We’ve had a big year. Seen the stunning election of a convicted, twice impeached felon in the US and now understand that integrity and truth no longer matter to many humans on planet earth. Watched a couple of our girls move from home again, had more sick days than I care to count, done some really awesome hikes, gotten used to walking 6 kilometres home from work daily (to get fit), and learned so much about digital marketing and what the wave of AI is ushering in for SEO professionals like myself. It’s an exciting and scary time to be alive.
It feels like we are teetering on edge of something big. Maybe good, maybe bad, I don’t know. If 20 yr old Jeri told me what living in today’s world would look like, what it felt like to age and parent adult children, or that I would be living in NZ for a second time, working as an SEO Specialist I would’ve had a variety of responses. There would’ve been a “No way!” to the technology, and loss of integrity in the world, “ooooo gross” on the aging thing, “whatever works” to the parenting adult children situation, and “what is that?” to being an SEO specialist? We evolve moving on in life, changing rapidly while the earth yawns and stretches beneath us.
As I sit here in the present embracing the now I find it neither gross, unbelievable, nor hard to comprehend. In fact, I am amazed, thankful, frightened and mindful. Every day is a new opportunity to grow, spread love, watch and reflect. I choose carefully what I allow into my life and resist things that will cause me anxiety or pain while focusing on relationships and improvement.
We just had 51 people for Thanksgiving dinner and you would think that’s stressful. But in that single day of sharing a meal and everyone coming together to bring their dishes, meet new people and embrace old friends and family all the admin that rattles around in our minds took a backseat to good food, laughter, alcohol induced nonsense, and giggles, a prayer of thanks and love, memories of those that couldn’t be with us and the excitement of just being together in peace, good health and happiness. It was a blissful day!
As my American family and friends back home, get ready to celebrate their Thanksgiving. I wish them all the same. Time passes faster as we get older, time together is fleeting and long distance communication is never enough (no matter how many social media platforms you’re on). So, I want to tell you that I miss and love you all and hope to hear your voice, see your face, or embrace you soon.
I have had a wonderfully colorful life, rich with varied experiences. My ability as a singer and career as an administrative assistant/marketing communications manager; have presented me with a wide range of opportunities. I have been fortunate to work with and learn from some accomplished and intelligent business owners, executives and artists. I have explored the world, markets and non-profits I would have never dreamed of exploring.
I started out performing in community theater then professionally in night clubs and working as a studio vocalist at the age of 12 in Naples Florida, my home town. My vocal studies began at the age of 8 with my mother who gave me my first vocal lessons. I have had the opportunity to learn with some talented vocal coaches since those lessons with my mother. With them I developed the ability to sing Classical, Jazz and Pop; which allowed me to make a living in the music industry for over 30 years, in America, Europe and NZ. I became proficient in handling the business end of performing and teaching and developed administrative skills that would be used more prominently later on in my life, which I cover further down in this piece. I managed all my own performance bookings and began promoting myself as an up and coming singer, beating the pavement in Nashville TN and learned how to sell my talents in a place where everyone and their mother can sing. Performing in front of large audiences has forced me to be more than skilled at holding my own.
I have also been a studio singer and voice over artist, taught choir and private lessons and was the president of a local non-profit music school in NZ for 3 years.
Once my husband and I began a family, my career focus shifted more to assisting others in their businesses, along with marketing and often selling their products. I took on the roles of Sales, Marketing Communications and Administrative Assistant full time. Environments where I have worked in these capacities have varied. The most joy I find in my career is having the ability to tap into my creative side where I have been encouraged to indulge in my love for creative and copy writing, both personally and for professionally. I worked in our own residential and commercial playground company and for a Website development/social media management company and cherished watching the birth of our new products become known to the public and seeing our client base grow. I have developed the skill for marketing and promoting products and services through the written word, but I am also a strong and persuasive sales person face to face.
We moved from NZ where we had been for 12 yrs, back to Naples Florida in 2015. I took the position as the Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, at the church I grew up in. In my position there I used every skilled I had acquired over my lifetime, from administrative to performing as a vocalist/worship leader. I am a passionate employee and business woman and find it easy to fully immerse myself in my work while still finding joy in the day to day, what I do and the people in my life.
My passions are still singing, promoting, creative writing, encouraging others to pursue their dreams while achieve their goals and being outdoors. I love my hometown of Naples and take advantage of all the beauty and outdoor opportunities it has to offer on a regular basis. Being an active person I work best when on the move and busy, socializing and intellectually stimulated. I also thrive in a situation where I have the opportunity to continue learning new skills. I work on being the best version of myself and strive to give it my best shot every day.
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One thought on “Time Flies!!!”
Love you Bear, so grateful and THANK FUL FOR YOU AND OUR FRIENDSHIP!!❤️🤗👭💞💞💞
Love you Bear, so grateful and THANK FUL FOR YOU AND OUR FRIENDSHIP!!❤️🤗👭💞💞💞
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