Beautiful Archives – Jamieson Diaries

Happy Birthday, Billie!

April 7, 2016 Leave a Comment

Today, Billie Holiday a.k.a. Lady Day, would have been 101 years old. I have always liked Jazz music, but my love for Jazz music really bloomed about 5 years ago. Naturally, Billie became one of my favorite jazz singers, ever. There is something about her music where you can feel the passion and/or pain in her voice, but she makes it sound like the most beautiful sultry voiced passion and/or pain you have ever heard. I am only 27 years young so Lady Day was well before “my time” as the older folks like to say lol, but quality music knows no age. I wish I could say I got to see a legendary musician such as Billie perform live, but I thankfully have her collection of beautiful music to listen to until the end of time. I will share my favorite Billie Holiday song with you called, Good Morning Heartache, below. I’m sure I’ve probably shared this song before at some point in time of my blogging history, but you can never have too much Billie in your life, especially this song. 😉

Happy birthday, Lady Day! I hope you’re resting easy.

Brie <3

[04.07.16]

Jazz Music Love

February 12, 2016 Leave a Comment

This Sunday is Valentine’s Day as I’m sure you all have noticed by now. My husband and I have dinner, family time, and gifts planned for this weekend. But if you ask me, what is a weekend of love without the greatest genre of love music? (Don’t debate me on this. Jazz music is every emotion but above all it’s LOVE). In addition to it being Valentine’s Day weekend it is still Black History Month. I decided I wanted to share a post with a few of my favorite jazz love ballads by some of my favorite Black jazz musicians. Prayerfully, one day soon, the majority of my fellow Black people will come back to appreciating real music again. Music sharing the beauty of love and beautifully explaining heartache. Music that uplifts our people and those around us. Music that expresses our grace and strength through the perfect match up of instruments and words.

Fellas, if you’re wanting to impress the lady in your life, play one (or all) of these beautiful songs for her, and watch her be impressed with your caring, impeccable, and sophisticated taste in music. 😉

I hope you all have a weekend filled with love. Always remember sharing and spreading love on Valentine’s Day is not limited to those who have a significant other. Whoever you chose to spend the weekend with I hope you all have a fun, love filled, and safe weekend.

All Posts, Music Favorites

Throwback (Music) Thursday

January 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

I didn’t realize Aaliyah and Sade share the same birthday until earlier this week. How I’ve never known this information before then I’m not sure, because Aaliyah and Sade, are two of my favorite artists. I’ve known for a while I wanted to share a throwback song for this Thursday’s blog post. Since their birthdays were less than a week ago it lined up perfectly for me to use one song from each of these ladies for timeless throwback music.

As a 90’s kid, Aaliyah was the definition of perfection so many girls like myself wanted to be. Her death is still one that hurts my heart all of these years later. Thankfully, as a musical artist, one thing that will remain forever is her music. On the other hand, I have always known who Sade was because my family listened to her music, but didn’t get into her music until I got older. I’ve heard the line “Sade makes music for grown folks” for many years, and it’s only since I have gotten older I understand what the adults meant. Sade makes music for people who are so deeply in love or have experienced deep love that it’s truly something a younger child wouldn’t grasp. In honor of their birthdays and throwback Thursday I will share my favorite song by each of these lovely ladies below.

P.S.- Apparently musical artists born on January 16th are drop dead GORGEOUS because…look at their faces!

Happy throwback Thursday, everyone! Enjoy the music and the rest of your evening.

Brie <3

[01.21.16]

All Posts, Music Favorites

25

November 20, 2015 Leave a Comment

The title of this post should be self explanatory if you’ve been on the internet within the last 12 hours. However, if you are lost on the meaning of the number “25” on today’s date, it is the name of Adele latest album which was released, today, and it has been four years since she last released an album. I love Adele. She has a voice that can’t be faked and talent that can’t be imitated. She sings some of the most beautiful lyrics you will ever hear, whether the lyrics be beautiful in love or loss. If you haven’t listened to the album yet, I highly recommend you give it a listen A.S.A.P. I have personally listened to “Million Years Ago” about 50 times since earlier this morning. I feel her words to “Million Years Ago” in my soul, and it takes me away to another place in my mind. My other favorite songs/recommendations are “Remedy” and “All I Ask.”

