J's Place

Tag: fiction

  • I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

    I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

    For my Oldest.

    I can remember the first time I heard this song, released in September of 1992. I was 7.

    The memory is not super clear but I know I was with my daddy. I know It was in a truck and I know it was Alabama. One of his favorite bands. He and my mom’s song is “She and I.” I can tell you that song, line by line, without any prompts.

    The lyrics to “I’m in a hurry,” distinctly burned into my brain because it immediately reminded me of my father, he was always going. Always working. Always moving.

    When my sister and I were younger he was a Volunteer Fire Fighter. He managed a dealership and was the right hand man of the owner. He was bouncing to Chamber functions, fundraisers and putting out fires, literally and figuratively. We lived on 80-ish acres, he and my mother were maintaining that too, in their “spare time.”

    In short, this song hit close to home.

    Today, Sunday, August 30th 2026. I slept in until 7:48 AM. Early that morning, I woke up twice.

    Both times, bolted up right; startled.

    Both times, half asleep, worried about my girls and the new kitten.

    The kitten is staying in their bathroom. Did they put the toilet seat down, is the kitten going to drown in the toilet? Can the kitten even jump up on the toilet? All valid thoughts at 2:30 AM.

    Turns out, they were fine. They were safe. The kids and the kitten. So I went back to sleep.

    Church starts at 10:30 AM.

    After I watered the plants, bottle fed Mili, the 3rd name the girls have given the feline, since her rescue earlier this week; made sure the outside cats weren’t going to starve, gave the dog her new favorite chow, nourished the small humans, made a cake for a later gathering, cleaned the kitchen and got some fuel for myself, it was 9:45 AM.

    I did not do my hair, no time. I wore it up, which now required an easy/relaxed outfit, nothing fancy. I pulled on some flowy palazzo pants, ones with a stretchy waist.

    The full moon and Aunt flow had come to visit, I was bloated, hence the cake making, I never make cakes. Alas, the stretchy pants were a must. I paired the burnt orange pants with this new collared white shirt that ties really cute in the back. Accompanied with some turquoise and orange earrings, the outfit looked perfect.

    The kids were ready. I was ready. I turned off the bathroom lights, grabbed my coffee cup, took a sip and there it went, a big brown stain, down the front of my shirt.

    It was now 10:17 AM.

    I changed into another white shirt.

    My oldest lectured me like clock work “Mom, you better not spill coffee on THAT white shirt.” I stated confidently, with my shoulders back, “Oh, I wont. Let’s go girls, we are going to be late!”

    We pulled into the church parking lot at 10:28 AM.

    I put the car in park and took another sip of my coffee.

    As I took the cup from my lips, 3 large drops of hot liquid dripped down onto my chest, dark brown spots on a plain white tee, where my nipple would be.

    A small voice started singing from the passenger side. “I’m in a hurry to get things done, I’m rushin’ rushin’ till life’s no fun.”

    I looked at her and we smiled at each other. Nine years old. She knew. Just like I knew. No words had to come out.

    I put the car in reverse. We left the church parking lot. We put the windows down and turned on Alabama.

    We set out two Real Estate signs, signs that we would have rushed to put out after church, as we attempted to squeeze too much in before our scheduled play day at a dear friend’s home.

    This evening, when I asked the girls what made their heart happy today, their answer was, “little unexpected adventures you chose to take us on.”

    “All I really gotta do is live and die, I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.”

    Slow down.

    Peace- J.

  • Cover me with honesty.

    This is NOT a story about song covers.

    I’ll get to where I am going but It requires a pathway which can only be understood by someone with severe ADD. So, buckle your seatbelts, it will only be a little bumpy.

    From the backseat, with her window rolled down, my youngest, her “raised with wolves,” hair in a braid from the night before and 800 flyaways in her face, asked me a question. In the most natural way her four year old brain could muster.

    “Mom, is this the person that sings this song or is this a new person?” Our car rides usually include music and recent discussions have focused on whether the song is an original or a cover. A sign of the times I suppose.

    I squinted at her in the rear view, smirking, more proud than I have ever been. I mean, first steps and word sounds are a big deal but processing if a song is an original at 4 years old……….

    “Take My Breath Away.”

