About Me

I’m pretty much an open book ~ what you see is what you get for the most part. Although… a girl’s gotta have her secrets.  😉
Being authentic and genuine is very important to me.
I have a huge capacity for loving people.  I don’t know why, I just do ~ even the difficult ones.  Kids are my favorite though.
My daughter is the most precious thing in this world to me.  Words cannot even express how much I love her and how much she means to me. ❤ {update} I now have two beautiful grandchildren to add to this sentiment. 💕
I absolutely love nature, it’s hard to describe how much the beauty of creation inspires and moves me.  I am so thankful for my five senses and how they help me experience everything in the world around me, and I try not to ever take them for granted.
I enjoy deep and meaningful conversations and getting beneath the surface of things, but also like to be lighthearted and just have stupid, goofy, mindless, fun.  Laughing is my favorite, and I believe that a good sense of humor can go a long way in helping one enjoy life.  🙂
I think I’m kind of a nerd, maybe a bit of a rebel, and I’ve even been referred to as a tree hugging hippie. Although I’d never sacrifice my life for one ~ I am a huge fan of trees!  But I don’t like to fit into anyone’s mold.  I like a lot of different random things that don’t really seem to go together.
I’m basically a cheerful and positive person, an optimist who always tries to find the good in things, but sometimes life is hard, and I do not like to pretend that everything is fine when it’s not.  I’m a deep feeling person and tend to wear my heart on my sleeve.  I’m also a deeply spiritual person.  My relationship with God is the most important and meaningful thing to me, and is at the very heart of who I am.  I love learning new things, expressing myself through writing, taking pictures, doing anything creative, being out in nature, and just enjoying the simple things in life.

Oh and…

~Gardening is my therapy~

Icon

 

{2024 update} With the ‘new’ WP editor, I couldn’t figure out how insert a more updated photo of me in place of the one above, which is from 2011 when I first started this blog.  So here is one from last year taken while I was in Maui blissing out at the beautiful Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm…

    💜💜💜

    140 responses to “About Me”

    1. 2b14u | April 24, 2012 at 10:56 am | Reply

      We have to much in common…I could have written this “about” for my blog. I have never been called a tree-hugger, but I just took about 19 plastic bottles to our school recycling bin. I recycle what ever can be recycled. I also take coupons to Wal-Mart and place it by the product because I don’t want it to go to waste. I love a good laugh and “stupid mindless fun.” I play jokes on people and sometimes just a phrase or a sentence can crack me up when I am reading soemthing – my mind goes all over the place. Enough for me. Glad I found your blog.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Chris | May 11, 2012 at 11:28 am | Reply

      Hi Jewels, It’s really nice to hear of you’re gracious appreciation for things, you seem like an opened minded spirit and that’s always nice to see. I’ve been checking out your blog in recent weeks and I think it’s great, your great and thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Chris | May 27, 2012 at 11:39 am | Reply

      Hi Julie, just to let you know I’ve nominated you for the following awards, I think your blog is great. http://chronicpainandme.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/awards/

      Like

    4. dianne | June 2, 2012 at 5:56 pm | Reply

      delightful blog, enjoyed my visit.. : )

      Liked by 1 person

    5. thebeadden | June 9, 2012 at 7:15 pm | Reply

      I nominated you for an award. You don’t have to participate. 🙂
      http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/

      Liked by 1 person

    6. Ruth Nina Welsh | September 3, 2012 at 10:30 am | Reply

      Hi Jewels, I’ve just found you over on Chris’s site. So pleased you liked the song. I’m just going to have a wander around your site now as our minds meet on many of the things you’ve written above! All my best, Ruth

      Liked by 1 person

      • Jewels | September 3, 2012 at 12:27 pm | Reply

        Oh Ruth, I really liked it! You have such a lovely voice and the lyrics were wonderful as well. Simply Beautiful. I very much appreciate you stopping by, I will have to pay a visit to your place as well! 🙂

        Like

    7. Yaz | February 18, 2013 at 1:45 am | Reply

      What a wonderful introduction, and it seems that we would just get along so well! I am a tree-hugger too, so we’ve got something great in common!

      Liked by 1 person

    8. Ky Grabowski | March 14, 2013 at 7:11 pm | Reply

      I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award; http://kygrabowski.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/very-inspiring-blogger-award-melisakmartin/

      Liked by 1 person

    9. Teeny Bikini | March 24, 2013 at 2:42 pm | Reply

      Just for the record, that is an awesome pic. Did you have it professionally taken?

