Archive for the ‘Blogs’ Category

The United Nations Meditation Group created World Gratitude Day to express appreciation for the great things that individuals and groups do. This recognition is on a global basis. According to their website: “World Gratitude Day presents an award to someone who we feel has done something outstanding in the spirit of Globalism.”

This group also suggests that you find something to be grateful for, and remember the feeling.

On a smaller scale, seek to give gratitude and appreciation to people in your life who have done good deeds. It could be something as simple as a “thank you” or a card of thanks to someone. Or, you could offer some type of certificate or plaque of appreciation from a group you belong to, for contributions from individuals inside or outside of your group.

Happy World Gratitude Day!

There’s only one kind of love that can fill us up, make us whole, and give us the happiness we all want: true love.

I have known my brother’s best friend Ryan since what seems like forever.  Watching him & my brother Tyler playing pee-wee football together, to graduating high school, being college roommates, & now Ryan’s in med school… I’ve always considered him to be my other “little brother” the guy holds a special place place in my heart.

Ryan introduced me to his at the time girlfriend Kylie  about 3 years ago when I made a big Italian feast (my specialty- rolled lasagna & salad) for my brother & his roommates as a “one last hurrah” before I gave up my hearing . I immediately had such a good feeling about Kylie  (after we explained Girl Scout Cookies! hehe) She made Ryan light up like a Christmas tree. At that moment I knew she was the one.

True Love

Yesterday I proudly watched Ryan & Kylie get married.  As a wedding gift to my nerdy birds I painted “Whoo Loves You”.  Congrats again R+K!!

"Whoo Loves You"

Close up: My nerdy birds "Whoo loves you"

Just as the title says, this post is really about celebrating life. So much has gone on this summer that I’m not suree all of it will fit in this post, but let’s give it a go.

Medical Update-

Here is a link to the latest medical update ABC’s WZZM13 news (Grand Rapids, MI) aired on me. I’m not taking it as bad news or great news. I’m still breathing, and that’s all I care about. My mantra is – Mama didn’t raise a quitter.

Click Me for Jessica’s Medical Update

Paintings–

This summer has been crazy hot! It hasn’t stopped me from painting. My skin has become very sensitive to being outside, so I have been seeking refuge inside by a fan. Here are 2 paintings I finished this summer.

Journey of Life is Sweeter When Shared

This was part of my wedding gift to my friend Lisa & Paul. Congrats again, you guys are beautiful.

Up There Smiling Down On You

I donated this painting to  Ashley’s Ride which was auctioned for $275.00 to go twords finding a cure for Neurofibromatotis. Words can’t even begin to express how close to my heart I hold this event. 4 years ago my close friend also with Neurofibromatosis (NF) Ashley Sexton died during her third surgery from this disease.  Today, Ashley’s parents & community continue that fight to cure Neurofibromatois. The annual “Ashley’s Ride” helps us reach that goal, and keeps Ashley’s spirit alive in all who knew and loved her.

Ashley I miss you! You are never far from my thoughts and hold a special place in my heart.

Family Reunion-

We held a family reunion this year for our Muniz family here in Muskegon. Mind blowing!! I’m not really sure how else to put it getting to finally meet family I have heard a lot about from Texas. I had so many mixed emotions because I was so excited to spend time with them all, and also sad because I wish we all made more of an effort along time ago to get together & stay close. I didn’t want the weekend to end because I didn’t want to let them go. I definitely get my artistic ability from that side. Literally our clan consists of painters, musicians, photographers, graphic designers, film-makers… such a surge of artistic energy, many great memories retold & so many new ones made. I’m looking forward to next year’s reunion, and planning to come visit family in Texas this winter. I love you all!!

FAMILY

Now some heart breaking news-

This isn’t so much the heart breaking news as what comes after this, but still is pretty bummer-ific.  After a year of dating Josh & I decided to end our relationship to focus on being friends while achieving our own goals. If you already watched my medical update you know that I’m wearing thin. Josh has been nothing but supportive with me going through chemo, not to say that we haven’t had our differences, but we both agree it’s best to be friends. We still care about each other very much, and I’m very fortunate to call him a friend.

Lucky to have supportive friends

Now for the big heart breaker- My 12-year-old Boxer, Toby is on his deathbed, and there isn’t a thing I can do to change that. Please if anyone has a time machine I can borrow, get a hold of me! I don’t want to lose my dog. He isn’t just a dog; he’s a part of my family and one of my closets friends. I am just praying this will be an easy passing for him, and trying to remind myself that he has lived a really good life. I don’t know what I’m gonna do once he’s gone because the hole in my heart will be hard to fill. I love you Toby. You are the best dog, and I will never forget you.

Toby the Best Dog Ever

So concludes the circle of life. Do me a favor, and ever miss the opportunity to tell someone you love them. Always be inspired by life. And never EVER give up.

Peace, Love, Rock on!

Jess

Resilience doesn’t get a day off.

This is for all the patients at the cancer clinic undergoing chemotherapy too. Keep keeping ass because i believe in you!

hello chemo drippier! please work

my birthday peacock cupcake

Time for me to enjoy my day because… it’s my birthday.

Peace, love, rock on!

Jess