Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Happy Monday, folks!

And welcome to the last Monday post of July because next week officially kicks off August!

The eighth month of the 2022 year…my birthday month…the best month basically!

But like, can we just pause for a moment and talk about how it is already the end of July??

That means tomorrow is basically Christmas.

I can’t.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business!

I’m currently waiting for the dryer to finish the load of laundry I just completed since I was lucky enough to have a few days away with my friend Abby at Fenwick Island in Delaware.

What a cute area. Would definitely recommend it to anyone and would definitely go back in the future.

Speaking of dryers…am I the only who loves the smell of dryer sheets?

Like I love that smell.

And I also love the warmth and smell that escapes from the outside vent of the house when the dryer is running.

Ahhh.

I digress.

So sorry.

Stay with me.

Let’s talk about carousels…the classic merry-go-round.

But first, let’s start with the official definition from Disctionary.com:

-Noun: A revolving machine with model horses or other animals on which people ride for amusement.

Pretty solid definition if you ask me.

I always remember loving the carousel growing up when my family would go to Hersheypark.

It was always one of the first rides that we would see when entering the park and always had the familiar carousel music playing on repeat.

And I always–ALWAYS without fail wanted to ride a horse that went up and down. I never wanted it to be a horse that stayed stationery.

Sounds like my life.

I always want to be going up and down and never stationery.

The beauty of navigating life is just like a carousel.

As I get closer to turning 35, I often spend more time thinking about cheesy cliches that I can use to parallel with life.

And boom!

That is where I landed on the carousel.

We are all on our own journeys—our own carousel ride.

We are listening for the distinctive tune of the music to welcome us for the journey to jump on our very own novelty horse.

Where we get on and get off…nobody knows!

It is all up to us.

Will you get on a horse that goes up more often than down?

How will you defy the ups and downs of the horse you have decided to ride in life?

Recently, I was on the horse that was going up for quite some time, but found it’s way going down just a few weeks ago.

So…here I am…riding the horse once again trying to find the next up to life.

What is the horse of my career telling me?

What is the horse of my romantic relationship and dating life telling me?

What is the horse of my house telling me?

What is the horse of my soon-to-be 35th year of life telling me?

What is the horse of my five year plan telling me?

Going around and around…not knowing where it will stop…where it will go.

So. Many. Questions.

Recent Carousel Of Life Ups:

-Family dinner time and soccer game watching and cheering for Will and Mindy.

-Seeing my Aunt and Uncle for the first time in what I think was two years.

-Accompanying my Aunt Mary on piano for her French horn playing in church for the first time since the pandemic.

-Last minute getaway to Fenwick Island, DE with my friend, Abby.

-Conversations with my in-office work crew about anything and everything.

-Quality time with my friends during the little downtime I find myself having.

-Receiving messages and so much love and support from individuals—some I’ve never even met in response to last week’s post.

-Receiving a beautiful piece of original artwork done by one of the parishioners from our faith community, Wendi.

Recent Carousel Of Life Downs:

-Natural stress of work and working in the hospitality and food service industry.

-News of mass shootings and violence.

-Dating site “stuff.”

Is there a horse that is going to lead me to my very own Prince Charming just like the Disney movies tell me?!

For now, I’m trying to just ride the horse that tells me to enjoy life to the best of my ability with friends and family and to try and experience the joys and happiness that the carousel is known to provide people.

What horse are you riding?

How are you embracing your own personal carousel ride of life?

Let’s journey together and jump on the horse to see where it takes us.

Your chariot awaits.

Jump on.

The carousel music is calling.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

And welcome to another week with Mr. Sunshine and another post.

I hope everyone was able to survive the extreme heat that Mother Nature threw our way…it was HOT…and it seems that it will stay the trend for the week to come.

But thank goodness that we were finally able to get some of that much-needed entity of life called rain.

Glorious rain.

Anyhoo, I know that I hinted at what I would be writing about earlier this week after leaving a cryptic message on Instagram describing a situation that I experienced last Sunday as “unpleasant.”

And as you read through this post, some of you might think what I will talk about isn’t a big deal or that I’ve made a mountain out of a mole hill, but it really is a big deal for me that I think will personally affect me for a bit of time.

