Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Well, here we are.

Another week in the books.

Another week in the books where our new normal continues to be social distancing, putting ourselves in quarantine mode, and only venturing out for necessities like groceries where the visual is shelves usually empty of pasta, cereal, rice, and paper towels.

I know I’m not the only one who never would’ve guessed our 2020 would be going like this.

This week’s blog post is an open ‘thank you’ letter to the COVID-19 from the perspective of Mr. Sunshine and the positives that I’ve seen come out of this pandemic that we are experiencing.

And before, I begin that letter, I would liked to say the following:

My heart goes out to those who have passed away from this virus. My heart goes out to all of those who are currently suffering and fighting to get well. My heart goes out to everyone who has been directly and indirectly affected by this virus. My heart goes out to all people who are working the front lines to restore health and well-being to the world around us. My heart goes out to all of us who are working to navigate the unknown on the daily with feelings of anxiety and despair.

Dear COVID-19,

I don’t think anyone would’ve realized that you would be overtaking our lives so much in this year of 2020; however, you definitely proved us wrong.

You’ve managed to wreck havoc not only on our Country, but all over the world. You’ve managed to ignite feelings of panic, anxiety, and worry among millions of individuals as they try to navigate the unknown.

You’ve managed to bring words into our daily vocabulary, which include but are not limited to ‘quarantine,’ ‘social distancing,’ ‘pandemic,’ ‘epidemic,’ ‘stay at home,’ and ‘coronavirus’ just to name a few.

You’ve forced countries, states, and counties to lock down and force individuals to only go out of their houses for essential needs and work.

You’ve forced multiple companies to lay off workers and send them home with no employment because the future is so unknown.

You’ve created a wave of negativity that floods our media outlets on the daily with no end in sight.

But, despite all that I’ve listed above, there are several things that I must thank you for.

1. Thank you for forcing people out of their comfort zone, getting them to work together, and to stretch their minds to be creative. From the inventions that people have created to combat this disease, those sewing masks, breweries making hand sanitizer, fitness trainers making at home workouts to keep people active, restaurants becoming creative with takeout and delivery service, churches going virtual with daily services and events to keep community connected…there are just so many beautiful things that have come out of this and I for one am excited to see the creative inventions still to come.
2. Thank you for forcing me out of my comfort zone to work from home. While I’m not the biggest fan of it, I’m extremely grateful and blessed that I’m still able to do it during this trying time. Thank you for forcing use technology to connect with coworkers as we try to get through each day. Rest assured though, I will be doing a happy dance for days when the time comes to head back to the office.
3. Thank you for forcing me to pick up my phone and reach out to others in my life–some of who, I rarely even talk to on the daily. The events that you have unfolded before us has been an excellent reminder that life is precious and that we should always take every chance we get to tell someone we love them, appreciate them, or that we are just thinking about them. Simple things can the greatest joys. Thank you for helping me to realize even harder how much I love those around me in my life. And thank you for helping me to realize how special a hug from one of those individuals can truly be—it can wrap me in feelings of warmth and comfort when everything around seems cold and dreary. When this is all said and done, I honestly will be so excited to squeeze those in my life I appreciate you such heart and love.
4. Thank you for making people realize that money does not buy happiness and that generosity, compassion, and helping others are the true way in this world to be fulfilled. While I believe that my part in all of this at the moment is to help others feel positive and happy, I’m so grateful to see and hear so many stories of courage and helping others that pop up out of all the areas fighting against you.
5. Finally, I must thank you for getting me to come out of hibernation from the social media world. While my original plan was to only come back in August, I thought a lot about what was happening in the world. I prayed a lot and realized that coming back to social media was something that I needed to do. Living with the persona of Mr. Sunshine has always been extremely important to me and right now, it seems to be something that is needed for them ever. I’m a fighter for love, kindness, compassion, and positive vibes and my will and drive to do that now is more than ever.

Last night, I was watching the animated movie Wonder Park (which I would highly recommend if you haven’t seen it) and in the beginning of the movie, the below quote spoke to me very deeply because it is exactly what I personally am experiencing throughout this pandemic.

“I know this is scary…but you keep that little light inside of you shining bright.”

As we continue to live out the days ahead full of unknown, may we continue to fight with compassion, love, and kindness to keep COVID19 on its toes until it is a thing of the past.

May we continue to have faith during the toughest and darkest moments and always remember that we have family and friends to lean on.

May we continue to be human to each other. To love whole-heartedly and to look inside ourselves for ways that we can help those in need around us.

