Jessica de Vreeze

Sunday 12 April — Miami

Ok… learning to focus on counting blessings.

Truth is, life hands you challenges and you just do your best to show up the best way possible. Trying to balance energy—mind, body, spirit—all of it in action to keep the “show” running. And “beauty sleep” is not a luxury, but a need.

The truth is, at one point, when you are juggling everything while being in the moment, you don’t even know anymore if you are in survival mode or just going with the flow—taking in the moment the best possible way. The body, in general, has its way to say: stop it. You went too far. And you surely don’t want to cross that line.

Did I tell you my joke about turning into a hotel/restaurant for dear friends?

Did I tell you my joke about turning into a hotel/restaurant for dear friends?

Not mocking anyone—feeling blessed, truly. We had beautiful moments and enjoyed feeding everyone, sitting down more than usual around the table to share meals together.

This may sound like nothing—very normal in Europe, and somewhat more exceptional in the USA, where everything moves at such a high speed.

Also why I love Shabbat dinners, by the way.

But also, in truth… very tired.

With my husband doing an almost impossible back and forth to Europe for his father’s 80th birthday.

Happy he was able to join our first daughter—both of them representing our side of the family.

And this time, it was just not possible to do it all together as a family.

Hard not to all be together in person for these moments, even while holding the fort at home is fundamental.

That’s what happens when life is split across the world, with kids at school…

My sister-in-law masterminded the whole weekend celebration. It all came together, the family enjoyed it, and my father-in-law was overjoyed—so in the end, that’s what matters.

On another note, very proud of my first daughter for hosting the second night of Pessah with friends in Amsterdam.

We missed her—and miss her—but are so very proud.

Next year, hopefully we’ll all be together, with my parents and the rest of the family too. This year, we were all scattered around the world 🌎

Not forgetting our family and the families whose nights have been interrupted for the past 40+ days—always in our hearts and minds.

This Friday night, I had to take charge of setting up the candles once again, and I was lighting by myself.

Missing Tamar, who so kindly prepared all the Yom Tov candles. Bringing more light is so meaningful—it was a beautiful moment to share together these past 10 days.

On the art work side —amazing news: I just delivered “Wow you are amazing” to the Bass Museum of Art on Friday morning.

It will be part of the group exhibition for Night at the Museum and the silent auction (available online). Here s the link if you want to bid 😘 participate and acquire this piece « wow! You are beautiful « 

Feeling very grateful and honored to be part of this, and to support the contemporary Miami Beach art museum.

Today I’ll be at Peacock Park for the FIPA book fair—they will introduce the “If you would see” exhibition of Unchained Mothering to their participants. Come meet me there 11 am -12 pm they ll be there until 4 pm

More about Unchained Mothering click here

Wishing you a great Sunday.

On the international stage… hoping and praying for the best outcome.

Give me some news of your side of the world,

With love and light,

Jessica aka Hopeje

Ps: the photo I chose « Robin s 👖 «  is more than it seems. It’s a sign… always with us!