Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Happy Monday, folks!

We are almost at the month of August, which is CRAZY.

That means…

BIRTHDAY month is coming up!

Not that birthdays are a big deal for me, but it always feels good to receive some love and celebration energy.

Anyway, we are going to make this week’s post short and sweet.

Sweet and short.

Are you ready?!

Well…buckle up your seat, keep all arms and legs inside the car at all times because HERE WE GO!

This past Friday, I moved from The Sunshine Cottage in Lancaster to The Sunshine Studio in Lititz.

What a whirlwind.

But what a GLORIOUS whirlwind to experience.

In the rough 48ish hours that I have been in Lititz, I am already loving life.

I already feel at home.

I already feel an energy of positive sunshine that I have seemed to be missing recently.

My mood has changed to one of immense joy.

I am THRILLED to say that everything is already put away and organized AND that the decorating has pretty much been completed too.

But, of course, I have to say some very heartfelt “thank yous” to some special individuals who made this new chapter in my life a smooth transition.

First, I would like to thank my parents. I am so thankful for their love and support 110% of the time. They were at my new place bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to help me unload and organize. I can’t imagine life without their constant support and guidance.

Secondly, I would like to thank Abby. I am incredibly thankful that you were willing to travel with me for the entire Friday of moving day and for your keen eye and organizational skills that are second to none. Thanks for accompanying me to Target for my shopping extravaganzas and offering suggestions of what to buy to make The Sunshine Studio even more cozy. I am so appreciative of your willingness to stay through a majority of the day…and for giving me moral support during my Comcast call fiasco. Thanks for the Saturday support too…and the sandwiches!

Third, I must thank Devin. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your help with packing on Thursday, being my early morning support on Friday and Uhaul packing extraordinaire, and for all of your incredibly amazing help and interior design creativity with hanging decorations in The Sunshine Studio and getting it all done so beautifully…and with a few laughs too. Everything is impeccable and wonderful. I honestly can’t imagine completing this transition of my life without your support this past week, so please know that you are more than appreciated. And I will continue to say it. You. Are. A Gem. Thank you also for being The Sunshine Studio’s first official overnight guest.

Thank you to my friend Theresa Walker whom I ran into at Target during one of my several weekend trips and told me about how to get the Internet set up. After spending almost 2.5 hours with Comcast on the phone and being on the verge of a mental breakdown, I couldn’t be happier for the knowledge of the building that you have. And the fact that we will be neighbors is just icing on the cake.

Thank you to Derrick who was a sweetheart with trying to troubleshoot the Internet issue with me over the phone, completing the tasks I have asked him to do at The Sunshine Cottage in preparation for settlement, and for being a roommate to me for the past 1.5 years. I am hopeful that you will land on your feet as you continue on your life journey to see what is in store next for you.

I must thank my realtor Corey who made the process of selling The Sunshine Cottage a breeze. Thankful to have had the opportunity to work together full circle since you helped me purchase The Sunshine Cottage back in 2016. Cheers to a successful and smooth settlement on August 3rd!

I must thank my Lancaster neighbors Courtney, Darren, Bebe, and Mark for being wonderful individuals during my time in the city. Neighbors can make or break things in life and these people definitely MADE Lancaster great.

I must shout out and thank my fitness coach Ryan. He has helped me in terms of moral support with manifesting this move and change in my life since we began working together in February. He is never shy to offer support of emotion, love, and grace. He is a beautiful human that I love working with on the daily. He continues to help me manifest the positive in my life and accelerate it forward without judgment.

Next, I must thank Charles E Groff and Sons for being AMAZING movers of all the furniture in The Sunshine Cottage to The Sunshine Studio, and for helping to empty the Uhaul without second guessing anything. George, Terry, and Dave were insanely incredible and made the process painless. I can’t recommend them enough because my experience was 1000% positive. If I ever have to move again (which I hope is not for a long, LONG time I will be using them).

I need to thank Lexi Broderick (Property Manager and my new building) for answering all my million questions with a smile and effervescent energy that is infectiously positive. She runs a tight ship and it is refreshing to see.