In honor of today being “Adele Day” I wanted to share my favorite Adele song with all of you. This was one of my favorite songs to listen to in college and it’s a combination of beautiful vocals and nostalgia all wrapped up in one.

It also helps today is Friday, and in addition to the weekend we have great music to listen to. If you are like us, you are getting snow this weekend, which only makes it feel even more like the holiday season. Thanks for giving us beautiful music this season, Adele!

Happy Friday everyone!

Brie <3

[11.20.15]

All Posts, Family Love

Jordyn Denise : 1 year 4 months

October 19, 2015 Comments : 2

Miss Jordyn Denise is growing up and becoming such a little lady, or “little person” as my husband and I like to call her. It’s amazing how much she seems to learn in only one day. While we were home in September, her Auntie Andye taught her a dance/ballet move, as well as getting her to say “auntie” a few times.

I taught her to say “up” a little while back when she wanted to be picked up instead of yelling and whining. That lasted for a while until we taught her how to say “please” or “tease” in Jordyn language, when asking for anything in general. We have recently added the word “thank you” to her vocabulary with the last week or two. Now, whenever you hand her something (or she hands you something) she always says “taint tou” and it’s the cutest and sweetest “thank you” I’ve ever heard in my life :-). I also can’t wait for her to be old enough to sign up for gymnastics because she’s always balancing on her head trying to flip herself over.

Jordyn has also recently learned how to open the doors… yeah we weren’t too excited about that, but she sure was haha. She loves giving sweet kisses, dancing her little heart out, eating like a big girl in her high chair, playing/taking walks outside, wrestling with Ares, and playing “where is Jordyn?” with Daddy and Mommy. Did I mention she likes to mimic Ares and crawls around on all fours trying to lick us? LOL. Here is a picture of her following him around on all fours..

She is such a happy baby and so much fun to be around. She is hands down one of the funniest little kids I’ve ever met in my entire life. She has plenty of her Daddy and I’s (more so her Daddy haha) silliness. Jordyn is such a ham and has even developed a “fake” laugh to mock those around her when they laugh. I couldn’t be more thankful to hang out with such a cool little person every single day. She continues to teach us how to love unconditionally and be thankful for the little things that in turn are the big things in life. I’ll be back in a few months for another update on this smart little munchkin. Until then, here is a picture of her chasing me around the Halloween store the other night with a sword LOL. And yes, it’s blurry because I was running backwards from her hahaha..

Brie <3

[10.18.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love

To My PD Girl…

October 3, 2015 Leave a Comment

Dearest PD Girl,

Today marks one month since you have been gone. You went on to glory exactly one year to the day after meeting Jordyn for the first time in person. I believe it’s safe to say September 3rd will always be remembered as a cherished and emotional day for many people who were so close to you. If I am being completely honest it still hasn’t quite hit me that you’re gone. I would imagine this is what people mean when they talk about a disconnection between our hearts and our minds. My heart knows you’re gone, but I don’t think my mind has caught up just yet.

In the midst of all the craziness and planning going on while we were home, believe it or not I only cried twice. You would be proud of me! LOL. The truth is, I didn’t cry as much, or become as emotional, because all I could think about was how HILARIOUS you were. I was so busy replaying memories of you doing and/or saying funny things I couldn’t do much outside of laugh. I know you saw how loved you truly were by the number of people who showed up to your memorial, and had so many beautiful and funny stories to share about you. I didn’t even realize how many of my own family members and friends you had touched over time until the beautiful condolence messages and phone calls poured in.

