Summer ends officially on September 22nd.
That's only two days from now and, as usual, my mind is not wanting to bend in that direction.
It's the whole one foot in the boat and one foot on the shore mindset - loving both summer and fall with the added dimension of not being well-versed in letting go or saying goodbye.

Summer was the backdrop for a few milestones for my girls. We celebrated Ema graduating high school, high-fived Clara for being on the UCF Dean's list at the completion of her Junior year, and supported Ella's choice to walk away from gymnastics.

We grew tomatoes, rode scooters in the summer rain, drew sidewalk chalk towns together, walked on the beach, ate cotton candy, lost my sunglasses in the ocean waves, made homemade strawberry shortcake, invited friends over for playdates, enjoyed BFF sleepovers, lavished in pool days, among other fun things.

There was also one thing in particular I'm so happy we made time for this year.
We enjoyed a "Girl's Camping/RVing" experience with my mom at Salt Springs this summer.
In fact, it's one of the very first things we did which helped kick off our summer on the right foot.

Here's a visual diary I created of our time together...
(and mom...if you're reading this...I'm sorry...for that one part in the video). *covering eyes*

So yes, our summer may not have been filled with lush vacations and jet-setting around the world but our days, and more importantly, our hearts, were spilling over with adventure and fun.

They say forever is made up of the nows...so perhaps we really can have a "forever summer" because we certainly filled it with a lot of "nows" I will always remember.

With that said...I think it's time for me to do some letting go...

xoxo my sweet friends!!

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I rolled my ankle stepping out of the RV on the first day of our camping trip. *laughing*

I fell on the ground and had dirt and grass all over me while Ella and my mom looked on in disbelief. 

I laughed so hard and could NOT believe I had done that while also holding back tears from the pain.

It swelled up immediately and I thought I had broken it. 

I put on a brave face, iced it every day and medicated myself with some Advil.

Thankfully I didn't break it and was still able to enjoy the rest of our time together.

BUT...it did take a solid two months for me to feel comfortable putting full weight on my ankle again.

(which has now exacerbated into lower back + foot pain because of my body overcompensating for it). *eyeroll*

CELEBRATE | Thanksgiving 2016

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving with family and friends.
The only photos I took were of the pies my girls and I made together for our family dinner. Ha!!

Thanksgiving-Pies-5966 from Jessica Kirkland on Vimeo.

But with that said...guess what I'll be posting all about next week?
PIES!!!

Key Lime
Blueberry
Chocolate Chip Pecan
Pumpkin
and...
Crumb-topped Apple

Yep! We had a pie fest at Thanksgiving and I'll be sharing the recipes for all 5 of these pies!!

Until then...enjoy your weekend and watch for the Cyber Monday sales announcement for anything in my shoppe...coming soon!

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I didn't take any photos on Thanksgiving because by the time we got to my aunt's house, Ella wasn't feeling well and I completely missed eating with my family as I sat on the bathroom floor holding Ella until she fell asleep. *tears*
She's been dealing with frequent headaches lately that make her nauseous. *frown*
So...we'll be taking her to have her eyes checked this week. *frown*

iNSPiRE | Slow Down

CLICK HERE to Watch this video...

It's for all the mamas out there feeling their heartstrings being tugged on as we say goodbye to the Summer of 2016 with our kiddos and hello to a new school year! Or for any mama out there feeling the feels only us mamas feel. *wink*

Love you all...
Jessica

P.S. Thanks for sharing this with me Allison!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I never want Summer to end...and of course, it always does. *frown*
P.S. The song is "Slow Down" by Nichole Norman

MUSIC | The Heart Wants What It Wants :: Selena Gomez

I love this song.
Like I REALLY love this song.
When I actually get to listen to music all by myself at the house or in the car...
I've had "The Heart Wants What It Wants" by Selena Gomez on repeat for weeks now.
And when I say repeat, I mean I can replay it 25 times in a row and not apologize.
I can drive across town, and often do, playing the same song as I'm pulling back up to the house.
And when I say I play it...I mean I play it LOUD.
And when I sing along, I sing without shame - even while driving down the road. 