May we all keep the little light inside ourselves shining for the current world in need.

Sincerely with wishes for health and safety,
Mr. Sunshine

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, folks. We made it to another Monday.

It certainly has been a crazy week to say the least. I sincerely hope that you, your family, and everyone in your life is staying safe and healthy. Also, before I write more, a huge thank you and sense of gratitude to all the healthcare workers (and any other genre of workers) who are working their tails off during this pandemic. In addition, my thoughts are with those who have passed away from COVID19 as well as those who are currently fighting it. We will overcome this even amidst the bumpy road ahead.

As the days linger on, we continue to find the terms “social distancing” and “quarantine” as part of our day-in, day-out vocabulary.

In addition to the vocabulary that we are becoming all too familiar with, it seems that our new favorite past-time is hand washing every chance we get. I’ve learned that singing Happy Birthday or the chorus of my favorite Katy Perry song, Firework are ideal for making sure there is ample time under the hot water as I lather my hands with my favorite Bath & Body Works foaming soaps.

Right now, if I wash my hands in the kitchen sink, I’m enjoying the scent of Winter Spruce while the upstairs bathroom treats me to Vanilla Bean Snowflake.

Anyway, I digress.

Shocker.

It is currently 11:40pm and I’m sitting on my couch with a blanket wrapped around myself, Cran Apple juice in my Wheel of Fortune goblet, The Golden Girls playing in the background, and the stress of trying to get this all done before the clock strikes 12…

…Because at 12 midnight I turn into a pumpkin. Well, actually, I turn into a night owl if we want to get politically correct. There is no such thing as a pumpkin when you’re working with Mr. Sunshine.

Unless it is a Pumpkin Spice Latte…or milkshake.

Oh my goodness…digression again. I’m so sorry. Just trying to keep the mood light and fluffy.

Today, as I did my daily reading from Hoda Kotb’s I Really Needed This Today book, I realized the quote being offered for today (March 23rd) was exactly what I wanted to write about as we all continue to live out the uncertain times amidst confusion and fear.

“Change your thoughts and you can change the world.”
~Norman Vincent Peale

How true these words are to us, especially with everything that is currently happening.

Each day, we have a million different thoughts racing through our head–how will we pay our monthly bills, how much time we need to leave for our morning commute to work in case we hit traffic, if we should buy the half gallon of ice cream at the grocery store…

…that last question should not be a question actually because you should ALWAYS buy the half gallon of ice cream. DUH!

…But the most important question we must answer is the question of how we are going to combat the negative thoughts that pop up in our head and thrown in our path.

Are you going to be the person who chases down the negative thoughts and lets them overtake your life?

OR

Are you going to be the person who changes the way you look at them and spins it into something positive to make the world a better place?

There is no doubt that the world we are living in right now is scary and challenging. Our normal way of life has been broken and some days, it can be confusing or difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But that light is at the end of the tunnel and I refuse to let the negative thoughts and energy that is around us take over my life.

Take a look at some of the positives that have come out of this pandemic that we are currently experiencing together. Here are just a few:

1. People have come together to support local businesses that have shut down or are struggling.
2. People have learned how to reach out to one another via different media to check-in and make sure they are okay.
3. People around the world have used their creative minds to come up with ways on how to keep social interaction going while working from home, creating cyber, online church services to keep faith alive, and helping people stay fit and healthy with live-streaming fitness workouts that can be done in the comfort of home while the gyms are closed.

There are SO many other positives that are too numerous to mention, but I guarantee if you open your eyes just a little, you will find them.

I’m sick of opening the news and only seeing the negatice stories. It’s like a frenzy of chaotic multitude that just sucks you in and strangles you of breath.

Which is why I’ll continue to channel the positive to change the world, to better the lives of those around me, and share some love and sunshine when it is needed most.

During this time of fear, let us push forward with courage.

Let us push forward with learning how to be human to ALL of humanity.

Let us push forward to change our thoughts to change the world.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, I can honestly say that this has been one of the most insane weeks on record that I think I’ve ever experienced in my 32 years of life on this Earth.

And it seems like the insanity and craziness has no end in sight.

I’ve literally seen viral videos of people fighting over toilet paper. FIGHTING. It’s literally like Black Friday all over again, but this time around, it seems 10 times worse. It’s disheartening.

Actually, my heart physically sinks inside because it makes me so upset.

As the news about this pandemic continues to flood our day-to-day culture (and please don’t get me started on the media because I will go off), I feel so many different emotions.

