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Dec 2007
Dear Friends,
Another year, another letter! Looking back I can't believe how much I packed into one year! It's crazy!!
My 2007 began, for the last time, with our annual Twelfth Night party. It didn't turn out to be quite the party Bridget & I had planned on. Due to low attendance we decided to call it an "exclusive party" and it was probably more fun that way, if not what we had expected. Good friends, good chocolate and much laughter… our last Twelfth Night. *sigh*
One unexpected event was the arrival of our guest of honor - darling Maegan. She decided at the last minute to surprise us by flying from San Diego to attend the party & cheer us up! She splurged on a ticket, schemed with Dad to be picked up from the airport, and woke me up the morning of the party!
The day after the party Maegan, Bridget and I went site-seeing in DC. Kudos to Bridget for finding some interesting and yet hitherto unseen spots on such short notice! We reluctantly said goodbye to Maegan at 5am on Monday morning, and she was gone. I still can't believe she came just to spend the weekend. I wouldn't have made it through the party without her though. I'm so blessed to call her my friend!
After that experience, one of my New Year's resolutions was to truly make time for my friends; not just say "let's get together" but really make the effort to do so. Hence, it has turned out to be a very busy, social year! I've loved every minute of it though, meeting new friends and growing closer to old ones.
Bridget, as always, is my favorite person to socialize with in addition to being my sister, best friend, teasing tormentor, and the one most likely to make me laugh. As her time at VCU came to a close we tried to spend as much quality girlfriend time together as possible knowing life was about to change. Early in the semester we had what turned out to be my favorite Valentine's Day ever. Mom & Dad were in the Caribbean, celebrating their second 25th wedding anniversary with a cruise, (stinkers!) so it was just Bridget and I. And the cats, but we aren't going to talk about that. We laughed, watched DVDs (Marie Antoinette for me, MASH for her), ate too much gnocchi, sipped champagne, and simply enjoyed each other's company.
There was more champagne and celebrating when Bridget graduated in May. She is now officially gradated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude. Finally!!
She was wait-listed for the medical schools at both Touro University-CA and VCU, so she applied and was accepted into Touro's Masters of Public Health program for fall 2007. Over the summer she re-took the MCAT for an improved score and prepared to reapply to med schools for fall 2008. In September she was pre-admitted by Touro for the class of 2012 (starting fall 2008)!!! *more champagne*
So now she is living way too far away in Napa, California and will be there for the next 4.5 or so years. *pouts* At the end of it she will be a DO with her MPH. Not what she had in mind in the beginning but it's obviously what God has for her. It's hard for her to be so far way but it's feels great knowing she is exactly where she is supposed to be. I'm so proud of her!!
In July I celebrated my 2nd anniversary as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. I can honestly say that the longer I do this, the more I love it. I love the sales and the prizes and stuff but what I love most of all are the intangible blessings. Getting to teach about something I love (cosmetics & skin care) and seeing the lift of the head, the squaring of the shoulders and delighted look of disbelief on someone's face who never thought of themselves as pretty or able to "do make-up" before the party. I've met so many fabulous women (both customers & fellow consultants) and learned so much about faith, the God that I serve, and myself. I've gained intangibles too, which I never expected when I said yes to MK. The extra confidence, the ability to hold up my own head, the driving skills, the time management skills, and the ability to not only to put together a presentation but also speak well in public – it has helped me accomplish so much this year! For some a job or college does these things but for me the vehicle has been MK. And what a fun, girly vehicle it is! :>
I again traveled to Baltimore in March for Career Conference and to Myrtle Beach in Oct for our autumn retreat. In July I went to Texas for my first ever Seminar, the biggest event of the year at MK headquarters in Dallas. It was amazing! It felt pretty surreal to be going on a business trip as a full-fledged business woman, not something I ever saw myself doing. But then again I'm in so many places right now that I never thought I'd be at this point of my life. I'd make a crappy fortune teller for sure!
Right before I went to Seminar we celebrated the end of the Mary Kay year (July-June) with our Unit Awards Banquet. I was so thrilled to be named Queen of Sales for my unit, my goal for the year. *throws confetti* I wasn't expecting to also be Most Improved, 2 nd runner up Court of Team Building and #5 in the Future Freedom National Area Court of Sales. Wow – so much sparkly loot!
I've also started to build my team, which is a blast! It is fun to pass on my knowledge and experience and encourage these fabulous ladies in their businesses. They in turn encourage me (they have no idea how much!) and make me want to be a better mentor and business woman. I can't wait for the day I debut as a sales director and get to do it even more!
