Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Here we are.

Another Monday.

Another Summer week has come and gone.

And Christmas is tomorrow.

Well, not really.

But it feels that way.

Oh…

…and

Today is my last day being 36.

WHAT?!

And in case you were wondering what the title of this week’s blog post means, well let me tell you.

It’s how old I feel.

Kidding!

I mean.

Sort of.

What it actually represents is the number post you are reading right now.

Crazy!

I started blogging back in 2018.

And, well, here we are.

Once again, I have to thank all of YOU.

Thank you for coming back week after week to read.

Month after month.

Year after year.

Thank you for allowing me to share some moments of joy and kindness with you.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your Mondays—or whatever day it happens to be when you read these words.

Speaking of writing words, I can’t imagine what it’s like to write an acceptance speech.

I’d be too afraid I forget to thank someone.

I digress.

Shiny ball syndrome.

Also, fun random thought.

I should’ve written a blog post with 275 fun facts about Mr. Sunshine.

Or 275 words.

Both would be challenging.

Anyhoo, I digress…

Again.

Actually, fun fact.

As you read these words, I’ll be on a plane flying home to Pennsylvania.

I don’t like flying.

I dislike it very much.

Turbulence is not my friend.

I dread take off and landing.

I’ve been in Fort Lauderdale for the past week with Devin.

I have shiny ball syndrome.

Well, there you go.

That was like 5 or 6 random facts right there about me.

Right?

I don’t like math.

Another fun fact.

So…that’s 7?

Fun fact post will come in the near future.

I know I’ve done them before, but maybe with turning 37, I’ll make it happen again.

Anyhoo, I digress again.

Gosh, I’ve done a lot of digressing.

This past week in Fort Lauderdale, I got to experience great food (including two of my customer restaurants), actually meet one of my favorite customers in person (Kevin is the best), experience lots of sunshine and humidity, lose every game of Rummy and Sequence that was played, get chased off the beach by isolated thunderstorms, enjoy my first bubble milk tea ever, witness Millionaire’s Row and SO many yachts while on a double-decker boat, place multiple dollar bills in the underwear of some good looking male dancers that had abs you could grate cheese on, drink espresso martinis to make sure I could dance the night away, and laugh uncontrollably at so many things.

It was great.

It was needed.

It was wonderful in so many ways.

Thank you, Devin for being such a good travel partner.

You are truly the best.

Period.

Well, I’m tired and it’s getting late and I have to be up for Sunday brunch in about 12 hours.

And my body wants some rest.

And I need to start writing my Christmas list.

Just kidding.

Kind of.

Sort of.

But I do have to think about not being 36 anymore.

And to do that, I’ll think about Christmas gifts.

Cheers to your week ahead that I hope will be full of joy, love, and kindness.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are.

Yet another Monday.

Another beautiful Monday that is.

And on this beautiful Monday, I am feeling extremely sad with a touch of bittersweet.

On Saturday, we performed “Cabaret” for the last time during its very successful three week run at The Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

The doors to the Kit Kat Club have been closed for the last time.

And cue the tears.

Just give me all the tissues.

Cabaret was my first time returning to the stage for a musical since 2021 when I did Something Rotten.

I was extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to join this cast and even more thankful for my front of house staff (and Johannah) for keeping everything under control while I got to go back under the lights.

In the beginning of the process, I felt rusty. My nerves kept getting the best of me when I wasn’t picking up the music and dance as quickly as I thought I would.

The whole turn around for this production was the quickest one that I’ve ever experienced in my time at EPAC since 2010.

It was stressful.

But that stress quickly melted away as I got into my groove and continued to fall in love with the cast, production crew, and the show.

And that love is something that will live in me forever.

Cabaret is a show that I would continue to do over and over again.

Period.

Hands down.

Everything about the production was beautiful, emotional, funny, charming, heart wrenching.

And its message is one that is even more relevant in 2024. (The show takes place in 1929 Berlin).

I loved putting heels/boots on every night to welcome guests to The Kit Kat Club.

I loved putting on eye liner, eye shadow, and body glitter to give Victor some extra sultry and sexy energy.

I loved the moments of backstage hugs, loves, quick changes, and fun dance moves that occurred every night with my fellow castmates and crew.

I loved dancing with a cast of beautiful, sexy individuals who challenged the audience to see everyone for as they are–and accept and love them.

I loved embracing the sexual energy of being comfortable in my own skin–and showing it off.

I.

LOVED.

CABARET.

