Traditions, Technology, and Thanksgiving: The Foundations of Microweb LLC
Maine is a place where history and nature intertwine, where the vibrant colors of fall meet the stories of generations past. For the last few weeks, I’ve been grounded in the Whitten House, a beautifully restored home steeped in history, as I’ve continued to grow both personally and professionally. It’s been a time of reconnection—with friends, family, and my own ambitions. Alongside these moments of reflection, I’ve also embarked on a bold new chapter: the official launch of Microweb LLC, a company born from years of creative and technological expertise.
But this blog post isn’t just about Microweb—it’s about the balance of work and life, the people and places that inspire us, and the intersection of tradition and progress. Let’s take a journey through the experiences that have shaped the last few weeks in Maine and the vision behind Microweb.
Welcoming New Beginnings: Meeting Finn
One of the most heartwarming moments of my time here in Maine was meeting Finn, the newborn son of my close friends John and Ashley Terison. John and I go way back—we first met in high school choir and even formed a barbershop quartet called TorchIt, which performed locally and competed regionally. Seeing John in his new role as a father was both surreal and inspiring.
Finn has John’s eyes, a detail that struck me as I held him for the first time. This tiny new life represents so much—hope, growth, and the promise of future stories yet to unfold. As I left the hospital, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility to be a positive influence in Finn’s life. In some ways, it felt like becoming an honorary uncle, a role I’m proud to embrace.
Tradition and Togetherness: Preparing for Thanksgiving
The Whitten House, where I’ve been staying, is bustling with preparations for the annual Whitten Thanksgiving Dinner. This isn’t your average holiday meal—it’s a feast steeped in tradition, cooked over the original hearth that’s been part of the house for centuries. Watching Andrew, my lifelong friend and host, prepare for the event has been a reminder of the importance of community and shared rituals.
Thanksgiving here is about more than just food; it’s about reconnecting with the past while creating new memories. As I help with the setup and soak in the warmth of the house, I’m reminded of how much history can shape our present. It’s a sentiment I’ve carried into my work with Microweb LLC, where the goal is to build on the past while embracing innovation.
Microweb LLC: Bridging Creativity and Technology
Microweb LLC isn’t just a company—it’s a reflection of my journey. Over the years, I’ve worked with incredible organizations like Nickelodeon, SIGGRAPH, Viacom, and the University of Melbourne. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how technology can drive creativity and community. With Microweb, I aim to bring this understanding to a broader range of projects and clients.
Microweb LLC is positioned to:
- Design Digital Systems: Drawing from my work at Nickelodeon, where I launched their first-ever Digital Archive, Microweb can create tailored asset management systems for creative teams.
- Build Community Platforms: Inspired by my work with the University of Melbourne’s Discovery app, Microweb can develop tools that connect people while preserving culture and knowledge.
- Deliver Immersive Experiences: With my background in animation and VFX, Microweb can craft interactive media that captivates and engages audiences.
- Foster Educational Innovation: Building on my time with Art Life and Odysseyware, Microweb can create multimedia learning tools that make education accessible and engaging.
The possibilities are as expansive as Maine’s forests, and being here has only deepened my vision for what Microweb can achieve.
Digital Nomad Life in Maine
The Whitten House has been an inspiring workspace. My days here are spent with my laptop set up near a window overlooking the vibrant fall foliage. There’s something liberating about working in unconventional spaces, whether it’s a centuries-old home, a park bench by Portland Headlight, or a cozy café in town.
The flexibility of digital nomad life allows me to find environments that spark creativity and focus. While I understand the value of in-person collaboration and spontaneous office conversations, the freedom to work from anywhere has been transformative. It’s a philosophy I bring to Microweb—creating tools that empower people to work seamlessly, wherever they are.
The Intersection of Personal and Professional Growth
In addition to launching Microweb, I’ve been busy refining my online presence. I restructured my LinkedIn profile to better showcase my experience and skills, tying together years of diverse projects into a cohesive narrative. I also transitioned my “self-employed” designation into an official Microweb LLC company page, inviting connections to join this next chapter of my journey.
Teaching myself Figma has been another recent endeavor. As a tool for designing user interfaces and experiences, Figma represents the kind of forward-thinking approach I want to bring to Microweb’s projects. Learning new tools and staying ahead of industry trends are crucial to keeping my work relevant and impactful.
Closing Thoughts: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As I sit here in the Whitten House, surrounded by history and tradition, I’m struck by the parallels between this home and the work I hope to accomplish with Microweb LLC. Both are about honoring the past while creating something new, something meaningful. The warmth of the people here, the stories shared, and the moments of connection have reinforced the values I want to carry forward—community, creativity, and the courage to innovate.
This isn’t just a story about a company or a place; it’s a story about possibility. About building bridges between where we’ve been and where we’re going. And as the days grow colder and Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded that every step of this journey—professional and personal—is part of a larger narrative, one that’s just beginning to unfold.
In what ways do community and personal connections shape your professional aspirations?