So, read on.

Those of you who follow me know that I joined a dating site (Match.com) back at the end of April–something I had literally not done for a decade. It was nerve wrecking and exciting.

And right after joining officially (since I was using the free version for a few months), I was matched with an individual from Mechanicsburg.

It was like too good to be true.

This individual and I talked exclusively on the app through Match everyday sharing commonalities, laughs, and personal stories about almost everything.

While we had discussed a FaceTime call and texting with our phone numbers, it was something that this particular individual did not feel comfortable with because of some traumatic experiences that he had been through in the past.

And I was ok with that.

I did not want to push anything that would not be comfortable for any party.

Given that I have never been in any type of abusive relationship that involves physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse–I honestly can’t even begin to try and wrap my head around someone who has gone through something like that.

That hurts my heart.

But as the days and weeks went on, I felt like I was on cloud nine and for a moment felt like I might be able to feel some type of relationship growing with what could possibly be a partner–that special someone–something that I see visuals of a lot with my friends in life.

And it felt like I might be able to normalize some of the jealousy that I experience and feel inside myself when I see happy couple pictures because I thought I could be in the process of walking down the road to that exact thing.

It felt warm.

It felt fuzzy.

And while there might have been some conversations that had occurred throughout our time talking that could’ve been viewed as red flags, I kept going because I did not want to throw everything to the side because of how genuine this individual was.

(If you ever want more back story or details about anything, feel free to reach out and ask me because I don’t want to publish everything publicly.)

So, let’s just flash forward to last Sunday.

I had just gotten home from running at the track and was at my kitchen table writing my blog when my phone flashed with a message.

It was a heads up warning from my Match individual letting me know that his older brother would be taking his phone and most likely going to go through all of our messages so if someone was to start talking to me, that was who it was.

While I didn’t really want to engage in the conversation with the older brother, my heart was too emotionally invested with the conversations I had with this individual for the past two months that I couldn’t just ignore anything that was being said by his brother.

I was also told that the longer I took to respond, “the more fun times” this individual’s brother was going to have with his younger brother that I had matched with.

The brother told me that he had saved his brother and that “I didn’t show up” when he wrecked his car.

I was told that this individual “shouldn’t even have feelings and that he needs to grow up and act like all the other guys.”

I was told that this individual needs to “start acting like a real man. Real men don’t express every little feeling they have. They just live.”

I was also reminded halfway through the conversation that the longer I took to respond to messages, the “more fun” this individual’s brother was going to have with my Match individual.

I was then told by the brother that he didn’t know what his brother saw in me. I was told “all he talks about is having my family meet you. I would simply lose it. I told him I would have to have fun with you too and he literally punched me in the face. This is his fault we’re talking and his fault he’s in the situation he’s currently in.”

I was then giving an ultimatum of two options that I could choose for this individual’s brother to either “spin him around while he hangs out” or “stick his head back in the toilet since his hair was getting kind of dry.”

I was told that “I could pick one, or that he could do both and tell my Match individual that I wanted him to do this.”

And I was told “if you don’t pick, I’ll pick for you. And trust me, my ideas are worse. So I’ll be sure to let him know that while he’s punching people in the face trying to protect you, you’re letting other people decide his inevitably embarrassing fate.”

Needless to say, I didn’t agree to any of this.

I responded with the following:

“I’m sorry, but I’m not going to play this game. This is not fun to me and because I don’t want to participate does not mean I’m not fun, but you can make that assumption if you want. You don’t know who I am as a person, what I’ve gone through, my morals, or anything about me, so say what you will about me, I don’t care. And, if at the end of the day, you have to be like this to your brother and have to have fun in the your life by choosing embarrassing fates for him, you are the true coward.”

I was told that I had pissed him off and that I would not be hearing from my Match individual for the rest of the evening because he would be preoccupied.

This was so much to compact.

It still is.

And on Sunday night, I went to bed and laid on the pillows and cried because I had been knocked off the ladder.

And the feeling in my mind that was being held hostage by the games of this individuals’ brother did not help.

