all things are difficult

October 20, 2013 in quotes

all things are difficult before they are easy- thomas fuller, watercolor by courtney khail

I find myself repeating this quote often- it's just so true. I remember the first time J. and I went kayaking- I was terrified. Like, surprised I wasn't visibly shaking kind of terrified and became uncharacteristically quiet. But I did it anyways, and eventually it just became natural. Don't get me wrong- I was still kind of scared each time (water and I have had a rocky relationship ever since I was caught in a rouge tidal wave as a kid- and is only made worse with movies like Jaws) but because I am super stubborn and unwilling to admit I wasn't capable of something, I'd suck it up and go for it. By the end of each day, I was stoked I had and just like that, it became easier.

I kind of think life is that way. Anytime you try something new, it's terrifying. And hard. But it should be because if it's easy already, then it's not a challenge and you're growing as a person. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself every time I start a new, yet scary, challenge.

featured-image-happy-talent-by-emerson-via-courtney-khail.jpg

It is a happy talent to know how to play

September 09, 2013 in quotes

quote by emerson, art by courtney khail

So true. As my friends and I are getting older, a lot of our conversations are revolving around buying houses, whether or not to have children (and when,) savings, careers, religion, etc. Deeper conversations that push you to think about what you stand for, what you want out of life, and just exactly how you'll going to try and achieve that. But even with such "adult conversations" we all still the desire to play. To enjoy the little moments, to ride bikes, to play ping pong, to stay up too late and laugh. It's something I hope we never really out grow. There is something so refreshing about play and it's ability to recharge you. Something about how it transports you back to childhood and makes everything seem both simple and breathtaking at the same time.

Happy Monday everyone! Don't forget to play this week.

(Also, today is the last day of the 29% off sale. So if there is something you've been eyeing, now is the time to snag it!)

it takes all kinds

August 25, 2013 in quotes

Today is my grandmother's birthday. Well technically, it's the birthday of 2 of my 3 grandmothers (MeMe wasn't actually blood related, but that's just a minor detail given the love we all felt for each other. My dad's mom- who died when I was 6- actually asked MeMe to take her place in watching over all of us. She didn't want to leave her only child- and his family- without a grandmother close by.) Seeing as it's their birthday (or would be, they've both passed) I thought it would be fitting for today's quote to be something my grandmother (my mom's mom who we actually caleld Grandmother because she wasn't a fan of anything else) always said.

watercolor by courtney khail

"It takes all kinds."

Normally, Grandmother would say this when she was trying to remind herself (or me) that even if we didn't agree with someone or prefer them, that they are still people and their options, etc. are still valid. To this day I constantly try to remind myself of that- especially if anyone hurts me (or if their actions simple just baffle me.) We all have a voice, a place, and the right to our beliefs- it takes all kinds.

Failing

August 19, 2013 in quotes

"If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough." -gretchen rubin (watercolor by courtney khail)

A good thing for all of us to remember; I've actually found myself repeating this often lately. I'm in the very (very) beginning stages of launching a new product and right now it's just as terrifying as it is exciting. Actually more 60/40 with excitement winning out. Either way, this quote has stuck around in my mind pushing me to test my limits.