Throwback 2015

Happy New Year's Eve! Another year has come and gone, and as always, seems to go by way too fast. 2015 was not exactly what I had thought it was going to be but I am grateful for this year and for new beginnings. Life's full of twists and turns, bumps and bruises - I live, I learn. I'm a fighter. And I know that with a positive mind with positive vibes, this will always bring for a positive life. No one ever gets to have it all, at least not all at once, so with that in mind, I wanted to look back on 2015 to see where I've been and where I'm headed.

New Year Family Photo, 2015.

The Fisherman's Lily: A Novel by Suzanne Spiegoski

Winter 2015

The beginning to last year kicked off with a bang! Several years after working on finishing my first work of fiction, my dreams of getting traditionally published finally came true. It was a very exciting time, and to see the fruits of my labor come to life was one for the books. I've always wanted to write a novel and I'm so proud of my accomplishment. A lesson for the dreamers - you can do whatever you set up your mind to do.

I will be writing a full blog post next month, marking my 1 year anniversary since debuting my novel, The Fisherman's Lily. There I will tell you the full story behind how everything came together, from the first creative steps to publication, and all the sacrifices it took to make this happen, I can't wait to share with you guys! Want to read my book beforehand? It's available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, both in digital and paperback.

Spring 2015

The rest of the winter and beginning of spring were very difficult times. I had to learn one of the toughest lessons in life, that no matter how you might feel about only wanting the best for those around you; that even if you put their happiness before your own, never ever expect the same in return. Sadly, people can be extremely jealous and spiteful with a mission in life to make you as miserable as they are. Not your problem. The only person responsible for you is ... YOU! If you're not happy, how can trying to make someone else happy give you happiness? It's the same as if trying to love someone when you don't even love yourself. Not going to happen. You can try, but the end result will always be the same. You won't be happy until you decide this is the most important part of you. It's one thing to be a generous, kind and open-hearted person, but it's quite another to be taken advantage of, knowingly of your most genuine intentions. Bottom line? Do more of what makes you happy, dammit!

So after working as a figure skating coach for nearly ten years, I decided to completely walk away from it. (!) I know it seems pretty brash right? Wait. I loved the sport with everything I had and in return, it did not love me back. I never sought out to become an Olympic coach but only went back to the world of figure skating when I wanted to give something back from my pastimes as a skater. I adore children and at the time, I thought, "What better way than to do something like this and truly enjoy it simultaneously?" Sounded like a dream job, right? Not quite. I've always first and foremost have been an artist, someone in the creative field, and for me that was my writing and photography. But at some point, my focus was only on being a coach. I had little to no time for anything else. I managed to write a novel while coaching, but because of my limited time it took me over four years to complete. Upon finishing the book, my heart began to tug at it's strings, as if trying to tell me something wasn't exactly quite right. Like I had found all the missing pieces to a puzzle, except for the very last one I couldn't never seemingly find. And the lack of support amongst peers and colleagues was palpable, most of them acting disappointed that I'd ever want to do anything else with my life besides skating. It was time to go. It was an extremely tough choice to make but now looking back on my decision, it was one of the best choices I've ever made. My state of well-being literally depended on it! So, now what? 

Summer 2015

I really stepped out of my comfort zone when I chose to leave the skating world, but it was for the ultimate sacrifice. Now I have more time to do what I truly want to be doing, and for me, that was always in the arts. So, when one my of best friends suggested the idea of doing a boudoir photoshoot, I jumped at the opportunity! Agnes, or, 'Agi' is ridiculously talented and I was so honored to work with someone I hold so dear to my heart. Being photographed buck-naked out in the middle of the wilderness? Talk about being out of your comfort zone! I was really nervous about the whole process even though we're so close. Being a photographer, it is a real uphill battle to be the one in front of the camera. And because of my insecurities and lack of self-esteem, I didn't think she'd be able to bring that saucy lil' minx out of me, but...

Boudoir Photoshoot with Yellow Brick Collective, Summer 2015. Photo: © Agnes Fohn

I never felt more beautiful and if you look at more of the photos here, you'll really be able to grasp the sensibility in each of them. It clearly demonstrates a deep friendship filled with so much love and care. Thank you Agi, from the bottom of my heart, for such meaningful photos and for an even more meaningful friendship. I love you. x.