Next on my list is Kathy Oehme who was incredibly kind by welcoming me with a hand written card and Yankee Candle in a delicious Fall scent. It was a meaningful gesture that helped remind me that kindness is still possible in the world around us.

I must thank all of my Den coworkers in the office (Christine, Jess, Melanie, Johannah, Sarah, Paige) who have listened to my drama and stories without complaining and ALWAYS having support, love, and guidance at the ready. Honestly, priceless. Thank you for being believers in this new chapter for me.

Lastly, I must thank all of YOU in my life who have supported me through this crazy whirlwind of change in my life. 2023 has been a year of beautiful moments for me and as happy as I already feel from making this homestead change, I can’t wait for the future.

The Sunshine Studio is ready to welcome ALL.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, howdy folks!

Here we are…yet another Monday in this dog day of Summer July month.

Almost August!

And almost the end of Summer!

Anyhoo, I took the easy way out with this week’s post because I’m bascially just focused on moving…which happens on Friday!

AHHHH!

I gave a little reflective message in church yesterday, so this is what you get this week!

Sorry not sorry.

Enjoy!

I don’t know about you, but I am definitely one of those people in the world who LOVES a good theme song, commercial jingle, slogan, or catchphrase to rope me in to buying the latest and greatest gadget, eating the newest crazed food item, watching a classic TV show, or just having that constant tune that sticks in your head from the time your alarm goes off in the morning until you shut your eyes and rest your head on the pillow. 

And in true JP fashion, I feel like I can’t stand up here in front of you today trying to give an inspiring message without some type of audience participation. 

So, let’s see just how good you might be with some of what I feel (and I of course am a bit bias), are the greatest theme songs, commercial jingles, and catchphrases.

Don’t Leave Home Without It (American Express) 

Ba Da Ba Ba Ba, I’m Loving It (McDonald’s) 

Thank you for being a friend…travel down the road and back again (The Golden Girls) 

15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurace (Geico) 

Have it your way (Burger King) 

Expect more. Pay Less. (Target) 

What’s in your wallet? (Capital One) 

Here’s the story of a lovely lady who was bringing up 3 very lovely girls…(The Brady Bunch) 

Survey Says (Family Feud) 

Have your pets spayed or neutered (The Price Is Right) 

Like a good neighbor, (State Farm) is there 

We’ll leave the light on for you (Motel 6) 

Well, now that you have passed the test of these famous catchphrases, slogans, commercial jingles, and theme songs, let us turn to another entity which might not be as easy.

If I told you to pick a catchphrase or slogan from The Bible, what would you say? 

Not that easy, is it? 

It’s funny because I started this message I’m sharing with you this morning on Tuesday night…a mere 5 nights ago…and just finished two nights ago on Thursday.

And when I originally started to think about where I was going to go with this message, I too, could not pick out certain slogans and catchphrases from The Bible. 

So…I had to do some digging. 

Some good old fashioned research of opening up the actual pages of The Bible and speed reading through verses of familiar phrases that I could think of while also highlighting with my sharpie, and re-reading the verses of the readings that we heard just a few moments ago from Alice.

And from my research, here is what I came up with. (And I hope you will use your creative brain with me today as some of these slogans and catchphrases that I thought stuck out are a bit wordy.)

As the classic musical Sound of Music tells us, let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. 

That means, of course Slogan/Catchphrase #1 comes from the creation story in Genesis. Specifically, Chapter 1, Verse 31 which states: 

“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”

No matter how much crap or darkness might be going on in the world around us, we must always remember that this creation we have the beauty of being a part of day in and day out IS good and what was created for everyone IS good and that we should continue to do everything in our power to share with others around is that it IS good. 

Slogan/catchphrase #2 also comes from Genesis, but this time I looked to Chapter 8, Verses 13-16 with the story of Noah and the rainbow.

