What I'm thankful for...

Me & my sister, Gabri

A couple of days ago I was asked what I'm thankful for... I shared that in 1997 we lost our home to a fire. Despite the fact that we (very sadly) lost our animals, we didn't lose any of our family members. I often reflect on that time period with a sense of gratefulness and gratitude instead of sadness and hurt... it seems strange, right? How could something so terrible bring a feeling of such positive emotion? Well, when you find out that my sister and brother were supposed to be home that night in bed, underneath the staircase where the fire started, it changes your perspective, doesn't it? They both decided to sleep over at their friend's houses. That (split) decision saved their lives. That's pretty heavy, right?

When you almost lose family members, other things we used to be upset about, suddenly don't seem to matter. To put it simply, it puts things in (the right) perspective. I'm so blessed to have shared all these years with my family, and dear friends... some people have much less time to bond, laugh, love, and act stupid together. Cheers to many, many more. I love you all, and you better know who you are. If you think someone you love may not know it this holiday season, go grab them and look them in the eyes, like a cheesy movie, and tell them! At the risk of sounding overly dramatic or dark, but not caring if you think so, you just never know when it'll be your last opportunity... so go on and get you some good lovin'!

In the spirit of Love tonight, J

Happy Father's Day!! Love you, Daddy!

Simple pleasures (like ice cream!)

GABRI, WESTIN, IZZY



Everyone's always saying we should feel lucky and grateful for what we have (including me!). Today, I was thinking
about how fireplaces excite me. Nothing funny, I just love to put my ass by a good fire. :)

And a few weeks ago, my sister-in-law told me that she'd never seen another grown up get so excited over dessert before. :) What can I say, I like my sweets!

It got me to thinking about all the little things that thrill me, and wonder if all that would be gone if I had been born (financially) rich.

The short answer is yes; I really think so.

I often think of my love for writing, and how (life) complications eventually turn into more goods I can interject into my story-telling. Struggles make me a better writer; although I don't prefer them, I know it's true. So, I wonder if I'd even be worth two cents as a writer if I hadn't gone through so many?

I really don't think so.

This world is crazy and scary, particularly for those of us who choose to say f-u to fear and follow our dreams. But it's wonderful, too. It's beautiful to have been born into a world where I have to try, work, wonder, and dream. There's something to be said for unpredictability. Sure, more luxuries couldn't have killed me, but I'm pretty sure they could have somehow put out that faux fire underneath my ass. That insane passion to want more, be more, and give more.

When life is too easy, it's boring. When life is too hard, it sucks. Just the right about of both builds character, don't ya think?

If we can use our character to get through the dip, (of life) I'm sure we can have it all.

Especially, more ice cream!!!! VERY IMPORTANT.

Can't say for sure... but I think

this is what love's made of.



photo by Gabri Means