I loved the energy from the crowds that cheered, gasped, and went on the journey with us from beginning to end.

We have no troubles here.

In here, life is beautiful.

And the memories and love created within the walls of The Kit Kat Club will stick with me in a special part of my heart for all eternity.

It is going to be really hard to not be sad over the next couple of days when I don’t get the daily call emails from our Stage Manager Halli, hearing the opening drum roll to Wilkommen the crowd to our beautiful world, the threesome hilarity of “Two Ladies,” and everything else in between.

I have loved the moment of being under the lights again.

It has filled my soul.

And I’m so thankful that Summer 2024 was full of love and beauty as The Kit Kat Club.

Auf wiedersehen.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there!

A very happy August Monday to all of you!

Welcome to post number 273!

And yes, we have no troubles here!

In here, life is BEAUTIFUL.

This past weekend, we closed the doors to The Kit Kat Club for the second week of shows of “Cabaret” at Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

And after two weeks of performing, there are three things I can say with certainty:

1. I’m overwhelmed by the amount of love and support people from all walks of life–including family, friends, and coworkers have given this show.
2. I have LOVED every single moment of being back on stage. The feeling is like no other.
3. I’m going to have a very, very, very HARD time saying goodbye to this one.

It’s been 3 years since I’ve been up on the stage in a musical. The last show for me was Something Rotten back in 2021. And, at that time, I had it in my head that it was such a fun show to go out on since I would be taking over House Managing and bartending duties at the start of the 2022 season.

Cabaret has been such a rewarding and beautiful experience for me.

And I can already tell that you that next week’s post is also going to be about Cabaret since we will have just completed closing weekend and I will have ALL the emotions to write and share in words.

This production is SO relevant to what is happening right now in the political climate.

This production is SO beautiful in how every single actor in their roles bring it to life. (A huge shout out to Ben Galosi who directed and guided us to execute his brilliant vision).

You have 5 more chances to see this show.

Please…don’t miss it.

Tickets can be purchased at the link below.

https://epactheatre.org/tickets/

In here, life is beautiful.

In here, we have no troubles.

WILKOMMEN.

I hope to see YOU at The Kit Kat Club.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey folks!

Here we are!

Our last Monday of the July month.

CRAZY.

August is right around the corner.

This past weekend, we opened Cabaret at EPAC.

It. Was. Amazing.

The crowds were beautiful and energetic and it fueled the energy we were feeling as we performed onstage with every word and dance move.

It made my comeback to the stage since 2021 all the more worth it.

Cabaret is not to be missed.

The storyline is poignant to what is happening in our world currently.

And considering the musical was one that was written in 1966, that is huge.

I don’t think I really thought about the plot until after this weekend.

And it gives me goosebumps.

CHILLS.

The political climate of the world is so scary.

For real.

And what this cast is bringing to the stage is energy of what we need to realize.

You have two more weeks to see Cabaret.

Get your tickets.

Don’t miss out.

Be part of the movement.

The sexual awakening.

The comfort of being who you are.

Loving who you want.

Being comfortable in your own skin.

In here, life is beautiful.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

A very happy Monday to each and every one of you!

Hopefully, the water and hydration have been flowing for everyone in this intense heat that has been thrown in our faces by Mother Nature.

And, at this very moment, I’m currently watching the movie Enchanted and the song “How Do You Know” is happening.

What a GREAT song.

What a GREAT movie.

I distinctly remember when the movie came out that I was in college at Penn State and I went to see it at the downtown movie theater at least 5 times.

In Happy Valley and downtown State College back in the day (prior to 2010), the movies cost like $5 for a ticket.

Now…it’s like triple that…and that’s only for the ticket.

It takes almost a whole savings account if you want to get snacks and a drink.

Anyhoo, I digress.

Speaking of savings accounts, does anyone feel like retirement, 401K, and anything financial planning wise for the future goes over the head?

Just me?

Well, I digress…again.

Let’s get down to this week’s post.

Shall we?

The honest truth?

I am exhausted by how ugly and full of hate the people of this world are.

Honestly, it is sickening.

I think part of this really came up for me this week because one of my favorite singers released a new song this week and the publicity and news articles that have been written about her are absolutely ugly.

No wonder people in this Country have mental problems.

No matter who you are, what you do, have done, you can almost guarantee that there is someone somewhere at the ready with hateful words that will rip you to shreds.

Because we have been taught that it is ok to lead with hate and not love.

Really???

We NEED to do better.

