Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Hello, readers! Today, I officially welcome you to my 142nd post that I’ve written since starting this endeavor back in 2018! Can you believe that we are in the third year of sunshine and smiles with this site? I guess they aren’t wrong when they say that time flies when you are having fun!

On a side note, time also flies if the year is 2021 because how in the heck is it already the second week of October?! Official countdown tells me that it is 45 days until Thanksgiving and 75 days until Christmas.

Say it isn’t so! That is just INSANE.

Once again, I thank you for both following on this journey and supporting me with your reading eyes, immense love, and undying support. It truly does mean the world to me and words in weekly posts can’t express the true amount of gratitude that I have in my heart, especially since I’ve been doing this now for three years!

Anyhoo, let’s get on to this week’s post.

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coming Out Day. It is a day that is extremely important to me in many respects and one that I hope that others in this world will start to educate themselves about and appreciate as we move forward in the 21st century.

My name is JP Welliver.

I am gay.

I am proud.

I am love.

And even when life isn’t a rainbow, I’m a proud one.

As an openly gay man living in this world, nothing saddens me more than knowing that we are still struggling for rights and continue to be viewed as “different” or “unfit” by a society that feeds upon hate and judgment.

It is 2021.

We are living in the 21st century. What gives? How can it be that we are still living in a world where we would rather hate with our words than love with our hearts? It is the million dollar question that I continue to try and answer each and every day as I live out life.

I’m 34 years old. I’m a openly gay single man living in the town of Lancaster where I work full time as an Account Manager at The Webstaurantstore, part time as a Customer Service Auditor for The Loomis Company, and music director of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Penryn, PA. And while I keep myself busy with these careers, I also find time to participate in theater productions at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, personal train twice a week, run about 3-4 miles a day in my Miles 4 Smiles fundraising campaign, and also watch The Golden Girls. However, amongst the crazy schedule, the miles run, the weights lifted, and the large amounts of caffeine consumed, there is one thing that is always in the back of my mind constantly even with being in the 21st century.

And that is my sexuality. Even in 2021, there are still moments where I feel judged and stared at.

In Spring of 2005, my junior year of high school, I made the decision to come out to a few of my friends. And while it was a decision that weighed heavily on me day in and day out, it is one that I look back on with no regrets. And 14 year later, after being bullied, called inappropriate names including the term ‘faggot’, and struggling with thoughts of hurting myself and trying to figure out what I’m on this Earth for, I stand even stronger and prouder of who I am.

Today, I want to share a few reflections that I hope you will all take to heart and ponder as you go about your daily lives today, tomorrow, and each day after.

I want to thank my parents. While I know it was a struggle in the beginning to accept and we fought with differences, I couldn’t be more thankful for all of the unwavering support and true love you have continuously showed me throughout my life. You have raised me to fight for what I believe in, to never give up, and to show love and kindness to all. For that, I can’t repay you and having you by my side is the greatest gift I could ask for.

I want to thank my incredible and amazing friends who have been there through thick and thin since day one. I can’t even begin to imagine life without you all. You make the smiles, laughs, tears, hugs, and memories of each passing day extraordinary and worth living. Having a supportive team of individuals around me does wonders for the soul and it is something that I try to never take for granted. Each and every one of you is appreciated and loved so much. Each and every one of you has had some kind of impact in the evolution of Mr. Sunshine up to this point in my life. And for those who will continue to evolve with me in the future, I look forward to the days ahead with an unwavering optimistic energy.

I want to take a moment to share reflections with those out there struggling with their identity and sexuality. Always be true to yourself and never sacrifice anything for what you feel in your heart. Know that you are not alone and that there will always be people around to wrap you in love and warmth when the world seems cold and closes in with darkness. Find your support system. They are out there and are ready to love and support you in life’s toughest moment of weakness.

I want to take a moment to share some reflections to those who view me and my fellow gay community as different. I hope that you will one day be able to look past the walls of judgement that you have built up and realize that we are no different than you. And while we may identify with feelings for those of the same sex, we are still human beings full of love and pride.

I encourage all of you to celebrate the rainbow and the gay community and to extend a hand to all in this world by spreading love and kindness. Not just this month, but every month of the year. Do it today, tomorrow, and each day after.

There may be days in my life left on this Earth that I get bullied, called faggot, or struggle with the thoughts of hurting myself. In fact, some of you might remember earlier this year that I wrote a post about the April Sunday afternoon where I was called by a faggot while running on the back country roads of Lititz. It was a moment that made me shed tears and brought to the forefront that hate, prejudice, and bigotry are still very much alive.