I'm sure I sound terrible...
sunroof open, windows slightly cracked so as not to be too windy...
sunglasses on...
and fresh coat of lipgloss.
I don't care who's listening or who's watching. (it's easy not to care if you don't make eye contact) *wink*
It's loud enough to drown out what I probably really sound like
and allows me to pretend I'm a fabulous singer - never mind what the cars/people around me are really hearing.

Being the superstar I am...I naturally assume the "music video" role and add in the appropriate hand motions to emphasize the lyrics I'm singing...

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Save your advice cause I won't hear"  -
I cover my ear while shaking my head "no"

"You might be right but I don't care"
I offer a gentle hand wave as if to let someone know I'm done listening to what they had to say

There's a million reasons why I should give you up...
I look away

But the heart wants what it wants...
I gaze down
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

All while moving my upper body back and forth to the beat...of course.
Because that's what every diva does.

Okay - so that's really dramatic...
and yet so embarrassingly true. Ha!!

And I've watched the video probably more than a girl would really ever need to...
I think because Selena looks so beautiful and grown up and it's in black and white - which I LOVE!

I really feel like anyone who's ever experienced heartbreak will really be able to connect to the raw emotion associated with the lyrics and the meaning behind the song. As far as I know it was written out of the pain Selena was experiencing after Justin Bieber broke her heart. Whether that's all true or not...you never know with tabloids and such...I definitely connect with her pain.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The Hearts Wants What It Wants Lyrics
You got me sippin' on somethin'
I can't compare to nothin'
I've ever known
I'm hopin' that after this fever I'll survive.

I know I'm actin' a bit crazy
Strung out. A little bit hazy.
Hand over heart I'm prayin'
that I'm gonna make it out alive.

The beds gettin' cold and you're not here
The future that we hold is so unclear
But I'm not alive until you call
And I'll bet the odds against it all. 
Save your advice 'cause I won't hear. 
You might be right but I don't care.
There's a million reasons why I should give you up
But the heart wants what it wants.

You got me scattered in pieces
Shinin' like stars and screamin'
Lighting me up like Venus
But then you disappear and make me wait

And every second's like torture
heroin drip no more so
Findin' a way to let go
Baby, baby no I can't escape

The beds gettin' cold and you're not here
The future that we hold is so unclear
But I'm not alive until you call
And I'll bet the odds against it all. 
Save your advice cause I won't hear 
You might be right but I don't care
There's a million reasons why I should give you up
But the heart wants what it wants.

This is a modern fairy tale
No happy ending
No wind in our sails
But I can't imagine a life without
Breathless moments breaking me down

The beds gettin' cold and you're not here
The future that we hold is so unclear
But I'm not alive until you call
And I'll bet the odds against it all.
Save your advice cause I won't hear 
You might be right but I don't care
There's a million reasons why I should give you up
But the heart wants what it wants. 

The heart wants what it want baby...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

So there you go.
Roll your eyes or high five me...
I'll take either one because I'm expecting mixed responses honestly.

I'd love to hear what YOU are listening to right now so be sure to leave a comment.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I actually really hesitated posting this because this is the only Selena Gomez song I've ever purchased and I kind of feel like a teeny bopper being stuck on this song. And then...I saw a friend from High School post on Facebook, "Not that I really care but what will Selena Gomez say to herself when she is 42 about the relationship she had with Justin Beiber when she was 22? #theheartiscluelessaboutwhatitwants"  Yikes! I totally get what she was saying but I couldn't disagree more with her hashtag. As Shakespeare once said, "Love reasons without reason."  *wink*

INSPIRE | Look Up

My daughter, Clara, shared this video with me last week and I was moved…
not just by the message of the video…
but even more by the fact that she…as a teenager…was moved by it as well.

I hope you'll take the time to watch this...
it falls right into play with the Hands Free Mama book I've been reading.  I'm fully aware of how social media can suck the life right out of our lives. So the message of this video isn't something new and profound for me.  BUT…I really appreciated the poetry and the visual this video conveys. I think we need constant reminding to put down our phones, iPads and any techy toy to play with WHO really matters.

