a belated tribute

I recently asked someone if everyone writes in their heads.
As you're walking and sitting, and going about your day
do phrases and thoughts form into sentences and paragraphs
just flowing through your mind.

Because they do for me.

Back when I worked as a documentary producer and then reporter
if I was working on a bigger project that was more in depth I would wake
to realize scripts were forming in my sleep.
The perfect chain of words painting a picture of thoughts.
And I'd have to grab a paper to jot them down.

This friend said, "No, that doesn't happen to everyone."

So I guess it isn't a common every day occurrence.

Because I think I'm in my mind a lot.
Thinking, and praying, and writing these scripts meant for no one
else but me.  Is this weird?  Please tell me you do this too?
But if you don't that's ok too.

Because as I think and silently write, things are working their
way through me, and I believe God is using it to strengthen
me and grow me, and teach me.

And more is making sense.

Epiphanies and realizations and dots connecting.
And out of all of this I find a boldness is building in me.
And a freedom I personally hadn't known before.
I know much of this is probably confusing.
But just know that it is good.

It is just good.

I could go down a whole rabbit trail now.
But back to Memorial Day!!!

For now I want to pay a delayed tribute to our country's heroes.
To the service men and women who sacrifice so much,
their very lives for us to have freedom.

My dad was a navy fighter pilot in Vietnam.  And 45 years ago
this week, knowing the risk that he may not come home he
called my mom during a break (it's called something more formal
than that, but I'll call it a small break) and asked if she'd meet
him in Japan so that they could be married.  My mom being a
flight attendant hopped on a plane and before my dad's squadron
they became man and wife.

Some of his friends weren't able to return to begin their families.

And I don't take it for granted that there is a huge sacrifice 

military families make in serving our country.  

And for that I want to say a very indebted thank you.

To celebrate our freedom and what feels like the official kick off to summer we

battled the crowds to play on the beach.  

It was a beautiful day to breathe deeply the sea air,

to uncover treasures,

to chase the waves, 

and listen to the laughter of childhood innocence, 

but most importantly to honor the brave

and give thanks for our freedom.

queen bee & more

The Queen Bee Market in Oceanside was really wonderful.

It was so nice meeting so many kindred spirits and getting

to do what I love, talk about God and share my love for

decorating our homes with scripture.  

Getting there was a little stressful, with an accident by LAX, 

I was backed up for awhile and not

as ahead of time as I would have liked.  

I grew up in the area, so a high school friend met me and she said, "Jackie these are your people."

She's so right.

These creative crafty folk, they are my kind of people.

And I'm ever so grateful for their creativity and that in them I have kindred spirits.

This bracelet I 

COULD 

NOT 

STOP

thinking about. 

And that's how I knew it needed to come home with me.

A literal 'armor of God' reminding me of His promise to protect

from psalm 91, a psalm I read every day right now.

Getting ready the second morning, I had to take a selfie because I was having

this very surreal circle of life feeling as I curled my hair in my childhood

home just like I did so many, many years before.

My son says I'm too serious in selfies so I made an effort at smiling.  

Sort of.

Cupcake Girl Friday was my next door neighbor.

Not a bad neighbor to have. 

And when the day was done, I got to hang with

a childhood bestie for dinner with the sunset.

The fairs, though a lot of work are so very much fun.

And I always walk away feeling so encouraged and with my cup overflowing.

So..here's where you can find me next.

This Saturday at Calvary Westlake

5495 Via Rocas in Agoura Hills

and on June 7th at the Penelope Lane Boutique.