Have you taken a moment–just a minute–even just a second to look at what is around you?

It is scary.

It is frightening.

It is terrifying.

Love has been placed on the back burner.

It is no longer what feels like the language everyone speaks.

How do we get back to that?

How do we teach the world to listen with their hearts?

How do we tell the world that hate doesn’t have a place?

Each day, we are becoming more divided.

We need to get back to the roots of love.

Stop showing those around you in life that hate is ok.

It is not.

Lead with love.

BE A LEADER OF LOVE.

Please.

I’m begging.

Our world is begging.

The violence that happened at the Trump rally is living proof of how messed up our world is (and it doesn’t matter what political party you are).

We need to build up, not break down.

PLEASE.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there folks!

Happy Monday!

Happy July 8th!

Happy post 270!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable 4th of July and got some down time to celebrate in whatever fashion speaks to their souls!

I promise to not keep you too long this week.

They say that things come in waves.

And this week, I feel like the waves crashed in on my island and took me right out to sea with them.

BLAH.

GAH.

SAH.

It all started on Monday night with dance rehearsal at the theater. Cabaret (which is a show you should ALL come see) opens in just about 3 weeks and dance rehearsal is in high gear. I felt incredibly rusty since I haven’t done a musical since Something Rotten in October of 2021 and I wasn’t picking up everything as quickly as I thought I would.

So, I got upset and mad at myself.

And the negative talk wave CRASHED and engulfed me.

I went home feeling defeated and stressed.

The next morning, my negative energy was still flowing and the stress at both the full time and part-time job were also in high gear.

CRASH went the wave of negative talk once again.

And I let it engulf me and get the best of me.

And because I can’t hide it well, everyone around me knew.

Everything in life was feeling unaligned and unhinged.

We are our own worst enemy.

And while I’ve become a lot better at responding emotionally to things than I did in the past, there are still moments and a learning curve for me to do better.

I had to give myself a kick in the butt.

A come to Jesus moment of realizing that I needed to get all the shit and negative thoughts and energy out of my life.

Wednesday morning’s gym session was just that.

A therapy session so to speak. (Honestly, my gym workouts are like therapy).

I worked SO hard during leg day and crushed those waves of negative talk right back out to sea.

But, this time, unlike earlier in the week, I didn’t let them take me with.

I got to do my weekly call with Ryan on Wednesday night and it was another moment of being able to verbalize and word vomit negative thoughts and self-talk to get back on the path to being aligned in the Mr. Sunshine path of portals.

This week, instead of getting frustrated with myself at rehearsal, I’m going to practice even harder in my apartment.

This week, when I feel stressed at work, I’m going to remember to get up, walk away from my desk and take some deep breaths.

This week, I’m going to remind myself that I’m my own worst enemy and that I WILL NOT let the waves engulf me.

This week, I’m going to remind myself that I am a human who is…

BEAUTIFUL.

KIND.

LOVING.

HARD-WORKING.

TRUSTWORTHY.

LOYAL.

WORTHY.

This week, I hope you will do the same.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy new week!

Happy July!

Happy seventh month of 2024!

Before we get into the nitty gritty of this week’s post, first someone riddle me this…

How is it that the time is going SO FAST?!

Like, I feel like I was just watching the ball drop on TV in NYC on NYE as the digits changed from 2023 to 2024.

And now I’m gearing up for the dog days of Summer, Thanksgiving menu options, and Christmas Eve service music.

Before we know it, we are going to be enjoying sweatshirt weather, packing away our beach towels and swim trunks, and prepping for pumpkin spice everything.

And by EVERYTHING, we aren’t kidding.

Anyhoo, let’s get on with it.

Gay pride month just ended yesterday.

And while the colors of the rainbow are something we recognize heavily during the month of June, they are also ones that we should be recognizing heavily ALL months of the year.

A few weeks ago, I had the extreme pleasure of sitting down with Susan Shapiro from WGAL News 8 to discuss a bit about my coming out experience, advice for those struggling with their sexuality along with their families, the importance of a faith community who welcomes all, and how crucial it is for everyone in the world to start listening with open hearts and minds and to stop creating more division with hatred.

I will share the whole clip of the interview below for you to check out, so when you have a few free moments, I hope you will. (My part is the toward the end like the last 6 minutes).

https://www.wgal.com/article/wgal8-in-focus-lgbtq-pride/61049533

In tandem with what I shared during the interview with Susan, here are some words that I wrote a few years ago at a Pride event that I shared and still find so crucial today.