Here's one of my favorite excerpts:

When I was a child, I'd never be home.
I'd be out with my friends on our bikes we would roam.
I'd wear holes in my trainers and graze up my knees…
We'd build our own clubhouse high up in the trees.

Now the parks are so quiet, it gives me a chill
See no children outside and the swings hanging still.
There's no skipping or hopscotch, no church and no steeple.
We're a generation of idiots, smart phones and dumb people.

So LOOK UP from your phone…
shut down the display…
Take in your surroundings - make the most of today

There's even more good stuff to listen to and see in the video…
I really hope you are moved…and inspired to LOOK UP!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I was pretty much "unplugged" for the last 4 days.
I'd like to say it was by choice but honestly it was because my daughter lost her phone and I let her use mine because she was doing some overnight dog-sitting. I needed to be able to get a hold of her as well as provide a way for her to be able to reach out in case of an emergency. I have to say though…I thoroughly enjoyed not having it on me.

LIFE | Reflections of 2013

 

Happy 2014 everyone! I'm finalizing my thoughts about my "Action Word" for 2014 and will be sharing that soon. (check out the words I chose for 2011 and 2012.)

I'm also making good use of the new Emily Ley Simplified Planner I purchased to help keep me organized and focused in 2014. (can't wait to receive the Lara Casey Power Sheets to use as a supplement for filling my planner with what matters most).

So while I'm wrapping up my thoughts on my action word and enjoying the last few days of the kids being out of school…here's a 15 second video I shared on my Instagram feed yesterday of the bits and pieces that helped make up 2013 for me. Enjoy! Turn up the volume to hear the snippet of beautiful music called Moonbeams by Sareena Dominguez

Looking forward to the new year ahead and wishing you all buckets of happiness, success and good health for you, your family and friends.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I thought I had picked out my action word yesterday and was really excited about it - started my blog post summary about the reasons I picked it and everything. Then as I was in the shower at the end of the day a different word popped into my head. So that's why I'm not ready to share it yet! *wink* I'll keep you posted.

ELLA STYLE | Summer Fun on the Play Set

This happy girl LOVES being outside on her swing set.
We've spent some extra hours out there this Summer and on this particular day...
she really wanted some of her friends out there to swing with her...

Turn up the sound button and PUSH PLAY! 
Watch the 15 second Instagram Video I created...
(I love that you can hear the birds chirping in the background).

1. Giggling over the fact that "Cinderella" just wouldn't sit still in her swing.

2. Oops! "Brownie" and her pink pony fell out of their swing too.

3. Growing up too fast - she doesn't use her hands anymore for walking up or down the slide.

4. Build-A-Bears - "Brownie" actually belongs to Clara but since Clara has outgrown Brownie she's allowed Ella to temporarily care for her. "Cinderella" was a gift from Grandpa and Grandma on Ella's trip to Illinois with her dad.

5. Being a bit shy for some reason with me taking photos! (she's usually asking/telling me to take pictures of her) Ha!!

6. Ella can stand up and swing now too - with much caution at this point.

7. Getting ready to jump in her swing after carefully positioning and re-positioning her friends on their own swings.

8. Cute video showcasing Ella's super sweet personality! I love how this turned out.

Ella Style:

Ella is wearing +GapKids White Bermuda Shorts, Glitter Graphic Ice Cream T-Shirt and her hair is styled in a side-braided pony tail - tied off with a snippet of red gingham ribbon. (Such a small, simple detail I've always loved using on my girls).

I really encourage you to capture the simple things that make up your every day...

Your favorite coffee mug...

the outside activities you do with your family...

your children's favorite play things...

or even the shoes you are constantly tripping over.

I promise... you will miss seeing those shoes left out one day. *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I typically go out in the mornings or after dinner with Ella...

this Florida heat is just too much in the middle of the day.

Ella's side-braided pony tail started coming out in the middle of playing.

