Over the last few years, I've been able to become friends with some amazing women, who write amazing stories. They all inspire me as writers and as a women, I am so thankful to know them and want to support them in any way I can. Several of them have recently published books and I wanted to be able to pass this on to friends who are readers.
I will preface this with a warning, these stories aren't for all of you and some contain sensitive content and most of them are romances. I want to be a supportive friend and that means sharing things some of you may be uncomfortable with and apologize in advance. I decided that being a good friend to them may offend some of you and I am willing to do this.
Geoducks are for Lovers by Daisy Prescott
I helped Daisy build her blog in advance of her book release. She was my first client and amazingly patient with me as I learned Wordpress. She is a talented writer and sweet as can be. Hop on over to her website and read her amazing blog. Then head on over to Amazon and buy her book!
Animate Me by Ruth Clampett
I actually had the privilege of reading this adorable story as she wrote it. Such an adorable story of an animator in love with his dream girl and his fight to woo her. Ruth is an amazing writer and woman, she has written other amazing stories that I hope someday to read again.
Various Titles by Mary Whitney
Mary is the loveliest of ladies. She and I met via Twitter during Marty's illness. Her stories provided an escape of sorts while Marty was sick. She has been so supportive of me and a rock at times, I adore this woman and would stand by her anytime. She has written several amazing stories and my favorite of them all is getting ready to publish soon. In the meantime, read her other titles
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Camping
The smell of ocean air, sand, smoke from a campfire, eggs being cooked on an open flame. I love the feeling of camping and have my whole life. Ever since I was a little girl, my family camped all over the state of California. When my kids were little, our family started the tradition for them as well and then life took a sharp turn and our camping days were over.
Growing up, my family had a tent trailer. We often went to San Onofre and camped along the train tracks, over the shoreline of the Pacific. Our mom gave us baths in the same tub she washed dishes in ( clean water of course) we ate chorizo and eggs for breakfast and played at the beach all day long. What fond memories of Carpenteria, Doheny, San Simeon and the Sequoia National Park.
After Marty and I moved the central valley, we joined a group of friends that went camping. I experienced tent camping for the first time in my life and new campgrounds never before camped at. I remember spending E's second birthday camping at Morro Bay State Park. My dear friends and I went camping the weekend after 9/11 at San Simeon State Park.
For my 30th birthday, Marty and my mom planned a camping trip to San Simeon, my favorite place on earth. We went to the beach, visited Hearst Castle and then Marty took me to stay at the famous Madonna Inn for a few days by ourselves. Little did we know, that would be our last camping trip for the next seven years.
When Marty was diagnosed with renal failure our life came to a stop. We longed to go camping but because of his dialysis shunt and infection, we couldn't go camping. Then we started planning our move to the south and just haven't had the chance.
Next weekend we are remedying this and going camping! One of my cycling friends Jen, asked us if we wanted to go camping next weekend in Chattanooga for the US Pro Championship race. We jumped at the idea of going camping and watching cycling.
We are so excited to be going camping again and getting back in the habit. As we drove through the state on our move, we noticed all the campgrounds. We are so looking forward to exploring the state and camping on the east coast.
Look for updates after our trip!
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| One of our many camping trips |
Growing up, my family had a tent trailer. We often went to San Onofre and camped along the train tracks, over the shoreline of the Pacific. Our mom gave us baths in the same tub she washed dishes in ( clean water of course) we ate chorizo and eggs for breakfast and played at the beach all day long. What fond memories of Carpenteria, Doheny, San Simeon and the Sequoia National Park.
After Marty and I moved the central valley, we joined a group of friends that went camping. I experienced tent camping for the first time in my life and new campgrounds never before camped at. I remember spending E's second birthday camping at Morro Bay State Park. My dear friends and I went camping the weekend after 9/11 at San Simeon State Park.
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| With my good friend Stacy camping in Morro Bay |
For my 30th birthday, Marty and my mom planned a camping trip to San Simeon, my favorite place on earth. We went to the beach, visited Hearst Castle and then Marty took me to stay at the famous Madonna Inn for a few days by ourselves. Little did we know, that would be our last camping trip for the next seven years.
When Marty was diagnosed with renal failure our life came to a stop. We longed to go camping but because of his dialysis shunt and infection, we couldn't go camping. Then we started planning our move to the south and just haven't had the chance.
Next weekend we are remedying this and going camping! One of my cycling friends Jen, asked us if we wanted to go camping next weekend in Chattanooga for the US Pro Championship race. We jumped at the idea of going camping and watching cycling.
