New blog post on my website for all things related to my writing!
www.jilliansuzannnewell.webs.com
Please feel free to check it out, along with all the other cool information on the site.
Thanks!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Superheros aren't the only people to wear capes!
Yesterday, I came down with a nasty case of the flu. It's time like these that I realize how awesome my mom is and how much I take her for granted. My mom and I haven't always been great friends, though recently we've become closer (and more tolerant of each other). However, I am naturally an independent spirit, and it isn't until I truly can't provide for myself that I fully recognize how much I need other people--especially my mom.
My mom is like a shaman, a healer. She has studied natural healing methods and proved them, time and time again. Most families go to doctors and resort to pills, etc., when sickness arises, but she has healed us countless times with her natural remedies.
(Natural, as in using plants and herbs that God intended for healing us; not to be confused with black magic or sorcery. She owns natural teas and uses a lot of Homeopathic medicines and mixes herbs together...I've learned some of her methods but I would like to learn all of them before I move out.)
She is knowledgeable about what foods to eat and what not to eat when one is afflicted with a certain illness. Plus, my mom is Wonder Woman when it comes to the mental courage and the stomach strength to clean up after her children when sickness prevails over them. (I wouldn't want to scrub down the bathroom floor when someone missed the toilet even if it wasn't me who was sick, not to mention when I am the person getting sick all over the place.) Nothing is too gross for my mom: she cares enough for me, and the rest of her 7 children, to wordlessly clean up our messes, wash our soiled clothes, scrub appliances, make cup after cup of tea, and take care of our chores when we are unable to do so.
Now I understand why she's the Relief Society of our Ward. She's one of the most compassionate, helpful, selfless people I know.
Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you.
My mom is like a shaman, a healer. She has studied natural healing methods and proved them, time and time again. Most families go to doctors and resort to pills, etc., when sickness arises, but she has healed us countless times with her natural remedies.
(Natural, as in using plants and herbs that God intended for healing us; not to be confused with black magic or sorcery. She owns natural teas and uses a lot of Homeopathic medicines and mixes herbs together...I've learned some of her methods but I would like to learn all of them before I move out.)
She is knowledgeable about what foods to eat and what not to eat when one is afflicted with a certain illness. Plus, my mom is Wonder Woman when it comes to the mental courage and the stomach strength to clean up after her children when sickness prevails over them. (I wouldn't want to scrub down the bathroom floor when someone missed the toilet even if it wasn't me who was sick, not to mention when I am the person getting sick all over the place.) Nothing is too gross for my mom: she cares enough for me, and the rest of her 7 children, to wordlessly clean up our messes, wash our soiled clothes, scrub appliances, make cup after cup of tea, and take care of our chores when we are unable to do so.
Now I understand why she's the Relief Society of our Ward. She's one of the most compassionate, helpful, selfless people I know.
Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
As posted on Facebook...
Contemplating my life as it is now, I've recognized that it's not what I want it to be. I'm not content with merely living, so as my first step to "spring clean" my life, I'm deleting my Facebook account. This will allow me much more time to achieve what's most important: my dreams. If I ever reopen my Facebook, it will be to announce the completion of OUR CARAMEL SEA, which is a few years overdo. So, au revoir, Facebookers!
P.S. If you'd like to check up on me, there are a few ways to do so:
1. Email! (I'm not giving it out here; refer to #2 to get my address.)
2. Call or text me at 801-897-0826.
3. Visit my beauty blog (for inquiries about model shoots, comment on a post or refer to #2) at http://confidenceb.blogspot.com/
4. Visit my writing website (I need to revamp it, but you can contact me through it and I'll post updates about my books and writing on the blog) at www.jilliansuzannnewell.webs.com
5. Visit my personal blog (which I haven't used for ages but might in the future, especially to post pictures as I would have on Facebook) at http://andchocolatetoo.blogspot.com/
6. Talk to me in person!
Thanks everyone for being my friends! Even though stalking you has set my life offtrack, I still love you. ;)
Talk to you later!