If, as you are reading this, think that hate, prejudice, and bigotry do not exist in our world, I ask you to look out your window.

Seriously.

Take a moment right now as you read this to pause and look out the window…wherever that might be in your current habitat.

Or at least take a moment later in your day to look out the window, but please make sure to take a moment to do so.

And as you gaze out that window, I ask you to look at the world around and realize that it is not perfect and far from it.

And after looking out the window and at the world, go look at yourself in the mirror.

And as you look at yourself in the mirror, take a moment to ask yourself this question:

“Am I enabling the problem or helping to end it.”

While I realize that some of you have never experienced a moment of bigotry, prejudice, or hate (and might never experience one), I need you to understand that it still exists.

Very much so.

For so many people from all different walks of life…not just gay men.

And it is a reality that I have lived in these 34 years of life more than once. More times that can be count on your fingers and toes combined.

Do you ever walk out of your house in fear that you might get hurt because of the person you are and people you love?

Do you ever think that you will be discriminated against because of the people you love?

Do you ever think that you will be made fun or bullied because of who you are?

These are all questions that I have (and continue to) answer ‘yes’ to on the daily.

And while I hope and pray that we will eventually live in a world where these entities do not exist, I sincerely hope and pray that you will do your best to show love and kindness to everyone you meet and to help bring an end to discrimination and all the elements of hatred that come along with it.

But I do know this. I am a believer in sharing love and kindness to everyone regardless of social status, ethnicity, religion, skin color, or sexual orientation.

I look for the good in others and work hard in finding ways to make those around me happier. I believe in happily every after and will not sacrifice my morals or values to find whatever that might be for me in life.

I fight for what I believe in.

I am happy.

I am positive.

I am spiritual.

I am joyful.

I am silly.

I am reactive.

I am emotional.

I am proud.

I am colorful.

I am Mr. Sunshine.

I am JP.

I am gay.

I stand before you in this very moment with great pride in my true colors and can’t wait to continue sharing with the world who I am and what I’m about.

We need to stop the hating, the judgments, the bullying, and work together as one to break down the walls of hate that have paralyzed our society with the belief that the gay community is different. This world needs more love.

The events that have unfolded and continue to unfold in the world around us are clear examples that we are in need of so much more love and kindness.

Where are the opens arms of love that we should be extending to ALL humans regardless of the gender of the humans they love?

When will the hating stop?

When will the violence end?

When are we going to wake up as a human race and realize that people who love the same sex are no different than anyone else?

When is the world going to realize that love is love is love?

My name is JP Welliver.

I am gay.

I am proud.

I am love.

And even when life isn’t a rainbow, I’m a proud one.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, folks.

I guess it is time for me to wish you a happy Monday yet again.

We have officially hit the Fall season, tenth month of the year, and sweater weather.

Oh…and pumpkin everything in case you forgot or haven’t experienced the basic PSL that everyone these days seems to be obsessed with and can’t get enough of.

Well, enough about pumpkin.

Should we talk about Christmas instead?

Because in case you haven’t noticed, Christmas decorations (specifically trees) have started to make their appearance in local stores everywhere.

Does that make anyone anxious?

Or is that just me?

Joy to the world, everyone!

Anyhoo, we are not talking about pumpkin or Christmas this week.

Sorry not sorry.

But what I am going to talk about is something that is super critical during ALL seasons, ALL holidays, ALL days of our lives.

It seems impossible anymore these days to not experience a moment of hatred or rudeness as we go about living out life.

Whether it is opening a website to read a news article, experiencing the wrath of a customer over the phone yelling and screaming, or witnessing humans belittling each other in some public space, it just seems like the entity of kindness has become forgotten in more ways than one.

There are days when I become drained just because I see how far gone our world, our Country, and our communities really are.

Political differences have deepened wounds among us.

Topics such as masks and vaccines result in exchanges of intense debate and negativity.

And violence seems to erupt too easily more often than not.

People feel entitled to everything and think because of that, they can yell, scream, and assume everyone not at “their level” is beneath them and deserves to be treated as such.

It’s sad.

It’s scary.

It’s draining.

It’s disheartening.

But it’s something we can change.

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is also defined as performing a kind act.

So, where’s the kindness?

Where’s the friendly, generous, and considerate attitude that we should be using throughout all moments of our lives?

Where in your life can you incorporate more kindness?