“I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the convenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my convenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh: and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting convenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 

The rainbow. I talked about this symbol a few weeks ago with the children’s message in church. The rainbow is a sign of hope, a new beginning, a breath of fresh air for ALL in this world. Notice that the verse reads “I will see it and remember the everlasting convenant between God and every living creature of ALL flesh that is on the earth.” That means this symbol of hope and love is for ALL. It doesn’t exclude. It’s doesn’t judge. It doesn’t have prejudice. It doesn’t care if you’re white, black, Hispanic, Latino, gay, straight, bi, transgender, rich, poor, divorced, single, short, tall, skinny, etc. It is for ALL. Period. 

Slogan/catchphrase #3

This one comes from one of the most well-known verses (well I feel to be one of the most well known verses) and one that we hear every December month during the Christmas season. They are some of my favorite words to hear during the traditional Christmas Eve service and reading them makes me super excited for December 24th.

Luke 2 Verses 10-12 reminds us: “But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. For see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 

Powerful stuff. A little baby lying in a manager in little wrappings of cloth was born for ALL of us…notice again the emphasis on the word ALL of us. Jesus’ birth does not exclude a single person—I am bringing you good news of great joy for ALL the people. Great joy to never be afraid no matter how much fear this world tries to throw at us with its tumultous roller coaster of craziness. 

And for my last two slogans/catchphrases, I took to the readings from today’s service. 

Slogan/catchphrase #4 comes from our first reading in Ecclesiastes specifically highlighting verse 12. 

“I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” 

If I were to go out on a limb, I would like to say with almost 100% confidence that this particular verse could be a slogan for each and every one of us sitting here today. What good have you completed thus far in your life on this Earth? What good do you still have to accomplish? Are you executing each day with happiness toward others displaying love and kindness? If you are someone who is struggling with happiness and doing good, how can you overcome and change that? Are there ministries at St. Luke or Penryn that you can involve yourself with to start finding that spark in your soul? Being a volunteer at the food pantry, participating in events at The Backyard, enjoying conversation, fellowship and a few adult beverages with others during beer and bible, coming to church weekly to see familiar faces, participate in worship, hear the message, sing the songs, and confess your sins and remind yourself that you are loved. What are the things in your life that make you happy? Is it having weekly dinners with family, laughing with your friends, sitting outside in peace and quiet listening to the rain without saying words, texting a friend to let them know you are thinking about them, or enjoying a sunrise and sunset in solitude. Whatever the case might be, I would encourage all of you sitting here today to do more of what makes you happy and to do good with everyone you meet. 

Slogan/catchphrase #5 comes from the famous Corinthians reading that we often hear at weddings; however, verse 1 and 13 are what I highlight today.

“If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And now faith, hope, and love remain, thse three, and the greatest of these is love.” 

LOVE. The four letter word that can arguably probably be both the greatest action to display toward someone else in life while also proving to equally be the most difficult one.

And because I can’t stop at just 5 catchphrases, I had to throw one more in as a runner up because it aligned perfectly to mesh in seamlessly with these two verses from Corinthians. 

This verse I’m speaking of is John 13 verse 34 and states, “a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” 

The commandment above all commandments. 

When I think of these words (and hopefully this is a reference that most of you will get), I imagine the music from the opening credits of The Wizard of Oz with the lion roaring and the orchestrations playing majestically and triumphantly in the background as the words “To love one another as I have loved you” are showin the clouds on the screen.

This would be the catchphrase that I would so boldly say is the catchphrase of the entire bible. 

Love one another.

Love yourself.

Love your family.

Love your friends.

Love your neighbor.

Love the stranger.

Love your God. 

Love ALL as if your life depended on it. 

Love one another as I have loved you. 

The end all be all that triumphs over ALL the catchphrases, slogans, commercial jingles, and theme songs in this world. 

Amen. 

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Morning Monday greetings to all of you!

I hope you didn’t miss me too much last week since I was out of office and traveling in Costa Rica!

But, here I am, back in the saddle of what we call reality after what was an absolutely beautiful trip with beautiful people.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business.