I ended up re-doing it as a standard pony tail. (see photo 2)

Which by the way, Photo 2 is my favorite photo!

I think because it encapsulates everything we had going on that morning.

Ella's red cheeks, re-done hair, friends in the grass more often than in the swing

and her stuffed animals in her arms reminds me of how important they are to her - 

and how sweetly she cares for them and integrates them into her every day life.

She's such the sweetest!! 

PROMiSE ME | My visit to Le Macaron

The French Macaron…

A small, delicate, chewy-with-a-tiny-crunch "cookie"

containing a sweet center of fruit filling or chocolate ganache.

There has been speculation over the past few years that this tasty little (gluten-free) treat...

will be replacing the beloved cupcake in the competition for the most popular go-to dessert.

I'm not sure if it will actually "replace" the cupcake...(click the "Keep Reading" button below)

DiSCOVER | Video on Instagram

Just in case you haven't already heard the big news...
Instagram now has video capability!!

CLICK HERE to see the first on-the-go Instavideo I made over the weekend?

I know...not that impressive technically but cut me some slack - this is all still new to me! *wink*

It's similar to the concept Vine offered

with the following key (& fabulous) differences:

- 15 sec video vs. 6 seconds that Vine offered.

- 13 video filters vs. ZERO filters from Vine.
- loads straight to your Instagram feed.

Check out all of the details straight from the Instagram Blog...

and if you've already started your own Instavideos...

here are some fun links to look at to improve your Instavideo experiences and just for fun:

- Audio Tips & Tricks

- Discover your favorite celebrity videos 
- Turn your "auto play" feature off if you don't want videos to automatically start playing...
  (Go to "Settings" and then "Preferences")

Want to get started creating your own Instavideos? 

UPGRADE to the latest version of Instagram right here:

iOS version 4.0 - Apple's App Store

Android version 4.0 - Google Play

If you don't already follow me on Instagram...

you've got an open invitation to keep up with my life behind-the-blog!
Click right here or just search for me on Instagram: @pnpflowers

KEEPiNG iT REAL

My actual VERY FIRST on-the-go video was of my first visit to Mellow Mushroom.

Unfortunately, the battery on my phone was low before I started recording and it died before I finished.

We then went to Le Macaron right after Mellow Mushroom so I was only able to charge my phone in the car for about 10 minutes as we were driving. I wasn't sure I would get it filmed and posted before my phone died again. Lucky for me the timing of it all worked out...just barely!!

Lesson? Make sure your battery is fully charged so you don't have to be so freaked and stressed out about capturing a momentous occasion that you sacrifice video quality! *frown*

iNSPiRE | Promise Me 2013 - 4 Rivers

15 Days into the "Promise Me 2013" journey... 
and I am happy to report I've officially crossed off one of the things on my list...

A Visit to 4 Rivers Smokehouse
SWEET SHOP VIDEO FILMED VIA THE  VINE APP

4 Rivers Smokehouse from Jessica Kirkland on Vimeo.

Alongside the smokehouse portion of this dining establishment is their 4Rivers Sweet Shop.

It's loaded with oversized delicious desserts that are not for the faint of heart.

There are giant cakes, cookies, milkshakes, pies, unique cupcake flavors - like Mountain Dew with the icing rolled in Doritos... and more! (You can even order some fried Oreos while you are dining in the Smokehouse).

Here's what we brought home with us...

Oversized Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie

Why this? Because it was obnoxiously large, I love peanut butter + chocolate, it was unique 

and I'm totally inspired to create some dipped cookies like this! *wink*

This is just the beginning...

Keep reading for the rest of the yummy details...

iNSPiRE | Smash Book + Candy Hearts

Brrr....it's cold outside here in Florida.

However, the excitement from the "Promise Me" movement we've got going on over here is sure warming my heart!!

The "Promise Me" Pinterest Board I've set up for those of you who are joining along has been filling up.

The emails have been pouring in...

genuine enthusiasm has been shared by so many of you...

and we are all inspiring each other - already.

and it's not even February 1st yet - our official start date. 

