Before I turn the microphone over to my friend, I feel prompted to say that she was not bribed, blackmailed, or coerced in any way to say such kind things. š Take it away, Jennifer…
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Thank you Katie, for the opportunity to guest post here. I promise not to use this space to ask people for money. Like. More than once.
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Kidding!
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How about twice?
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Ha. I know, youāre all rolling in the aislesā¦
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Let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Major, Iām Canadian, a wife and mom, an avid reader, a thrift store junkie, an antique restorer and a mini-van opera singer. I love to garden, I know how to say āGod bless youā in Bolivian Quechua, Spanish and Englishā¦I love Merrell shoes and Jones New York clothes. I have blue eyes red hair, and a deep, unending fear of somehow ending up in jail.
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Like, for real.
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And yes, that was an actual fact.
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Hereās another one.
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At a time when I was truly floundering, Katie Ganshert was my life line. But, she probably didnāt know that. What? And you thought I was all perky bunnies and double rainbows?
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Nahā¦but even if you did, thanks.
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You see, I cannot remember how I met Katie, but it was through a writer blog, somewhere, although Iām not sure which one.
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But this isnāt about that whole writer thing. Itās about that whole friendship thing. You see, sometimes when we 50-somethings try to grab our dreams so they donāt become regrets, we get lost, and we feel the need to act like we have it together, even when we donāt. Because we donāt want to freak out our kids or husbands. And our friends. And just about everyone. So we hide behind what we know to be safe, and curl up as best we can to wait out the storms. Because a dream can get out of hand and sometimes jumping for it aināt the way out.
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Katie thought I was a newb writer asking questions. But God had other plans. He knew I was a middle aged woman feeling like I was back in middle school, getting lost in the halls, day after day. He knew I needed a friend, someone with a big, beautiful smile, and an even bigger heart.
Once again, this is not about the writer thing itās about finding a friend in a whirlwind.
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Iād opened a door to a world I didnāt understand and Katie was there, in the back ground, at first. But I watched. I read her blog, and I realized sheās the real deal. We got to know each other through emails and Facebook, I even sent her chocolate. Tip? Donāt send chocolate in the mail in July. Just. Donāt.
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As I went from simply asking her questions, to becoming a Facebook friend, to actually becoming an actual āI love you enough to tell you candy corn is disgustingā kind of friend, our Katie has taught me a lot about friendship. That I can be friends with someone Iāve never met. That there are friends who willingly downplay their āwoo-hooā moments and achievements, then break my ribs when I have good news that really doesnāt even compare.
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Iām SO thankful that God nudged me to step out and dream, and that He sent me so far out of my comfort zoneā¦because thatās how I made another friend, a sunflower to add to my garden. Ā A sunflower named Katie.
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When’s the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Any fun byproducts result in the stepping?
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Jennifer Major has been married to her husband John for 25 years, they have four children and live in New Brunswick, Canada. Jennifer grew up in the big, beautiful city of Vancouver, BC, but prefers life in her small town. Mostly because none of the houses cost 3 million dollars. She’s done mission work in Bolivia and is proud to say she can ask for lettuce in Spanish. You can follow her writing journey by visiting her blog and Facebook page.kkk
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Jennifer, you are the greatest! Yes, you are class favorite, for sure. And I can’t believe I’m just now seeing this post …
Thank you, Katie!
AAwww, thank you, Shelli!
Wow. This paragraph really reached out & grabbed me…
“You see, sometimes when we 50-somethings try to grab our dreams so they donāt become regrets, we get lost, and we feel the need to act like we have it together, even when we donāt. Because we donāt want to freak out our kids or husbands. And our friends. And just about everyone. So we hide behind what we know to be safe, and curl up as best we can to wait out the storms. Because a dream can get out of hand and sometimes jumping for it aināt the way out.”
Thanks for sharing! Going over to stalk…I mean, look at her blog. š
Thank you, Deana! I’m glad I could be of some help. And please, feel free to stalk/look/visit as often as you like.
What a wonderful post!! Jennifer, you’ve been a godsend to me many times! All too often I know that “lost in the halls” feeling. Wow, do I ever!
God sent Rel Mollet to infiltrate my life with her unending support and belief in Me. Not the writer me, though she does believe in me that way, too. But the Real Ronie me. But I never would have this enormous blessing in my life if I hadn’t “let her in.” I didn’t know Rel when she started chatting me up. In fact, as first, I couldn’t believe she really meant what she said–they were too encouraging (ha). But I finally started thinking maybe she was the real deal and meant what she said (fancy that!). And she was! And I am constantly grateful for the gift of her friendship!
LOVE this story, Ronie! Rel is SUCH a blessing to so many!!
Ahhh, Ronie, thank you!
You’re very much a treasure to me, did you know that?
And wow, Rel is something else!!