I won’t keep you long this week, so grab some snacks and your favorite sidekick beverage and get reading!

First, and foremost, I’m sure you are all wondering what is Costa Rican casserole…well, I am so glad you asked!

On Sunday night, we traveled to the La Luna at the Gaia Hotel where we all had a delicious meal! And the Costa Rican casserole was what I discovered calling my name from the menu. As it was described:

A typical Costa Rica Casserole made from beef tenderloin tips prepared with potatoes, onions & carrots, seasoned with garlic and spices, accompanied with a sweet pea rice blend

And even though I didn’t finish all it that night, it reheated extremely well and was just as tasty and delicious the second time around!

Aside from the absolutely gorgeous scenery, wildlife, incredible food, and wonderful company that I got to experience during my time away, I think the entity of the trip that resonated most with me was how warm and welcoming every single person we came in contact with was.

The very first night we arrived, we parked our car on the side of the street to hit up a local supermarket for some groceries. A young woman whom appeared to be walking home from yoga saw us and recommended that we not park along the side of the road because of people traveling fast and also because it was raining.

It was so generous of her to give us a heads up.

In the United States, finding someone caring and concerned for a complete stranger like that is almost impossible.

Every single waiter/waitress we had at all restaurants we encountered, every single individual who greeted us on the beach with a smile and attended to getting us tents for shade from the sun and chairs for our comfort were just genuinely kind and human.

Being a human to others is not always a common quality that we see on the daily.

It was refreshing to experience first-hand.

I got to experience parasailing in the sky for the first time ever, witnessed a sloth clap his hands and make their way down the tree at the slowest speed ever carefully grabbing branches and trunks of tree with precision and detail, I listened to the sound of rain while swinging gently in a hammock, and enjoyed the company of handsome man with laughs, cocktails, fun, and dancing.

But the genuine human energy, kindness, and welcoming compassion that each of us experienced during our time away from reality is the experience that gave me the greatest soul feeding within for myself.

I continue to pray our Country will strive to be human with each other.

To lead with love and not the hate that has become the norm.

To listen with their heart to form educated opinions.

To support the surrounding community with kindness.

Together, they are the perfect ingredients for a Costa Rican casserole of light and love our world desperately needs.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

And happy last week of June!

That means we are almost halfway through 2023!

And that the Fourth of July is right around the corner.

That is simply unreal.

Unacceptable to be honest.

Time is just going by too fast.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business.

Sunshine Cottage went up on the market last Monday, 6/19.

I accepted an offer on it Thursday, 6/22.

That was a rainbow for me.

This past week during church, I talked about rainbows with the kids.

Their answers to my questions were absolutely brilliant and made me laugh.

That was a rainbow for me (and I think some others in the congregation too).

This week, I travel to Costa Rica with some handsome men.

Getting away from reality for a week in another Country with some beautiful souls will be a rainbow for me.

And, if we’re lucky, maybe we will see one too!

During my travels yesterday in the rain, I looked everywhere for a rainbow, but I couldn’t seem to find one.

That is because my rainbows have been showing up in my life through other facets.

Moving back to Lititz at the end of July to start a new chapter on my own…

…That is a rainbow for me.

Interviewing for a new job position with the Clark company as an Account Manager…

…That is a rainbow for me.

This week, I wanted to share lyrics from a Meghan Trainor song that I heard recently which really spoke to me.

You’re as colorful as a rainbow
You’re as bright as the moon
Everyone can see your halo
Everybody but you

Go and show ’em all your rainbow
You’ll feel better when you do
Come on out when the rain goes
‘Cause this world’s gonna love you

I’ve been seein’ you drownin’ (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
In all your feelings (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
‘Cause nobody knows (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
Inside you’ve been screamin’ (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
And this world’s cold (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
But you ain’t alone (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
No, no, when it’s getting dark (shoo-wop, shoo-wop)
I’ma light you up, my love

You’re as colorful as a rainbow, mm (rainbow)
You’re as bright as the moon (moon)
Everyone can see your halo (halo)
Everybody but you (you)

So go and show ’em all your rainbow, oh (rainbow)
You’ll feel better when you do (do)
Come on out once the rain goes, oh (rain goes)
‘Cause this world’s gonna love you

(They gonna love you) oh
(They gonna love you)
(They gonna love you)
(They gonna love you)

‘Cause you beautiful, you intelligent
You emotional, but you the baddest bitch
Ain’t no one compared, so why you care
What anybody says about you?