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. That is almost 20 years–2 decades of feeling free.

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 2022 and people continue to be chastised, judged, treated unfairly, beaten, abused, marginalized.

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

And that breaks my heart. 

And it should break yours as well. 

When I began to write these words a few weeks ago, 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 LGTBQ+ 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 LGTBQ+ 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 of you here today) get bullied, called faggot or other derogatory terms, or struggle with the thoughts of hurting yourself. 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 later this evening to 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 LGTBQ+ 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?

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 LGTBQ+ community is different. This world needs more love.

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

Where are the 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 flag signaling hope to all. 

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

Now, more than ever, we need to be working together to fight for change and fair treatment of the rainbow.

We need to work together to be protecting the rainbow.

We need to work together to love the rainbow.

We need to work together to keep the rainbow alive and at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

We need to work together to keep the HOPE of the rainbow alive.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hello! Hi! Greetings!

It is another Monday…the last Monday of this month!

June has FLOWN by!

And Mother Nature has kicked us in the butt with the hot weather already.

And it isn’t even the DOG DAYS of Summer yet!

What the actual heck?!

GET.

A.

GRIP.

MOTHER.

NATURE.

GOSH.

Well, shall we get down to business?

With this week’s words for your eyes?

Do you have your Pina Colada ready?

Your Strawberry Daiquiri in hand?

Your beverage of choice during these hot Summer sun days.

Well, get cozy and chilled with your AC or fan and read on!

I have an important question for you:

When was the last time you laughed?

Like, truly laughed.

Laughter that felt so good it hurt your cheeks and made you cry?

Those are the BEST laughter moments.

And I can say that I had several of them last week.

And how glorious and happy it made me feel.

The below three quotes are also ones that I think of when I think of laughter.

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” – Mark Twain

“We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.” – William James

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
-Charlie Chaplin

This past week was a long and exhausting week in life–both inside the office and outside the office.

And some laughter moments on Friday in our cubicle between Johannah and Mel were so needed.

I think we were all in tears at one point or another during our 8 hour day.

And it was in the moments of the cheeks hurting that all the other troubles of the world just melted away.

Where else did I find laughter this week?

1. During my first official music rehearsal for Cabaret.
2. In the episodes of The Golden Girls and Reba that I watched.
3. In the way that both Mackenzie and Ellie play Candy Land with me during family dinner night on Tuesdays.
4. In the inside jokes from the beach that continue to pop up in my head at the most random of times throughout the day.

There are days when the life and world around us can feel so dark and dreary.

There are days when the shit that we all have to deal with is just too much to handle.

There are days when I think some of us forget the laughter.

Well, this week I encourage you to take a few moments to breathe deep and find LAUGHTER in your life.

Find the laughter that will make your cheeks hurt.

Find the laughter that will make you cry.

Find the laughter that will make the troubles around you melt away.

Laughter is truly the best medicine.

So, let’s all take a few extra doses of it to feel better.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

Here we are with the start of another week in June.

And officially just a few days away from the first official day of Summer, which happens to be June 20th.

And Mother Nature is certainly going to pack a punch with some extreme heat this week.

That means…

Get your AC thermostats adjusted, fans warmed up, and ice cube trays filled…well…that is if you are old fashioned like me and don’t have an ice maker incorporated into your fridge appliance.

Anyhoo, it’s time to get down to some serious business.

For those who may not know (and for those who do already know, here is your refresher), but June is gay pride month.

The official month where we get to celebrate ALL of those that are part of the LGTBQ+ community.

But this year, I have to admit that there have been more moments that I’ve experienced in the past where I feel more scared, unsure, and unsafe.

The year is 2024.

Why is this still a reality that we have to walk out our doors and experience?

Also, real talk for a second.

Like true honesty.

With the way that the political climate is looking for later this year in November, I can also say that I’m scared.

I’m fearful.

I’m frightened.

I’m nervous.

And that’s the honest truth.

The other week, when I was working at my part-time job at the theater, I had to park my car pretty far away in the parking lot because of it being full with guests attending the pool.

I happened to be wearing a romper that evening (which is an adult onesie basically) and during the intermission of the production, I decided to go move my car closer to the theater building for when we would lock up the building and leave (which would be closer to 11:30pm).

But, when I started to walk toward my car, I noticed several large pick-up trucks and what I would refer to as some very straight men in parking spaces by my car.

I stopped in my tracks, turned around, and walked back into the theater.