I didn’t sleep well, I started work late on Monday, and I had to give up attending a Team event with my Platinum colleagues’ because I was just not mentally with it.

What occurred last Sunday is exactly what I do not like about dating sites and why they scare me.

I take the leap of faith to be vulnerable and end up in even shittier situations that cause that vulnerability to be taken advantage of and leaves part of me feeling betrayed, broken, and discouraged.

I need people in this world to stop trying to take advantage of my kindness.

I need to personally become stronger in the way of creating boundaries for myself and sticking up for what I know I need and what I’m worth.

I am resilient and I will get through this, but my heart won’t be as easy to open and express moving forward when I don’t know someone.

I won’t chase after you.

Chasing is no longer worth it.

And I don’t know why I’ve let myself do that so many times before.

What a waste of energy.

I’m worth it and deserve to be someone else’s worth it.

So, if you see me not being as cheery in the next couple of weeks and months or not like “Mr. Sunshine” with my daily living or experience a jealous reaction or remark because you are in a successful relationship with a partner–please understand where I might be coming from. I apologize in advance, but it will all be part of my “healing” process personally to move forward and embark on the path of life ahead in terms of the dating world and relationships.

And if I want to be quiet and direct, let me.

Please understand that I’m not looking for pity with this post. Mainly, I’m trying to express what I experienced—and writing is a healthy way for me to process those types of things—a coping mechanism so to speak. Because what happened sucks and while I know it probably happens often, it is just something that I don’t have the energy for.

Thanks for coming back with me week after week to read my words and support me with your love.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday to all!

I’m happy to have you back for my 176th post in this second week of July after we have splurged on the hot dogs, cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, ice cream, and fireworks amongst the colors of red, white, and blue.

I hope everyone was able to enjoy their holiday with some relaxation, sunshine, reflection, and loved ones.

Also, can someone please tell me why they always say that Summer is half over once the Fourth of July hits? Like, Summer technically starts on June 21st, so in reality, Summer has only been happening for about 3 weeks.

Like…MMMBYEEE.

It isn’t half over.

Anyhoo, I digress as per the usual.

It’s time to get down to business.

Let’s talk reflections and recharges.

Hence the title of this week’s blog post.

There’s a lot of shit happening in the world right now.

Like…heavy shit.

And on top of that, we all have our own shit to deal with.

It can make days draining and exhausting.

For the past two weeks, I have started to reflect and focus more on some stuff in my own personal life that I will open up about shortly while also sharing some ways that I was able to rejuvenate myself this week too.

As I’ve started to witness the world around us break down a little bit more each day, week, and month—I have started to fall victim to the dangerous cancer known as “social media comparing.”

Yes, that toxicity known as scrolling through the images, the perfect people who show their “real” lives for us to like, comment, and be jealous about.

It’s toxic.

And I dislike it very much when I fall wind to it.

But it always seems to happen when the shit in the world is going bonkers.

So, this week, I started to cleanse myself and mute stories and posts of people both on Facebook and Instagram that are not bringing any joy to my life.

I shouldn’t have to chase people to be attracted me and what my morals are. I want people in my circle to naturally be drawn to me with my energy, my positivity, and the qualities I exude in life.

Sorry not sorry.

And honestly, doing that feels freeing. Like a 100lb weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

So, if you find yourself practicing “social media comparing”–try cleansing and muting those in your life who aren’t really worth it.

YOU are better than that.

Period.

End of story.

Moving on.

NEXT.

I’ve noticed more recently that I’ve started to struggle with taking things personally.

This is something I’m definitely better at than I used to be, but I have recently seemed to slip more into the habit of creating stories in my head that aren’t true.

When I take things personally, I become jealous, I get direct, and I shut down in a quiet blanket of little to no talking.

So, for the month of July, to combat these negative take things personally feelings, I have started to focus more on ME and what I can control.

I’ve started to set my alarm a few minutes earlier to get that extra jolt to start the day rather than being lazy and lying in bed under the covers for “just a few more minutes.”

And with those extra few minutes, I have started to begin each morning with 15 push ups, 15 sit ups, and 15 squats. I also end each day with this same routine.