I continue to maintain the website for Calvary Chapel Fredericksburg, as well as singing on Wednesday nights and stitching in the Quilting Fellowship. I helped with some of the special events at church this year as well. I taught an embroidery workshop for the Quilting Fellowship's Spring Open House; covering a few basic embroidery stitches, as an embroidered signature is the last step of every quilt.
I also helped plan & execute the church's Mother-Daughter Tea in May. It was much more than I bargained for when I first volunteered, but I'm glad I did it. It was fun to be working on something I knew the Lord had called me to, and to use my talents for His glory and to minister to His daughters. Who knew shopping and menu planning were spiritual gifts!
I continue to take English Country Dancing lessons and participate in 18th century living history events with the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society (RCHS) as well. I was sorry when I had to taper off my involvement a bit this year, but I truly enjoy the events that I am still able to attend. Just don't look too closely at my footwork!
My creative passion continues to be my costuming. Many people ask me if I've considered sewing or costuming for a living. The answer is that I have thought about it, and have decided that it isn't what I want to do. Costuming is a hobby, plain and simple and I want to keep it that way. I wouldn't want to loose the joy of creating by having to do it to pay my rent. I don't mind the odd commission, and I do alterations occasionally, but nothing beyond. Luckily I can make better money with Mary Kay and save my costuming for my play time.
Of course, there is nothing I love more than talking about (and showing off) my historic costuming. I was even able to do a few non-RCHS events this year including Belmont's Seurat Sunday (O! the fun of being an artists model!) and a special presentation on 18th century fashion to a local DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) group. Too much fun!
I continue to keep accounts of my costuming projects on my website & online journal. I even took the plunge this spring and became the proud owner of my own domain name!! I've been wanting one for ages; I feel more like a real internet person now... if internet people are real of course. So, make sure you update your bookmarks, if you haven't already. The costuming & dress-up events are on jennylafleur.com while my Christmas letters are on chateauwhite.com/jennyrose.
In addition to all the Mary Kay trips, I've been able to do quite a bit of personal traveling again this year. The first trip of the year marked a sad occasion, the passing of my Grandpa (Dad's dad) in February.
We (Mom, Dad, Bridget & I) drove straight through to Colorado, taking turns driving. It took us 28 hours, which was do-able with four drivers, but pretty darn rough. I became addicted to several new MK products when they made me look (and feel) human after we arrived at our destination!
It was nice to be back in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains, particularly those in Colorado Springs, were just as beautiful as ever. A beauty that is almost magical. I hadn't realized how much I missed the architecture, foliage, and crisp western blue skies. I'm definitely a western girl; about the time we hit the prairie in Kansas I started to feel like I was home. I even got way too excited about swerving across the highway to avoid tumbleweed soon after driving into the state!
What turned out to be my whirlwind traveling summer started in late June. We decided to take a spontaneous mini-vacation by spending the weekend in Philadelphia. The city was definitely more interesting than the last time I was there. Mostly because I'm now an adult (I was 13ish then) and I know so much more, being particularly interested in Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin and John Adams, all of whom lived in Philadelphia and shaped the history of the city. It also helped that it was a pleasant summer day, crowds were light, and I had a good time hanging out with my family.
The second day we spent at the Franklin Institute seeing the King Tut exhibit. All I can say is WOW. My favorite part was seeing all the everyday items. Statues and coffins are cool, but the jewelry boxes, mirrors, daggers, walking sticks and such were awesome. The artistic detailing was amazing, as were the tiny beads… ooh!
Later that same week we again ventured north, this time to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC to see ThePhantom of the Opera! It was wonderful to finally see my favorite musical in person, instead of just listening to it on CD. They even had three of Carlotta's costumes on display in the lobby. *drool*
The end of July brought my first ever trip to Texas and the MK Seminar in Dallas. It was a mixture of a business conference, the Miss America Pageant, and the Academy Awards. Mary Kay certainly knows how to put on a party! So much fun, despite the lack of sleep! I was then home for four days (long enough to do some laundry, repack my bags. and finish a costume) before switching gears and flying to LA for Costume College. Yes I am insane.
It was worth it though as Costume College was again my favorite event of the year. It was heaven, getting to hang out with all the fabulous costumers I've met online over the years. We all agreed it was the best Costume College ever. I could make this whole letter about the stories, the inside jokes, and the laughter we shared. Seriously, we didn't sleep much and so we packed a lot into 5 days!