My natural reaction to all of this is sadness because there are so many people who are infected that won’t be able to get the proper care or supplies they need because those that aren’t infected are hoarding items like the apocalypse is on the horizon.

My second reaction is worry because both of my parents are over the age of 60.

My third reaction is anger because the media is feeding upon every little detail that is happening and seems to be (at least in my mind) blowing this all way out of proportion.

Like, stop it. You’re causing the entire world to panic.

However, among all the frenzy, craziness, and panic, I’m reminded that above all, I must have faith.

Because without it, we are nothing.

Mary McLeod once said the following and how true it rings for me today as we go through the current events of the world together.

“Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.”

How true these words are and while it seems virtually impossible to think about them at a time like that of which we are experiencing currently, they are ones that I must keep in the back of my mind as I live out life on the daily these next few weeks.

While I know that religion is not everyone’s thing, I found some really powerful solace in the lyrics of a hymn we sang today that I wanted to share. The hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, has some beautiful lyrics that remind me to pause and know that in times of need, we will always be provided for.

Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
And all I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me

As I sit here writing this blog post on a comfortable recliner in my parents’ home, I look outside the window and see the sunshine brightly revealing its rays across the green grass and blue skies.

And seeing the sunshine signals the reminder to me that even in times of fear and uncertainty, I must stay strong for those around me who can’t and be the sunshine amdist the grips of fear and gray that are clutching our country.

Tell one, two, three, or ten people in your life that you love them.

I share with you one last prayer that was shared by our church Vicar, Angela Hammer this past week at our weekly council meeting and also at our Sunday morning church service.

May we are merely inconvenieced,
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors,
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home,
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close,
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips,
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market,
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home,
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.

But above all, have faith.

Stay safe.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are yet again!

Another week has passed and another Monday has decided to show itself. And in the past 7 days we have seen the clocks turn forward, Mother Nature shower us with both rain and hot sun, the Stock Market do its wild roller coaster ride, and stories about the Coronavirus continue to grow.

Everything just seems out of whack and everyone in the world appears to be in full-blown panic mode.

Actually, it is even worse than full-blown panic mode.

And Mr. Sunshine only has one thing to say…

…EVERYONE TAKE A CHILL PILL.

Like, seriously.

Chill.

Out.

Period.

The panic that the media is bringing to our lives with the current world happenings is absolutely insane. And it is making so many people in this world go into a frenzy that is driving me nuts.

My every day conversations are now flooded with the sentence of “Yes, we have no hand sanitizer.”

I’m not worried about getting sick.

That’s right.

You heard it here first.

BREAKING NEWS.

What I’m actually concerned about is the people who are freaking out, not reading the facts (or knowing them), and not taking care of themselves.

Like, wash your hands people. It’s not rocket science.

So, in the coming weeks I’ll just be here…doing same old, same old. Business as per the usual for Mr. Sunshine.

I’ll continue to fall asleep to The Golden Girls, refuse to get out of my warm blanket during those cold mornings, laugh at the simple things, say I love you to the people I appreciate, and sing loudly to all the Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Kesha, and Lady Gaga songs on my Apple Music playlists as I make my morning commute to work.

And I’ll continue to try and bring the sunshine to the world to each individual I meet with each passing day.

Oh, and I’ll continue to listen to this newest song by Katy Perry…because I’m loving it.

Well, that’s all I have this week.

Remember to wash those hands and to take a chill pill.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are! Yet another month of 2020 has come and gone and another new one is beginning. It is officially March and the million dollar question is…

Where is the snow?! Where is the Winter weather?!

TWO million dollar questions! SURPRISE!

And, if you have answers to both of these million dollar questions, you will win the special prize…

Which ISN’T a million dollars!

Quite honestly though, if we are being 100% upfront and transparent, I am not mad with the fact that we have had very little snow.

I dislike shoveling it, I dislike driving in it, and I dislike shoveling it.

Did I mention that I dislike shoveling it?!

In actuality though, I’ll be honest–I haven’t really had any beef with this year’s Winter because it actually has been kind of mild and Mother Nature even teased us with some beautiful Spring weather–like what is happening?!

She. Be. Confused.

But, regardless of the weather that she is sending our way, it doesn’t mean that I don’t still enjoy them Winter nights in the house with me, myself, and my blanket.

And you know what?!

It’s glorious.

Incredibly glorious.

I’m not going to lie, but the negative news about Corona virus and the falling stock market has me a bit anxious, on edge, getting frustrated.