I didn’t feel safe or comfortable enough to walk to my car in the romper because I was fearful that those men would either make remarks verbally or even physically. You just never know these days.

And with some of the stuff that I’ve experienced in the past, I think moments like this cause the trigger in my brain to relive those traumas.

I felt defeated.

I am someone who is super comfortable in my skin and with my sexuality, but in that moment, I failed myself.

Have any of you ever had a moment in your life where you didn’t feel comfortable or safe just because of the type of outfit you were wearing?

Or to expand on this, have you ever had a moment where you felt unsafe or comfortable because you love someone of the same sex?

Well, I have.

And I continue to experience these moments.

And I will never fully be able to share the true trauma or feelings it makes the mind feel because it is something that you can only understand if you experience it first-hand.

And, many of you reading this will never have the opportunity to experience these moments.

Latst week, while on vacation, my girlfriends and I decided to travel to Atlantic City to experience some casino games and dinner.

And, naturally because I was tan from a few days at the beach, I wanted to show off that brown skin as much as possible.

So, I was thinking about wearing white shorts.

But then, as I sat and stared at the closet of clothes I had brought to wear, I decided against the white shorts because of the feeling that I had in my mind that I would not feel safe wearing them in a place like Atlantic City.

Another moment of defeat for me because the world around me chastises the choices I make for who I love.

Yesterday, at The Ephrata Performing Arts Center, I had the pleasure and honor of participating in a staged reading play called The Temperamentals.

“Temperamental” was code for “homosexual” in the early 1950’s, part of a created language of secret words that gay men used to communicate. The play tells the story of two men–the communist Harry Hay and the Viennese refugee and designer Rudi Gernreich–as they fall in love while building the first gay rights organization in the pre-Stonewall United States.

I got to play the character of Rudi Gernreich and had the opportunity to work alongside some other talented men to bring this production to life.

A brief synopsis that I found on Broadway.com explains the play as the below:

“Set in the early 1950s, The Temperamentals is the true story of the founding of The Mattachine Society, one of the earliest gay activism groups in the United States. Created by Communist and social radical Harry Hay and famed fashion designer Rudi Gernreich, the underground organization came together secretly, building its membership through various forms of covert communication during a time when nearly all homosexuals were closeted. The play explores the trials of the society’s founding fathers as they risked their lives and livelihoods to gain equality. More than just a history play, the show is also a love story, detailing the romance of odd couple Hay and Gernreich as their passion for their cause and each other grew.”

And even though the play takes place in the 1950’s, it was haunting to read and perform scenes of material that are still incredibly relevant (if not even more so today) than they were back in the 50’s.

This reality that I performed yesterday with these men is something that myself (and so many others in this world) are living in 2024.

The fear is real.

It is painful to write words for you that involve the topic of me still having moments of fear on the daily.

It hurts my soul and heart to write that sometimes when I leave the front door in the morning that I have a thought in my brain of what bad could happen to me throughout the day because of who I love.

The rainbow is often a sign of hope for many.

The rainbow is also a sign that causes so much polarization, hatred, and disdain in people around the world.

Those colors of the rainbow are something that our Country needs to work harder at protecting for those who identify with them.

Hope, love, and safety are feelings that ALL should be able to experience.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

And happy Monday, June 10th to all of you!

Thank you for being patient as I took last week off from blogging.

But, this week I’m back in full swing ready to write some words for you!

So, thank you for continuing to come back and follow along!

Let’s get down to business.

Travel back with me to 3/30/23…

I happened to be in an afternoon meeting with my team at Webstaurantstore when I received a text message from an 818 number.

Naturally, not knowing who it was, I opened it and almost peed my pants (well maybe I did a little) from excitement! The text read:

“Hi JP! My name is Felicia and I am a Casting Associate Producer at Wheel of Fortune. We received your application! I know it’s been a while, so if you are still interested in being considered, please give us a call back ASAP to go through some preliminary questions.”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

I of course am still interested.

Funny thing about this moment is that I messaged one of my coworkers on Teams about looking up the individual to ensure it wasn’t a joke. Because…funny story…many, many years ago I played a joke on people stating I had an audition for Wheel of Fortune when I really didn’t.

But, low and behold, everything checked out.

I excitedly told my teammates in the meeting and called the number to talk with Felicia and answer some questions.

I scheduled a virtual Zoom audition for April 3rd.

The day of the audition, I was SWEATING.

Literally. SWEATING.