You’re as colorful as a rainbow (rainbow)
You’re as bright as the moon (moon)
Everyone can see your halo (halo)
Everybody but you (you)

So go and show ’em all your rainbow, oh (rainbow)
You’ll feel better when you do (do)
Come on out once the rain goes, oh (rain goes)
‘Cause this world’s gonna love you

(They gonna love you) oh
(They gonna love you) said they gonna love you, mm
(They gonna love you)
(They gonna love you) promise they gonna love you
(They gonna love you) I say they gonna love you
(They gonna love you) they gonna love you
(They gonna love you) oh-oh
(They gonna love you)

You’re as colorful as a rainbow, mm
And this world’s gonna love you

What rainbows did you experience this week in your life?

As National Gay Pride month comes to an end, I urge each and every one of you to continue loving my fellow gay community, supporting my fellow gay community, seeking to understand with peace and not violence, and working to share rainbows of positive energy with each other.

Show the world your rainbow.

They are going to love you.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

June is flying by and it appears that it shows no signs of slowing down.

That is cray.

Cray.

CRAY.

That’s right…all caps.

As I write this week’s words for you, I’m coming off a full 8 days of vacation with no obligations, no one to answer to, no agenda…nothing nothing.

And it was GLORIOUS.

Let the elements of reality and post vacation kick in.

I had a blast at The Blue Couch Condo in North Wildwood with Missy and Marissa.

We ate, we drank, we sun bathed, with mini golfed, we hit up AC for some casino action, took walks on the boardwalk, laughed at multiple inside jokes, and just enjoyed each other’s company of not worrying about work or our realities.

It’s amazing how relaxing a beach vacation can be when no one is bothering you even though you are usually surrounded by multiple humans.

It is also amazing how much better a hot dog at the beach tastes.

Am I right or am I right?!

Like…SO GOOD.

The reset this past week was super glorious for me.

And now, with the reality that sets back in, I get to hit the full speed ahead button for packing, purging, and selling as the move to Lititz is just over a month away!

AHHHH!

And Sunshine Cottage goes on the market, TODAY!

Double AHHH!

And I leave for Costa Rica in just over 10 days.

Triple AHHHH!

If you happen to be a pro at packing boxes, let me know because I will definitely take you up on that offer if you want to spare an hour or two at the Sunshine Cottage.

And if you happen to be available for a few hours on Friday, July 21st from anytime after 12pm noon, let me know because some extra hands and car space for some moving of smaller items that aren’t furniture would be welcome. Just message me directly.

Well, folks.

A new chapter for me in my life is on the horizon.

I’m excited, nervous, excited, nervous, and just ready to be back in Lititz.

My soul of sunshine feels the rays of positive energy that are already shining brightly for the future.

With that being said, I hope all of you get to experience some positive energy rays of sunshine whether it be literally or metaphorically.

A few other random thoughts to share before I end this week’s words:

-North Wildwood never disappoints.

-Post vacation depression is real.

-The Jardiance commercial on TV complete with dancing and a very catchy jingle makes me smile.

-Mass shooting news continues to bring sadness to my soul.

-Gay pride love for myself and my queer community and our supporters continues.

So, cheers to hot dogs tasting better at the beach, lots of boxes filled with stuff that I probably don’t need, sun-tanned skin, and a horizon of sunshine rays.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks!

Happy Monday!

Sorry to disappoint, but no new blog post this week…I’m out of office from my like 18 jobs!

YAY!

Vacation!

Take time to be kind and catch up on all the posts I have written for your eyes since starting this journey!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are.