We are so excited to be going camping again and getting back in the habit. As we drove through the state on our move, we noticed all the campgrounds. We are so looking forward to exploring the state and camping on the east coast.
Look for updates after our trip!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Happy Mother's Day Mom!
Finally my Mom has internet access and can read a Mother's day blog that is long overdue!
I have the world's most fun mom, how many people can say they have a fairy Godmother for a mom! When we were little,she taught preschool and we always did the most fun crafts. We sang fun songs, she made our dresses and taught us about many different cultures.
I have the world's most fun mom, how many people can say they have a fairy Godmother for a mom! When we were little,she taught preschool and we always did the most fun crafts. We sang fun songs, she made our dresses and taught us about many different cultures.
As we got older, she took us to do fun things. She has worked for Disney most of my life, so on days off of school she would let us stay in Disneyland while she worked. Then on nights she didn't feel like cooking,she would take us there to eat dinner. She drove me on many crazy adventures, let me stay in a school far from our house and drove me there daily.
She instilled a love of all things Disney in me. Not many girls had to call their mom the day Annette died knowing that she would be crying! She taught me to watch Haley Mills movies, the Mickey Mouse Club and Alice in Wonderland.
She let me throw silly little parties like Pauly Shore wedding parties ( don't ask, it was a phase okay?) and Halloween parties. She took us camping, it wasn't her fault I drank the bacon grease that one time thinking it was hot chocolate!
We had a lot of fun together. We haven't lived together since I was 18 years old, I remember the days of living in our apartment in Orange together fondly. We had some fun times in that apartment planning my wedding, going to the mall and other fun things.
Mom has always been a good friend to me. The kids love her and called her ''Best friend Grandma'' when they were little. She and Conner are particularly close, I often will find him talking to her on the phone during his school lunch breaks. They've loved their Disney grandma, she always takes them on fun adventures, buys them fun treats and helps them out on special trips. How many kids get to go to Disneyland as much as they want? My kids have been more than some kids have been in their entire life.
She helped Marty plan a 30th birthday camping trip for me, she helped us with our move across country and many other things. Last year, she even helped me get cookies to my favorite cyclist! Now she is hooked on watching cycling since she watched it live!
Mom, you taught me to be kind, loving, patient, a good mom to my kids, a hard worker, a Pollyanna, someone who loves to do crazy things,and you taught me to bake great Christmas cookies too! I am so thankful for all you do for me and my family, we all love you so much. Happy Mother's day!
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Little Voices in My Head
I may be weird,silly and a little nuts but I am not that crazy! These are the voices in my head:
A few months ago, when we moved into this house in the middle of winter; I was walking around on the wood floors with no socks on. My feet were cold, suddenly I could just hear my Grandma saying, '' Put some socks on those feet. You''ll catch a cold.'' Not literally, it was just years of her repeating that sentiment that somehow, it finally sunk in!
Funny how years after she's gone, that little voice remains in my head. We never realize how much we'll miss those little things until they're gone. As the years go on, moving farther away from when they were alive, I miss my grandmothers so much, sometimes it takes my breath away. It does take much to make me miss them, a song, a scent, hearing someone talk about a soap opera one or the other watched.
A few weeks ago, I was talking with my kids about my Gramie and how she smelled of Avon Intrigue, Doublemint gum and cigarette smoke. To many that sounds disgusting but to me it was heavenly. I was recalling that scent from memory. A week later, a man walked into my job smelling like Doublemint and cigarette smoke. It took everything I had to keep my composure and not start bawling on the spot. It was amazing on one hand and so heart wrenching on the other hand.
As I moved away from home and family, I thought a lot about my Grandma Brown. She did the same thing many years before leaving her family in Wisconsin for love in California. She raised her family away from her own family and created her own life with my Gramps. I knew she would've been the first to encourage me to go and take a chance.
I hear my Gramie when I iron shirts, she taught me how to starch when Marty was going through the police academy. It was the very last lesson she taught me as she died before he graduated. I can hear her telling me how to iron the crease and put just the right amount of starch.
They are the little voices in my head as I walk this journey of mothering and being a wife. They were two of my best friends in the entire world and my heroes. I love that even though they're both gone, they live on through lessons learned and lessons taught.
As Mother's day approached, I just needed to write this out and remember them in some way. It's been 10 years since Gramie has been gone and seven years since Grandma has been gone. I still get jealous when I hear other people talk about seeing their grandparents, I still miss them just as much as the day they died and maybe more. Not sure I will ever be ready to let go. So thankful for their voices that live on in my head.