P.S. If you'd like to check up on me, there are a few ways to do so:
1. Email! (I'm not giving it out here; refer to #2 to get my address.)
2. Call or text me at 801-897-0826.
3. Visit my beauty blog (for inquiries about model shoots, comment on a post or refer to #2) at http://confidenceb.blogspot.com/
4. Visit my writing website (I need to revamp it, but you can contact me through it and I'll post updates about my books and writing on the blog) at www.jilliansuzannnewell.webs.com
5. Visit my personal blog (which I haven't used for ages but might in the future, especially to post pictures as I would have on Facebook) at http://andchocolatetoo.blogspot.com/
6. Talk to me in person!
Thanks everyone for being my friends! Even though stalking you has set my life offtrack, I still love you. ;)
Talk to you later!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sean Astin @ IPFW
Sean Astin, aka SAMWISE GAMGEE FROM "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" or RUDY IN "RUDY" or in "THE GOONIES" or "FOREVER STRONG", was a speaker for the IPFW (Indiana Purdue University-Fort Wayne) Omnibus Lecture Series. We were able to acquire tickets for such an event.
Sean Astin is officially my celebrity hero. He was so down to earth and kind and humble, it was almost astonishing. Though, of course, he is always the amiable character in his movies (for the most part) so one would somewhat expect him to be as much.
He spoke on Acting, Leadership, and Other "Very Important" Stuff, including following your dreams, knowing who you are, being a positive influence in the world,a shining standard in society, recognizing disabled people, and appreciating family. He also spoke of his acting career, particularly of his part in "The Lord of the Rings."
It was surreal, hearing him speak, knowing SAM was in the same room as me. Geez. So crazy. LOTR has been my favorite movie(s) ever since they came out. I've seen them all countless times. I never thought I would actually see an actor from it in person.
After, we waited in line for him to sign our DVDs and tickets--waited in line for an hour and a half, until 10:30pm--and we have early morning seminary the next morning. However, we all agreed that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we were willing to risk being exhausted for a day if it meant meeting a big-time Hollywood celebrity. Mmhmm. (We also agreed that if it was Orlando Bloom, we would have waited ALL night. MMHMM.)
Standing feet away from Sean Astin was like standing in a dream; we could hardly believe this was real. He shook my hand, signed my ticket, "Forever Strong" DVD (we were probably the only people in line to do so--outside of Utah/Mormonism, I suppose it's not the most heard-of movie, unfortunately) and our extended edition DVD case of "The Fellowship of the Ring", carried on a conversation with my friend. Nicest guy ever.
Molly commented how she never thought we would actually get a LOTR DVD signed. So cool!
Anyways. Pictures = Proof.
Sean Astin is officially my celebrity hero. He was so down to earth and kind and humble, it was almost astonishing. Though, of course, he is always the amiable character in his movies (for the most part) so one would somewhat expect him to be as much.
He spoke on Acting, Leadership, and Other "Very Important" Stuff, including following your dreams, knowing who you are, being a positive influence in the world,a shining standard in society, recognizing disabled people, and appreciating family. He also spoke of his acting career, particularly of his part in "The Lord of the Rings."
It was surreal, hearing him speak, knowing SAM was in the same room as me. Geez. So crazy. LOTR has been my favorite movie(s) ever since they came out. I've seen them all countless times. I never thought I would actually see an actor from it in person.
After, we waited in line for him to sign our DVDs and tickets--waited in line for an hour and a half, until 10:30pm--and we have early morning seminary the next morning. However, we all agreed that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we were willing to risk being exhausted for a day if it meant meeting a big-time Hollywood celebrity. Mmhmm. (We also agreed that if it was Orlando Bloom, we would have waited ALL night. MMHMM.)
Standing feet away from Sean Astin was like standing in a dream; we could hardly believe this was real. He shook my hand, signed my ticket, "Forever Strong" DVD (we were probably the only people in line to do so--outside of Utah/Mormonism, I suppose it's not the most heard-of movie, unfortunately) and our extended edition DVD case of "The Fellowship of the Ring", carried on a conversation with my friend. Nicest guy ever.
Molly commented how she never thought we would actually get a LOTR DVD signed. So cool!
Anyways. Pictures = Proof.
Tin Caps Baseball Game
On Labor Day, my family decided to be traditional Americans and go to a Fort Wayne original Tin Caps baseball game, complete with hot dogs, chips, and a soda. Woo!
(The Mascot is Johnny Appleseed. Tin caps is termed for the apple pickers of long ago, who wore tin caps to protect their heads. Fun fact: Michigan's minor league team (that often plays against the Tin Caps) is the Lug-nuts. I love the Midwest.)
(The Mascot is Johnny Appleseed. Tin caps is termed for the apple pickers of long ago, who wore tin caps to protect their heads. Fun fact: Michigan's minor league team (that often plays against the Tin Caps) is the Lug-nuts. I love the Midwest.)