A month sounds like a long time, but in actuality it’s much shorter than we realize. Four weeks translates to thirty days, and reminds us how fresh everything still is, and will be for some time. But it’s okay for us to be sad sometimes. It’s okay to let out a long cry or spend a day to ourselves in deep thought, because that is what you do when you lose someone who has made a major impact on your life. However, to remember you, and the spirit of who you were, I am going to share some of my favorite P.D. Girl memories with my readers. I even have a few pictures to go with some of these memories. (I don’t wanna hear it PD Girl! I can hear you cursing me out for sharing your pictures with strangers LOL)

I’m already laughing at this picture. PD, Toni and I, took a trip to California in the summer of 2011 to see a test launch Kris had been part of for the United States Air Force. Kris and I were acting a fool as usual when we noticed PD standing like this on the statue. In the midst of Kris and I playing around, PD couldn’t get her leg down and was yelling “Kris…I can’t get my leg down…Kris…I’m stuck!” LMAO! We still aren’t quite sure why Pd thought this was a good idea in the first place.

This picture was taken at Longhorn Steakhouse the night before Jon left for basic training. This memory makes me laugh because I remember this was originally supposed to be a picture of just you and Jon, but I jumped in at last-minute. When I yelled “wait, I wanna be in the picture too!” You said to me “don’t nobody want you in this picture little ugly girl!” Hahahaha! But look at nice the picture is even with me in it PD Girl!

This story isn’t specifically from our wedding day, but this picture is perfect because anytime I used to tell cute lovey dovey stories about Kris, or referred to him by some adorable name, your classic response was “So! Nobody cares about y’all..” LOL. We love you too, PD.

*These next few stories don’t have pictures to accompany them but they’re just as hilarious*

When I was in sixth grade and hospitalized for viral meningitis, you came to see me in the hospital multiple times. You actually drove us home from the hospital once I was discharged too. But what I do remember was your first visit to the hospital and your reaction to my hair not being combed. You said to my Mom “Kim, why you got my baby in here looking like this.” LOL. You then pulled a comb out of your purse and put my hair in two french braids :-).
In college I loved getting frozen custard from a place named, Andy’s, downtown Evanston. When I would walk over to Andy’s to get a concrete mixer or shake of some sort, you always made sure to tell me to bring something back for you. Considering you were diabetic, I would tell you I couldn’t bring you anything, and Toni would say the same thing. You would proceed to tell us how much you couldn’t stand either of us and turn your head to not face us anymore. LMAO.
This last story isn’t one that happened on one occasion. I used to always give you kisses whether you wanted them or not. I would say to you “I think you want me to give you some kisses PD Girl. Come on over here and get these kisses.” You would beg me not to kiss you as I walked towards you with my lips puckered up, and kiss you on your forehead and cheeks multiple times. It only took you a few years to realize my kisses weren’t going to stop which means you stopped fighting me and accepted your life LOL.

I could go on for days telling stories and reminiscing about how much you were and still are a part of my life. I had my own relationship with you and I am so thankful for that. I loved being able to talk to you about any and everything going on in my life and knowing you would give me straight to the chase, honest advice. That advice although honest, was always filled with love. When we cleaned your closet out I took this sweater of yours with me as my PD moment. It fits and looks perfect.

I will miss being able to give you forehead kisses when I see you or listen for one of your many hilarious comments about any and everything, but I’m at peace because I know you’re at peace. You are in a place where there is no more pain and suffering, but tons of love and happiness. Thanks for being an amazing extended Grandma, and beautiful person to know. You have blessed my life by being in it and for that and many other things I want to say, thank you. We all love and miss you more than words could ever express. At the end of it all I just want you to know you will always be and I will always love my PD Girl <3

Brie <3

[10.03.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary

Baker Orchard

September 30, 2015 Leave a Comment

Earlier this month my husband, daughter and I, went to visit the Baker Orchard in Centuria, WI. My (pretty much) brother-in-law, Ryan, his family owns the orchard. Ryan’s family lives in Minnesota, and since we were going to pass through Minnesota on our drive back to Montana from Illinois, we made plans to stop in Minnesota, and spend time with Ryan and his family. During our brief, yet fun stay with his family, we decided to go to their apple orchard and spend the day there. I happen to LOVE apple orchards, and knew it would be the perfect fall activity to wind down from a pretty hectic two weeks at home, in Illinois.

