So Tell Me About Yourself

I have been nominated for some blogger awards the past few weeks and most of them involve telling you something about myself.  So to tie in with my last post, seeing as how I'm on a path of self exploration with my 40 before 40 list, I thought this is rather thematic with this year.  I've combined a few of the questions from both, so hopefully that will cover the details.

What is your favorite movie? I like so many genres that it's hard to answer.  I think one of the movies that mostly impacted my life was Shadowlands, starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger telling the story of C. S. Lewis.

I'm a fan of C. S. Lewis and his approach to theology.  Another favorite is the Chronicles of Narnia.  I'm a sucker for allegories.

If you could relive any moment, what would it be and why?  My first kiss with my husband.  I came from a sorted past and kissed lots of frogs to find my prince, but this kiss was different than any I had ever had before or since.  It was simple, yet beautifully orchestrated; it changed our lives and ended with a profession of love that is just as strong today as it was almost 20 years ago.

What is your favorite season? It' would be a tie between Spring and Autumn.  I love the dance of change that surrounds us.  Autumn always makes me reflective with the pruning and removing of old things and Spring gives the rebirth of hope.  I've always felt connected to nature and God's beauty He shows us each day.  I find the seasons are symbolic of the changes and chapters of each of our lives.

If you could spend one day with a celebrity, who would it be and why? I have been connected with the entertainment industry ever since growing up.  You can read more about that under the "Who's Jen?" tab above.  I briefly worked for a few celebrities while living in L.A. and honestly, I'm a bit jaded with the industry and dislike how people are overly exalted for their talents.  I have already been blessed to sing background vocals for my all time favorite, Luther Vandross, just before his passing.  So I'd pass this opportunity on.  We are huge AMC fans.  The shows produced in the past few years have been at the top of our all time favorites, such as Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Hell on Wheels.  If I had to choose someone, I guess it would be Anson Mount, but not for me, for my husband.  His character portrayal of Cullen Bohannon on Hell on Wheels embodies some of what we try to instill in our 2 sons, a rugged gentleman with courage and tenderness, respect and honor, and righteous anger.  The writing and direction is excellent and one simple gesture speaks volumes to the story line.  I tease my husband that he has a man crush on the main character, but he always replies with, "That's a man's man right there!" and my Bama Boy loves a strong male lead and not the emasculation of many of today's roles.  And, it doesn't hurt that the character is a Southerner during the Civil War era.  Meeting a celebrity isn't high on our list, but we love to give a good kudos where it's deserved.  Check out the show - it's incredible.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?  We are on a mission to move to our dream land within the next few years.  Right now, it's Utah, but that could change.  We simply want land so our boys can be boys, where we can raise a small crop to feed us, and see the Milky Way at night.  Utah is our first choice simply for the proximity of Vegas or L.A. if we're called back to perform, but we're anxious to move our musical career to a more creative front and hang up the performance hat for a bit.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be more acceptive of myself.  As women, we are often very critical of our looks and I believe society puts that pressure on us.  I have many flaws that I have abhorred, but am learning to embrace them.  I have scars from a breast reduction, I have a very muscular build, and both of my boys left my tummy blemished.  The reduction is one of the best things I did for myself and redefined my image.  My muscles help me to embrace my 2 gentle giants that are off the charts in height, but still need to be picked up and cuddled from their momma.  And my tummy, well - I'm just a tiger that has earned her stripes.

What is your favorite song?  Working in the industry, I have performed in many different genres and couldn't pick just one.  I love the haunting tone of the dobro, the driving rhythm of pop and rock, the clever use of lyric in rap, the deliberate obligato of Cecilia Bartoli, the way latin music makes me want to dance, and the simple harmonies of a classic hymn.

And lastly, what are a few random facts about yourself.
 - I LOVE coffee.
-  I am quite emotive.  I love deeply, laugh loudly, and can become a mean ol Momma hen if need be!
-  I studied gymnastics and wanted to be Nadia Comaneci.
-  I was hit by a car at 9 and quit said career above.
-  I'm a word nerd and have a large vocabulary.
-  In high school, I was a cheerleader, but stopped cheering my senior year to 'preserve my voice for singing.'
-  I have a degree in Vocal Performance and love a good aria.
-  My boys must say 'ma'am' and 'sir.'  I'm raising gentlemen and what and huh are not acceptable responses.
-  I vehemently detest smoking.
-  I eat one thing at a time on my plate saving my favorite for last.
-  I get along with almost everyone I meet, love the spotlight of the stage, but also coming home to a quiet house and snuggling with those nearest and dearest to my heart.

There you have it.   Thank you for wanting to learn more about Jen @ Noting Grace!