  (Then again, I've never read a sports memoir.  Maybe his isn't so bad?)  Even if  putting his experiences into words isn't his strength, choosing to write a good story with his life kind of speaks for itself.  He's had to overcome intense challenges, puts his whole heart into what he's doing, lives an extremely disciplined and dedicated life, and never ever gives up.  If you can read past his sexist comments and the way he doesn't always treat people very nicely, you start to cheer for him and you want to see the underdog win.

On a more personal note, the #1 reason I liked this book was because I was able to relate to his experience with cancer.  The unknowns, the hundreds of trips to the hospital, his frustration with being sick, the floundering during "survivorship," and the battle for his thoughts were all too familiar.  His long, painful, and extremely difficult road to recovery somehow makes my road seem easier.  His determination, his commitment, and his appreciation for life are clearly inspiring.  It's obvious why he became an American hero.

♥, Molly

P.S. I was disappointed to learn that after the publication of his book he seems to have lost focus.  He divorced his wife (whom he openly adores in his book), faced several messy doping allegations, and was associated with a few too many racing scandals.  Bummer.

On the Road

{5.2012}

According to audible.com, the average reader only gets through 5 books a year.  Thanks to On the Road I'm proudly wearing my "5 Book" badge.  Yay! 

However, don't mistake my cheering as praise for this book.  I know it's well loved, but I really didn't like it.  It was just too depressing.  The more I read, the more unhappy I felt--like I was absorbing the characters' dissatisfaction with life, their constant searching, their lack of fulfillment.  The selfishness of it all really got to me.  So many people hurting one another, leaving spouses and kids behind, lying, taking advantage, throwing away potential, etc. etc. etc.

At least I have to give this book props for being honest.  Life is hard.  Hurt people hurt people. Happiness is fleeting.  True, true, true.  BUT a downer isn't exactly what I'm looking for when I pick travel books.  If you do read it, prepare yourself--it's going to be bleak.

♥, Molly 

The Hobbit

{4.2012}

A good little adventure book.  It's much easier (and more enjoyable) to read than The Lord of the Rings.  Plus, did I hear they're making a movie?

♥, Molly

Chocolat

{3.2012}

Beautiful description.  Flat plot.  Magic realism.  Interesting characters.  Unanswered questions.

Not the greatest, but at least it's good enough to make me want to see the movie.

♥, Molly