The best part of Costume College was the Great Chemise Project™. One of my roommates (& oldest online friends), Jenni, had come to CC without her main costume finished. She'd been working on it steadily since we arrived Thursday afternoon but early Friday evening she gave up in frustration and discouragement. She was so bummed about having nothing to wear that we had to do something!
Once Jenni was asleep we concocted a plan to finish it for her. Most of the following day was spent tag-teaming the sewing and Jenni-distracting for the Great Chemise Project™. It was so much fun! When we held up the now completed chemise gown for Jenni to try on in time for the big Gala night - it was the best moment of all. Tears, hugs and beaming smiles followed. I'm not sure who had more fun, the girls and I doing the deed or Jenni wearing the frock. We all looked fabulous that night (well we did!!) but Jenni most of all. All the love we'd poured into her outfit must have rubbed off because she glowed all evening.
After Costume College was over, Bridget picked me up (she and Dad had driven her car from Virginia while I was at Costume College) and Bridget, Maegan and I drove down to San Diego. Mom flew into SD that afternoon, and we began our family vacation with friends, sangria & Mexican food at Casa de Pico – woo hoo!
San Diego was as lovely as always and I enjoyed my time there immensely. It was great to be there with my whole family, something we hadn't done in years. We met with friends, visited old haunts (Julian, Point Loma, Seaport Village), hung out with Maegan and ate avocados at every meal. Our stay in paradise was over much too quickly though. The parent's and I flew back to Virginia while Bridget & Maegan drove the further 11 hours to Bridget's new home in Napa.
Back home it was a fairly miserable adjustment for me, with my costuming super-stars, Maegan, AND my sister all far away again. Luckily I had other good friends close by and a wedding to help plan. I had reconciled myself to a miserable 28 th birthday though when who should arrive on my door step unannounced on September 27 th but…
BRIDGET!!!!
She totally surprised Daddy and me for our birthdays. Mom actually pulled the secret off, picking Bridget up from Reagan National airport by herself – I was so impressed! I was on the phone with Bridget that morning, went to answer the door and opened it to find the sibling on the doormat, phone in hand. I just stood in the foyer blinking. Yeah, they got me good.
It turned out to be an amazing birthday week. All those special things I'd planned to help me forget Bridget was gone… I got to do with her! I felt very spoiled by the time she left. For Dad's 50 th birthday (Oct 1) he did a 100 mile bicycle ride – crazy man! The next day we celebrated both our birthdays with a lobster dinner, ice cream cake, and presents.
On my birthday (Oct 4) Mom, Bridget & I had a lovely luncheon with friends in downtown Fredericksburg, and that evening Bridget and I went to the opera. Well sort of the opera, it was really more of a concert but it was an 18th century French opera concert ballet thing. It was pretty cool, having never seen 18th century style ballet in person before. We were also seated in Box 5, which made my little Phantom of the Opera fan inside giggle.
That weekend Bridget, Mom, a few friends, and myself of course, dressed up in Regency costumes and had tea at a local tea house to celebrate some more. That was another wonderful day. See I told you - spoiled!
After Bridget went back to school (Oct 8) life got crazy onceagain with my MK trip to Myrtle Beach and my friend Christmas' wedding. I was one third wedding planner, one third honorary bridal attendant (I put together the bachelorette party and such) and one third bridal AD (I did her hair, make-up, altered the dress and helped Bridget make the head piece). I was 100% exhausted by the end!
The wedding was wonderful; there were hitches, naturally, but for a wedding it was pretty darn perfect. The weather was ideal and the bride was gorgeous. I have to admit after all that madness, I spent most of the next week wandering around the house in a sleep deprived daze. It was worth every minute though! Good friends always are.
So what's next? In a few weeks (Dec 9) I'll be having my Mary Kay Holiday Open House. Bridget is home soon after (Dec 13) and we have a whirlwind of social engagements filling the days until Christmas. I'm so looking forward to Bridget being home – I can't wait!
In February I'll be flying out to San Diego once again to be the maid of honor at Maegan's wedding! The thought of Maegan: Married Lady is still a little surreal but I'm so happy for her and her fiancé Kevin, and so honored to be a part of their day.
In the meantime I have lots of MK to sell and a long list of costumes to make. More importantly I have friends to chat with, lives to touch, and a living, personal God to serve in whatever way He dictates. This next year may His hand be upon you, His peace in your heart, and His love in all that you do…
Love & Christmas kisses,
Jenny-Rose
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