It was the perfect day to spend at the apple orchard. Seventy degrees, sunny, and not too crowded. We were able to check out the gallery filled with so many beautiful hand-made arts and crafts. In addition to the arts and crafts, there were yummy non perishable food items for sale as well, in the gallery. We bought a bottle of pure maple syrup, and Mexican hot chocolate to bring home with us. After we finished our shopping and tour of the gallery, we wandered out to the field and ate some extremely deliciously juicy apples. Jordyn had her first fresh picked apple that day, as well as, fresh cherry tomatoes from the garden that Uncle Ryan shared with her :-).

Here’s another picture of Jordyn thoroughly enjoying herself, running around the orchard, soaking up the fresh air.

By the end of the day we took a ride out to the “peace garden” and completely understood why it was called the peace garden. It was too beautiful to be able to describe in words, but it is truly a snap shot of how perfect God’s green earth can be. Kris, Ryan, Jordyn and I walked around the “peace garden”, took some beautiful and a few not so beautiful pictures while we were there LOL.

We ended the amazing trip to the Baker Orchard having drinks, eating food, and plenty of laughs with Ryan and his family. There were even a few games that took place. This was Kris’ first time at an apple orchard and it’s pretty safe to say enjoyed himself as much as I did. We ended the trip the only way you should end a trip as fun-filled as this one – with an awesome group selfie..

Thank you for the amazing hospitality you all showed us while we were in Minnesota. We had such a great time, and look forward to going back and spending more time with all of you. It’s very rare you meet people in person for the first time and feel like you’ve known them for years. Thanks for being amazing! We love and miss you all.

Brie <3

[09.30.15]

All Posts, Dear Diary

A Huge Birthday Thank You

September 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

Yesterday was my 27th golden birthday. Not only have I been blessed to see another year, but I had such an amazing day of being spoiled by my husband and baby girl. I received a massage, brunch in bed, a family walk, alone time to blog, and a delicious shrimp scampi alfredo made by my chef-boyardee husband. Here’s a picture of my oh so yummy breakfast plate 🙂

In addition to all of this spoiling; my Mom sent me my annual beautiful birthday flowers, I shared food and laughter with my Montana friends on Saturday evening, many loved ones posted special pictures/messages on social media for me, and I received so many text messages, phone calls, face time calls, and social media birthday wishes filled with nothing but love and happiness. Receiving love for my birthday on these platforms isn’t anything new, but as each year passes I learn to appreciate and be so thankful for those of you who take the time out of your day to send so much love my way. We grow up to learn exactly how precious time is in our lives, and for people to chose to spend their time on me means the world.

Twenty-six was a beautiful year filled with more ups than downs, and I can only imagine what golden year twenty-seven has in store for me. In the mean time, I pray and speak into existence this year brings blessings, grace, joy, love, prosperity, and wisdom. Not only for me, but for my loved ones as well.

Thank you again for all of the birthday love. You are all amazing and I love you all!

Brie <3

[09.28.15]

All Posts, Music Favorites

“Are You That Somebody”

August 25, 2015 Comment : 1

Today marks the 14th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death. Her death is one of those deaths that still hurts to think about to this day. Although I didn’t know her personally, what has always saddened me about her death was not only how she died, but how YOUNG she was when she died. Her life ended when most people are finally beginning to start their journey to figure life out. She died at the age I was when I graduated from college. Not only was she extremely young, she was beginning to take the industry by storm. From music to movies, Aaliyah was doing it all.