Can you let that friend in your life you haven’t talked to you in awhile know that you miss them and really appreciate them?

Can you pay for the person behind you the next time you are in a drive-thru?

Can you greet someone with a smile that you only just met in passing?

Can you help that older individual carry their groceries from cart to their car?

No matter who we are, each day presents an opportunity for us to be kind to someone else.

Being kind is something that continues to be overshadowed in our world by all the negative news, violence, and hatred that bears its ugly face constantly and consistently.

Being kind is ALWAYS in fashion and it is something that be displayed to everyone regardless of their color, sexual orientation, religion, social status, ethnicity—or whatever the case might be.

Period.

No exceptions.

Regardless of your political affiliation…BE KIND.

Regardless of your opinion on masks…BE KIND.

Regardless on your opinion about vaccines…BE KIND.

Regardless of whether or not you approve of me being a gay man…BE KIND.

The world seems to be going to shit. (I know…not very Mr. Sunshiney.)

But we can stop that.

It starts with you.

It starts with me.

Stop judging the book by its cover.

Stop yelling and automatically disagreeing without opening your hearts first to listen.

Stop creating judgment about someone without leading with love.

And above all else, be kind.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

It looks like we have reached yet another Monday in the month of September!

And what beautiful Fall weather Mother Nature decided to throw our way recently.

I hope all of you had the opportunity to enjoy some of it.

Or at least had the opportunity to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte.

Because…you know…basic.

Or anything pumpkin.

Because pumpkin is EVERYWHERE.

Also, while we are on the subject of pumpkin, Christmas is 90 days away.

No joke.

I just Googled that.

It’s true.

Which means I needed to start shopping like yesterday.

Anyhoo, I digress.

Let’s get to this week’s post!

Something that I hope all of you will say yes to reading.

See what I did there?!

I know. I know. I’m so clever.

And that segues perfectly into this week’s topic.

Anyone out there have as much trouble as I do with the following phrase.

“No.”

I can’t be the only one who struggles with this.

Please, please, please…raise your hands with me.

I feel like this is always something that I’ve struggled with–quite honestly, probably since coming out of my mother’s womb.

And quite honestly, it is something that I continue to struggle with.

This whole weekend I thought about it.

Well to be 78950% honest, I’ve been thinking about how bad I am at saying no and where in life that I need to learn how to say it.

And in addition to this, I also want to figure out things I need to say yes to as well.

But let’s focus on the no for now.

In the next week, here are 10 things that I want to say “no” to!

1. Going to bed after midnight.

2. Eating junk food after 10pm.

3. Drinking caffeinated soda after 10pm.

4. Cursing when I get frustrated and letting negative emotions get the best of me.

5. Going more than 10mph over the speed limit.

6. Not feeling guilty for wanting to say no to something or someone.

7. Getting addicted to social media and continuously scrolling right before sleepy time.

8. Spending money on things that are not necessary in life.

9. Staying off my phone when I’m in the presence of hanging out with friends.

10. Alcohol on weeknights.

On the flip side, here are 10 things I want to say “yes” to in the coming week!

1. Setting aside time for Christmas Eve planning.

2. Inviting friends and family to get tickets for Something Rotten at EPAC.

3. Paying for the person behind me in the drive-thru.

4. Sharing a positive comment with at least 3 people in my life on the daily.

5. More self-love and appreciation.

6. Scheduling some additional PTO before end of year.

7. More sleepovers at my childhood home with my parents.

8. More Disney movie watching.

9. More reading before bed.

10. Writing letters to encourage donations toward my fundraising efforts.

Well, folks.

There you have it.

Two simple words that can have lots of meaning in our lives.

Take a moment.

Breathe in.

Exhale.

Start figuring out where in your lfie you need to say “no” and what in you life can continue to still get the “yes.”

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are experiencing yet another Monday in the ninth month of 2021.

And while it doesn’t feel like it, the first day of Fall is officially on Wednesday! That means time for Pumpkin Spice everything.

And by everything…I actually mean…EVERYTHING.

Yes. I pulled out the all caps for that word. To give it the extra emphasis it needed to make my point.

And now that I said Pumpkin Spice and wrote the words, all that I want right now is a PSL in my hand…

So if you want to make me happy and earn extra points with Mr. Sunshine, bring me a PSL…

Please.

Kthanks.

Okies.

Time to officially move on to writing about this week’s blog topic.

Do you have your PSL? Your coffee? Your warm morning beverage and sweatshirt to cuddle with as the brisk breeze comes through the open windows?