A few months ago, when we moved into this house in the middle of winter; I was walking around on the wood floors with no socks on. My feet were cold, suddenly I could just hear my Grandma saying, '' Put some socks on those feet. You''ll catch a cold.'' Not literally, it was just years of her repeating that sentiment that somehow, it finally sunk in!
Funny how years after she's gone, that little voice remains in my head. We never realize how much we'll miss those little things until they're gone. As the years go on, moving farther away from when they were alive, I miss my grandmothers so much, sometimes it takes my breath away. It does take much to make me miss them, a song, a scent, hearing someone talk about a soap opera one or the other watched.
As I moved away from home and family, I thought a lot about my Grandma Brown. She did the same thing many years before leaving her family in Wisconsin for love in California. She raised her family away from her own family and created her own life with my Gramps. I knew she would've been the first to encourage me to go and take a chance.
I hear my Gramie when I iron shirts, she taught me how to starch when Marty was going through the police academy. It was the very last lesson she taught me as she died before he graduated. I can hear her telling me how to iron the crease and put just the right amount of starch.
They are the little voices in my head as I walk this journey of mothering and being a wife. They were two of my best friends in the entire world and my heroes. I love that even though they're both gone, they live on through lessons learned and lessons taught.
As Mother's day approached, I just needed to write this out and remember them in some way. It's been 10 years since Gramie has been gone and seven years since Grandma has been gone. I still get jealous when I hear other people talk about seeing their grandparents, I still miss them just as much as the day they died and maybe more. Not sure I will ever be ready to let go. So thankful for their voices that live on in my head.
Monday, May 6, 2013
"You're So Weird''
When I named this blog, I named it Just Jules for a reason; I am just Julie being Julie, I've never been one to conform to the norm. Over and over the same phrase is repeated to me, so much so its become my catch phrase, '' Julie, you're so weird!''
For a long time, I struggled to understand why I was so different? I didn't realize that all little girls didn't read books about Princess Di over books about Super Fudge. Or when most girls my age(9) were listening to Madonna and I was listening to Tears for Fears, I had no clue I was different? My after school reading material was ''The Fitzgerald's and the Kennedy's'' before I was reading Bop.
What do you mean its weird to not like baked fruit? my cousin Sarah agrees with me, baked fruit is so gross! Who wants to eat a hot, cooked apple? Not me.
To me this is all really normal, nothing out of the norm. I tend to forget that other girls who liked New Kids on the Block really and truly liked pop music. I never really was a fan of pop music outside of this one act, I was more in it for the boys per say.
Other girls in high school were shopping at Charlotte Russe, The Limited and Gap. Instead, I was out searching thrift stores for vintage clothes and wearing plaid skirts while dyeing my hair bright red. To me it was normal and fun to be different.
I always have preferred to watch old movies, read historical books over new works. I have always been told by my Dad that I was born in the wrong time. I am an old soul in so many ways. Singers and standards, musicals, punk, and the Cure make me happy
Who knew I had a weird memory skill that most others don't?
My sense of humor is warped ( some may say non existent), I have a nervous laugh, take life way to seriously and have a huge, tenderheart. I've had a strong faith ever since I was a very young girl, its something that has always been there as long as I can remember. One of my best friends calls my strong gut feelings, sixth sense my ''spidey sense'', I always listen to my gut feelings and sometimes have to share some of those with friends about things in their lives. I prefer to call it a ''the gift of discernment''
I prefer to watch pro cycling ( there is a story and reason behind that), I have a weird view on celebrity thanks to living on the other side with friends, I don't have many people on pedestals to me we are all going through this crazy life and are equals.
I homeschooled my kids for many reasons, I moved across country to help a friend, I would rather stay home with my family than go out. I think being a wife, mom, daughter, cousin and friend is the world's most important job.
To me all of those things are normal. I am so not cool and totally okay with that! Truthfully, I don't want to conform or be normal. I like being different, its is what makes me...me. I have absolutely no desire to be anyone different than me. I always am striving to be better, change and grow but not to conform to the patterns of the world.
So the next time you call me weird? Just know to me, its a badge of honor.
For a long time, I struggled to understand why I was so different? I didn't realize that all little girls didn't read books about Princess Di over books about Super Fudge. Or when most girls my age(9) were listening to Madonna and I was listening to Tears for Fears, I had no clue I was different? My after school reading material was ''The Fitzgerald's and the Kennedy's'' before I was reading Bop.