      Liked by 1 person

    10. Yaz | April 5, 2013 at 10:03 am | Reply

      Hi Julie, thanks for your interest in the book on my recent blog. If you like it, would you please pass on the link to people that you know might be interested? Only if you like it though. I’m trying to promote the good things of this world!

      Like

    11. Ky Grabowski | April 7, 2013 at 5:40 pm | Reply

      I nominated you for “The Very Inspiring Blogger Award.” Here’s the link to the post! ;
      http://kygrabowski.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award-httpwordswithoutpages-wordpress-com/

      Cheers & have a great day!

      Like

    12. Allan Richardson | May 2, 2013 at 4:58 pm | Reply

      Julie, I’m glad that you enjoyed some of my photographs. Hope you have a bountiful garden this year.

      Liked by 1 person

    13. edmooneyphotography | May 23, 2013 at 5:45 am | Reply

      Hey Julie, Thanks for stopping by to check out my blog and the follow, hope you liked what you saw. Looking forward to seeing more from you,:-)

      Liked by 1 person

    14. John | June 22, 2013 at 9:12 am | Reply

      Thanks for following my blog. You were my 1,000th like on my blog. I really appreciate it

      Liked by 1 person

    15. iamzion | June 23, 2013 at 12:50 pm | Reply

      Nice piece about you; I enjoy your openness. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    16. misshappyspirits | June 23, 2013 at 1:34 pm | Reply

      What a wonderful person you are 🙂 You sound exactly like the type of person Id like to share a cuppa tea and figure out the meaning of life with!!
      I LOVE trees too, theres such a gentle and wise knowing about them and they have the most amazing energy.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Jewels | June 23, 2013 at 4:36 pm | Reply

        What a nice thing to say, thank you so much! 🙂 And I would love to have that cuppa and meaning of life discussions with you as well! I completely agree, there is definitely something quite special about trees. ♥

        Like

    17. Ajaytao2010 | June 29, 2013 at 10:58 pm | Reply

      Nice reading about you

      Thanks for visiting my blog. Be in touch. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may find something of your interest.

      Liked by 2 people

    18. misshappyspirits | June 30, 2013 at 11:12 am | Reply

      Hello, I nominated you for the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award’ because I enjoy reading your blog. Please dont feel obliged to reply or forward on the award if you dont wish too, I just wanted to let people know that I enjoy your words. I see you’ve had many an award!! Way to go YOU!
      Check it out here: http://misshappyspirits.com/
      LOVE + KINDNESS to you

      Like

      • Jewels | June 30, 2013 at 11:36 am | Reply

        Oh thank you, I appreciate it very much! I am most honored by your nomination and kind words about my blog, it means a lot to me! What a wonderful little day brightener you are! 🙂 LOVE + KINDNESS to you! ♥

        Like

      • Jewels | June 30, 2013 at 11:44 am | Reply

        P.S. I loved reading more about you on your award post and congrats on your nomination, it is well deserved! You must have things set up a bit differently on your blog, as I haven’t been getting any notifications of any new posts of yours, I’ll have to program it into my memory banks to remember to stop by and visit you to read them from time to time. Many blessings! 🙂

        Like

    19. lifesjourneyblog author | July 26, 2013 at 4:10 pm | Reply

      Thank you for following my blog! I too share your interests and look forward to reading your future posts! If you wish, “like” my blog’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/lifesjourneyblog Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

    20. snap it up | September 25, 2013 at 7:21 pm | Reply

      Wonderful and very special random & miscellaneous stuff Julie & kind thanks for dropping by on my home, I really appreciate it.

      Regards

      Juno

      Liked by 1 person

    21. Andrew Blumetti | September 26, 2013 at 5:39 pm | Reply

      Excellent blog Julie!

      Looking forward to following- keep up the great work!

      -Andrew

      Liked by 2 people

    22. Wilder Man on Rolling Creek | October 3, 2013 at 11:49 pm | Reply

      Hey – great blog! Looking forward to following your journey. Peace, T

      Liked by 1 person

    23. cate b | October 5, 2013 at 9:01 am | Reply

      thanks for the follow
      ;D

      Like

    24. Prasad | October 6, 2013 at 1:44 am | Reply

      Just happened to run into your blog. You have got a beautiful space running here. Loved some of your write-ups. Its very subtle . I guess I will be hanging around here a lot. 🙂 Your vision and thoughts are indeed a revelation. Great work. Keep blogging.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Jewels | October 6, 2013 at 10:17 am | Reply

        I’m so glad you did, and thanks so much for your kind words Prasad, I really appreciate that! 😀 I’ll have to go and take a peek at what you’ve got going on over at your place. Thanks again, have a wonderful day!