Young Women Campout
The third weekend in August, the young women in my ward had a camp out at Salamonie Reservoir in Andrew, IN. It was a ton of fun and my first time knee-boarding and water skiing--as well as Molly and Allison's first time knee-boarding. We were all able to get up and stay up-at least for a moment, before we plunged head first into the wake (as Molly so gracefully demonstrates). Great fun. =)
(P.S. The picture of the two girls is Molly and her friend, Abby, who had the same swimsuit. They looked identical from behind.)
(P.S. The picture of the two girls is Molly and her friend, Abby, who had the same swimsuit. They looked identical from behind.)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Essay: A Boy Worth Fighting For
A BOY WORTH FIGHTING FOR
Jillian Suzann Newell
For thousands of years, males have been the dominate gender, possessing all the power and control and respect of the world, while women were placed lower on the totem pole and good only for things the men refused to do. However, in recent generations women have stood up for their rights and fought for general equality. In our society today, women hold positions of power, running businesses and evens sects of the government. Women have the same rights as men—we are equal. Nonetheless, lately a perverse idea has been spreading like the plague—that, since women were victimized for so long and have since proven their capability of doing a “man’s work,” women deserve to be treated with more respect and regard than men, as penance for men’s past faults.
Is this right? Is this morally sound? My argument is that it is not. Society agrees that men’s prejudices against women were immoral, so why would it be acceptable for women to assume authority over men?
I have to admit, I once supported this mindset. In relationships, I thought it appropriate for the boy to fight for, to change for, to impress me, the girl. That if he truly cared for me, the only way he would deserve me was to make sacrifices and practically battle a dragon and cross scorching deserts to win my heart. He would be everything I wanted. He would love me for me, exactly as I am.
The hard truth is, no one is perfect, and relationships are about compromise. However wonderful a certain boy may be, there might be something about him that constantly irks you, something you don’t believe you could tolerate for the rest of your life, or even until next week. It could be small, such as he bites his fingernails; or large, like a nicotine addiction. Because he doesn’t exactly fit into your Prince Charming mold, should you throw him out and any future you might have had together?
The choice is yours, of course, but I would recommend not giving up on him just yet. You may think, “But love isn’t finding a perfect person. It’s seeing an imperfect person perfectly. It’s loving them for them; it’s thinking their quirks are cute.”
Every relationship you enter, be it with a boy or the relationship you have with your best friend, teaches you things and helps you grow into the person you are meant to be. You should never try to change who someone truly is to fit your “perfect” mold, but if you think about it, an addiction to a harmful substance really isn’t a part of who a person really is.
Perhaps your boy isn’t quite the gentleman you hoped him to be—maybe he forgets to open a door for you, or goes before you, or never says “Please.” But you know what? The true gentlemen out there had to learn their manners from someone, most likely a significant woman in his life—his mother, his grandmother, his sister, or his girlfriend. Perhaps your boy just never had someone to teach him; he might not even know what he’s doing—or isn’t doing—is wrong and not how you want to be treated. So tell him; if he cares, he’ll listen and do his best to change into the boy you need.
Maybe you are a part of his life, with your inbred disgust to smoking, to give him the incentive to break his habit and give him a brighter future. Maybe you dream of Fred Astaire and a gentleman because you are the girl who will inspire your boy to improve his manners. Maybe you are just what he needs.
Similarly, just as he may have faults, you do, too. Whether you accept them, you still do. And just as you may have complaints about something he does, he might have complaints about something you do. You could be over-possessive, eat with your mouth open, or even wear way too much makeup. Because something about you bothers him, it most certainly doesn’t mean he’s not worth keeping around. You might have to alter your mannerisms, but change is growth. Compromise is strength.
If you feel like he’s changing you into someone you never wanted to be, or he’s pressuring you to become someone you’re not, that’s when you should leave. There are quirks about people that should not be altered—like their laugh, their humor, their dreams, how much they love toe socks or Mexican food. That’s who they really are, and that’s what should release the butterflies in your tummy—that’s what they should love about you.
Girls, you all deserve a boy who is willing to fight for you, and you shouldn't settle for less. But really, you don't deserve that boy if you aren't willing to fight for him. You both have to give. Love isn’t one-sided, and it’s bound to fail if only one of you is putting forth effort.
Think about your dream man: Is he lazy, a slacker, cruel, or “easy”? Or is he hard-working, ambitious, kind and thoughtful, and virtuous? (Which type would you consider worth fighting for? Exactly. If you want a man with high-aspirations and a potentially bright future, you will have to meet those expectations. Be the woman you would want your man to want. Don’t simply look for a great companion; be a great companion.)