In addition, I have started to add protein powder to my morning coffee and stopped listen to music on my runs so that I can focus more on the mental aspect of just CLEANSING the toxins and shit of the world and my life from the body without distraction.

And with these reflections also came some moments of rejuvenation this week.

So…let’s talk recharge.

Moment #1: Family time (which includes Ginger) with picnic food, having conversation, drinking a few adult beverages, and enjoying the sunshine together. Simple joys.

Moment #2: Having a day off date with my bestie that included some day drinking, hamburgers, and fun games followed by movie watching, ice cream eating, and pizza when his partner got home from work to join us!

Moment #3: Having Pastor Angie over at my casa for some real talk discussion about feelings, the church, and everything in between. You never know how good and therapeutic it is to hash out words with others in your life until you are actually in the moment doing it.

Moment #4: Spending some quality time with my good friends Marissa and Missy on Saturday night trying to find how to get to Morgantown Casino. It was quite the adventure that we were not expecting because there was literally no damn road to turn into the parking lot after getting off the turnpike. Not only did we try this once, but TWICE. About 35 miles wasted each way. But we ended up at Hollywood Casino outside of Hershey and had many laughts in the car on the way there after a few choice words about the damn directions of not being able to get to Morgantown. And we got to relish in a Summer classic of soft serve ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. DELISH. Never under estimate the power of laughs with friends.

Moment #5: The Cornhole Tournament at the St. Paul Penryn Backyard that I got to play at with some good friends while also witnessing many diverse individuals of our community coming together to enjoy a night out in fellowship together. Both Pastor Angie and I have shared some similar feelings of sadness/lack of energy recently at church with lower attendance and while it is not something to take personally, it can be hard especially for leaders of the church. But Friday night (and frankly our Sunday morning church service) were the jolt of revitalizing spunk that we needed. The faith community at St. Paul Penryn is incredibly important to so many and while religion isn’t everyone’s thing given the fact that the church has given some individuals really negative experiences in the past, I promise you that St. Paul Penryn is different. We love all. We support all. We welcome all. So, please check us out or message me if you want more information or just want to chat about what we are about. I’m an open door and book.

Well, folks.

That’s all I’ve got for you this week with my 176th blog post.

I wish all of you a most wonderful week and hope that you fill find time to have your own reflections and recharges.

Be kind.

Oh…and…

P.S.—Match.com is still a thing and I’m still talking with the same person I was originally matched with 70 days ago. It has definitely been an emotional roller coaster, but I’m not quite ready to throw in the towel yet.

P.P.S.—A Mr. Sunshine project for 2023 is in the works, so get excited! I’m sure some of you already have guesses of what it could be, but I’m not telling! At least until January 2nd!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi again, folks!

A very happy TUESDAY to all of you! I know that I usually post on Mondays; however, with the Fourth of July holiday, I felt it more appropriate to post one day later.

With that being said, I hope everyone was able to enjoy the holiday and hopefully some hot dogs…or other delicious picnic food.

A HUGE thank you to all the men, women, and other individuals who have fought and continue to fight for our Country and its freedom.

Anyway, I normally wait until the last minute usually to blog for all of you because I seem to do better with words when I procrastinate; however, there was a moment that occurred last Monday which I just couldn’t resist to write about because it brought the biggest smile to my face…

…and was a real-life moment that proves kindness does in fact pay off!

June 22nd started off like any other evening at The Ephrata Performing Arts Center. It was the start of the final week of shows for The Crucible and I was on House Managing duty while my co-partner in crime Jamie was bartending.

Oh, and did I mention that Jonathan Groff showed up too?!

SWOON.

Anyhow, that is actually not the real reason I’m blogging.

Keep reading.

Do you need to refill your blogging beverage?!

Now is the time to do it.

So, let’s keep moving with how kindness truly pays off.

At the end of the show, our Artistic Director, Ed Fernandez came out to the lobby asking for assistance because a patron had fallen.

I calmly walked into the theater to find our Sound Technician, Grant and Jonathan Groff helping an older gentleman down the steps. e

I took over for Grant and while walking with the patron, Jonathan and I were being conversational with him asking him what shows he had seen at the theater and also what he thought of the show he had just seen.