Our world feeds upon this sensationalism of making every happening event around us sound a million times worse than it really is. And it causes people to uproar in a panic.

They are really good at too because I’m falling into that category of “uproar panic” some days.

Quite frankly, I’m sick of this ::insert bad word that starts with S here::

But the one thing that remains a constant regardless of what Mother Nature throws our way and how the media is treating the news stories around us is my love for them Winter nights in my casa.

With all the crap that is happening right now in the news, I physically become ill thinking about it and realize that a night in solitude to laugh, relax, or do whatever I feel is more than needed.

My recipe for total relaxation? It is actually quite simple.

My blanket, my phone on Do Not Disturb, The Golden Girls playing one the TV, and my favorite ice cream flavor. And sometimes, I substitute The Golden Girls for a good read too sometimes. These are the elements that comprise the winning formula to shut out the world and have moments of laughter, happiness, and quiet.

It seems like the news of negative energy will not be going away anytime soon, so it’s time to buckle down and figure out your personal formula to stay smiling and happy.

Then Winter nights are more important than ever, so make sure you don’t take them for granted.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks! Yet another week has gone by and we are just one week away from a new month, which is crazy to think! I know I ask this every year, but where is the time going?!

Like…seriously, though. I feel each day, week, month, and year just drifts by faster and faster. And there is no sign of slowing down in sight.

Does anyone know the address for Father Time because I would really like to write him a nice letter…well..more like a 5 paragraph essay…actually…a Thesis trying to make valid points of why the time needs to not be going by so fast.

Also, before we get into this week’s post, I have just a fun little Mr. Sunshine fact from the weekend. I had coffee with NO sugar.

Why yes, you did read that right.

NO sugar.

I know. I know. Go circle the day on the calendar because this is a monumental moment that you will never want to forget.

But, I digress.

Let’s get on to this week’s topic.

So, grab your coffee with no sugar (or however you enjoy it best) and read on!

The past couple of weeks have been quite trying, especially this last week. Between some moments in my personal and professional life—I have felt weak, out of place, and defeated.

There isn’t one specific incident or moment to pinpoint why these feelings have been present in my life; however, I do know when they come up, I always look to music for solace, comfort, and courage.

So, this week, I share with you three songs that I have found to be extremely helpful to me in these moments that I mentioned just a few sentences earlier.

My hope is that you will find a few free moments to listen to them and find ways to relate them to your life in some way, shape, or form.

Song #1: “Can We Pretend” by Pink

I won’t be the first one to hide this true feeling, but the world scares me. Everything that is happening outside the doors of our community, towns, cities, states, and countries absolutely terrifies me. The one thing that I haven’t missed about being on social media are the posts of negativity and hatred that infuse and permeate our lives. Listening to this song gives me just a few moments of distraction to pretend that the world of hate doesn’t exist and allows me to drift off into a dream of love and kindness for all. It can’t be that hard, right? Well, each time I bring up the headlines on CNN.com, I just become more and more discouraged.

But, mark my words..,Mr. Sunshine will come back with vengeance this year with the latest tactic to try and change the world to show those that love and kindness will always be more powerful than hate.

Song #2: “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne

I have Spotify to thank for this song recommendation because it came up on my playlist randomly. I clearly have been living under a rock because I did not know this piece of musical beauty existed. This one kind of speaks for itself in the lyrics and even claims the title of this week’s post. Each time I hear the lyrics in the power house of Avril’s voice, I remind myself that no matter how bad things might get, it is up to me and me only to change the tides of the water to keep my head afloat. It’s one song that has even found me getting so emotional that tears have been shed.

Song #3: “Courage” by Celine Dion

This is another song that pretty much speaks for itself. Knowing that Celine Dion released this song (and the entire album) after the death of her husband make the lyrics even more real and raw each time I listen. And what powerful lyrics they are. Having courage in my life is so tough at times, especially with the way the world is right now, so this song is such a good reminder. And, with a voice as grand as Celine Dion, there is just no denying that this one will give you ALL THE FEELS and maybe even get you to shed a few tears when you think about a moment in your life where you need to remember to have courage. Also, total side note…saw Celine perform this LIVE this past weekend in Atlantic City and it was life changing.

And, because I forgot, there is one last song that I must add to this list, so BONUS track!

Song #4: “By The Grace of God” by Katy Perry

I happened to post a short teaser video of myself playing this song on the piano last week on Snapchat, so any of you who follow me might have gotten to see that. It is one song that just helps me get out all of the emotions inside me just by tickling the ivories for a few moments. And, this is another power house song (and I will always be a loyal Katy Perry fan), that just gets me right in the heart.