Well good! Because, here we go!

And short disclaimer…the windows are open currently, I’m laying on the couch, and it is 12:12am…just hours before I need to have this post finalized for your eyes to read it!

The term silver lining is defined as the following:

-A sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation; a bright prospect.

Shootings.

Wildfires.

Natural disasters.

Violence.

Hatred.

Covid.

The list goes on and on.

There are so many things in this world around us that cause incredible fear, darkness, and uncertainty–entities that would definitely fall under the “unfortunate or gloomy situation” portion of the silver lining definition listen above that you just read.

I’m not sure how all of you feel, but I know for me there are days when it feels like a silver lining is out of reach–or frankly doesn’t even exist.

And for Mr. Sunshine, that is a heavy statement to write.

This past couple of month, I have had the extreme pleasure to be surrounded by many incredibly talented individuals who are working to put a production of Something Rotten at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

It has been a silver lining for me.

The silver lining that has restored some shine in my soul, light in my life, and energy to keep going on those days when it just feels like the dark clouds are looming over our heads.

This show is the perfect production for those who need a silver lining in their life.

It is a show that provides an escape from the world around us for two hours and it is sure to make you laugh hysterically and humming along to the catchy tunes that intertwine throughout the scenes.

And not to mention the fabulous costumes, sets, and lights.

Truly, it is an awesome production to welcome back the community for the arts of LIVE theater.

This production and theater could be the silver lining YOU need.

Or the silver lining that someone else in your life needs.

The show opens October 7th and runs through October 23rd, so please head over to ephrataperformingartscenter.com to get more information on tickets.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And seeing your smiling faces in the seats as I try to fake my way through tap dancing will make my heart aflutter.

And you may or may not get to see me play some other fun characters too; however, no details on that because I can’t give it all away.

This is one silver lining I hope that some of you will participate in.

But it doesn’t end there.

After that production closes, I will be involved with stage manager a special two-night Halloween production of Hedwig and The Angry Itch to take place on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th. There will be three performances only and I promise that like Something Rotten, this is a production not to be missed.

But the silver lining opportunities don’t stop there.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve struggled with the fact that I have to start planning details and music for this year’s Christmas Eve service.

It is something that I normally start planning at the beginning of Summer and I’m still waiting for that moment where the inspiration will hit me and the light bulb will go off in my head in regards to a theme and music.

I have yet to have that moment.

After last year’s service that ended up being virtual due to Covid, I’m excited to say that we are moving forward with being optimistic and planning for an in-person service with a Zoom option for those who might not feel comfortable gathering in person.

The Christmas Eve service is always one of my favorites to plan and participate in.

It presents a silver lining opportunity to get the creative juices flowing to making a meaningful worship experience for the entire community to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

How can you be a part of this silver lining?

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be looking for individuals who are willing to be a part of the service in regards to special music whether it be via an instrument or voice.

Want to be a part of this experience? Please, please, PLEASE reach out to me and let me know. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved even if you are not musical.

Our faith community has an opportunity to create a silver lining with our Christmas Eve traditions this year for a world that is in great need of hope and light.

It’s time to embrace the fall phrase of “turning over a new leaf.”

Join our theater community during the month of October for two productions that are sure to bring you the silver lining that could be responsible for getting you out of the funk of doom and gloom that overtakes our daily lives.

Join our faith community in helping to produce a silver lining with our Christmas Eve service to those in our surrounding communities who need it most.

It’s time to say hello to that silver lining sunshine.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

Well, hello there!

And welcome to another post from yours truly, Mr. Sunshine.

As promised since I took the week off last Monday for vacation, I have plenty of sunshine and tan lines for you this week!

And let me tell you…the tan lines are quite extreme.

I’m currently in the peeling stage, so there is just a bit of itching happening.

Worth. It.

Anyway, I guess we should get down to business.

I mean…you did come here this morning with your reading eyes ready, right?!

Go grab your morning beverage sidekick of choice and cuddle up for some words straight from the soul of the sunshine!

I don’t know about you, but something about being at the beach always gets my mind thinking.

It’s like the atmosphere of sand, water, waves, and sunshine create the perfect storm for the brain to think deeply and have epiphanies.

It happens year after year without fail.

Anyone else have this experience or feeling?

I can’t be the only one in the minority on this.

Also, anyone else experience post-vacation depression? That is also a very real feeling, but a digression on my actual topic for this week.

