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Jillian Hope Joyner
It’s the Catch 22 of life and blogging – so much is happening that you don’t have time to blog, and then when you do, so much has happened that you don’t know where to begin, how much to say, or what to include/leave out so you don’t bore or scare your readers away. I like to write, in fact I love writing. I prefer writing to talking. If you know me you know that generally, I’m rather quiet. I prefer to listen. But with writing, I could go on forever –  given time.
I’ll start with the most recent news first – my new granddaughter, Jillian Hope Joyner. That’s news enough, but the story is even better when you learn that she was born on my birthday, and we share the same rare blood type O neg, too. I could give you all the details, because I was blessed to be there for ever minute of it (who else can take all those once-in-a-lifetime photos?) But I won’t. I’ll share the usual, 7 lbs 12 oz, 20″, 10 fingers, 10 toes, a rosebud mouth and a very calm temperment.
- Big sister meets little sister
That sums up November 16 to present – a most memorable birthDAY and week spent with this wee priceless gift I received and her family.
The birthday celebration actually started on Saturday when I went to see the movie Precious and spend the afternoon with my gal pal Michael. I made the mistake of mentioning it was my birthday when we lunched at Don Pablos.
Crowned with the Birthday Sombrero
I only share that photo with you because I have this one to share from my 2nd day of birthday celebrating:
- Amazing what a little lighting, wardrobe, hair and make-up will do.
This was taken at the amazing (and more discreet when it comes to acknowledging your bithday) Volt restaurant, home to (so cute) Top Chef contestant Bryan Voltaggio. Sunday brunch was a birthday present from my sister. Maybe I’ve been living wrong, but I have never had better food anywhere, than I had at Volt. Each bite was a bit of heaven, and of course the presentation was artistic. We all know cooking is an art, but Bryan’s art is a masterpiece. At one point he stepped into the dining room he made my eyes light up. (Star-struck? A crush? A fan? ) If I could have taken him home a gallon of his pear sorbet, it would keep me satisfied until my next visit, but I’ll just have to wait and dream. I’m rooting for him to win.
Later that day, all 20 of my immediate family dined at Maggianos.  Did I tell you my husband’s birthday was November 13th? So it was a big, noisy, happy family celebration. Fortunatley Maggiano’s is used to that.
Sights on the Vegas Strip
I’m moving backwards in time, so that next, or previously, was my trip to Vegas to attend
Ali Brown’s SHINE event to learn how to create an authentic and prosperous business. I was surround by amazing, confident women , many of whom knew just whet they wanted out of life (and maybe 85% were younger than me). Being a late bloomer, I went to find out exactly what my business was, where do i go from here. This year I have been soul-searching to find what it is I
really want to do with my life. Where do my passions truly lie? How can I best share them with the world? It forced me to confront some things that I been putting off looking at, partly due to being so busy, but mainly because I was afraid to face what I know deep down – it’s time for me to step up my game and step into my true purpose. It means moving outside of my comfort zone and living my passion. It’s big ideas and baby steps. By asking myself a few key questions (
and believe me, first you have to know which questions to ask), and then having the time in Vegas to listen for and realize the answers, I am starting back on the path and with the intentions I set out on 10 years ago. You’ll hear more about it all in the new year. I am ready for this, and very excited.
Fountain show at the Bellaggio
This was taken inside the Pallazzo hotel where we stayed. Inside!
Another way I celebrated my birthday was to have my first ever Birthday Bash sale on TAP and had an amazing response. Thanks to all of you who participated. Timing was good because of all the holiday crafting taking place right now. Did you miss out? Be sure to sign up for my Newsletter where I announce all sales and other goodies FIRST. In fact, I’m considering a first ever (and maybe only) sale on my Fragments. I’m sure you won’t want to miss out on that.
Wow, it seems like so much is going on here (and believe me there is) but now you have the highlights. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes and exciting things are in the wings. It was in 2000, just about 10 years ago, that I went “public” with my LaLasLand website, began teaching and took the first steps of this journey I’m on - long before blogs, Facebook & Twitter. I like the fact that new, big changes are on their way in 2010, a new decade, tryly a new age.
My “If You Were Born on This Day” horoscope reads “Your expectations are high for this year and you’ll be able to meet them. You want the love and loyalty of certain people in your circle, and you’ll get it in January. You realize your leadership potential in March. Spring brings inprovement in your professional scene and probably a new cast of characters, too. I’m ready, with arms wide open. This sums it up perfectly.
Jillian, ready for the world with arms wide open
Are you ready with arms wide open? Drop me a line, make a comment. I’d love to hear your plans for 2010. And if you’ve read this very long blog entry this far – THANK YOU!
Beginning June 21, I will be the new host of Blog Talk Radio’s Art & Soul radio show, sponsored by Glenny Demsen-Moir of Art & Soul Retreats. The current hosts are doing their last show this week and we will be making changes on the show website soon. We’re excited to be bringing you our vision of art & soul and discovering what yours is. I hope you will join us in this new adventure.
– That’s your invitation to leave a comment.)