back to life
Books, recipes, creative outlets, favorite people, and small moments that feel like coming back to myself.
Back to Life is the softer side of My Second Half Self — a place for the things that help life feel meaningful again. Here, you’ll find book reflections, recipes, creative tools, community features, and everyday moments that remind me I’m still becoming.
Not because grief disappears.
But because life keeps offering small invitations to begin again.
This keeps the emotion, but makes the page less grief-heavy and more aligned with the “living again” side.
Featured Editorial
The Quiet Work of Healing: When Creativity, Trauma, and Purpose Intertwine
When Julia from Refined Media 716 asked to share my story, I didn’t realize how much it would make me pause and look at where I’ve been and who I’m still becoming.
This piece touches the parts of healing that don’t always have words. The quiet moments between who you were and who you’re learning to be. The ache of loss that somehow teaches you how to love differently — maybe even more deeply.
My Second Half Self has always been about that space, the in-between. The rebuilding. The rediscovering of yourself when life as you knew it is gone.
I’m honored to have this story told through such an intentional lens — one that reminds us that healing and creation are not separate… they’re how we find our way home.
People I Love & Support
A curated space for the people, businesses, creators, and voices that inspire me, ground me, or remind me what it looks like to keep creating a meaningful life.
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![A cartoon-style logo featuring a woman with long blonde hair, wearing headphones and glasses, smiling into a microphone with the text 'The 509 Unfiltered' below her.]()
The 509 Unfiltered
Jessica Taylor
She’s bringing her grit and fire to the mic on The 509 Unfiltered. Based in Eastern Washington, the podcast is raw, real, and rooted in community. Jess dives into everything; small-town politics to the unfiltered realities people often shy away from. It’s honest, bold, and full of heart—just like her.
Give The 509 Unfiltered a listen. Because voices like Jess’s? They don’t come around often.
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![A box of Wild Heart brand tasting vinegars with four bottles inside, each labeled with different flavors, surrounded by black boxes and tasting notes on a wooden surface.]()
Wild Heart Sipping Vinegar
Julie Tiede
For founder Julie Tiede, cooking wasn’t just a way to feed people—it was a way back to herself. What started as small-batch creations in her kitchen became Wild Heart Sipping Vinegar, a handcrafted blend of bold flavors and feel-good ingredients that nourish from the inside out.
Whether you’re adding it to cocktails, marinades, or just a splash in sparkling water, Wild Heart is more than a vinegar—it’s a reminder that love lives in the little things.
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![A man standing in front of VIZ Art Ink Gallery, smiling, wearing a black shirt and gray cap, with plants and artwork visible behind him.]()
Viz Art Ink
Gregg “Viz” Visintainer turned personal expression into purpose. What began as classroom doodles became a powerful outlet for healing, storytelling, and connection. His detailed pen-and-ink pieces are filled with hidden words and imagery that reflect each piece’s deeper meaning.
Much like My Second Half Self, his work is rooted in using creativity as a way to process, express, and move forward. Explore his work at www.vizartink.com and discover how art can say what words sometimes can’t.
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![Sophia Cosola Real Estate Broke from WA state in NYC]()
Sophia Cosola | John L. Scott Real Estate
Sophia isn’t just a realtor, she’s a trusted friend who shows up with heart in everything she does. Whether it’s guiding families through a move or helping someone find their forever home, Sophia makes the process feel supported, honest, and human.
If you’re in Washington and looking for more than just a transaction, Sophia is who you want by your side.
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LWJ College Fit Consulting
Linda Weyler Jacobson
She is a former Lady Griz standout, Kodak All-American Honorable Mention, and Big Sky Conference MVP. A wife and mom of two boys, she now works with athletes and families through LWJ College Fit Consulting, the business she founded in memory of her mom. She believes sports and life are about relationships that last far beyond the season. Learn more at www.lwjvideo.com.
Explore Back To Life
Home Creation & Organizing
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Ohuhu Markers for Adult Coloring Books No bleeding 60 Colors Coloring Markers
Water-based Dual Tips Fineliner & Brush Drawing Pens Art Markers for Kids Adults Sketch Journal - Maui - Black
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Landscape Notebook (3 pack - 10" x 7.5" Horizontal Lined College Ruled, 160 pages (80 sheets)
Your favorite Landscape Notebook now sold as a 3-pack online at Amazon.com. The Landscape Notebook is a sideways horizontal notebook that is perfect for students, professionals, and creatives. I
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Pretty Simple Lettering: A Step-by-Step Hand Lettering and Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Beginners
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer looking to expand your skills, this book is your pathway to the beautiful world of hand lettering and modern calligraphy.
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Spiral Notebook Journal 7.6” x 10”, 300 Pages Hardcover Leather Lined Journals
Hardcover Leather Spiral Notebook Journal- Made from high quality vegan leather, no animals were harmed. Sturdy and water-resistant…
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Rileys & Co 2025 Floating Weekly Planner - Annual Weekly & Monthly Agenda Planner
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Mr. Pen- Colorful Felt Tip Pens, 8 Pack, Fine Felt Tip Pens Fine Point
Set Of 8 Felt Tip Pen, Medium Point (0.7mm)
Assorted Color In: Black, Pink, Orange, Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Purple, Red
Smear And Fade-Resistant, No Smudging
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Spiral Notebook, 4 Pack A5 Lined Journal for Women, Hardcover Spiral Journal with 2 Pockets
College Ruled Notebooks, Cute Notebook for Office, School Supplies, Gifts (160 Pages, 6.3" x 8.46")
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66 Pieces Bullet Stencils Journal Planner Templates Set DIY Drawing Templates
Kit Plastic Journaling Productivity Accessories for Notebook Diary Scrapbook Graffiti Painting Projects Supply, 4 x 7 Inch
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DIVERSEBEE Bible Highlighters with Soft Chisel Tip, 8 Pack Assorted Colors Pens No Bleed
Quick Dry Set, Cute Aesthetic Markers, Bible Study Journaling Supplies and Accessories (Earthy)
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Journal Planner Pens Colored Pens, Office School Supplies, Fine Point Fineliner Drawing Art
Markers for Bullet Journaling Scrapbooking Notebook Writing Note Taking Calendar Stationary, 18-Color
Sometimes the quiet work of my hands says what my heart can’t. Between laundry, coffee, and sourdough stretch-and-folds, I’m learning how the smallest routines can anchor me — helping me find stillness, presence, and gratitude in this second half of life.