And with the events of the world around us and all the “noise” happening in all aspects—COVID, gun violence, political strain, differing opinions—it makes the events of beach-time epiphanies even greater…an escape from the shit happening around us.

Anyhoo, stay with me.

Whilst enjoying sand, water, waves, and sunshine this past week, I had the pleasure of reading a book entitled, You Deserve Better by Tyler Cameron.

I didn’t know anything about Tyler’s background and happened to stumble across his Instagram and immediately felt a good energy about him.

Don’t you just love it when people you meet (or don’t meet if it is just a social media relationship), give off a beautiful energy that just makes you smile and while also making everything just instantly feel better?!

Anyway, Tyler Cameron was a contestant on The Bacherlorette during season 15 and fell in love with Hannah. Ultimately, in short, he was not picked in the end and ended up being broken up with on National TV for all to see. In his book, he discusses a lot about the experience and what he learned about himself, relationships, and communication.

Google him. He is an interesting, beautiful human that deserves all the love the world has to offer.

Anyhoo, I digress.

There were several elements and themes I took away from his book that really resonated with me during this week at the beach.

And I share them with you this week.

Read on!

1. Through love, serve one another.

-This one is literally like a Mr. Sunshine mantra, so if you have not realized yet, I love to help others and serve in love. It is what I was created for on this Earth. It is what gives me the most joy. You will always find a smile on my face if I’m helping others and sharing kindness in some way, shape, or form. Period. Tyler writes, “Whenever I’m feeling down or having trouble connecting to my purpose, I find that looking outside myself is often the answer. When you get up in your own mind, you can spiral. You can easily lose touch with reality and what’s really important. But when you do something to help someone else, it lifts your spirit like nothing else.” Go try it.

2. Keep friends around who want to see you grow.

-Are the friends in your circle motivating you? Are they encouraging you to follow your dreams? Do they support you in anything you undertake? Do they hold you accountable? Do they make everything all about them? Are you friends people who take, take, take and never give back? Just like plants need elements to keep going and growing, so do we as humans. In addition, we need to weed out those in our life that kill our vibe, don’t jive with our morals, and politely let them go. Weeds kill the plants they engulf as do the weeds that we keep around in our circle of friends. There is a quote that I happened to come across while writing these words for you that says, “At some point, you have to realize that some people belong in your heart, but not in your life.”

3. Be with people who give off great energy which ends up making you feel great.

-Tyler talks in the book about how organizations have a Board of Directors and that we should always our very own “Board of Directors” with our friends. We want to surround ourselves with people who make us better. Tyler writes, “Your people are what make you.” Have you looked at those in your life recently? Are they positive people who bring light and energy to your daily or life or whenever you have the opportunity to see/hang out with that individual? Friendships can make or break us. As Tyler says, “They either inspire you to greatness or pull you down in the gutter. Iron sharpens iron–you can do so much when you have good people around you.” Do you have those good people around you?

4. Embrace the tough skin rejection gives you.

-This is a hard one for me because I do not like rejection. In fact, I would be so bold to say that I have a fear of it. But Tyler gives it a new, fresh perspective. He experienced his greatest rejection on national TV and because of that, he has grown thicker skin and have been given even greater opportunities through this rejection. For me, the scars that come from rejection are something that I’ve grown up constantly feeling. And now, as a 34 year-old, it is hard for me to shift the mindset from the fact that rejection is not a bad entity. Rejection for a job promotion might lead to an opportunity that is even bigger and better. Rejection in the dating world just might mean that the person for you (if it is meant to be), might still be out there. We need to rejuvenate and reconstruct our brains with how we view the definition of rejection and spinning it into something positive.

Well, folks. That is all I have for you this week.

Which means that I hope your morning beverage sidekick was able to last through all the words.

I highly encourage you to check out Tyler Cameron’s You Deserve Better because it is a read that gets two thumbs up from Mr. Sunshine.

And I highly encourage you to use aloe if you ever get sunburn.

And finally, I highly encourage you to come back next week for another new post.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi, folks!

Happy Labor Day!

I’m out of office, which means I’m taking the week off from blogging.

Enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy life.

Come back next week!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there folks!

Here we are celebrating another Monday of the Summer season.

Isn’t it crazy that we are at the end of August already?!

Like where has the time gone?!

I still wake up in the mornings thinking that we were just watching the 2021 ball drop in Times Square.

Anyhoo, I digress.

But before I begin, I must say that I’m sending good vibes, thoughts, and prayers to everyone involved with the Afghanistan crisis and also all of those who have been hit or are in the path of Hurricane Ida.