One of the bits of inspiration that has come about from this Promise Me adventure...

completely unexpected from the suggestion/comments from some brilliant Pen N' Paperflowers Facebook Fans...

Was the suggestion of doing a SMASH™ Book as part of the Promise Me journey!

If you don't know what a SMASH™ Book is...

Sit back and enjoy this short and sweet video from K&Company

This concept is SO right up my alley.

And since I've not done a SMASH™ book yet...

The Promise Me journey is the perfect way to get my feet wet!!

I will be picking up the supplies I need this weekend!

Perhaps you'll be inspired to do the same?

I'll also be finishing up the Promise Me graphic to share with you next week.

If you have a blog or site, you'll be able to post it loud and proud as a reminder to yourself...

and as a badge of honor sort of thingy! *wink*

Remember...

I'll be randomly selecting someone every month to send a little something special to.

I've been compiling my list of  these "special gifts" and I promise YOU...

each one of them will be fun and inspiring. 

SO. FUN!

So.

If you have no idea what Promise Me is about but are interested in learning more, GO HERE.

If you have not yet gotten your name on the list and would like to be included...

shoot me an email: pnpflowers AT live DOT com

If you are already on the list but forgot about being invited to pin to our Promise Me 2013 Pinterest Board,

send me another email to let me know you want to start pinning: pnpflowers AT live DOT com

Now...

If SMASH™ Books or the Promise Me journey isn't your thing...

I've got something else for you...

Perhaps you'll try it out this weekend if you've never done it...

Candy Hearts

 FOR USE AS TOPPINGS ON CUPCAKES OR OTHER VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS

MY RESULTS FROM EXPERIMENTING:
• Hot Tamales (Red)  - WiNNER!! Cracks aren't as visible and sealed back together nicely.
• Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (Light Pinks) - Runner Up - I personally don't like how visible the cracks/seams show.
• Good & Plenty (Dark Pink) - LAST PLACE - Cracked Under Pressure - but could be used as a symbol for a "broken heart" Ha!

THE VISUAL HOW-TO

THE VERBAL HOW-TO:
Cut your choice of candy in 1/2 at a 45º angle.
Flip one of the pieces and immediately squeeze the two candy pieces back together - the insides act as a glue.

Such a simple technique to turn any ordinary tubular edible object into something special...
Have the kids help - they'll love it!

I've seen this done with HOTDOGS - PINNED HERE
I've done it with a CHEESESTICK - using the same toothpick technique shown with the hotdog linked above.
I was told it works great with CHERRY TOMATOES - PINNED HERE!

If you want to chime in about the Smash™ Book...
or the Promise Me...
or if you have any other cute ideas for turning food into heart shapes...leave your comments.
I always love hearing from you!!
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
1st:
I'm REALLY needing a "Momcation".
I thought I made that word up until I found it in the Urban Dictionary! Ha!
You know what that means?
I'm not the only Mom out there who feels this way...
which makes me feel a little less guilty for feeling that way! *wink*

2nd:
I made the chart above because I was too lazy to photograph my results with my REAL camera.
The photo at the top was from my iPhone camera - not great quality but you get the point! *wink*
Besides...I actually love how the chart turned out.
So see...
sometimes it's good to be lazy?
Although taking the time to create the chart doesn't really equate with "lazy"...now does it? Ha!

BOOK | Small Plates and Sweet Treats

I absolutely LOVE Aran Goyoaga, author of the beautiful food blog: Cannelle et Vanille.

You've seen my attempt at recreating her gorgeous, healthy, wholesome dishes here.
(I even added her recipes to my "Promise Me" journey last February).

Aran has a way of sweeping you away into a different world with her gorgeous food photography.
She has this amazing connection with food linking her to fond memories of her childhood.
Her natural ability to convey the recollections of growing up in the Basque country oftentimes makes you feel you are there, sharing the experience.

There's a distinct feeling I get every time I look at her lovely food presentation...
or listen to the way her love of wholesome foods is directly tied into her love of family;
The family she grew up in...
and her own little family she is now raising.

