This weekend was filled with highs and lows. Low-waking up to the news of Friday’s horrific movie shooting, High-meeting all of Mike’s friends from work at a great BBQ thrown by his boss later that night. Low-potty training Coco without air conditioning in 100 degree heat, High-watching Coco use the potty after sitting with her on the bathroom floor for 30 minutes. Low-sitting in a movie theater hoping not to get shot, High-getting the news one of my besties is finally having her baby girl.

I start with the lows because I try to end things on a positive note, here and in life. Trust me, it’s not always easy. But what could be more positive than meeting great people, watching your child succeed and welcoming a new life into the world. To every thing turn, turn, turn. I credit my Zen-master husband with most of my positive thinking. He never wallows, whines or wastes time on being sad (like me). “It is what it is,” he says to me. It drives me crazy at first and then it makes me feel better, not sure how or why. It’s cliché, but I find most clichés to be true-life is short and you never know when it’s going to be over. So today, and as many days as I can, I’m trying not to waste it on fear, jealousy or sadness and do the best I can to make the choice to be happy. I hope you are too.

I discovered the photography of Gray Malin last night on Honestly WTF and an hour later I found myself still lost in his world of beaches from around the world. He shoots them from doorless helicopters, so cool. The colors and shapes were so relaxing and inspiring to look at, and all I can say is my bare walls are crying out for one of these bad boys below. The girls and I have been to the beach twice this summer and both days were cold and cloudy. Of course they still ran around in heaven, and fortunately I had my trusty beach sweater (yes, I NEVER leave the house without a sweater) to keep me warm, well sort of warm. We’re going again next week, wish us luck!

Photos by Gray Malin