Well, that’s all I have for you this week! I sincerely hope you take a few moments to listen to these songs, add them to your playlists, or even share them with those around you.

Until next time folks…keep your head above water!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP

Well, I survived another year of my favorite holiday…Valentine’s Day! This is total sarcasm if you couldn’t sense it.

I’ve never understood why we designate one day to love. Shouldn’t all days be about love? And honestly, I can’t handle all the mushy posts and photos about people being together and blah, blah, blah.

Great. Thank you for rubbing it in our faces and feeling the need to show the world what is viewed as the “picture perfect” life.

Byeeeeee.

Anyhow, let’s get moving to this week’s topic.

For those who may or may not know, I just finished a three week run being Music Director of the recent production of Frozen Jr. at Ephrata Performing Arts Center. And each year, on closing day, it has become tradition of the production staff to give speeches to the kids before going out on stage for the final show. This year, as I read over my speech, I felt like it was relevant to share with all of you, so I hope you enjoy and find something to take away from it.

So, grab your cup of coffee, cuddle up with your blanket, and buckle up those seat belts because we are about ready to leave the station!

“It’s funny because as a Music Director, you would think one of the aspects of a Kids for Kids show that I would dread is teaching music with difficult rhythm or lyrics, but in actuality it is coming up with a closing day “send off speech” for a cast of talented individuals that has captivated my heart once again. 

I know we are limited on time and that Jamie really wants to give you 10, so here are three things I want you to take away today. 

1.      Always be true to yourself and listen to your heart. Some of you might already know who you are which is great and some of you might still be exploring and figuring out what is inside your heart, which is awesome. I knew who I was at a very young age, but I did not become open and honest with myself about it until I was 17 and a Junior in high school. If you are struggling, please ask for help and lean on your support system. No one will think any less of you and if they do, they are not worth it. Even at 32, there are moments when I still struggle with how the way the world treats and views me, but it doesn’t keep me from shining brighter or being vulnerable to ask for guidance and help when I need some extra support. You all have such unique individuality to share with the world, so go out there and do. 

2.      Never let anyone bring you down. I know I mentioned this in an email just a week ago that I wish I could say that we live in a world where there is no hatred, bullying, or judgment, but it simply just isn’t true. It exists and it is probably something that always will, which makes me heart sad. At 32, there are still moments when I get called inappropriate names that I can’t mention in a speech and while it hits home for me personally, it also makes me even thicker in my skin as I live out life. Don’t let the nay-sayers in this world bring you down because they do not matter. Dr. Seuss once said, “those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Your true support system will always follow you wherever you go and be with you whenever you need them most. 

3.      Always be kind to everyone you meet. The late Mr. Rogers once said, “”There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” As you probably already know, love and kindness are the biggest qualities that I advocate for as Mr. Sunshine. Everyone in this world deserves love and kindness regardless of religion, social status, skin color, ethnicity, sexual identity, or whatever the case may be. Please do not ever forget that. It is SO important, especially now. Smile at the stranger. Think twice before you go to judge someone because you never know what that specific individual might be going through. Be kind. Be kind. And be kind. 

In the last song of this show that is sung together as a full cast, the words go “let’s fill this world with light and love.” How appropriate this is for the year 2020 that we are currently living in. I look outside at this world and see war. I see hate. I see bullying. I see people crying for justice. I see darkness. 

And I look at all of you and I see light. I see the future of this world. I see the possibility for change. Do not take it for granted. Find the fire that is inside of you and let it ignite and grow so that you can share it with the world because YOU DO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE IT.

Thank you for being such a wonderful cast to work with. Thank you for putting up with my blonde moments of not knowing how to count rhythms, say words or realize that I’m playing the wrong track through the CD player. Thank you to Irving, Pontz, Jamie, Carolyn, Julie, Grant, Dave, and the rest of the production crew for making this such a powerful experience and one that I wouldn’t trade for the world even if it did bring about extra stress in my life and ugly breakouts on my face. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers behind the scenes who have done countless tasks too numerous to mention—you are all angels in our eyes. Thank you to all of YOU who have all brought this production to life over the last 3 weeks and brought light and love to not only each individual that has filled the seats of this theater, but also to me. 

So here’s to one last hurrah and snowstorm as we bring this production to life one last time before we let it go.“

Well, that’s all I have for you this week, folks.

Look. Go. Do.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!