        Like

    25. richardankerswrites | November 2, 2013 at 1:48 pm | Reply

      Hello,
      I have nominated you for the ABC and Sunshine awards. Here is the link http://richardankerswrites.wordpress.com/2013/11/02/abc-and-sunshine-awards/
      I hope you accept but please don’t feel you have to. As long as you know you were thought of that is all that matters.
      Thank you, Richard

      Liked by 1 person

    26. Jackie | November 25, 2013 at 5:17 pm | Reply

      Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate it very much. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    27. bulldog | December 3, 2013 at 10:34 am | Reply

      Jewels firstly thank you for signing up to follow my blog of all sorts of photos mainly… I am a great lover of nature, birds and animals .. even been called a tree hugger, never to my face but still. I love what I read here and I’m always open to a bit of mutual banter to lighten the things in life that can become heavy… your relationship with God and the love to learn new things has me hooked… so in return I’m going to be following your blog to see what you get up to… please always take what I say with a pinch of salt, I love to pull a leg now and then…

      Liked by 2 people

      • Jewels | December 4, 2013 at 5:15 pm | Reply

        It was my pleasure visiting your blog Bulldog, you have lovely photography over there on your site and I look forward to seeing more. 🙂 It’s wonderful to meet a fellow nature lover (and tree hugger 😉 ). Nature is definitely what speaks most to me in the way of finding inspiration and gratitude in daily life, and honestly I’m a bit sad about the coming winter months when I won’t be able to get out as much to enjoy it. Though I’m sure to find other ways of finding inspiration, as it’s often the simplest things that mean the most to me. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comment, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance via internet and look forward to the banter and occasional leg pull now and then. Have a wonderful day and many blessings!

        Like

    28. Pingback: May Your Christmas… | Ramblings From Jewels | Nothing But The Best (We are/do/get) | Nothing But The Best (We are/do/get)

    29. joeyfullystated | December 26, 2013 at 5:28 pm | Reply

      I have passed an award on to you. I realize you may not wish to publicly accept awards, but please accept my sincere appreciation for your blogs.
      http://joeyfullystated.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/an-award-for-me-thanks/

      Hope you’re enjoying the holidays, Jewels!

      Liked by 1 person

    30. captureyouphotography | January 15, 2014 at 4:50 am | Reply

      I have nominated you for the Liebster Award seem my blog for the details.

      Liked by 1 person

    31. joeyfullystated | February 1, 2014 at 2:21 pm | Reply

      I’ve nominated you for One Lovely Blog. I always enjoy your posts, Jewels, and it’s my pleasure to give you the award. If you’d like to accept, you can find the link here: http://joeyfullystated.wordpress.com/2014/02/01/one-lovely-two-lovelies-okay-there-are-fifteen/

      Liked by 1 person

    32. captureyouphotography | February 7, 2014 at 6:56 am | Reply

      I have nominated for the”Versatile Blogger Award”. To see the details please go to http://www.captureyouphotography.com

      Like

    33. forgottenmeadows | March 4, 2014 at 12:29 pm | Reply

      Hi There,
      I just wanted to let you know that I have selected you as a nominee for the Versatile Blogger Award! You Can check out the details of this award Here:http://wp.me/p4gNzR-db

      Liked by 1 person

    34. Azthet | March 23, 2014 at 12:12 pm | Reply

      Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by my blog. I really enjoyed reading your posts. And as for your statement “I have a huge capacity for loving people. I don’t know why..” oh my goodness, it’s so apparent in your smile. I could feel your warm heart the minute I looked at the first picture of you. Way to go girl! You are sunshine incarnate!!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Jewels | March 23, 2014 at 12:43 pm | Reply

        Hi there, it was my pleasure! Well technically… I didn’t go to your actual blog, I only saw your photo of the milkweed in my reader when I was looking for nature related posts. It’s a wonderful capture! I will definitely be heading over to your blog now though to see what else you’ve got going on there.
        Omygosh thank you so much, what a wonderful thing to say… I can’t even tell you how much I love the idea of being “sunshine incarnate!” You officially just made my day! 😀
        ❤

        Like

    35. Baldeep Kaur | May 28, 2014 at 2:13 am | Reply

      Hi, I love your intro. We have so much in common. I am very emotional and dreamy too. And yes I invest a lot in relationships. A very vulnerable position to be in but extremely giving too. Please stay connected.