Vincent was incredibly kind and sweet (as was Jonathan) and I took Vincent to the box office to fill out an incident report to make sure everything was documented.

I asked him a few general questions and walked him to his car to make sure he got there safely.

We talked about his favorite shows and he mentioned “Anything with Mr. Young” in it. That of course means the fabulous actor, Sean Young who most recently had graced the EPAC stage in the 2019 production of Ragtime.

Vincent was very appreciative of everything and I ended our walk to his car with salutations hoping to see him again soon.

Well, kidness paid off.

How?

Our Box Office Manager, Kristen emailed the EPAC staff on Monday letting us know that Vincent had sent the theater a handwritten note with a $500 donation because of the kindness he had experienced after his fall at the theater.

He brought the biggest smile to my face and was proof that it costs nothing to be kind…and the reward of what can come of it is priceless.

I have included the picture of Vincent’s kind note below in hopes that it will also bring the biggest smile to your face while also encouraging you to continue being kind to ALL.

Our world needs us to display kindness more than ever.

Just remember that it costs nothing to be kind and it can be the simplest of tasks–from opening the door for someone to having conversation and walking beside an elderly individual to make sure they get to their car safely.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Another week of the year has ended and we are officially starting the last week of June!

SAY WHAT?!

Literally July 4th is like tomorrow.

I just don’t understand how the time flies by so quickly.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business.

I sit here writing these words to you from my bed with a throbbing headache that I’m hoping will go away with the glorious entity that we call sleep.

And, to be honest, I have no words..

This week’s post will be short and sweet.

Because Mr. Sunshine is lacking the positive energy and right things to say.

I can’t help but shake the feeling that our Country is moving backwards.

The recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade has me speechless, mad, pissed off, and just angry at the world.

The polarization of political parties is becoming even more evident in our everyday lives.

It is exhausting.

It is draining.

It is discouraging.

The past couple of nights, I have shut my eyes, but can’t shake the feeling that my rights as a member of the LGTBQ+ community are the next to come under fire.

I fear for the future.

And that is the God honest truth. .

This week, I pray that I can find some positive energy to help me lessen the fear that I have for the future .

Sprinkle sunshine always.

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

Happy Monday!

I hope you didn’t miss me too much last week with no new post.

I have taken the last week to recharge, reset, and rejuvenate myself with the entities of Summer, sandals, sunshine, and kindness.

Oh, and yes…

…I do have sunburn.

Shocker I know.

I’m currently in the peeling stage and using gobs of aloe.

And I mean GOBS.

Worth. It.

It is always amazing how a week at the beach does to me.

It’s like the mind is cleared, epiphanies about life are had, and the sun just shines into your soul.

It is a beautiful thing.

When I’m at the beach, everything in life washes away like the seashells taken out by the waves of blue water flowing back to the ocean.

Even without running 50 full marathons this year, it certainly hasn’t slowed my life down at all.

If anything, there are moments when I’m feeling busier.

In fact, there are moments where I wonder how I even did all the running with everything else in my life.

Anyhoo, I digress.

I know I’ve said this before and I apologize to say it again, but I never realize how much I actually need to recharge, rejuvenate, and reset until I’m actually in the moment doing it.

Don’t get me wrong–I have and always will be the person who thrives on the go, go, go lifestyle. Most days and times of the year, I love it. But there is always that one occasional moment when it gets the best of me.

And I shut down.

But this week at the beach has been a very welcome rejuvenating reset that Mr. Sunshine needed.

And through it all including every morsel of sand that touched my feet, I still come charging at you encouraging that kindness is key in this world.

There are just so many ways to display it to others, even strangers.

This week at the beach, I displayed kindness by:

1. Tipping extra to the servers and bartenders that served me.
2. Smiles at the stranger and made conversation with them.
3. Picked up some trash during my run that I saw along the sidewalk.

So, amidst the crazy thing we call life, please find your very own way to rejuvenate, reset, and recharge.

And please, please, please, PLEASE above all else…

BE KIND.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

I’m out of the office, which means come back next week.

And I’m the meantime, please be kind.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks and happy Monday!

