We had the good fortune of connecting with Toni Haas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toni, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has changed and morphed into many different balancing acts over my working life. When my kids were young, I took on various temporary administrative jobs for the flexible schedules to adapt to what was going on in that period of my life with my kids. Now, that I am an older and wiser Grandma, I am adopting a more work life balance to spend more time with my family and work on my passion for being creative.

Balance is something I have learned how to create and make part of my daily life. I choose what is important to me and work towards that plan and visit that plan on a daily basis.

Life is like a catalog, pick out what you like and work towards it. There are endless opportunities everyday all around you! You have to look for them or create them.

I think that balance is key to living a fulfilling, quality life. It has many positive effects, mentally and physically with the benefits of fewer burnouts and meeting constant demands from the daily grind.
Spend time on your dreams and -Family – Career – Health – Friends – These all circle around life balance.

“Don’t forget to play and don’t give up on your dreams!”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Your Work starts here:

[for editor: You can place my bio wherever you fill it fits best. (please remove this)] sentence. thx

About the Author:
Toni Haas, a fifth-generation Southern Californian, beautifully intertwines her love for art and her deep roots in Huntington Beach within her work. Growing up in the San Bernardino Mountains and having spent numerous summers in Huntington Beach before making it her home in the late 80’s, Toni’s connection with the locale shines brightly in her narratives. Today, Toni cherishes moments with her grandchildren. For Toni, life is about family, nature, and making unforgettable memories.

I have always loved creating art and have since I was a little. Arts & Crafts were always my favorite time of the day in school. As I got older, this love never faded.

What sets me apart from others: As an Artist, I have my own individual style, my own fun, creative process and ideas. I love using bright colors and mixing them up. I enjoy using many mediums, watercolors, acrylics, digital. I believe that working in a single medium is restrictive. Each idea manifests in its own individual style.

I’m most proud and excited about my upcoming book that I am currently illustrating and writing!!!
It’s been so rewarding to work on. I’ve been an empty nester for quite some time now and It’s sparked a new purpose and reignited my passion to create again! I haven’t painted for 35 years!

This book was inspired by all of my Grandchildren and our adventures weve had together. I currently have (4) in New Zealand and (1) in Orange County.

I wanted to create a book for my grandkids of our favorite spots we enjoy together when they are visiting Huntington Beach, California, and creating memories!!! I’m excited for everyone to get a chance to pick a book up when it launches and enjoy some of our families favorite spots and experience some of them for themselves and make some specials family memories of their own.

A little about my upcoming book: Book Title Not Re-leased Yet / Still in publishing stages

This is a children’s book about a beach town on the Pacific using rhyme. I think it will be a great read for young children and even the adults who may read it outload to them.

Get ready to join me on an awesome trip to Huntington Beach! Play on sunny beaches, visit the cool Surf Museum, skate like a champ, and see the prettiest sunset at the pier. This book will be your ticket to a world of fun and amazing adventures. Get ready to explore? Can’t wait for you to dive in and have the best day ever!

Evoking the warm embrace of summer days and the soothing lull of ocean waves, this delightful narrative captures the essence of childhood vacations. Perfect for bedtime stories or afternoon reads, children will be transported to a world where the sun always shines, and the waves beckon with promises of endless fun.

Stay tuned for launch dates and events around the book.

I also believe in giving back.

In the past, I have donated art pieces to the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, for the Annual Red Dot Charity Art Auction.

“The Center is a nonprofit organization that provides art-based creativity experiences to people of all ages, especially school age youth including those with autism spectrum disorder, at multiple venues across all of Orange County. Red Dot is their main fundraiser and allow them to continue their important work.”

I also plan on giving back to a few charity’s I have chosen that are painted throughout the book, that run off contributions.

How did I get to where I am today, was it difficult?
A Series of events really, manifesting into creative projects. Patience, lots of hard work and discipline, being consistent daily. Keeping a positive mindset, planning the work and working the plan, all while creating and enjoying a work-life balance. Through self-discipline comes freedom – Aristotle

Overcoming Challenges: Creating a work-life balance and sticking to it! Staying motivated: My staying motivation is the excitement of the creative process, shear joy of painting, networking with others and many companies and seeing how they are so supportive and want to help out!!! I was successful in networking with quite a few companies that will have a shout-out in the book. Also a few surf shops I’m collaborating with.

Overcoming challenges can be really fun, it’s really how you tackle the challenge and your attitude about it. Because you go & grow through challenges and learn to become better at what you are passionate about. In the end you are growing from those challenges and constantly learning. I have embraced challenges. Your failure is your greatest teacher.

