Quotes I Strive to Live By-
There's no secret to balance. You just have to feel the waves. -Frank Herbert
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. -Dr. Seuss
Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused. - Rainer Maria Rilke
How All of This Began-
While on extended maternity leave in the fall of 2008, I came to realize that I wanted:
- to be home with my son (I LOVE having this time with him)
- to create more (teaching high school left me little time or mental energy for creating)
- to be self-employed (my husband & folks all are and are happier for it)
In May 2009, with my husband's blessing, I took the leap and officially resigned from my steady paycheck. Starting a business is slow going with a toddler on the loose, but I'm taking it all in stride and focusing on moving forward, however slow the pace is right now. Before I know it, my son will be off to pre-school and I'll have more time to devote towards building my "empire"!
For whatever we lose (like a you or me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea. -e.e. cummings
The Story Behind the Names-
Three By Sea is named for me, my husband and son. Technically we live by the Gulf, but it doesn't sound as catchy.
That's us. I love this picture.
The name Wide Sarcasm Sea is a play on the title, Wide Sargasso Sea, a book based on Bertha, "the crazy wife" from Jane Eyre. (I always disliked Jane Eyre's characer and felt sorry for Bertha.)
Where I Find My Inspiration-
I'm in a continual state of experimentation, testing product ideas and defining my aesthetic, but most of my inspiration comes from:
- a fascination with ocean life, with its vibrant colors and patterns
- the simple, relaxed lifestyle of coastal living
- everyday life with all of its insanity and absurdities (you know, all the bullsh*t that will make you crazy if you don't find a way to laugh about it)
- people who make me laugh
Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place. -Mark Twain
What Motivates Me-
Financially security, career satisfacation, a desire for fame and fortune, blah, blah, blah. But more specifically, I'm driven by a desire to:
- be self-employed
- set a positive example for my son
- make daily life more relaxing and fun for all through design and laughter
- pay off the 40K in student loans my husband assumed payment of when I gave up that steady paycheck
The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears, or the sea. -Isak Dinesen
Thanks for visiting and reading all of this! Hope to see you again, if not here, then in my shops!
Take care,
Nicole
P.S. In case you were wondering, this is my view of the Gulf from my back door.
