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Here's to being REAL!

2/20/2013

5 Comments

 
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Hi friend! I’m Jessica...Originally I had this nice pat introduction to present to you, that’s how I’ve been living - all of my life; tidy…fake smiles, an “I’m fine” when I’m really not, pulling myself up by my boot-straps and pushing on while ‘saving face’ for the world. Well, that’s not working anymore and so here I am with my “revised” introduction. Here’s to being REAL! 

When this first photo was taken over a decade ago, I had plans for greatness: maybe a teacher, physiologist or interior designer, someone well known, liked and successful. More than anything though I wanted to be a bride and mother because I thought truly, that was the highest calling of all and I could be good, really good at that (was I ever dreaming!). I grew up poring over “Victoria” magazines and my wedding plans were nailed down by age 14 (seriously, don’t laugh). I found my prince charming (only after a prior broken engagement) was married by 21 and pregnant 10 months later with our now 6 year old daughter Nyomi. We’re the ‘three musketeers’, numbered not by choice but by rather by an unseen plan. And no, I’m not any of the “successful” careers listed above. Apart from daily trips to our daughter’s therapy, and dodging her unpredictable melt-downs, holding down the fort oft in a single-parent manner while my husband’s in school and maintaining a stressful career I do get to express myself as a makeup artist. It’s a privilege to “work on” such amazing woman; each of them uniquely different, truly stunning. I am passionate about women seeing themselves as nothing less than beautiful! 

Is this what I would have predicted my call to “greatness” reflecting? Not by a long shot (had you told me this from the get-go I would have hidden under the covers… indefinitely). Am I learning to find and SEE moments of hidden beauty and grace in the everyday – yes a resounding YES! Life is full of its imperfections; its scars and blemishes but, together, let’s turn our mirrors over and begin choosing to say… BEAUTIFUL! In the future I look forward to “doing” life alongside you, one beauty-filled moment at a time. 

“Life is not about creating yourself, life is about discovering yourself” 

unknown



5 Comments
Lindsay
3/2/2013 03:23:24 am

Jessica,
This was so real and your beautiful heart was shown. And thanks for challenging my heart in many ways!

Reply
Roselle
3/7/2013 01:13:46 am

Ten minutes ago, my son said to me, "Did you know God is the best vacuum?" Then, I read your eloquent words and beauty tidbit. And I decided that my 6 year old philosopher is right. We do have to ask Him to Hoover out the 'death-givers' like fear to reveal the youthful layers he means for us to have. Thank you.

Reply
Jessica Stoppard link
3/20/2013 09:09:31 pm

It's so refreshing to know we are all on this journey together. A journey towards freedom and just plain-old being Real! Thanks for your input ladies!

Reply
Judy
4/26/2013 09:25:57 pm

Jessica, Beauty radiates from you and your heart, from the inside to the outside. I've watched you grow up, and I'd say God is doing amazing things through you. This morning, God used you to speak to me in special ways. I am blessed to know you. Grace and style are words I would choose to describe you. Thank you for sharing your heart today.

Reply
Jessica Stoppard
4/27/2013 11:31:19 am

Judy, thank you for your kind words but even more so your encouragement! I appreciate you so much, in the way your life reflects such loveliness and thoughtfulness, you are an example to me.

Reply



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    Jessica

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    Inspired by all things beautiful, Jessica loves MAC makeup, strong coffee (in her favorite Anthropologie mug), a great read, and a wicked good pair of stilettos. As a professional Makeup Artist  and Esthetician, she is inspired by working with color, style and design in all it's forms and a great sale speaks her language enabling her to recreate looks she loves for less. It's the inner workings of a woman's soul  and the beauty found there that most inspire Jessica both personally and 
    professionally . As a woman who's lived through broken expectations and a mother of a child with unique needs Jessica clings to grace and looks for joy and beauty found in everyday moments. She writes from  a real and authentic place, where her words will not only invite us to look inward but will inspire us to cultivate the beauty found there.
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