And even though it officially kicked off on June 1st, happy belated Pride Month too!

I am currently outside in the backyard of Sunshine Cottage enjoying a beautiful Summer night under the lights with a wine, Dr. Pepper, and my feet propped on an adirondack chair.

It is in these moments where life just feels perfect.

If only.

It seems with each passing minute, hour, day, week, and month that everything is far from perfect…

…Especially the world.

A few weeks ago, we were delivered news about a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas.

And that night, the day it happened, I sat on my couch and shed tears.

I shed tears for the innocent lives lost, the families that were affected, and our world.

Gun violence is not something new to our society; however, it certainly seems to have gotten more out of control recently.

For some reason, I can remember back to the time when breaking news came across the TV screen about the Columbine school shooting that happened back in 1999.

And here we are 23 years later, still being delivered news about mass shootings and learning how to navigate the aftermath of the horror.

Far from perfect.

I think what scares me the most is that these types of incidents can happen anywhere and at any time.

And they cause a constant fear to be in the back of my head, which makes me sad.

I know that we are not supposed to live in fear, but gosh darn it, I certainly don’t know how to do it.

Just this past weekend, I got to enjoy a weekend off from both work and church duties and took a trip to Philly with my bestie Devin and his partner Jed to visit our friend Krishna before he moved to Chicago.

It was a quick trip filled with delicious food, rainbows, adult cocktails, lots of laughs, and many memories…

…including me trying to get into the wrong room at the wrong hotel…

Yes, you did read that right.

But I will save that story if you wish to hear it for and in-person discussion because it’s better that way.

A retelling of it is almost and most certainly better with Mr. Sunshine energy, faces, and hand motions than reading it in a text format.

It will def be a part of my comedy routine when I become a stand up comic in my next life and take the material on tour.

Anyhoo, I digress.

Sunday morning, after our fun night out in Philly, I woke up to several texts including from my best friend, Marissa making sure I was okay.

The text said…”Just read about the shooting in Philly…you ok??”

I wasn’t 100% sure what she was referring to, but then saw the headline of the news article our friend Krishna had also sent to Jed, Devin, and I in a group message:

“14 People Shot, 3 Dead, In Mass Shooting On South Street.”

Literally just a few minutes away from where we were partying and having fun dancing the night away hours before.

It could’ve happened to us…

And that scares the living hell out of me.

On the way home, I was so quiet in the car because I literally just kept replaying the fact that it could’ve been us.

And I would be lying to you if I said I wasn’t a little bit scared for the fact that I’m headed to Wildwood beaches next week for a huge Country music festival and all that I can think of is violence and gunfire happening.

I am afraid.

Hug the people in your life just a little bit tighter next time.

Say I love you every chance you get.

And fight for positive change in our world.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

I hope everyone was able to stay cool with the extreme heat Mother Nature threw at us this week.

It was like we went from frost-filled mornings to dog days of Summer with no warning.

Not cool, Mother Nature…not cool.

At least give us some type of grace period.

I’m also currently swiveling back and forth in one of my newest furniture additions to the Sunshine Cottage living room, have my feet propped on the coffee table with fresh air coming through the open windows, and the sound of falling rain is serenading me in the background.

Oh…and…I’m indulging in a mini bottle of Coca-Cola because sometimes it is the perfect carbonated beverage to side-kick on these Summer evenings as described above.

Anyway, I digress.

Shocker, I know.

This past week, our faith community lost a member quite suddenly.

And every time that happens, especially in a small, family church where everybody knows your name, it feels like a part of you and your heart get taken away too.

Mary Alice was someone I had just been greeted by the previous Sunday morning as she walked in the front doors before making her way to the pew close to the front of the sanctuary.

And, one week later, it has all changed forever.

There won’t be any more Sunday morning “hello’s” from Mary Alice.

There won’t be any more cards that wish me a happy birthday or give me a kind note of thanks about my music at St. Paul’s in Mary Alice’s perfectly distinct and polished cursive handwriting.

There won’t be any more spot checks of my fun socks that she always used to do when walking past the piano bench after Communion to give me her smile and thumbs up of approval.

