Dog lover,
travel enthusiast,
homebody at heart.

Hey, it’s Marissa. Friends call me Riss. I’m a California native with a summer soul. Life’s been kind of wild lately—just trying to stay in the light, water what’s mine, and trust what’s meant to bloom.

EXPLORE

➜ My story
➜ Where I’ve been
➜ What I’m up to now
➜ Thoughts along the way

Far & Away

Trip Reports
Auckland to Sydney on Azamara Pursuit
Auckland to Sydney on Azamara Pursuit

A coastal journey on our first cruise from Auckland to Sydney, exploring New Zealand and Australia’s coastlines with iconic highlights like Milford Sound, Napier, and Hobart.

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Diving into Puerto Vallarta
Diving into Puerto Vallarta

Sun on our skin, tacos in hand, and plenty of Día de los Muertos magic.

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Dutch Detour in the Netherlands
Dutch Detour in the Netherlands

One week in the Netherlands wasn’t enough. Every city, canal, and street left us wanting more.

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On Safari in Tanzania: Into the Wild
On Safari in Tanzania: Into the Wild

Our 2-week safari in Tanzania where every moment felt like a nature documentary.

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The Unhurried Rhythm of La Paz
The Unhurried Rhythm of La Paz

We spent a few sun-soaked days nestled between the desert and the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.

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Osaka After Dark? Electric.
Osaka After Dark? Electric.

From Osaka’s neon streets and cozy back-alley izakayas to day trips to Kyoto and Nara, we explored just enough to know we can’t wait to go back.

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Day to Day

Thoughts along the way
Meeting Myself
Meeting Myself

A few months after my second mastectomy and aesthetic flat closure, I’m getting to know a version of my body I’ve never really known—after breast cancer and years of reconstruction.

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The Right Decision, Twice
The Right Decision, Twice

Nearly five years ago, I chose reconstruction after breast cancer. Last week, I chose to undo it. The older I get, the more grace I have for the woman I was then and the woman I am now.

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What I’m No Longer Willing to Carry
What I’m No Longer Willing to Carry

What happens when a “successful” breast reconstruction doesn’t feel like home—and the system makes it nearly impossible to choose something else?

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Dear Mom
Dear Mom

Celebrating her heart, her life, and the endless love that carries forward.

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Arriving Right on Time
Arriving Right on Time

I still can’t explain how I knew, but I did. Something in me just knew it was time to go to her.

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My Crucial Catch
My Crucial Catch

I don’t know what’s worse: finding out you have cancer, or finding out about it in an email.

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Time Feels Fragile
Time Feels Fragile

Time feels fragile, stretched between what is and what’s coming. What once felt complicated now seems surprisingly simple.

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So, Maybe This is Growth?
So, Maybe This is Growth?

Usually, these things throw me for a loop. But this time, I was ready.

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Rebuilding
Rebuilding

Living with the cost of prevention, navigating the challenges, and reclaiming what I can control.

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