What do you mean its weird to not like baked fruit? my cousin Sarah agrees with me, baked fruit is so gross! Who wants to eat a hot, cooked apple? Not me.
To me this is all really normal, nothing out of the norm. I tend to forget that other girls who liked New Kids on the Block really and truly liked pop music. I never really was a fan of pop music outside of this one act, I was more in it for the boys per say.
Other girls in high school were shopping at Charlotte Russe, The Limited and Gap. Instead, I was out searching thrift stores for vintage clothes and wearing plaid skirts while dyeing my hair bright red. To me it was normal and fun to be different.
I always have preferred to watch old movies, read historical books over new works. I have always been told by my Dad that I was born in the wrong time. I am an old soul in so many ways. Singers and standards, musicals, punk, and the Cure make me happy
Who knew I had a weird memory skill that most others don't?
My sense of humor is warped ( some may say non existent), I have a nervous laugh, take life way to seriously and have a huge, tenderheart. I've had a strong faith ever since I was a very young girl, its something that has always been there as long as I can remember. One of my best friends calls my strong gut feelings, sixth sense my ''spidey sense'', I always listen to my gut feelings and sometimes have to share some of those with friends about things in their lives. I prefer to call it a ''the gift of discernment''
I prefer to watch pro cycling ( there is a story and reason behind that), I have a weird view on celebrity thanks to living on the other side with friends, I don't have many people on pedestals to me we are all going through this crazy life and are equals.
I homeschooled my kids for many reasons, I moved across country to help a friend, I would rather stay home with my family than go out. I think being a wife, mom, daughter, cousin and friend is the world's most important job.
To me all of those things are normal. I am so not cool and totally okay with that! Truthfully, I don't want to conform or be normal. I like being different, its is what makes me...me. I have absolutely no desire to be anyone different than me. I always am striving to be better, change and grow but not to conform to the patterns of the world.
So the next time you call me weird? Just know to me, its a badge of honor.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Around the Table Memories are Made
Today I was moving a rug from under a table, a simple task that brought back a flood of memories. Sitting around the table was and is a huge deal in my family. A visit to family means sitting at the table, talking, reminiscing playing games and laughter. If you ever visited my grandparents house, chances are you sat at their table and chatted. If not, let me take you on a journey 'round the table where memories were made.
It started even before I was born, here is my dad at the table of some family occasion;
Birthday's round the table were a favorite of mine. Here I am celebrating my 16th birthday at the picnic table outback. We had two large picnic tables at Grandma and Grandpa's that were used year round.
This next picture was my 18th birthday. Three months later, I would sit in the very same seat shaking like a leaf as I announced my engagement to Marty. I remember staring at the lace tablecloth scared of the reaction that would come.
It started even before I was born, here is my dad at the table of some family occasion;
My Grandpa,KanKad and Gramie ( paternal and maternal grandparents, they were good friends) celebrating a birthday around the table. My Grandparents were friends and did a lot together
My first birthday at my Grandma's table with Grandma looking on. This was the ONLY time we were every allowed on Grandma's table. One of her sayings was ''Tables are for glasses, not for little @@@es''
Sitting on my Grandma's lap at her table
Playing under Grandma's table was a favorite of my cousin's and I. We would lift the tablecloth, crawl under and imagine our own little worlds. We played casino with poker chips, post office, grocery store for hours on end. Once, I had the bright idea that we should move Grandma's table and the rug under it to play ice rink on the wood floors. I will NEVER forget the wrath of grandma after that incident, lets just say we didn't ever do that again.
My grandparents had five tables in their home. One in the kitchen where you often found grandma and grandpa sitting during the day. One in the living room where we sat as kids and watched MTV. The dining room table that was the buffet on holidays, the place we sat and sang Christmas carols and oldies, the place we played Trivial Pursuit and Encore.
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| Grandma and Grandpa round the table celebrating their 40th birthday |
The same table would later hold the food for my bridal shower followed a year and a half later by a baby shower for me.
Our family would later plan care for my grandparents round the table, then the table held food for two funerals eight weeks apart. We would cry and reminisce at the table for months to come. Then the table moved to my aunt's house where it now hosts holidays, family dinners and most importantly this
Baby Drew playing under Grandma's table
This weekend when our family visited my uncle Bill's house, we sat around his table playing games, eating, talking and laughing. Making memories around the table to reminisce about for years to come. A couple of years ago, I asked a friend to make a sign for me. Above my table when you come to visit, there will be a sign that says, "Around the Table Memories are Made''
Come visit, we will make some memories around my table just like the memories I have from many years sitting around my grandmother's table.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Thanks for Helping us Move
During my brief stint with writers block, some of my twitter friends sent me blog ideas. It was so nice of them and I have used one of them already. My follower and swim buddy Alicia suggested I write a post thanking those who helped with our move. Such a great idea and definitely something that needed to be done.