And during the church service on Sunday after being notified that she had passed the night before, I started to cry during the last verse of our special music presentation of “River in Judea.”

The tears took over and as much as I wanted to try and finish out the song, I just couldn’t.

And those tears continued into the prayers portion of the service where I attempted to stumble through, but ultimately had to concede to the tears once again and pass off the remainder of reading to Angie.

And, as if I hadn’t cried enough, the waterworks happened again during the last verse of our closing hymn, “When Peace Like A River” which just so happened to be one of Mary Alice’s favorite hymns. It was always one that she would submit when I would ask congregational members to give me a few of their most beloved tunes.

And, during the last hymn, a beautiful moment happened.

Jelani Seppi–a handicap, black individual who always sits in the front pew started to sing along with the hymn…something he never does.

And even though he sings a bit off key and doesn’t always say the correct words, he was right there—with the rest of the congregation—carrying on for the voice that I didn’t have because I was crying over on the organ bench.

It was beautiful.

It was perfect.

It was a moment meant to be that Mary Alice was definitely smiling down upon as it unfolded.

Life can literally change in an instant.

Our faith community experienced that this week.

And it was that subtle reminder that we should never take anything for granted and that it is both ok and necessary to cry out our emotions.

Hug someone in your life you appreciate just a little bit tighter.

Say “I love you” to your people as much as possible.

Never take the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years we have been given for granted.

I leave you with the last verse lyrics of “When Peace Like A River” in memory of our beloved Mary Alice.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi all!

Well, here we are.

THE HEAT OF SUMMER.

Well…at least that is what it felt like these last couple of days.

I’m convinced that Mother Nature just can’t make up her mind.

If it isn’t frosty, cold temperatures that are happening, it is hot, humid conditions occurring.

Like I can’t have hot cocoa and a frozen slushie in my hand at the same time, Mother Nature!

Get. It. Together.

Like, what season are we in?

I can honestly say that I’ve forgotten.

Can any of you enlighten me?

Kthanks.

Spring.

Got it.

Onward and upward.

Well, here we go.

Another Monday, another post.

Below are just a few of the headlines that I pulled from the news in the past week.

“At least 1 dead and 4 critically wounded in shooting at California church”

“10 dead in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket.”

“At least 2 dead multiple people injured in shooting at a Texas flea market.”

“3 shot outside Milwaukee Bucks game. Two hours later, 17 others are shot a few blocks away.”

Pretty heavy stuff.

It makes it hard to try and find the positive on some days.

Even for the person nicknamed Mr. Sunshine.

Well, let’s shift our perspective quickly to something else for a moment.

Let’s look at the definition of simple.

There are three definitions that come up for this word.

It is defined as:

-Easy to understand, deal with, use, etc: a simple matter; simple tools.

-Not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.

-Not ornate or luxurious; unadorned.

This week, among all the negative news that has been happening around our world, I have been able to find some extreme joy in SIMPLE things.

Here are just a few of those things:

1. The conversations about every topic known to man with my co-workers that I have had the pleasure of working with in-person at the office at Webstaurantstore.
2. The individual who I was matched with two weeks ago when I clicked ‘subscribe’ to Match.com. I’m happy to report that I’m still messaging with that same individual after two weeks with many simple joys throughout the communication.
3. The woman at the theater who had a walker that I met at the end of the show to make sure was all set who said to me, “Thank you so much for taking care of us.”
4. The woman at church who walked up to me during the Communion music to mention how much she enjoyed the music and that she got weepy listening.
5. The magnificent sunsets that have caressed the Lancaster sky.
6. Enjoying some breakfast (made by roomie) along with watching the Our Great National Park series on Netflix that is narrated by Barack Obama.
7. Blowing bubbles with my niece Mackenzie outside in the sunshine on family dinner night.
8. The smiles of approximately 82 middle school and high school students who traveled from a school in New York to see the Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s production of A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder. Their faces and reactions were ecstatic amazement that just made my heart soar.

I urge all of you to find the simple joys in life as we continue to try and navigate the world around us that continues to throw crazy negativity our way.

Be kind to others.

Always lead with love.

And please do not forget to relish in the simple joys.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!