Another Monday.

Another start to a new month…the sixth one of 2023!

We are almost halfway through…say what?!

Happy June, folks!

And happy PRIDE!

It is officially short shorts season too in case you didn’t know!

YAHS.

I would also say that it is officially ice cream season as well, but in my world, it is always ice cream season!

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business and on with this week’s post.

Many of you already know, but June is the official celebration of gay pride.

And, here we are, in 2023, still seeing headlines that relate to those of the LGBTQ+ community where we continue to be chastised, mocked, and hated upon.

Some of you might still ask the question of what is gay pride?

I took to the Internet and Dictionary.com to do some definition digging and this was what I came up with:

–Confidence, self-respect, and solidarity as expressed by gay people, associated with openness about one’s own sexual identity, and the celebration of gay culture and history

Gay pride is so much more than the above definition.

It goes so much deeper than the words that I’m writing to you.

Gay pride is more about just putting out the rainbow flags and celebrating with parades.

Gay pride is about the conversations with those that don’t understand and leading with love and not hate.

Gay pride is starting from the beginning which I will do now.

For those who may not know, my name is JP Welliver and I am an extremely proud gay man who has been out of the closet since 2005–the junior year of my high school career. 

And while the experience of coming out of the closet was one that lifted an incredibly huge weight off my shoulders and while I was supported (and continue to be supported) by extremely loving parents, family, and friends–I know that is not a reality for everyone.

The year is 2023 and people continue to be chastised, judged, treated unfairly, beaten, abused, marginalized.

Individuals who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and embrace love for all can’t even walk around in public holding hands without being stared at or given verbal abuse. 

We can’t go a single day without a news article talking about the latest ban of something related to our LGBTQ+ community.

We can’t just wake up in the morning after our alarms alert us to get without the fear in the back of our minds that we could get hurt or treated badly because of who we choose to be or who we choose to love.

And that breaks my heart. 

And it should break yours as well. 

When I started to write the words in this week’s post, I tried to think about things in life that bring me joy. 

And I landed on the rainbow. 

The rainbow. 

A symbol that is intensely joyful that when it transforms the sky with its thin band of beautiful colors, it stops crowds of people in their tracks…

…grabbing their photo to capture the moment and experience the magic and beauty of its majestic colors. 

Just thinking about a rainbow image makes me smile.

The rainbow is something that can bring a sense of energy and enthusiasm that unites crusaders of LGBTQ+ activism under a banner of activism with a feeling of joy. The rainbow welcomes outsiders and unites all in a common cause. 

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 LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ+ 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 (along with some others who might be reading this) get bullied, called faggot or other derogatory terms, or struggle with the thoughts of suicide and harming the body negatively. Hate, prejudice, and bigotry are still very much alive in our Country.

And if you are someone or happen to know someone who thinks these entities do not exist, I would kindly ask you to look around you–or when you find yourself in the comfort of your home–look out the window. 

And as you gaze out that window, I ask you to look at the world around you 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 those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

And it is a reality that I have lived in these 35 years of life more than once. More times that can be counted 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 of or bullied because of who you are?

Do you ever feel like you could lose a job or not get hired for one because of the person 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 none of this hatred and prejudice 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 fight for what I believe in.

Every morning, I wake up and look in the mirror and repeat the below mantra to myself:

I am loved. I am worthy. I am colorful.

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 LGBTQ+ 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. Clear examples that our fight is far from over.

Where are the open 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?

And even when life isn’t a rainbow, I’m a proud one that will continue to be the symbol of joy to puncture the despair around us and send up a flag signaling hope to all. 

Let’s continue to be those flags of hope together. 

To those of my fellow LGBTQ+ community and ou allies fighting with us, loving you, and supporting us..

YOU ARE WORTHY.

YOU ARE LOVED.

To those who continue to be part of the problem enabling the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community…

I will continue to lead with open arms, ears, and an open heart to help break down the walls of judgment that have been up against us.