I have been anticipating the release of her first book and I'm thrilled to say it's now available for pre-order.
The book is a lovely guide to how "Gluten-free food can be delicious and beautiful... and satisfying"
Check out the charming book trailer to see for your yourself...

Although I must warn you...
you may be unable to overcome the overwhelming desire to purchase the book. NOW.  *wink*

Wouldn't this be a fabulous gift for yourself...

or someone you know?

KEEPiNG iT REAL

You know that feeling you get after you've watched an amazing movie...an inspiring movie?

That feeling that makes you believe you can do anything...

Lighting that spark within you that reconfirms your dreams aren't out of reach

and reaching your fullest potential is just around the corner?

(I remember watching Flashdance and then dancing non-stop for weeks afterwards - thinking that was my calling in life). *blushing*

Well...I get that same feeling every time I visit Aran's food blog.

Her recipes inspire me to cook healthier for my family.

I've said before...

she's actually living the life (through cooking) that I feel I should/could be living.

Aran comes across as very organic...

genuine...

and approachable.

I like that.

I know I'm going to love her book.

iNSPiRE | I Was Here...

I thought this would be a great way to start off the week...
A beautiful source of inspiration...
encouraging each of us...
to do more...
to reach out more...
to love more...
to make a difference...
big or small...
it ALL matters...

Beyonce's "I Was Here" (United Nations World Humanitarian Day Performance Video)

Powerful message, right?
I hope you got chills like I did when I watched this.

Make it a great week, friends.

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Look for an Art Print this week...
inspired by the video.

Got the girls off to school this morning for their first day back...
THRiLLED beyond words to be back into a routine...
which means I get to revel in my passion for blogging...
LOVE getting the week started off right. *wink*
Looking forward to sharing all of the fun things I've
had bottled up...

Holiday | Happy Memorial Day

Sending out a heartfelt
THANK YOU
to all of the service men and women who have:
• fought for our freedom...
• sacrificed in ways the rest of us will never understand
• served our country in order to defend our beliefs and values
• left their families behind for the greater good
• represented our nation through dedicated military service
and....
• given the ultimate sacrifice - their life

Remember...Reflect...Respect

And because I hold a special place in my heart for my grandfather
who was a P.O.W. in Ofuna, Japan during World War II
and also served in the Korean War...
take a peek at this video I found...
honoring World War II Veterans.
(I wish he was still here to experience this).

promise ME | goals #3 and #43

I hope this video puts a smile on your face
and adds a bit of sunshine to your day...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It's incredibly unbelievable how long it takes to create a video...

The time spent saving, editing, cutting, adding music...

not to mention the fact that I have to convert the files from .MOD to .mpeg and then to a movie file.

Craziness I tell ya!!

But I figure the more I do it...

the faster I'll get.

Right?! *wink*

Did you know? | My grandfather...my hero

Did you know...

My grandfather is/was my hero...

A couple of weeks ago...
I felt inspired to start sharing little things about me that you might not know.
Things that will ultimately connect us in ways that might not otherwise be possible.
I've decided to call these my "Did you know?" posts.

They will be random little things about me...
my life...
my experiences...
my family...
my beliefs...
insights into my life I feel will help open the doors
and shed light on the path that has made me the person I am today.

Also, with the first few days of November behind us...
I felt inspired to share some feelings/things about gratitude throughout the month...
because ultimately being genuinely grateful for what we have...
is the magic key for unlocking the door to the happiness in life we are all seeking.

So today's "Did you know" post happens to combine BOTH of those desires:
My desire for sharing a little something about myself...
and sharing with you someone I'm eternally grateful for...

my grandfather....Charles J. Richardson, Jr.

My grandfather was my only male role model growing up since I never really knew my dad.

(My parents were divorced when I was two years old. My dad never played an active role in my life. 

I vaguely remembered him while growing up and honestly, I finally had the opportunity to meet him about 10 years ago).

My grandfather was handsome, funny, devoted, kind, loving, generous, creative, imaginative and intelligent...

He loved life...

He loved his family...

He loved his country...

He loved his friends...

