Life with Dylan

Category: Happiness

  • Sometimes you just have to take the tiger home with you

    Have you ever gone in a store with one specific item in mind and walked out with something entirely different? You have? Great, then you will understand exactly what happened to me the other day.

    You see, a friend at work told me about a store that had shoes for Dylan, so I ran over there on my lunch break to buy a pair. Well, they didn’t have any in his size. I figured I was already there so I would wander the aisles for a few minutes. As I turned the corner, I saw it.

    There it was. Just sitting there.
    Staring back at me with those eyes.
    Those eyes that said take me home.

    Dylan would love this! He has been working so hard over the past few months with his Reading for Wildlife and Cans for Critters fundraisers that I thought this would be the perfect gift. The perfect way to show him how proud I am of him.

    The only problem was the size – 5 feet wide and 40 inches tall. I drive a Prius. Will this fit in my car?

    If I wait, I just know that someone else will buy it.

    The canvas was only $40.

    Decisions to make. Justifications to make.

    Was it in the budget?
    No.

    Did it fit in my car?
    Barely.

    Was it worth it to see the look on his face?
    Absolutely!

    After a little thought and some rearranging to do this weekend, we have found the perfect wall for our new friend. I think it is only fitting that after our tiger encounter last month, we call her Mek – in honor of our friend who moved to the Fresno Zoo.

  • The kindness and generosity of a stranger that I will never forget

    Two weeks ago I received an email from someone I didn’t know. I met them a few days later, for a brief moment, and all I could do was smile and say thank you for your kindness and generosity – this means so much to me. Actually, I think I said thank you about 5 times.

    Here is the email:

    Hi Michelle,
    I just read Dylan’s story in the Newport Beach Independent. I think his dedication to his dreams and concern for wildlife at such a young age is not only admirable but, inspirational.
    Given his passion for Tigers, I have something he might be interested in having. It’s a beautifully framed picture of a tiger (believe it’s a Bengal or Malayan – not sure). It’s a print by a well known artist, Jouve. It measures about 30” x 45 or so.
    It retails for about $140 online. I’ve had it listed on Craigslist for $45 but, frankly that site brings out people who aren’t serious or who make an initial inquiry but never respond back. I thought given the excellent condition and low price, I’d surely find a buyer but, I didn’t.
    I then saw Dylans great story this am…. I’d like to give it to him, or you can give it to him as a gift yourself (doesn’t matter to me), no charge. Given his passion for Tigers, I think he might enjoy having it?
    I’ve attached some pics of the painting. If you think he might be interested in it, please let me know. I’m local in Corona del Mar. Thank you.


    The picture now hangs in our living room.
    Tigre Royal
    I may never see this person again, but I will remember them forever. This gift means more than any amount of money donated for Dylan’s birthday wish because this gift came from the heart. This gift is priceless.
    Pierre-Paul Jouve was an acclaimed sculptor and illustrator – he is known for his depiction of big cats and for illustrating a French edition of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Some of his work can be seen in the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

  • We Pinned It For Tigers – and we Won!

    As you may know, about a month ago I started a Pinterest board to create awareness and spread the word about the plight of the tigers. This board was created to enter a contest put on by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as part of their 40th Anniversary and Endangered Species Day. Little did I know that by creating this board I would find a new love for these big cats and spark a fire in my son’s heart as well.

    Dylan’s reaction to winning.

    Last week, the top three boards were announced on the San Diego Zoo Safari Parks Facebook page and we were one of them. Now it was up to the fans to vote and select a winning board. The grand prize was a Behind the Scenes Tour to meet the big cats of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Thanks to fan votes, we won the contest!

    I was so excited that I called Dylan’s teacher and asked if I could come share the good news with him during class. When I walked in the room, his eyes began to water. He knew why I was there. After sharing the story with his classmates, they all applauded and began asking him how they could help too.

    When creating my Pinterest board, I didn’t want just pictures of tigers – I wanted to show more. I found pictures of tiger cakes, tiger jewelry, artwork, and more importantly pictures that truly showed the plight of the tigers. These animals are being hunted by poachers in such a cruel manner. This is what I wanted to show, and in the process I was brought to tears. I found a new love for tigers that I was able to share and hopefully inspire others to share too.

    Our Pin It For Tigers Board

    Shortly after starting the Pin it for Tigers board, Dylan and I visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for Endangered Species Day. This is when Dylan found his love for tigers and decided to do his part.

    Together, Dylan and I will continue to share our love for tigers and all other endangered species – because we now know that even one person, no matter how old, can make a difference.

    Photo courtesy of World Wildlife Fund

  • Inspire. Support. Love.

    As a parent, I believe it is my job to help my son be the best he can be. To inspire him to follow his passions. To support him in his choices. To love him for having the drive and aspiration to learn more about the world around us.

    Meeting Zookeeper Rick – April 12, 2012

    We just spent three days in San Diego on a mini-vacation for Spring Break and aside from being exhausted from all the walking, I came to a realization. Not really a big surprise, but one that I know now I must support.

    My son has a deep love and compassion for animals. He thrives on learning more about them and sharing his knowledge with others.

    He respects the animals and their environments. Sometimes, to my embarrassment, he actually corrects tourists at the zoo.

    The other day there was a group of kids screaming inside the panda exhibit and he said, “Mom, can’t they read the signs? It says to be quiet in here.”

    He started to get really upset and proceeded to tell the kids to be quiet. During another instance, some people referred to the meerkats as prairie dogs – big mistake. Yep, he corrected them … while I looked the other way.

    This got me thinking. When did his love for animals start?

    (more…)

  • Is it a Slump or another Mountain to Climb?

    We’ve all been there. The feeling of listlessness, completely unmotivated, sitting on the couch … in a slump.