      Thank you so much for following my blog, Inspiring Evolution. Take care~Deepa

      Liked by 1 person

      • Jewels | May 28, 2014 at 9:18 am | Reply

        Hi Deepa, thanks! It’s wonderful discovering having mutual things in common with others.
        It’s my pleasure to follow your blog, I enjoyed what I read there. 🙂

        Like

    36. forgottenmeadows | June 7, 2014 at 10:05 am | Reply

      Hi There!

      I have featured you in my weekly blog recs as I truly enjoy your blog 🙂 The link is here: http://wp.me/p4gNzR-vI If you wish for me to remove you from the list for any reason please let me know and I will do so. Hope you have a great weekend! ~ Neha

      Like

    38. Line | June 14, 2014 at 1:13 am | Reply

      Thank you for your beautiful beautiful blog!!! 🙂 I don’ remember how I found you, I was just exploring around, and I landed here 🙂 And I am so happy I did! 🙂 I love your beautiful beautiful nature photos and flower photos and your garden and your poems and everything!! 🙂 After reading many posts on your blog and deciding to leave you a comment here, I found out that you also love trees!! And my most recent post on my blog is also about trees!! How funny! 🙂 Someone must have guided me here 🙂 If you want and if you have time you can see my post, and maybe you will like it! 🙂 I am so much looking forward to seeing more of your lovely posts in the future!! Lovely to meet you!! 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend out in the wonderful nature! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • Jewels | June 14, 2014 at 8:42 am | Reply

        Thank you, Line, for this lovely comment! It was a wonderful thing to wake up to this morning, and I’m so happy that you enjoy my blog! It sincerely means so much to me to know that others are somehow touched by the things I share here. 🙂 I will definitely head over to your place and pay you a visit and see what you wrote about trees. I love trees! I mention the old sycamore tree that stands outside my bedroom window that my Grandpa planted many years ago a lot in my posts, it’s such a wonderful tree! ❤
        Thank you so much for stopping by Line, hope you have a wonderful, blessed day! 🙂

        Like

    39. shesanauthor | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 am | Reply

      Wow Julie! I can’t believe how much you and I have in common! Thank you for leading me to your blog. This is beautiful and well thought out and…well, so honest and lovely. Thank you and may God bless you! By the way, I have a six year old daughter that I love more than almost anything in this world too! Tonight we do our weekly girl’s night, just me and her. 😀

      Liked by 2 people

      • Jewels | June 20, 2014 at 11:20 am | Reply

        Oh, a girls night sounds lovely, hope you two have a wonderful time together! It’s been many years since my daughter was six, such precious times. She’s 22, but she’s still my baby! ❤
        Thank you so much for stopping by Amy, it's great to meet you! 😀

        Like

    40. Godless Cranium | June 29, 2014 at 4:24 pm | Reply

      I nominated you for the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can see what I’m rambling on about here: http://godlesscranium.com/2014/06/29/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/

      Liked by 1 person

    41. darwinontherocks | July 29, 2014 at 11:14 am | Reply

      You have a very nice looking and enjoyable blog ! Your garden photography section is absolutely delightful, I look forward seeing more of it. thank you for following my blog, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I’m enjoying yours right now.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Jewels | July 29, 2014 at 3:24 pm | Reply

        Thank you so much, I really appreciate that, I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit, that means a lot! It was my pleasure visiting your blog today, you have a great place over there and I look forward to your future posts! 🙂

        Like

    42. Arkenaten | August 18, 2014 at 9:44 am | Reply

      Thanks for the visit. Always nice to see a new face at the Ark’s spot. Welcome.

      Liked by 1 person

    43. Silver Threading | September 9, 2014 at 11:53 am | Reply

      I sure enjoy your blog. I have nominated you for A Very Inspiring Blog Award. Please see my post at http://silverthreading.com/. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    44. Featured E-Magazine | September 21, 2014 at 9:53 am | Reply

      Nice photos and btw, I like to garden too!

      Liked by 1 person

    45. John Hric | November 6, 2014 at 11:35 am | Reply

      when isn’t gardening therapy ? ;P

      Liked by 1 person

    46. Paul Handover | November 28, 2014 at 8:03 am | Reply

      Julie, whatever you may or may not be, you are a star for your recent decision to follow Learning from Dogs. Thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

    47. Tokoni O. Uti | November 30, 2014 at 8:18 am | Reply

      Hi,

      I’m Tokoni, A student and poet. Its nice to meet your I’d like to invite you to my blog, http://www.insanitybeautiful.wordpress.com if you’re interested. Thanks!  