    I am a music nut. I come from good stock. George and Shryl Bray, who I get to call my parents, have perfected the art of enjoying music. My first memories are centered around hearing classic songs, laughter and enjoyment.

    This Spotify recommendation showed up yesterday and I give it an A+. Talented artists covering Neil Young songs. Please don’t get political. I don’t give a shit about what end of the rainbow someone stands on. Harvest was a great album.

    Alright. I am ready to circle back to the task at hand now. Squirrel trip finished.

    Yesterday was a very special friend’s Birthday. She turned 47. 😘

    I asked her permission to “mention,” her in my blog.

    I had been struggling the last few days on what to write.

    After opening my mind and asking for clarity. I knew she would be the focus.

    This picture was taken in the fall of 2014. I obtained my Real Estate license and graciously accepted the role of working as Victoria’s Marketing Director. I loved that job. I excitedly arrived early, always dressed up. The desk I was assigned to was intentionally placed across the small hallway. We were face to face on a daily basis.

    In total, the distance was about 12 feet. Far enough away but close enough to the action.

    When she assigned a task, she made contact with her ice blue eyes and explained the mission thoroughly. Her communication impeccable.

    Since 2014, between the two of us, a lot of life has happened. Externally from Real Estate.

    Those stories will stay between us for now. Victoria’s story isn’t mine to tell. But if you ever want to solve world problems at Far West, Jujis or Aldridge Gardens, I am game. All of those places slightly emulate what would be, a J’s Place vibe.

    Marinating on the subject of covers, my brain wondered to the ABBA classic, Dancing Queen. To me, this song embodies Victoria. Because, if you are not in the know, she also competes in ballroom dancing. This dancing diva also owns and operates a studio in Midland. She is not just a Real Estate magnate.

    Researching, I stumbled upon Kelly Clarkson performing a decent slow rendition, think “Beautiful Disaster” vibes. It is worth taking the time to listen. However, there is not a notable copy cat.

    Main thought of this entry:

    There will never be a cover of Victoria.

    There may be a false prophet or two but there will never be one to speak of, one that makes any real waves.

    As I reflect on my journey with Victoria over the past 11 years, I think about her prevailing qualities, what draws me to her and what makes her a true friend.

    1:) She is honest. Always. And you know it. I don’t know about y’all but I appreciate some damn honesty.

    2:) She is a teacher. She loves hard. She believes in you. She keeps up with you.

    3:) She is a shark. I learned from the best. Yes, there were times where I was put in my place. I am so grateful for those moments. Looking back, I would not have become the business woman I am today had it not been for her brutal, consistent honesty.

    She taught me to play to win, we are 100% commission in this business.

    Remember who pays your bills. (Looks hard at self in mirror.)

    4:) She has epic taste. A true classic and class act. From day one I have been spending hard earned cash sifting through her designer clothing and posh accessories that did not make it to The RealReal. The collections are on point. Elegant. Pure Victoria.

    • In 2015 I recall wearing a dress I found at Cavenders to a Fashion show at Julian Gold. She complimented it heavily and I revealed its original home. She said to NEVER tell anyone and it looked very expensive. It was $19. I always appreciated that advise. Never give away too much. Yet here I am spilling my entire life on a blog. Thanks https://www.instagram.com/brenebrown/ . That feeling of raw vulnerability though, whew GAME CHANGER!

    5:) She shows no fear. If VP has any, she hides it well. Like the Nike slogan, she “just does it.” She is that friend, that if you will get to know and allow into your life, will empower you, build you up and shine a light for you in your dark times.

    6:) Phenomenal gift giver. For all occasions. Nothing fancy. Just a small token to know she is thinking about you. Isn’t that what we all want, to be thought about and appreciated?

    These six reasons are mine alone. Others will have a completely different list.

    I try to incorporate a theme in these posts, hoping they help someone in any kind of way.

    This post’s prevailing perception? Always be grateful to the hand that feeds you. Remember where you came from. As younger musicians cover classics, they wouldn’t have that chance had there not been an original.

    Victoria has raised phenomenal Agents and Brokers. She groomed us. Shaped us.

    We have journeyed on our own crusades. Victoria continues to lead her own empire, as no one else will do a better job. I will continue to maintain a friendship built on respect and honesty with Victoria. Just like the desk placement, it has and will always been intentional. Be that friend.

    Peace- J.