There are some days and moments, where I tell myself, “create something today.” Usually, it turns out to be something I absolutely fall in love with when I’m done.

Be your own best friend and be patient with yourself daily!!! Find a good headspace and enjoy it and let others inspire you by their excitement for your projects too.

-Sunshine, Positive Thinking, Family, Friends, Laughter, Exercise, Nature, Music, Self-Care, Sleep –

Lessons along the way: I have learned how to be more patient, especially when painting! Art is a good teacher!
It has been fun to see my growth and improvements in my artwork. Mostly, artwork has been a great tool for my self expression and creativity.

Every day is an opportunity to learn a new lesson. I have really developed a good growth mindset and ask myself, “what can I learn from this or what is this teaching me.” Ultimately, being positive, patient and persistent!

Brand Story: After 35 years, I pulled my paint brushes back out to create a the children’s book I am working on now.

I am currently working on a book series under my new trademark series, Good Night Surf City Series™
I am writing and illustrating it. I have exciting, upcoming events being planned for the book launch and can’t wait for everyone to Embark on a Whimsical Adventure in California’s Beloved Surf City! Dive into Sun, Sand, & Endless Memories!

Stay tuned for the book launch!!! I’ll post upcoming launch dates and upcoming events on my instagram @goodnightsurfcity

Creativity is intelligence having fun. -Albert Einstein

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I would take them on a seaside journey of Surf City!

Huntington Beach Pier for a sweet sunset and stroll, maybe pick up a kite at The Kite Connection. They have Zoltar in front too, where you can embrace your inner childhood with a fortune from Zoltar.,

Relaxicate at the City or State beach, whatever your preference is. Both are great places to visit and enjoy!

Kayaking at Huntington Harbor Boar Rentals. This is always a fun way to get out in the sun and enjoy

Don’t forget to stop by some if cool Surf Shops to get the latest board, wax or cool shirt and take all the good vibes in.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands to see the beautiful nature, habitat of birds and marshes where little ones can find thier inner explorer.

Huntington Beach Central Park for a stroll and to visit the ducks and let the kids play, visit the library or eat at Kathy May’s Lakeview Cafe, or Park Bench Cafe. Bring your furry friends to the eaterys too and the dig patk afterwards.

Shipley Nature Center, Nature Preserve. Stop by for a nature walk through the lush foliage and beautiful flowers.

Skate Park and watch the kids skate and have fun, stop by Old World Village for some German food or a burger nearby at Grinderz or Bunz, the best burgers in town by far.

Mario’s Mexican restaurant at 5 Points Plaza ( one of my favorite restaurants )
Tacos, tacos, tacos and #7.
Best Margaritas in town too!

International Surf Museum – Surfin’ Sunday’s concert series with live entertainment. Enjoy the relaxing surf music, walk through the museum and take it all in an enjoy the stories that go with the pieces on display.

Huntington Dog Beach – Take your dog(s) to the beach or go watch the dogs frolic in the water, kick back and enjoy the surf and sun!

Main Street – shopping and tons of restaurants. I love Dukes for an awesome view and good food, Sugar Shack Café for breakfast, Sandy’s on the Beach is always a family favorite for the view and good food. Then Ice cream at Baskin Robins or Mangiamo Gelato Cafee and defintely Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for dessert!

Pacific City – Good coffee at Philz Coffee shop for your stroll with a view, all while shopping at Free People, H & M, or picking up a supply of Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, Morning Lavender. Enjoy a lunch at The American Dream and Dinner at Ola Mexican Kitchen (love their chips) or Old Crow Smokehouse. When the night starts to come, I’d hit up Popbar & Hans Homemade Ice cream for a cold treat to top the night off! The Bungalow is awesome too!!!

Surf City Nights is always fun every Tuesday night. There’s a Farmers’ Market, outdoor food booths, entertainment for everyone! Specials all up and down the street!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors for all of their patience and support. Also, my art teachers from grade school through college.

I am always showing them the progress of my art work and asking them for their opinions to get different perspectives and ideas. I couldn’t be as successful without their support, patience and understanding.

Website: goodnightsurfcity.com; goodmorningsurfcity.com; muther.naturedesigns.com

Instagram: @goodnightsurfcity. @goodmorningsurfcity @muthernaturre @duckfeedingsociety

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tonihaas

Facebook: tonisessionshaas

Image Credits
Illustrations by Toni Haas

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