      Liked by 2 people

    48. christine magpayo | December 28, 2014 at 3:30 am | Reply

      You really seem like a very grateful person and that’s really wonderful 🙂
      P.S. I also wear my heart on my sleeve 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      • Jewels | December 28, 2014 at 9:06 am | Reply

        Hi Christine 🙂
        I am a very grateful person, thank you. 😉
        I guess I just find there are more reasons to be grateful for everything in my life, than not, even when times are difficult. It might take a little longer to find them then though, but I usually see the light at the end of the tunnel and that helps spur me on.
        Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, and I appreciate your comment. I’ll have to swing by your place too. Have a wonderful day! 😀

        Like

    49. Rajagopal | January 20, 2015 at 12:42 am | Reply

      First timer to your place Julie… Pleased to know that you are ardent green aficionado, as I share the same interest, the other being our common connection with Kim (she virtually ushered me to your site)…. I look forward to reading more of your posts and staying connected…best wishes from me in Cochin, India… Raj.

      Liked by 2 people

    50. nataliescarberry | January 25, 2015 at 9:03 pm | Reply

      Thank you for visiting my blog and liking one of my posts. Blessings, Natalie 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    51. joeyfullystated | March 12, 2015 at 9:16 am | Reply

      Should you be inclined, I’ve nominated you for a new award. http://jolenemottern.com/2015/03/12/creative-blog-award/
      If you’re not inclined, please know your blog is one of my favorites, and I enjoy your photographs, your silly rambles, your love of nature, and your good soul 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    52. 365dniwobiektywielg | April 26, 2015 at 2:10 pm | Reply

      I am very pleased that I could meet you

      Liked by 1 person

    53. aleafinspringtime | May 1, 2015 at 11:48 am | Reply

      Hello Jules! I felt my heart widen just reading about you! I like the part about being a nerd, a bit of a rebel and hugging trees. I love the part about laughing and loving especially kids. And all the other bits which made me wish I could sometimes sit down and have a cup of tea and some conversations from the heart. I do believe I like you a lot already! Hugs from the other nerd and tree hugger and heart on the sleeve wearer. Sharon x

      Liked by 2 people

      • Jewels | May 2, 2015 at 9:40 am | Reply

        Hi there Sharon! Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your lovely comment! It makes me so happy to hear that you felt your heart widen ~ if there’s anything I want out of having a blog, it’s for others hearts to be touched in any way. And I’m so pleased to meet a fellow tree hugging nerd! Haha, just typing that makes me smile! 😀
        I enjoyed the post I read over at your place yesterday, and after getting this wonderful message from you it makes me think I need to head back over there and read some more, as it sounds like the two of us may have lots in common.
        Thank you again Sharon, it’s a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to connecting more! ❤

        Liked by 1 person

    54. joeyfullystated | May 4, 2015 at 8:52 am | Reply

      And another award — no pressure — just in gratitude 🙂

      The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

      Liked by 1 person

    55. Vlad Zaycev | May 13, 2015 at 8:39 am | Reply

      Wow! It is very interesting article! I’m glad to see it!

      Liked by 1 person

    56. Pingback: Premio What Now? | joeyfullystated

    57. Ganesh | June 26, 2015 at 4:39 pm | Reply

      Nice and inspiring blog, Julie! Thanks for following “Known is a drop, Unknown is an Ocean”. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    58. Nomzi Kumalo | July 6, 2015 at 7:00 am | Reply

      Pleased to meet you Jewels. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    59. Pingback: U is for Um, Share Your World #17 | joeyfullystated

    60. joey | June 24, 2016 at 11:06 am | Reply

      I tagged you in a post because your blog makes me happy 😀 Play or pass, I don’t mind 🙂

      The Happiness Tag

      Liked by 2 people

    61. in | September 2, 2017 at 4:00 pm | Reply

      Congrats on your many nominations, Jewels! I love gardening as well. So rewarding to see flowers and produce from one’s own garden.

      Like

    62. prior.. | August 25, 2018 at 7:02 pm | Reply

      Nice to meet you (came here from Joey’s blog) and I like the posts I have explored so far!
      Looking forward to following your blog
      Peace

      Liked by 1 person

    63. Pastor Native's Pilgrimage | January 12, 2020 at 4:28 pm | Reply

      Great to know your priorities are as they stand ,. God first and you mentioned your daughter. Using gardening as therapy. I take drives in the country to bring life to the soul God gave .

      Liked by 1 person

    64. Narayan Tushar Kaudinya | June 25, 2020 at 10:56 pm | Reply

      You are nature 🙂
      Lovely to have found you.
      Nara

      Liked by 1 person

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