Life Update 2023: Kingdom October, Getting Married and Going Back to School, Lets Talk!

Verse of the Day:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Hello world and all who inhabit it! :), I know it's been a while since my last blog, but rest assured it was for good reasons! It's safe to say that this year has been VERY busy for me and my family. Let's start with my latest news!, Kingdom October: A land of Cinnamon and Honey is finally complete and is available as an online Lulu exclusive using the link (click on the book to get your copy!)I've been working on this beloved short story since last August and am beyond thrilled to finally be sharing it with you now! but wait...there WILL be more! I have already started story boards for projects next year so stay posted for more updates on all things Quill!

This year, I made a very important and intimidating decision, to go back to school! I had been thinking about it for awhile for many reasons. As an educator I firmly believe in the continuation of learning beyond just the classroom, it's important to be well-informed in today's climate on all matters for the sake of properly educating our youth. Not only that, I never wanted to walk away from school...it was one of the worst mistakes I ever made, I enjoyed being a college student and was performing well enough to transfer from TCC to FSU in my second year....life happened and ultimately I had to leave. Looking back now, I realized where I went wrong: allowing myself to be convinced that my choices were my own when in fact I was just doing what others wanted me to do to avoid conflict. I made up in my mind that if and when I returned to school it would be because I saw need for it and it'll be for what motivates and inspires me....not those who want a shiny plaque above my head for their own validation.

Fast Forward, I was accepted into Full Sail Universities BA of Fine Arts, Creative Writing Program for the Fall! Now you may be wondering, "Jazz, aren't you already actively publishing work? why go back now?" the answer is simple; I'm no above what I don't know. There is a lot about the publishing and writing industry that is alien to me and I'm still fairly new to the professional arena of creative endeavors. I want to learn from seasoned professors and students, be in a space to ask questions and really gain more understanding of my passion for the written art. I chose school for myself this time and I've really been enjoying my experiences so far! (more on that at a later time!)

In this midst of all this excitement, I have been in fact planning for my wedding day! Isaiah and I have chosen to take the next steps in our relationship and calling it official! in a few weeks I'll be married to my best friend, supporter and mentor, words truly can't express how excited I am! This is one of those "I didn't think this could happen for someone like me" moments. During a time I had come to peace with the idea that maybe I just don't have a special someone, he stepped it and not only presented me with the love, kindness and patience that mirrored God's own temperance for me, he provided encouragement, wisdom, sound advice and voice of reason. I could go on and on about this wonderful man and I will leave no room for doubt that he is definitely my soul mate :) I truly pray for everyone to experience the beautiful gift of meeting their person. <3

Enough about me! Let's catch up? how has life been? anything new and exciting? I want to hear about it! post your comments below and remember:

"For the love of life and literature, stay prayerful, stay positive and write on!"