With my confidence in tow, I slowly but surely started working on my second novel. Unfortunately, the creative juices haven't been flowing as easily as I had hoped. To be fair, a sequel, or even a second novel is always more challenging than the first one. Without the first one, you'd have little room to grow and strive. I think the first one is to learn, more so than anything else. But as a writer, I believe there's a reason why one might get stuck on a particular project. Either your heart's not really in it or there's some sort of technical drawback that prevents you from continuing on your writing path.

A few years back I tried starting a food blog (sort of) where I would post a new recipe each week. With my coaching job along with trying to complete a book, I could barely keep it consistent after only doing it for a couple of months. But then during this summer, a lightbulb went off in my head. For so long, I wondered why I wasn't able to put together all my strengths and skills in one format, and then bam! MaQ + Suz popped into my mind and screamed, "DUH!" I had always wanted to incorporate my 'tools of the trade' into one concept, and it just felt so right and so good. I launched my lifestyle blog in August and since then it has taken off!  

Since it's launch 5 months ago, I've worked with over 20 brands ranging from jewelry to skincare products, to food & drink collaborations to dog-related events. MaQ + Suz is living up to it's statement, sharing our everyday lives with you, and I couldn't be happier doing it! Not only do I consider it to be the newest chapter in my life, but the most challenging workload I've ever taken on. And it feels absolutely fantastic to truly be able to do what I love for a living. It wasn't easy, but anything worth having takes non-stop hard work. That "can't stop, won't stop" mentality runs in the Spiegoski blood.

Fall 2015

The highlight of the Autumn season was the season itself. Any chance I can get I'll bring MaQ with me to take in the scenery and of course to gulp down some of that crisp, fresh air. The older I get, the more I appreciate nature and it's special rejuvenating, healing powers. The best part in life is not the destination, but the journey. I don't care how much money is to be made, or how much travelling I'll get crossed off my to-do/bucket list, because all of it wouldn't even matter if I didn't have my health and spirit. And it'd be meaningless without the ones I love and cherish in my life. My husband and MaQ show me on a daily basis the greatest lesson in life, and that is to love and be loved in return. Without love, without hope, without positivity, it'd all be irrelevant.

Life shouldn't always be a plan. You never know what you're going to expect but that's the best part of the journey. Remember to work hard, hope for the best (but don't be a fool and forget to prepare for the worst) and stay true to the ones you love most in life because without them, it'd be awfully lonely and the idea of making memories less and less important.

Me & MaQ in Harriman State Park, November 2015.

Cheers to the last blog post of 2015! I'm looking forward to what the new year may bring, and all the more excited to continue in sharing with you in what's to come. Life will bring disappointments and heartache, but it's all a matter of perspective. We are all blessed. Have a great night, be safe out there and take care!

Love & xx's,

Happy Holidays

Wishing our readers a wonderful Holiday season!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Love & xx's always,

The Best Gift

Three years ago today was the very first time my husband and I met MaQ! After several years of desperately wanting a dog in our lives, and perhaps a little more so on my end, we finally came to an agreement to, "just look."

The road to MaQ was not as simple as I hoped it to be. We initially wanted to rescue a dog, but more specifically, we also wanted to raise a puppy together. This doesn't discount the eternal bonds with any dog, regardless of age, shelter/non-shelter, but there is something significantly special in having your pup from the beginning.

I have friends with wonderful dogs who've been rescued, some even as a puppy but not too many here in New York City, and perhaps when we went looking it wasn't the right time because our experience was so heart-wrenching, I literally ran out of each shelter in TEARS! Most dogs were pitbulls and staffies, and I have nothing against the breed, but most of the dogs were much older and had cases of aggression and psychological trauma in their history, which never means a case is hopeless and every dog is worth saving, but some of the stories I heard I really wasn't prepared for and did not feel at all confident in having a type of dog with a complicated history as my first pet. It just broke my heart because I wanted to save every single pet but knew I wasn't the best option for any of them.

Feeling a bit discouraged after, my husband was the one who came up with the idea of going to a German Shepherd breeder just to look at the puppies. Since I was a child I've always, deep down in my heart only wanted a German Shepherd but my mother was adamant on not having a dog. And even though I was delighted for my father and brother when they got a German Shepherd after my mother's passing, it only made my desire for wanting a German Shepherd even greater.

So on that fateful day, three years ago, after researching for the top GSD breeders within the state of New York, we drove the 3.5 hours upstate to only start looking at the puppies. When we arrived, the breeders were a married couple who were friendly but extremely knowledgeable in their field. When the wife explained they only had one puppy available at the moment, something in my gut immediately made me want to meet this one!

