sometimes…(a little American commentary)

…I like to just sit and think.  Life has been lovely and busy all at the same time the past few weeks (don’t I always say that?) but there has still been plenty of time to plan and think about the things that are important.

The Fourth is amongst us, as is all of the normal Freedom Fest hullabaloo.   Contrary to popular belief, I DO love the Fest…I just opted to not be involved anymore for the sake of my health (or moreso, my sanity!).  But I am looking forward to some of the programs for the weekend, everyone has worked so tirelessly putting everything together.

This being my first non-Freedom Fest affiliated Fourth in Provo, I have been thinking about how I want to spend the holiday this year and what exactly it means to me.  Being an American has never made me more proud than I am today, despite the fact that our economy is in shambles, approval ratings for leadership has decreased significantly, and the  dissatisfaction of Americans is at an all-time high.  I know that regardless of the many things going on throughout the country, the priority that we all should have is to be taking a keener interest in our immediate communities.  I have seen so much of this over the past year… people getting involved locally, whether taking a stand or in service.  The key to American success is really to build the sense of CommUNITY throughout, and I think it is by that involvement that we will begin to see more positive changes nationally.

Having a sense of responsibility for where we live, and who we are surrounded by can’t help but improve our circumstances.  We, personally, are liable for what happens in our communities.  No more blaming the neighbors.  Don’t kick that kid down the street for killing your mailbox. So, this Fourth of July, I hope that you will truly act as an American:  Ask how you can help.  Share a little love.  Invite your neighbors over for a barbeque.   And don’t be afraid to smile at the people you pass walking down the street, or pull-up next to at the stoplight.   Good things are contagious…pass ‘em on.

To my friends and families…Love to you all.  You are continually insipiring me to become more like you.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL!

luv,
~KJ

more faces i love…

rain gardening…

…was fun today.  It was warm, but rainy…and I ended up being covered head to toe in mud and sludge.  I loved every minute of it.  Zuchinni, squash, artichokes, green peppers, tomatoes and a pretty little flower have now taken up residence on the west side of my house.

Gardening has been healthy and healing.  And today I have been thinking about how grateful I am for Family;  the ones that are far and of my blood,  and the ones that are near but adopt me into their own.

And I won’t be daunted by the  Honey-Do-List hanging on my fridge I made for myself.  I won’t.

the wind blew…

…and the dust came.  But sure I love these Utah summer-blusters.

Goodnight, Moon.  It was nice to see you tonight, before you hid away in the clouds.  

where’s that girl been, anyway…

OH, just having a good time, that’s all.

Thought I would make a quick post to itemize the fun events of late.

Been busy making plans and breaking them, but really enjoying all these summer months have to offer in Provo.   Have occupied myself with sun-bathing and gardening, biking and walking, smelling lilacs, making fresh limonata, planning trips to NY and Portland, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and VA Beach.  Weddings, and for fun…there are a lot of reasons to travel.  It’s shaping up to be a great season.

In more interesting news, I am having headshots taken on Friday for my Miss Utah USA application, cross your fingers!  I will post the photos and my platform summary when they are up.  Check out my photographer, btw…Carolee Coy She is amazing and is guaranteed to make me look great :)  I love her use of light and environment, we have selected some cool locations to use.   Also, I am still full-steam ahead with promotions and some management for  The Velour Live Music Gallery; sorry if you keep getting obnoxious invites from me on Facebook, I will fix that soon.   But things are going great there, and I have been enjoying becoming so deeply involved within the singer/songwriter crowd, I have discovered some truly awesome musicians and have had plenty of opportunities to shoot killer shows.   SEGO is taking a quiet minute, but we will back in full force here shortly, and in the meantime, we are busy working on the SEGO Fest 4 for September.  There is much to be excited for!  I also have taken to working a little more closely with a local band, Shark Speed, whom you should love and rock to regularly, assisting with some business sided items.  All of this music love is inspiring me to start a new blog, but I think it will be a natural foodie/household shortcuts/music review blog.  Is that too many categories to group together?

I think I need a pseudo- pen name.  Suggestions?

There are many other things in the works now, and I will unveil them as they are solidified, but these are the most fun for the moment.   I hope to see everyone at a Garden Party I will be having soon, more info to come!!

Love and Hugs to all that are far, and even those that are near.  Thank you for loving me :)

The church is true,
~KJ

This was a good day, mostly because I am the owner of the most killer pair of Tony Llamas in Provo.