Dear Beauties,
I could watch this video of Jill and me talking & laughing forever. What is more fun, more delightful, fulfilling and life-affirming than sitting down with a good friend you’ve known for 20 years, through various phases of life, from daily calls and triathlon training to some years apart, then coming back together and carrying on as if not even half a second has passed since you were sitting at The Dish after a long run talking about LIFE?
Life crackles through Jill. She is a beauty beacon, owning the fashion beacon retailer Baby & Company, a flagship Seattle store that has re-invented itself as a style delivery service on the move, popping up in cities along the West coast and now calling Sun Valley home.
I love Jill Brandmarker Donnelly; you will too. She is the Grand Yes to Life in action. Please go immediately to the video and let yourself be snap-crackled-and-popped by her energy, her views of life, her quick laughter and see a fun and rich friendship in action.
Here’s a menu of covered topics. But do I have to say it again? Watch the video—it includes a mating call that doesn’t go unanswered.
Jill believes. . .
Beauty opens up the dark heart.
Beauty evolves through us, in us, at every stage.
Beauty is boundless.
Beauty is infinite. How do you describe the size of the universe?
Kaleidoscope as antidepressant? Jill uses one as a tuning fork to refocus herself out of her dark heart. Sometimes she rests in that dark heart too.
The beauty of tomorrow — the do-over.
Where is beauty? Go out there, it’s everywhere.
Try this: Imagine the world is a kaleidoscope of beauty. Ever-changing swirls of experiences possible every second. Don’t get dizzy over this! Just imagine that however you feel in the moment, whatever you’re experiencing right now can change at any time. Even if you don’t think it’s possible. As a friend said the other night of a too-demanding job: “It’s a phase. It will pass.” Just like a slow-mo kaleidoscope. Now you might be seeing a lot of orange and feeling it pressing into your chest. Know it will change and perhaps you’ll start to see greens and blues and feel a light breeze easing your breathing. You’re not going through anything alone, we’re all there ALL of us, with you. XOOX
Beauty Q&A With Jill Donnelly