I got to audition with two other ladies where we played practice toss up puzzles and had the opportunity to talk about ourselves as if we were talking to Pat.

Then, after that, we were put in individual rooms where we were given 16 puzzles in 4 categories. Select letters were already showing and we had to solve as many as possible!

What an exciting rush.

I don’t remember a whole lot from that day except feeling like I did pretty good with everything and being told by Alex (the wonderful contestant coordinator lady who auditioned me) telling me that we would hear possibly in a few weeks or months.

Great, sounded perfect.

Well, weeks and months past.

I eventually kind of gave up hope to be honest.

Then, out of the blue, on March 25, I received another text message that read:

“Hi JP! This is Lauren, the Contestant Manager from Wheel of Fortune! I sent you an email regarding a status update. When you have a moment, please take a look and reply. Look forward to hearing from you.”

I was leaving work at the Lititz Apothecary and went to my car to read the email.

I SCREAMED.

Legit left out a high pitched girl scream.

The email asked if I was available to come to Los Angeles for a taping in a week.

I immediately called both Marissa and my mom to share the exciting news and sent a few texts.

I was DYING.

After almost a year, it felt like my dream was coming true.

Marissa and I booked our flights, got hotel reservations confirmed, and realized that this childhood dream of mine was in fact becoming a reality.

For the next week, I continued to watch old episodes on Pluto TV while having my coworkers quiz me with the daily desktop puzzle calendar I have.

The reality still wasn’t hitting me.

Even as I was flying on the plane to LA, it seemed…unreal.

Oh…did I mention that I was told I would get to be part of Pat Sajak’s FINAL WEEK OF HOSTING WHEEL OF FORTUNE AFTER 41 YEARS?!

Because…yeah…that was also a thing.

INSANE.

The Thursday included a brief walk to Olive Garden across from our hotel, a few naps, dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, and some sleep before the big taping day.

I woke up early to shower, prep, and get myself ready.

I was sweating SO bad that I actually asked Marissa to dry my armpits with a hair dryer.

That is a true story.

I got in an Uber and made my way to the studio.

I had the pleasure of meeting other contestants that were invited out to the studio to tape and after about 30 minutes, we were taken into the Jeopardy studio where we would spend a majority of the day.

When I walked in, I had the opportunity to hug Alex (who was the contestant coordinator who auditioned me) who mentioned that they had held on to me for almost a year for this week.

The love I felt in that moment was surreal.

We were told that all of us were hand-picked for this week because of our auditions, so the feeling in my soul was so surreal.

We were briefed on the rules of the game and had our chance to get hair and make-up done with some fabulous people.

Vanna White also snuck in to give us a little pep talk and reminded us to buy our vowels.

We walked over to the studio for Wheel of Fortune to see the set for the first time of this final week and all of us were in awe.

It was beautiful.

Also, fun fact…

The wheel is 2400lbs!

Which is why we get multiple opportunities to spin it.

Everyone has the chance to play a practice round and spin the wheel around each other as we cheer, clap, and smile.

It was unreal.

Then, we made our way back to the Jeopardy set where we were told who would be playing what game.

I heard my name called for Game 3 with Nonie and Allison.

IT’S HAPPENING!

I got to sit in the audience and cheer on my fellow colleagues and contestant friends until it was time to head back to get touch up on our hair and make-up.

(I also had to freshen up my deodorant because I literally couldn’t stop sweating). Good thing my green velvet blazer would get to cover that all on TV.

After the final touches, we were brought out to the studio where we got to our spots and were told by Stage Manager, Jimmy to have fun and enjoy the moments.

SO true.

It is the quickest 22 minutes of your life.

BUT WHAT A THRILL.

And even though I didn’t come in first, I got to show America my personality and I played a DAMN good game.

I solved every single toss up puzzle and walked away with a total of $14,000–just $400 short of the winner, Allison.

Honestly, I still don’t feel like this whole thing is real.

I was on national TV.

WHAT?!

When am I getting my talk show contract?!

JK JK JK JK…

…Although kind of not really.

I can’t even begin to describe how thankful and grateful I am to have had the opportunity for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I thank every single person who had a hand in this journey for me and all the love and support that I felt before, during, and after the experience.

It is humbling to say the least.

This MOMENTOUS OCCASION was better than being a DANCE CHAPERONE, more delicious than a SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE, and something I thought was REALLY FAR AWAY until I discovered I’M HALFWAY THERE and WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE to this childhood dream and experience I will never soon forget.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!