There has been a lot of turmoil recently in the world and it has really been challenging to keep positive thoughts alive on the daily.

Well, let’s get down to business.

I promise to not keep you long this week.

It will be short and sweet.

I’m officially a 34 year-old.

Wow.

That’s crazy.

Say those words again.

34.

Kind of just sits there after you say it…in an awkward silence of nothing-ness.

34 years on this Earth and hopefully many more to come.

I can’t begin to thank everyone who reached out via text, phone call, Facebook message, Facebook post, or whatever other social outlet available to give me well wishes this year.

The love and support I have from so many different individuals makes me both humble and grateful. I am incredibly lucky to have such amazing people in my life (both family and friends) supporting me through thick and thin with undying and overflowing love no matter what the circumstance.

I wear the title and nickname of “Mr. Sunshine” very proudly throughout my daily life. I take it seriously and work hard to advocate for things that emulate the entities of love and kindness. I thrive on wanting to help others and will often do whatever I can in my power to make that happen. It’s how I was raised and how I will continue to live out all the remaining years of my life.

What is 34?

34 Is…

…falling asleep on the couch at 9pm and not having a care in the world.

…getting a second wind at the most random parts of the evening and cleaning the house with that extra energy.

…trying to balance careers, family, friends, and extra curricular activities without cutting corners and giving everything the time and attention they deserve.

…eating ice cream direct from the carton and loving every second.

…watching episodes of tv shows more than once and still laughing over and over.

…knowing that there are moments when you need to be alone without any communication to recharge.

…being emotional and crying over the littlest of things.

…knowing that it is ok to ask for help.

…trying to look inside your soul for your purpose in life.

…coloring outside the lines every once in awhile to go against the status quo.

…enjoying time with family every chance you get.

…laughing with friends who don’t judge you.

…figuring out who deserves to be in your life and those that need weeded out of it.

…waking up to the smell of coffee at 5:45am.

…cuddling in a blanket for comfort.

…being single and fabulous.

…sneaking in moments of cuddling with puppies whenever time allows.

…trying to change the world with one small act of kindness each day.

…working to inspire others to bring light to the world.

…singing your favorite tunes in the car as loud as possible.

…doing your best with what you’ve been given.

…crying at the romantic comedy movies that are corny.

…not knowing what the term “sleeping in” means.

…eating a whole pizza by yourself and not counting calories.

…enjoying Disney movies that make you feel like a child at heart.

…closing your eyes and taking a deep breath to reset.

…putting your feet up on the coffee table every night for a few moments to unwind.

…texting someone in your life to let them know you are thinking about them.

…appreciating sunsets and the beauty of Mother Nature.

…treating others with kindness…ALWAYS.

This. Is. 34.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there folks!

Another happy Monday to you all! Another week down and another one beginning!

This past week has been draining with all the negative news happening around the world that it has been hard to not focus on that.

My prayers and good vibes go out to everyone who has experienced floods, turmoil, violence, war, takeover in their Country–whatever the case might be. It has just been a lot.

So, this week in my final days of being 33, I decided I had to just make this blog post fun and flirty!

Well, technically this post isn’t flirty, but it coupled well with fun and gave me the alliteration with using another word that started with an ‘f’ so I went with it.

Hopefully, you’ll go with it too.

Let’s do some fun facts about me…33 of them!

Grab that morning beverage sidekick and get ready to learn even more about Mr. Sunshine.

#33: The candle scent currently burning as I write this is watermelon lemonade.

#32: The current body lotion scent from Bath & Body Works that I’m obsessed with is called bourbon.

#31: In January of 2022, I will be taking my first trip ever to Las Vegas.

#30: My favorite type of milk to drink is the Weis Markets brand of whole chocolate milk. It’s like a signature collection item according to the label. Fancy.

#29: The temperature that I keep my air conditioner set at during the Summer is 76 degrees.

#28: Pink Starburst are my favorite.

#27: Speaking of Starburst, I love that they have a “fave reds” bag. I wish Tootsie would do the same thing with their lollipops.

#26: I literally love cheese so much that I can eat an entire tray of the Cracker Barrel extra sharp yellow cheese slices in one sitting.

#25: The shaving cream that I’m currently using for my face is Skintimate strawberry tangerine twist. Doesn’t that make you want to go eat fruit?! Oh wait…am I the only one?

#24: I’m a brand snob when it comes to Ranch dressing and prefer Hidden Valley over all other brands.

