I sat and sat here yesterday with a cookie recipe all ready to go and just didn't know what to say alongside it. My heart was so heavy and sad pondering events in Connecticut that it didn't feel right to trudge forward with a lighthearted or funny post. And even though it sorta felt like that was what we all most needed, there was no way I could wrap my head around writing it. I woke up today and thought a lot about my life. And those I love. And tried to turn my helpless feeling into something proactive. Even in the smallest way. And as hackneyed as it sounds, it brought tears to my eyes to realize the thing we can do is love fully and appreciate each other and extend kindnesses. These horrifying things that happen have the power to shake us awake and remind us that this is our one precious life. It's a tiny tiny tiny silver lining that is giving me a sliver of peace and comfort today. 

Wishing you peace and love.

Jolie

how nice for you

I'm about to tell you a story that makes me look like an idiot. But only because it's one of my favorite stories EVER (even though it's at my expense). Just remember I was young.

I've already told you about moving to NY to sing and dance when I was 19. Well, very shortly after I arrived, I auditioned for a scholarship at one of the big dance studios and got a job working there in exchange for classes. I manned the register and really enjoyed it. It was incredible to people-watch from my behind-the-counter perch. I'd sit there for hours taking in all the dancers and bustle and NYC energy. I loved it.

One day (it was December) there was a HUGE blizzard. The kind of winter event in New York where the subway shuts down and people are literally cross-country skiing in the streets. It was hard to get around (to say the least) but since I only lived two blocks away, I managed to climb a couple of snowbanks and make it to the studio. I got there to find several classes cancelled because their teachers couldn't make it into the city, so I was in charge of giving refunds to the few students who had shown up and already paid. This sweet middle-aged woman came up to the front desk and as I was doing her refund paperwork I couldn't help noticing how familiar she looked. This was odd to me since I had just moved there and knew about 3 people on the entire island of Manhattan.

"Are you from San Diego?" I asked. She smiled. "No. Are you?"

"Yes!  I just moved here," I said.

"Oh, cool." She nodded and had the kindest eyes.

There was a pause while I turned away to staple something. I tried to let it go but it was bugging me. I knew I knew her.

"I'm sorry. You just look SO familiar. Are you an actress?" I asked. "Nope," She said.

I kept staring at her.

"I'm actually a singer."

"Oh, really?! Where?" I pictured her producing self-recordings in her makeshift basement studio and maybe playing the odd coffeehouse.

"On records," she said, smiling again warmly.

"How nice for you!" I said.

I handed her the seven dollars back and as she headed out she asked, "What's your name?"

"Jolie," I said. "Welcome to New York, Jolie." She shook my hand. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Carole King."

She walked out the door and I stood with my mouth agape for a full ten minutes.

xoxo
jolie

P.S. To fully understand how scarred I was by this experience, read this.

P.P.S. How awesome is she???:)

P.P.P.S. Welcome, new subscribers! And Posie readers! I'm so glad and touched so many of you came to visit. (BTW, how delicious is baby Amelia?????!!!)

hide and seek

My sweet girl. Those ears give her away every time:)





Here's hoping you have a wonderful Tuesday.....................................
xo
jolie


P.S. She's not all sweet.