We walked down the pathway which led us further into the compound, to meet this pup. In a smaller kennel sat two pups, one girl and one boy. The girl was already taken but the boy was MaQ! I'll never forget the first look we exchanged with each other. He was wearing this tiny red collar and his eyes were especially green for a Shepherd. I immediately fell in love, right then and there.

But it's not only about how I felt. I knew how important it was for MaQ and my husband, Gilles, too because it's true what they say, we don't just choose the dog, the dog chooses us as well. When the breeder opened the gate so we could meet, MaQ ran right out to greet us. We even got to meet MaQ's parents, which I felt gave us such insight on character and personality traits. His mother, Giovanna was one of the Alpha-females, and was on constant watch among her Master's and their property. His father, Satch, was a tad more goofy and approachable. Playful and inquisitive, I knew the contrast was an excellent match.

When it started to get colder outside, we brought MaQ inside the main house with us to continue talking and to also keep bonding with him. He wouldn't leave my side! We all knew I wasn't leaving this one behind! In less than an hour, after signing all the paperwork, I had him in my lap in the backseat of our rental car. And just like that, our beautiful boy entered into our lives, forever changing it. He didn't cry once on the drive back home!

MaQ is the best gift (besides my hubby) I've ever received. I have no idea what I would do without my boy, I love him so much! Remember though, dogs are not accessories but a lifetime commitment. Be ready to be truly devoted to your beloved furry companion because they are truly devoted to you. Dogs not only need love, but exercise, training, discipline, structure and consistency. They are a lot of work, so make sure you have the time and financial capabilities before owning a dog. Consider it your fur child! ;)

Have a great weekend! We hope it is spent with the ones you love! ♥

Love & xx's,

maQ + Suz

TBT Winter Storm Nemo

It's Throwback Thursday and since I've never shared any puppy photos of MaQ on our blog, I knew now was a good time as any! Growing up in the Midwest, I am actually quite fond of snow. No, I'm not talking about the horrendous gigantic slush puddles you challenge yourself to at every crosswalk in the city come Winter (it's like the Olympics jump track I swear!), but the heavier kind of snow that sticks - the kind we all used to frolic and play in as children. Well, that is if you grew up in a place where there was snow!

The first actual blizzard MaQ encountered was during Winter Storm Nemo in February of 2013. He was only 4 months old at the time and like any typical mountain dog (MaQ is originally from Upstate New York) he ravaged the snow like some wild beast! He truly relished every moment of it and like myself, we just can't wait for another huge snow storm like this one! There will be lots more cuddling and playtime to be had, with tons of cocoa and kisses. Can you say snow day?! We truly love those kind of days. ;)

Here are some photos taken by me and my hubby along with our first YouTube video on our maQ + Suz channel! We hope you enjoy all the puppy playing and fun! Winter is coming and we are ready! Bring it on snow! ❆❆❆

Love & xx's,

maQ + Suz

Sunday Hiking Adventure

To close the long holiday weekend, I took the liberty to stop everything I was doing and to escape the city, even if only for the day. Life has it's unexpected twists and turns in every chapter of a person's story, and since we haven't been able to get away for a while, we just wanted, and more importantly, really needed the break.

Yesterday we went to Harriman State Park, the second largest state park in New York. With over 200 miles of hiking trails, it is a haven for hikers and paradise for dogs! We've been up to Bear Mountain last year and wanted to mix the trail up with a new path, taking the Blue Disc Trail. 

The trail climbs two mountains (!), Almost Perpendicular and Pound Mountain, and passes two major rock formations, Elbow Rush and Claudius Smith Rock. It's crazy, the trail dates back to the 1920s! It wasn't the hardest hike I've ever done but it was steep and all together we trekked around 7 miles! We played with MaQ's Hawaiian Flyer Frisbee, and of course, he chased around one of his Chuck It balls, his ultimate favorite toy. All the exercise was a great way to burn off all the turkey from this weekend. :)

Take a look at our photos from our hiking adventure below! I love when my hubby and I go somewhere because the photo results always speak for themselves, but the making of memories are what are instilled within us forever. And for every day I'm alive, I'm am utterly grateful. And, any time spent with those two hooligans is always a plus! At least to me it is! ;) ♥

How 'bout it, New Yorkers? What are some of your most memorable scenic trails in New York? There's so many to choose from, I know! What are some of your ways of staying fit with all the Holiday food ready to entice you? 

Love & xxs,

maQ + suz