#23: Sometimes at night, I really struggle with restless legs and it is SO annoying.

#22: I really wish Wawa would add french fries to their menu.

#21: Speaking of Wawa, I love their mashed potatoes.

#20: The last 10 minutes of The Golden Girls series finale makes me cry every time regardless of how many times I’ve seen it.

#19: The other morning after dealing with water in my basement, I discovered that my washer wouldn’t power on and I thought it was because water might have gotten inside it. So, I found the manual and read the troubleshooting tips. I then discovered that the electrical cord had jiggled out of the socket. This was the first time I read troubleshooting tips for use of something in my home. And honestly, it could even be the last.

#18: I will never forget the night when I was in high school working at Freeze N Frizz and the soft ice cream machine exploded and soft serve mix oozed out from the machine all over the floor right after I had cleaned it. It was like an exploding volcano and because I only had a TracPhone at the time, I was unable to snap a video, which makes me sad that it was not documented.

#17: I’m the worst at going grocery shopping because I often times walk out the door with more items than what it is on my list. For example, on Saturday, I went in wanting to buy a donut something for lunch. I left with a donut, macaroni and cheese, pop tarts, cheddar cheese slices, makeup, Swedish fish, Sweet Tart gummy ropes, Dr. Pepper, and a can of the Coke with coffee beverage. By the way, I actually really enjoy the Coke with coffee beverage…go give it a whirl.

#16: I miss the days of Vanna White turning letters and not touching them on Wheel of Fortune.

#15: I dislike the fact that passwords have to be changed so often. I’m also the person that has to click the “forgot password?” like 57840379 times.

#14: My favorite TV show theme is the one from The Brady Bunch.

#13: I have lots of dreams that involve airplanes.

#12: Speaking of airplanes, flying makes me super anxious.

#11: In order to be able to sleep at night, I need to be covered–usually with a cuddly blanket.

#10: Big cracks of thunder still scare me.

#9: On my commute to work last week, I listened to Elle King’s “America’s Sweetheart” on repeat.

#8: I would love to take over for Ellen DeGeneres’ when she ends her talk show next year.

#7: Peppermint mochas and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks are always items that I want to get even when they are “not in season.”

#6: I don’t know how to tie a neck tie or bowtie.

#5: I call it ‘soda’ and not ‘pop’ and ‘sprinkles’ and not ‘jimmies.’

#4: The voicemail message on my cell phone tells people to leave a message along with something that they are grateful for.

#3: My favorite holiday tradition in December is the Christmas Eve service.

#2: My least favorite household chore is dusting while my favorite is washing dishes.

#1: The culmination of my Miles 4 Smiles year-long journey will end with me running the equivalent of a full marathon (26.2 miles) around Lancaster County for the first time ever in my life.

Cheers to these final 4 days as a 33 year-old!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there!

We have reached yet another Monday in the year of 2021!

And we are officially just 10 days away from me turning the big 3-4!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Anyway, let’s get down to this week’s post, shall we?

There has been so much that has happened in the past week around the world that has me saddened, scared, fearful, nervous…literally all the negative adjectives.

And it got me thinking.

And I was driving through the back roads on the country side of Lititz after the storm Wednesday evening, I had an epiphany moment of what I was going to write about.

So, here goes.

Grab that morning coffee and get ready!

Have you ever thought as you go about your daily life how just simple two words can really pack a punch or make a REALLY big difference in the life of someone?

Two word phrases like “I’m sorry” or “get vaccinated” are ones that seem to be quite prevalent in our lives as we go about living these days.

But the two word phrase that I’m going to touch on this week is…

Thank you.

That’s right.

Thank you.

Two words that can really make the biggest difference in the lives of so many and two words that should be part of our daily vocabulary, but often words that are forgotten about these days.

And as I was driving around looking at the many tree limbs lying on the ground and flood waters after the wrath of Mother Nature during her storm, I started to think about all the people in our lives in this world that we need to extend a thank you too.

So, here goes.

THANK YOU…

-To all the medical and healthcare workers who are fighting on the daily to keep people healthy of all ages, especially during the COVID crisis. They continue to show up for work despite being overworked and exhausted.

-To all the individuals who work at the grocery stores to allow us to continue buying food that nourishes our body and keeps us going.

-To all the individuals who are packing the many packages we purchase in their respective warehouses.

-To all the individuals who deliver above said packages.

-To our families who love us unconditionally even if we drive them crazy.

