Though I normally try and go to bed at a decent hour so I can get up pretty early, some nights my mind and heart are just restless or excited or some combination of the two. Right now it's midnight, and my alarm is set solidly for 5:30am, and yet I know if I lay down my thoughts will simply race around my head unless I type them out first.
Today was a great day. Incredible, in fact. I took the whole day off with my love. We celebrated America with some of our neighbors, and I got to hold a happy sleeping baby for about 2 hours. I got to eat cold watermelon, drink hot coffee, and have long conversations with good friends. Oh, and I got published on a national wedding blog (MunaLuchi Bride).
It's funny how I even got there, and I have one happenstance event to thank. Months ago, I saw an event pop up on Facebook called A Crystal Clear Vision being held in Virginia Beach on a Sunday afternoon. I decided to go, even though it was so far away and I never like working on Sundays. I figured I would go meet a few vendors, say hi to some friends, and be on my way.
One of the first people I talked to was Jackie from Jacquelyne Edith Events. I can't remember what we talked about, but I know when I left I told Nathan all about her. I said things like, "I know this is weird, because I just met her for a second, but I REALLY like her!" over and over. I thought it would end there, but thankfully Jackie emailed me the next day wanting to meet. We had lunch over sushi for the first time, and that was the beginning of a great relationship.
Our friendship has grown quickly, and it led to the patriotic styled shoot which I had the honor of photographing. Beyond that, though, Jackie is such a kind person. She is a joy to be around, and I'm so grateful I know her as more than just a wedding vendor.
So the conclusion to this post is short and sweet. Sometimes life gives you lemons, and you have to figure out how to make lemonade. But sometimes, every once in awhile, life gives you lemon cookies instead of lemons - a gift in a friend you just so happened to meet that turns into a friendship you cherish.
Today, I'm thankful for Jackie. And very thankful for lemon cookies, too.