The day she died, my best friend Janelle and I, were on our way to the TRL Tour. Destiny’s Child, Eve, Nelly and the St. Lunatics, 3LW, and Dream were the performing acts. Each person/group mentioned her name and talked about how sad her death was to them. However, the one tribute I remember the most was Destiny’s Child. They held a moment of silence for her and dedicated their remake song “Emotions” to her and her family. I remember Beyoncé started crying during the performance.

Can we just take a second to talk about how much I wanted to dress EXACTLY like Aaliyah did? She is the queen of making the baggy tomboy look, sexy. And although we didn’t get to see it for very long, the complete transformation from the young sexy tomboy to the sexy grown woman was pretty awesome too. Just look at the difference of style:

I believe Aaliyah’s death had a huge impact on pre-teen and teenage girls, because of her seemingly beautiful spirit. Or as she would say she had “jazz personality, G mentality,” and it’s what made her so amazing to many of us. To remember her on this day, I’m sharing one of my favorite Aaliyah videos. Not only did I love the dancing and style in the video, this was and still is one of my favorite songs. For those of you who don’t remember, this song was on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack as well :-).

One last thing before I leave: I still want the all black outfit she dances in at the very end. It’s sexy and it’s even more motivation to get my #OperationTrackBody back!

Continue to R.I.P. Babygirl!

Brie <3

[08.25.15]

All Posts, Family Love

Happy 1st Birthday, Jordyn Denise!

June 18, 2015 Comments : 6

A year ago, today, my water broke at 2:30 a.m. I remember feeling so many emotions once the realization set in that the next time I walked into our home, we would be a family of four. I remember the nurses asking me as they wheeled me to the maternity wing “are you having contractions?” and my response being “I’m not sure. I feel a little uncomfortable, so maybe?” to which they followed up with “this is your first baby, huh?” and we all laughed. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine how much being a first time Mommy would change my life forever.

I only got to see your beautiful face and hear your equally beautiful cry for a minute before they gave Mommy the “sleeping medicine” on the table LOL. But I still remember how I cried immediately upon seeing your little face over the sheet before I fell asleep. However, the part I remember the most was when I finally was wheeled from the recovery room, and I was able to hold you for the first time. I don’t think I’ve ever cried that much in my life. I’m crying right now as I think about how perfect you were and still are. Your perfect little lips, nose, eyes, chin, ears, hair, fingers, toes, heartbeat…I could go on forever because everything about you was seriously perfect. I couldn’t believe the little baby girl I had shared my body with for exactly 37 weeks was finally in my arms. I couldn’t believe I could love someone so little, so much. It was that day I learned what it meant to have my heart on the outside of my body.

Everyday I say the same prayer for you. I thank God for bringing you into our lives, for allowing me to be your Mother, and for keeping you safe and sound. I thank Him for the joy and happiness you bring to everyone you encounter, as well as, being a blessing on this Earth. I pray you do God’s will and fulfill your purpose on His earth. I pray that no weapon formed against you shall prosper, and I end the prayer thanking God one more time for bringing you into my life.

You have taught me a love I will forever be grateful for. You have taught me why the title “Mommy” means the world and more. You have taught me how to love even deeper than I could ever imagine. You have taught me why being a parent is the greatest gift I could have ever received in this life.

Today is such a bittersweet feeling. I have spent the last eight months of your life sharing with the world how wonderful you are. I have written each blog post knowing it was only getting closer to your first birthday. As happy as I am you are growing into such a smart, beautiful and independent little girl, it makes me sad my little itty-bitty baby won’t need me as much as she once did. I am beyond excited to see what this next year will have in store. I especially can’t wait for all of the lessons you will teach me over the next year as well.

Happy birthday, Jordyn Denise Jamieson!

I pray God blesses you to see many many many more.

You are such a blessing and so loved.

Love, Mommy <3

[06.18.15]