Of course, you want to be a girl worth fighting for, and you should. But honestly, don’t you want a boy worth fighting for? A boy you would do anything for, give anything to have. Again, when you find him, you should.
He’s worth it.
© 2010 Jillian Suzann Newell
Jillian Suzann Newell
For thousands of years, males have been the dominate gender, possessing all the power and control and respect of the world, while women were placed lower on the totem pole and good only for things the men refused to do. However, in recent generations women have stood up for their rights and fought for general equality. In our society today, women hold positions of power, running businesses and evens sects of the government. Women have the same rights as men—we are equal. Nonetheless, lately a perverse idea has been spreading like the plague—that, since women were victimized for so long and have since proven their capability of doing a “man’s work,” women deserve to be treated with more respect and regard than men, as penance for men’s past faults.
Is this right? Is this morally sound? My argument is that it is not. Society agrees that men’s prejudices against women were immoral, so why would it be acceptable for women to assume authority over men?
I have to admit, I once supported this mindset. In relationships, I thought it appropriate for the boy to fight for, to change for, to impress me, the girl. That if he truly cared for me, the only way he would deserve me was to make sacrifices and practically battle a dragon and cross scorching deserts to win my heart. He would be everything I wanted. He would love me for me, exactly as I am.
The hard truth is, no one is perfect, and relationships are about compromise. However wonderful a certain boy may be, there might be something about him that constantly irks you, something you don’t believe you could tolerate for the rest of your life, or even until next week. It could be small, such as he bites his fingernails; or large, like a nicotine addiction. Because he doesn’t exactly fit into your Prince Charming mold, should you throw him out and any future you might have had together?
The choice is yours, of course, but I would recommend not giving up on him just yet. You may think, “But love isn’t finding a perfect person. It’s seeing an imperfect person perfectly. It’s loving them for them; it’s thinking their quirks are cute.”
Every relationship you enter, be it with a boy or the relationship you have with your best friend, teaches you things and helps you grow into the person you are meant to be. You should never try to change who someone truly is to fit your “perfect” mold, but if you think about it, an addiction to a harmful substance really isn’t a part of who a person really is.
Perhaps your boy isn’t quite the gentleman you hoped him to be—maybe he forgets to open a door for you, or goes before you, or never says “Please.” But you know what? The true gentlemen out there had to learn their manners from someone, most likely a significant woman in his life—his mother, his grandmother, his sister, or his girlfriend. Perhaps your boy just never had someone to teach him; he might not even know what he’s doing—or isn’t doing—is wrong and not how you want to be treated. So tell him; if he cares, he’ll listen and do his best to change into the boy you need.
Maybe you are a part of his life, with your inbred disgust to smoking, to give him the incentive to break his habit and give him a brighter future. Maybe you dream of Fred Astaire and a gentleman because you are the girl who will inspire your boy to improve his manners. Maybe you are just what he needs.
Similarly, just as he may have faults, you do, too. Whether you accept them, you still do. And just as you may have complaints about something he does, he might have complaints about something you do. You could be over-possessive, eat with your mouth open, or even wear way too much makeup. Because something about you bothers him, it most certainly doesn’t mean he’s not worth keeping around. You might have to alter your mannerisms, but change is growth. Compromise is strength.
If you feel like he’s changing you into someone you never wanted to be, or he’s pressuring you to become someone you’re not, that’s when you should leave. There are quirks about people that should not be altered—like their laugh, their humor, their dreams, how much they love toe socks or Mexican food. That’s who they really are, and that’s what should release the butterflies in your tummy—that’s what they should love about you.
Girls, you all deserve a boy who is willing to fight for you, and you shouldn't settle for less. But really, you don't deserve that boy if you aren't willing to fight for him. You both have to give. Love isn’t one-sided, and it’s bound to fail if only one of you is putting forth effort.
Think about your dream man: Is he lazy, a slacker, cruel, or “easy”? Or is he hard-working, ambitious, kind and thoughtful, and virtuous? (Which type would you consider worth fighting for? Exactly. If you want a man with high-aspirations and a potentially bright future, you will have to meet those expectations. Be the woman you would want your man to want. Don’t simply look for a great companion; be a great companion.)
Of course, you want to be a girl worth fighting for, and you should. But honestly, don’t you want a boy worth fighting for? A boy you would do anything for, give anything to have. Again, when you find him, you should.
He’s worth it.
© 2010 Jillian Suzann Newell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)