    Some slumps only last a few hours, others days. My slump has lasted about 4 days and frankly, I’m tired of being in a slump. Mostly because I can’t pinpoint why I’m here. What has caused me to be so tired and unmotivated to do anything?

    I managed to go through some paperwork last night and create some reasonable to-do lists. I feel like this is something I can accomplish this weekend. I have enjoyed relaxing and watching some of my favorite TV shows at night. I’m not feeling stressed out and I’m not getting sick.
    Then it hit me like a book in the head. Just like the stack of books I have cherished for so many years that sit beside my bed.

    My slump is caused by the realization that my life as I have known it for over a decade is ending. My life as a makeup artist is no more.

    (more…)

  • Blue Whale Trip with Aquarium of the Pacific aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises

    Dylan and I recently had the opportunity to join Aquarium of the Pacific on a special Blue Whale Trip with world-renowned Blue Whale expert, John Calambokidis aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises. This was not an ordinary whale watching trip. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that required me missing work and Dylan missing school.

    Anyone who knows Dylan, or reads this blog, knows how much he loves animals and learning about how to save the planet – one animal at a time.
    Me, well I’m partial to marine animals. Specifically dolphins and whales. Many people don’t know this, but many moons ago I majored in Marine Biology. Yes, this was my first choice of study … until I realized how much math and science were involved, which have never been my strong point.

    So tell me, how many people can say that they have seen a Blue Whale, the world’s largest animal, up close and in person … swimming wild and free in the ocean?

    Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific, Kera Mathes

    Well, you can add two more people to whatever that number may be because Dylan and I saw not one Blue Whale, but four Blue Whales!

    The weather wasn’t looking good – it was pouring down rain! By the time we arrived the rain and slowed to a light mist and things were looking good. Nothing was going to stop us from this adventure.

  • Wordless Wednesday – Blue Whale Sighting

    Seeing a Blue Whale for the very first time …

  • Date Night at #Disneyland

    This week has been so crazy with basketball camp and science projects that I thought it was time for a mother and son date night. Disneyland style!

    So last night with no planning, we grabbed our annual passes and headed to the “Happiest Place on Earth” for some fun and laughs. Just the two of us. No backpacks, no sunscreen, no camera (well, we had the cell phone, but not the real camera). We normally go to Disneyland during the day and Dylan is wiped out by 7 or 8 pm, so this was a whole new experience for him. Disneyland after dark.

    Since we haven’t been to Disney California Adventure Park in a few months, we started there.

    With all the construction going on for the new attractions we couldn’t take our normal route, so we walked around the long way … which turned out to be a fun adventure at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

    Dylan was excited because when we have come before this area is so crowded. Tonight it was perfect. Not too many kids and Dylan got to have some fun – Wilderness Explorer Style!

    Um, watch out for these stinky critters …

    Dylan had the best time running through the area and all the moving bridges. The only bummer was we were too late to get the Wilderness Explorer Badge. (The last ceremony is at 4:30 pm – next time for sure)

    Dylan even got to connect with his true “Animal Spirit” …

    After spending a good hour at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail it was Mom’s turn to pick something. If Dylan only knew what he was in for …

    My 8 year-old LEGO loving, Star Wars fanatic, 100% boy was about to go under the sea on the ride I have been dying to go on since it opened. Yes, The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure I have the best son ever! He huffed and puffed, but I know that he secretly enjoyed the ride.

    I went right into Little Mermaid mode, singing along and eyes wide open like a child. I was so entranced, trying to take everything in that I totally forgot to take pictures on the ride! haha

    The payback for going on the ride with me was that he got to ride the dolphin (my all-time favorite animal) on King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea

    We had a wonderful mother-son date night and will definitely do this again soon!

  • Who Wants Ice Cream?


    Ice cream makes everybody smile. I mean really, who doesn’t love ice cream?

    Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry … take your pick. One of the things I love best about ice cream is when I surprise Dylan with a trip to Baskin Robbins. This is our time to laugh and talk about the day we had. Watching him walk up and down the glass case, trying to decide what flavor to get, reminds me of my childhood. To a child, deciding what flavor to get is half the fun!

    Dylan must have tasted at least three different flavors before deciding on the Pink Lemonade Ice.
    I, of course, had my all time favorite … Strawberry Cheesecake in a waffle cup! It was a special day, I had to splurge.

    Savoring the flavor …

    Enjoying every bite …

    What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

  • Big Changes + momAgenda = Happiness

    So you may have noticed that the web address has changed. We can now be found at LifewithDylan.com and that’s just the first step. There are some exciting things in the works, but we can’t say just yet.

    Besides taking this mom blog to a whole new level, I am up to my eyeballs with Shel Cosmetics. Don’t get me wrong, I love staying busy and the business is doing great. Busy Mom means the company is successful! Needless to say, I am spending more time on the computer than I did when I was in school.

    So along with scheduling appointments, vacations, shipping out orders, getting Dylan to and from summer day camps, and preparing for the Fall marketing campaigns I am glad that there is one thing that can keep me sane.

    My beloved momAgenda

    I have always used the Personal Portfolio with a spiral refill and love the soft leather with pockets and snap closure to make sure all my papers stay inside, but I might change things up this year. The new Faux Crocodile momAgenda Desktop in Teal Blue seems to be calling my name every time I see it.

    image from momAgenda.com

    For those of you who are not familiar with momAgenda, this amazing product was created by a mom … for moms! Every detail and every event you can possibly imagine is part of this organizational system. Vacations, gift guides, favorite places, holidays, mom-friendly web address listings, just about anything is here at your fingertips! And they makes it so simple for you …

    image from momAgenda.com

    Thank you momAgenda for making my crazy, chaotic life a happy one!