And he loved and adored the love of his life...my grandmother, Dorothy Louisette

I've decided to share a segment of the Family Reunion Slideshow I put together over the summer.
This particular part of the slideshow is one of the most emotional parts since it's a tribute to my grandfather...

I must tell you...
The images are mostly gripping emotional photos...from his grave side burial.
Yes...
I know that sounds a little strange.
Who takes photos at a funeral?
I'd never really thought about doing that before...
but I felt inspired to do-so because my grandfather
was honored with a military gun salute for his 20+ years of service in the Navy
and his 6 months spent as a P.O.W. in Ofuna, Japan during World War II.
It was important to me to capture those images.

I am SO grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone...
and put aside the hesitation/skepticism I had about photographing something so personal.
I can't tell you how much I treasure the images because they truly capture the emotion of the day.
Priceless images of family and friends that have experienced a deep sense of loss without him here now...
People who will forever be touched by my grandfather's example.
He truly was an incredible man...
A person I hold in the highest regard.

I feel so incredibly lucky.
Lucky to have known him...
to have shared part of his life with him.

I'm also proud of him.
Proud of the person he was...
the profound character he had...
the incredible ability to find humor even in the midst of sorrow, heartache and trials...
the amazing legacy he left behind...
and especially proud to call him my grandfather.

So...
turn your music off if you have it playing...
turn your volume up if it's down...
There's music you'll want to hear as you watch the slideshow...

Without further adieu...

My grandfather...my hero

And now you know... 

KEEPiNG iT REAL

After taking a few photos myself...
I of course was overcome with emotion.

I ended up handing the camera off to Tina...my brother's girlfriend at the time, who has since become his wife.

I'm grateful she managed to capture most of the moving images in the video...

The one of my brother and I in a tear-filled, heartfelt embrace...wow.

So many emotions.

behind the scenes | the Pastry Pedestal™ outtakes

Good Morning everyone...
As many of you other bloggers out there know...
there were some major issues with Blogger last week that prevented posting and made a mess of things.

So...
I figured I'd make light of things...
Here are some "outtakes" from some of The Pastry Pedestal™ videos I made over the weekend:

The Pastry Pedestal™ - Outtakes from Jessica Kirkland on Vimeo.

Enjoy the laughs...

The final videos are posted on The Pastry Pedestal™ website.

I hope you find them informative and fun!

Have a GREAT Monday everyone!!

And for those of you who've already received your packages of The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit...

I hope to see some photos of how you are using them and I definitely want your feedback and suggestions!!

Thank you SO very much for your support!! It's been invaluable and so very appreciated!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I think the video today is keeping things COMPLETELY real! *wink*

My mom helped video tape the first round of videos - putting up with my shenanigans and all of the retakes. (thanks Mom).

J helped finalize the videos - I couldn't have done it without either of them!! 

Love you both!!!

makes you stop & think...

i came across this video the other day.
powerful stuff.
seriously.

(PAUSE the music on the side bar before watching the video)

was i right or was i right?

i hope you all are having/have had a GREAT thursday...

get "buckled up" for a fantastic friday!!!

Keeping It Real

the moving process is keeping me pretty busy...

made gluten-free pancakes last night & they gave new meaning to the phrase "flat as a pancake". they were "paper thin" and oh so runny. wouldn't even hold their shape.

they tasted good though. (thankfully). and the blueberry syrup i made was pretty tasty too! *wink*

listen...

shhhh....listen.

do you hear it? the magic? it's the new song by owl city. it's called fireflies. it's a happy little song. still don't hear it? here's the magical video. push play. & enjoy.

**and thanks goes to rhonna for the heads-up about it yesterday on her blog. so refreshing.

and you can bet your bottom dollar i'll be trying out the pumpkin butter she posted about too.

finalizing the birthday invite order this morning. should i give you a sneak peak? or save it as a surprise? hmmm....let me think about that.

wednesday...make it magical.

bananas over an apple...

the video speaks for itself...enjoy!

(don't forget to scroll ALL the way down & pause the music first).