Gay pride is so much more than these words and emotions that I have shared with you today.

Gay pride is being authentically and unapologetically you through the sunshine, the storms, and the rainbows.

Gay pride is standing up to a broken world when no one else will.

Gay pride is extending the hand to someone in need.

Gay pride is providing a hug of love and support just because.

Gay pride is listening with an open mind and heart to others regardless of what side of the fence you fall on.

Gay pride is all of us.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

We are almost to June–the halfway month of 2023!

WOW!

Time is flying.

Also, welcome to post number 219!

How thankful and grateful I am that you have been continuing to come back week after week to read these words.

I hope that you continue to feel a level of hope, love, kindness, and inspiration.

As we continue mental health awareness month, the terms “self love” and “self care” seem to come up in conversation more than ever these days.

It is more important now than ever as we continue to live in a society where we can get easily burned out, experience compassion fatigue, and feel the need to shut down.

In case you didn’t know…

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

YOU. ARE. WORTHY.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

And if you are struggling personally with these above mantras, I would encourage you to take just a few minutes out of your upcoming days this week to practice the following self care practices:

1. 10 minutes of breathing exercises to center your energy to a place of calm. This was something that I never really practiced before; however, there have been several times where my fitness coach, Ryan, has taken me through a guided practice of doing this when my energy appears to be all over the place. And it works and is SO helpful.
2. 5 minutes of affirmation journaling.
3. Time where your phone is on DND and you can just be…without any disturbance, ringing, or buzzing.
4. Take a hot shower.
5. Splurge on your favorite dessert.
6. Cuddle with a blanket.
7. Watch your favorite Disney movie.
8. Enjoy your favorite adult cocktail beverage (or mocktail).
9. Spend time with family/people you love.
10. Spend that extra few dollars on a guilty pleasure.

In case you forgot already…

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

YOU. ARE. WORTHY.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

Please make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and sprinkling some extra self care and love.

Listen to your body.

Listen to your needs.

YOU. DESERVE. IT.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

And a belated happy Mother’s day to all the fierce women in our lives–past, present, and future who have taught us to live out our passions and lead with compassion, grace, and kindness.

A special shout out to my very favorite Mama Welliver who has always taught me to love and care for others…and to also have that extra scoop of ice cream.

The Summer season certainly felt like it was upon us this past week as Mother Nature presented us with some degrees of mid 80’s that brought some humid sunshine into our lives.

Vitamin D always feels good for our souls.

Just not sure I was ready for that heat already in May. That sunshine is usually something I’m more prepared for when Memorial Day weekend rolls around with the welcome of June and the summer season.

At the moment, I’m getting distracted by episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit…I just can’t stop watching.

Anyhoo, I don’t really have a true “theme” to this week’s post.

Once again, it is more like a hodge podge of thoughts and emotions.

And yes, I put soft serve in the title because I want to have some of that right now and will need lots of it throughout this coming summer.

Within the coming months, there is lots that will be happening for Mr. Sunshine.

14 days until I celebrity scoop at Greco’s Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream in Lititz! This is happening Monday, May 29th from 5-7pm!

26 days until the first 2023 beach trip to North Wildwood!

35 days until Sunshine Cottage goes on the market! GHASP!

47 days until Costa Rica! My first time traveling out of the Country in over a decade! YIKES!

67 days until I get keys to my new place at The Apartments at Lititz Springs! Say what?!? I literally have driven past at least a dozen times already.

This means…bring on the soft serve because there is going to lots of excitement and change coming up in my life!

Do you have suggestions or tips for moving or moving companies?

Send them my way!

What all should I bring to Costa Rica?!

I want to hear from you!

Do you need any pieces of furniture, artwork, or other knick knacks?

Well, keep your eyes peeled because I’ll be selling some items in the coming weeks!

Would you like to share some soft serve ice cream together?!

Well, let’s see if we can make it happen!

That’s my story.

I’m sticking to it.

I’ll need all the boxes, all the soft service, all the suggestions for moving and traveling to Costa Rica.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!