Archive for October 2009

Just Another Day On The (Nude) Beach

Michelle Stimpson & Bill Stimpson_Honeymoon

Many of you who know Bill and me have heard this story before, and many of you have even graciously paid it forward and re-counted the legendary tale to friends; everyone enjoying a good laugh at our expense.

Through the years, we’ve had people who meet us for the first time say, “Oh! So you’re the couple who…” Yep, it’s us. So at your urging to share this story again—and because it definitely ties-in with following your joy—here it is in print.

Following our wedding day in 1994 we embarked on a honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean. The week of vacation was magnificent, and it was a wonderful way to start our new lives together, especially after all the fanfare of a big, traditional wedding.

On the cruise ship following our first day at sea, we attended a big meeting led by the Cruise Director telling us what to expect on our first port of call—the West Indian island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Getting “briefed” on the nude beach

“The island is half French and half Dutch,” he said, “And you may have heard about the nude beaches on the French side…” Read more »

What a Willow Tree & Roller Skates Have In Common

Willow Tree

I recently stumbled upon a willow tree near my walking path. It reminded me of when I was a kid and I used to love the willow tree in my grandparents’ backyard, where I’d hide amongst its long wispy branches. So a few weeks ago on my walk, I kept feeling a nudge to go over to the tree; to be a kid again and feel its safe protection.

But the tree was far off the path, and the grass was wet from a recent rain, and I didn’t want my new running shoes to get muddy, and on and on including a ton of other excuses.

At about that same time, a good friend had her 40th birthday party at a roller rink. She rented out the entire place for a few hours and we were all invited to join in on the fun. When I was a kid, I was a fantastic skater, and I was excited to see the good ol’ neighborhood rink once again and hang out. As Bill and I were getting ready to leave the house, though, I emphatically asserted myself and said, “I’m just letting you know right now that I’m not putting on skates!”

My reaction about the burden of going over to the tree and my stubbornness about not budging with the idea of skating had me, well, pretty disappointed in myself. I always say that life is all about living…but for whatever reason, I seemed to have Read more »

Jefferson Starship and “Miracles”

Michelle Stimpson & Marty Balin
The last several years I have really paid attention to synchronicities in my life. Wikipedia explains “synchronicity” as the experience of two or more events that are causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. To count as synchronicity, the events should be unlikely to occur together by chance.

One of the coolest examples, that always makes me smile, is when the 1975 Jefferson Starship song “Miracles” plays on the radio. A few years ago, Bill and I went to an outdoor summer festival, catching this 70’s spin-off of Jefferson Airplane performing on stage. If you know us, we’re all about the front row and being up close, so we got to the stage area early to take in the summer sun and finish off our burgers and beers.

Just then the legendary rock band’s founder and vocalist, Marty Balin, came out to do a soundcheck. We smiled and waved to him, and I’m sure it was obvious that we were excited for the concert. So Marty asked if we wanted to come backstage and hang out before the show. We enthusiastically made our way through the gate and got fitted with special wristbands. We had Marty all to ourselves Read more »

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The Editor & Blogger

Michelle StimpsonSo glad you're here! This blog is especially for cool people who want to experience joy and live a life of purpose. Welcome!

You'll find great stories that will inspire you and remind you that life is good, and there's an abundance of joy all around us. When you follow the things in life that make you come alive and bring you joy...the magic begins to unfold!

To get started, check out the "Top 20" list below (feel free to leave a comment on any of the posts; I love hearing from readers!). Most importantly, begin to think about how you will choose to follow your joy.

Thanks so much for visiting and please consider subscribing above. Looking forward to the ride with you!

Michelle Joy Stimpson
Executive Editor & Blogger
Chief Joy-Follower

The Partner-In-Crime

Bill Stimpson Hi! I'd like to introduce myself, too, since I “show up” in so many of Michelle’s stories and posts here! I also serve as Michelle’s editor, helping her clarify intentions and make her posts shine.

One of the great joys in my life is being involved with this blog! It’s a constant reminder for me to focus on the things that bring me joy in life. It also feels great to be sharing so many of these joys with you, in hopes that you, too, will find ways to focus on your own joyful experiences.

Here's to an abundance of joy in your life!

Bill Stimpson
Hubby & Associate Editor

The Parent Company

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