-To our friends who make us laugh, cry, and that we enjoy spending time with.

-To our faith communities that help us keep worship time alive during these unknown times.

-To the janitorial staffs of buildings that continue to keep all spaces that we encounter on the daily clean, safe, and sanitized.

-To those who drive all modes of public transportation–buses, trains, planes, taxis, Ubers, etc.

-To all the people who work in restaurants that work their butts off to allow us to continue eating tasty food.

-To those who work in gyms and any other fitness aspect that keep us moving, working out our bodies, and striving to keep us healthy humans.

-To the troops who are stationed all across the world who work to keep us safe.

-To police officers who keep an eye on our communities to make sure they are a safe place for all while risking their lives to do so.

-To firefighters who risk their lives every day and battle disasters of all kinds.

-To those who work at the Dunkin’ Donuts that I populate to make sure that I still have the opportunity to get my morning coffee when I need it most.

-To those who work in the arts to make that the elements of live entertainment are still available to everyone.

-To nurses, doctors, and all healthcare professionals whose goal is to keep everyone in life healthy.

-To our coworkers who make getting out of bed in the morning easier and the 8 hour work days fly by!

-To our parents who have offered guidance, support, love, and whatever else we have asked for and needed.

-To our besties who have been there during our best and worst times and have not left our side.

-To the individuals who are responsible for picking up both our trash and recycling on a weekly basis.

-To the teachers who taught us without question about all subjects from math, science, to English and home economics.

-To all of the individuals who have supported me thus far in my Miles 4 Smiles campaign this year.

I could continue to go on and on and list multipe entities that we should all be extending a heart-felt thank you to on the daily. And I’m quite sure I’ve probably forgotten multiple people worthy of the thank you as well from this list.

And as The Golden Girls theme song reminds us…

THANK YOU for being a friend.

Who do you have in your life to thank?

What entities this week will be the recipients of the two simple worlds that can make all the difference.

Who is next on your list to say thank you?

Don’t delay.

These two simple words can make the biggest difference.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well here we are, folks!

Yet another Monday in the year of 2021.

I sincerely hope that you have been enjoying your Summer and doing things you love that keep you happy, smiling, and excited to live life!

And, if you are someone who is struggling with those above adjectives, that is totally fine.

We all have moments of struggling to find joy these days.

Exhausted.

Lost.

Drained.

Fearful.

These seem to be the adjectives that creep into our lives more so these days than ever before.

So, how does one find the smiles, laughter, and joy in life with the negative, dark moments that are constantly thrown at us on the daily?

Well, I certainly am glad you asked! And if you didn’t ask…too bad. I’m going to tell you anyway.

Go grab that Monday morning beverage of choice and cuddle up with your phone and computer and get comfortable because I’m going to share with you some of my favorite YouTube videos to watch that bring smiles to my life and help me experience laughter which is the best medicine.

So, get comfortable and ready to smile and laugh…guaranteed or your money back.

#1: Betty White Bloopers
-She is truly one-of-a-kind and I dare you to not laugh or smile when watching this. She is just so golden.

#2: Sarah Paulson Playing 5 Second Rule With Ellen
-This is such a fun game to play (seriously though–you need to try it) and watching these two play makes it even more fun.

#3: Glee’s version of “I Lived” During Their Series Finale Show
-I admit it. I was a gleek when this show was on air. And their songs are ones that I love and this one is no different.

#4: Disney’s Motivational Video
-No explanation needed here. Disney quotes and movie clips can give us all the feels without fail.

#5: 22 Musicals In 12 Minutes
-I love musicals. Period. And this clip gets me beaming from ear to ear.

#6: Kerry Washington Playing Speak Out With Ellen
-Their laughs kill me. That’s all.

#7: Betty White And Katie Couric
-Coming in hot again with the class act of Betty White and this video is just another reason why I love her so much. If only everyone in this world could share her mindset about life.

#8: Katy Perry’s Firework
-We all know this is still my favorite song to this day. Shocker. But it always puts me in a good mood regardless of what is happening in life. Even a decade after its release and it never gets old for me.

Well, folks.

There you have it.

Some of my favorite videos to watch when I need some extra laughter and smiles in my life aside from The Golden Girls.

I hope you will take some time to watch some of these videos and share with me your favorite ways to experience laughter and smiles in your life.

Finding joy, smiles, and happiness is even more so important these days, so make sure you take a few minutes out of each day to rejuvenate and fill up the laughter tank.

It truly is the best medicine.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!