This cross country move has been an undertaking of epic proportions. I am so thankful for the many wonderful friends and family that helped us move. We truly couldn't have done it without them and they made the load much lighter.
Thanks to my Mom for helping in a huge way. We truly couldn't have moved without her generous help and support. She drove across country with us, mapping the route, finding hotels and saving receipts. Thanks Mom for supporting us.
Thanks to our friends Matt and Tammy for giving us a wonderful going away evening at your home, for the beautiful words of support and encouragement. Coming to your house will always be some of our fondest memories of living in Visalia.
Thank you to the Katayama family for coming and doing the really hard work. We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you Kim for organizing dinner with Sandi as well, for bringing us dinner and goodies to take on the way. We are so thankful for your many years of homeschooling support and friendship.
Our friend Michelle, she supported our family for so many years in so many ways. She came and helped so many moves and cared for our dogs for years. She brought us dinner on our last night in Visalia. We miss her so much.
Heather and Huntar, thanks for coming and hanging out, helping clean the last night. Thanks for being Elizabeth and I's besties. We loved our last girls night out with you both.
The Marcelino family: thanks for listening, supporting and being there during my last days in Visalia. I am so thankful for the love and support. I miss you all every single day and never laugh so hard anymore.
Dad: Thanks for coming up that last weekend and working so hard to get us packed up. I am so glad you came and pushed us to do more. We miss you so much and hope to see you soon.
Lee and Flavia: we wouldn't or couldn't have made this move without your prayers, love and support. We are so thankful for all that God is doing with our two families.
The Franklin and Burnett clan: we are so grateful for the kindnesses you've shown and the warm welcome to Knoxville. We look forward to knowing you better as time goes on.
Rebecca J, Thanks for meeting us on the road, giving us goodies and for being so welcoming. Can't wait to know you more and more.
Clare and Bella: thank you for the lovely housewarming gifts. Melissa and Sheila, thank you for the lovely housewarming cards.
For every person that called, messaged or tweeted their encouragement we thank you as well. Grateful to be one loved and supported family. It truly takes a village and we are so thankful for each person who helped along the way.
This cross country move has been an undertaking of epic proportions. I am so thankful for the many wonderful friends and family that helped us move. We truly couldn't have done it without them and they made the load much lighter.
Thanks to my Mom for helping in a huge way. We truly couldn't have moved without her generous help and support. She drove across country with us, mapping the route, finding hotels and saving receipts. Thanks Mom for supporting us.
Thanks to our friends Matt and Tammy for giving us a wonderful going away evening at your home, for the beautiful words of support and encouragement. Coming to your house will always be some of our fondest memories of living in Visalia.
Thank you to the Katayama family for coming and doing the really hard work. We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you Kim for organizing dinner with Sandi as well, for bringing us dinner and goodies to take on the way. We are so thankful for your many years of homeschooling support and friendship.
Our friend Michelle, she supported our family for so many years in so many ways. She came and helped so many moves and cared for our dogs for years. She brought us dinner on our last night in Visalia. We miss her so much.
Heather and Huntar, thanks for coming and hanging out, helping clean the last night. Thanks for being Elizabeth and I's besties. We loved our last girls night out with you both.
The Marcelino family: thanks for listening, supporting and being there during my last days in Visalia. I am so thankful for the love and support. I miss you all every single day and never laugh so hard anymore.
Dad: Thanks for coming up that last weekend and working so hard to get us packed up. I am so glad you came and pushed us to do more. We miss you so much and hope to see you soon.
Lee and Flavia: we wouldn't or couldn't have made this move without your prayers, love and support. We are so thankful for all that God is doing with our two families.
The Franklin and Burnett clan: we are so grateful for the kindnesses you've shown and the warm welcome to Knoxville. We look forward to knowing you better as time goes on.
Rebecca J, Thanks for meeting us on the road, giving us goodies and for being so welcoming. Can't wait to know you more and more.
Clare and Bella: thank you for the lovely housewarming gifts. Melissa and Sheila, thank you for the lovely housewarming cards.
For every person that called, messaged or tweeted their encouragement we thank you as well. Grateful to be one loved and supported family. It truly takes a village and we are so thankful for each person who helped along the way.
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