“Take the risks, make the big moves, even if they’re small moves. Forge ahead with your lives in any and every direction that moves you. I’m asking you to be fearless,” is a line that Mandy Moore’s character Rebecca Pearson says, in one of the most poignant moments of television — “This is Us.”

Growing up, television always made this only child feel as though she was part of a family and wasn’t so alone, discovering shows like “Full House,” “7th Heaven,” “Boy Meets World” and “The Wonder Years.” I gravitated toward entertainment that showed the importance of the relationships in our lives, growing up and the lessons we learn along the way. Later, it became shows such as “Gilmore Girls,” “One Tree Hill,” and “This is Us.”

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a drive for the entertainment industry, doing my best to be part of that world, beyond just the typical fan or art consumer. Although I haven’t had professional training or experience in this space, many of my hobbies and projects have revolved around it throughout my education and extracurricular activities.

I was always fascinated by the behind-the-scenes process of Hollywood’s movie and TV magic. I was the kid searching Google for movie premieres I could attend and drag my parents to. We attended “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” red carpet fan section, just hoping for a glimpse of Hilary Duff and any other cast members. On the playground, I tried to reenact scenes or rewrite my own scripts, forcing my cousin to learn the lines and put on a production for our families during celebrations. 

I took opportunities wherever I could — choir and theater productions, student government, yearbook, performing and writing. Then, I moved on to student newspaper and magazine publications as I transitioned to college. I once aspired to become a reporter to cover red carpet events in Hollywood or music in Nashville, but life led me in a different direction and instead took me down the path of public relations. If I wasn’t in front of the camera or on a TV show, I would report on it.

Now, as a professional in the marketing and communications field for nearly a decade, I have put my bachelor’s degree in communications to good use in a variety of settings, working my way from a public affairs coordinator, writing press releases and arranging media relations to a marketing specialist, strategizing social media and leading email marketing for a university.

Through it all, my love for the arts and entertainment scene has persisted, and I always return to this dream and passion I have for the film and TV world. In my downtime, I take day trips to Los Angeles for tours of movie studios, attend TV show tapings, fan sections of red carpet events, concerts or find locations used as backdrops in my favorite movies and TV shows. I blog and document my experiences to bring others along for the journey. It isn’t enough just to do it for fun anymore, it’s something I want to pursue diligently. I devour material and classes I can about the business, including Shonda Rhimes’ Masterclass on TV writing, joining groups with other aspiring screenwriters and others who work in the industry.

I live and breathe entertainment, but also understand how challenging breaking into the industry is, as is not being in the city where it all happens. CSU Fullerton’s MFA program in communications would be an open door to walk into future possibilities and opportunities. Focusing on entertainment and tourism, this program is the best of both worlds for my interests. It would allow me to better understand and grow my knowledge of hospitality, media and audiences as well as strategic techniques within the industry.

As I take my career to the next level, I believe this is a chance to continue to better myself as a communicator. I can build on the foundation I’ve acquired to challenge myself and pursue the passion I’ve always had for film and television. Just in the years that I’ve been out of college, the world of communications has changed and advanced so much, and I want to be on top of the latest trends and the issues that are now faced in the media.

I’m excited about the possibility of being able to network, not only with my classmates, but to learn from professors who have direct experience in the media industry, connect with industry experts in an internship and absorb the course material.

When I look ahead to the career I want to have, I want to obtain a marketing manager position for a production company or film studio. I see myself collaborating alongside publicists, social media managers and creative directors to brainstorm and effectively highlight television shows, using the experience I’ve acquired through my previous positions within print publications, nonprofits and social media branding. Ultimately, I would like to create and be the showrunner of my own dramedy on one of the main television networks.

I have successfully learned the importance of forging and nurturing relationships with media contacts as well as within the teams I’ve worked with by laying a foundation of trust and genuine connection. I am a team player, a prolific writer, and adaptable to many situations from last-minute projects to shifts in leadership. I’m used to being quick on my feet and working with ample or limited resources provided.

Areas I could improve upon include execution. I’m always eager to brainstorm and jump into an idea, but moving forward, I want to learn to delegate more when necessary, and avoid overextending myself to lend greater productivity and creativity in my projects. I would also like to improve my research skills to better understand audiences through statistics and figures and consumer reports and data. Additionally, I would like to create opportunities to participate in projects within the entertainment industry as an innovative and valued contributor.

If accepted, I am ready to hit the ground running and give everything I have to this program. I want to be part of creating the same kinds of shows that I’ve always found when I’ve needed them, to share as a reminder with someone that they aren’t alone, their stories matter and even the ordinary can be something absolutely incredible.

Statement of Purpose

A young girl on an elementary school playground casually suggests that she and her friends play “Full House” or “Growing Pains,” two of her favorite shows at the time, during the morning recess break. She’s serious about it, too – setting the scene and giving them a detailed plot of what each character is to do, as they’d roll their eyes or walk off to the other activities that seemed far more interesting to them.

Apparently, most kids at the ages of seven and eight would rather play tetherball or dodgeball than pretend they’re the cool leather-jacket-wearing Uncle Jesse or teen heartthrob, Mike Seaver.

Unfortunately, I can’t relate, as I was the young girl on the receiving end of those blank stares after my suggestions.

Throughout my adolescence, I’d work on my own stories and scripts and would often make my cousins participate at family functions and birthday parties, probably much to their dismay.

I was hooked on storytelling in whatever medium I could get my hands on – television, books, movies.

Escaping to the world of television was my safety net. The place I felt I belonged. It was close enough to represent reality but far enough away in that it reminded me to want more. To do more. It wasn’t frowned upon to have extraordinary dreams.

The normally quiet girl in the classroom came alive through the arts – and it seems that with every heartbeat came another idea or written word.

At 29, I have now lived enough life to know that this dream is more than a starry-eyed gaze into the future. Working in higher education for the past five years, I’ve experienced my fair share of doubt, but I refuse to quit. Even when the odds are stackedagainst me, my love and passion for writing has remained at the forefront of my mind. I see it all as material to be used in the future. That’s what life and storytelling is all about.

Much like all the creative ideas flowing through my head, I apply as a hopeful Matador whose story is not finished yet.

If accepted into this program, I want to tell the stories of the underdog. I want to be a voice to the voiceless. The ones that don’t feel like their opinions don’t matter because they aren’t X, Y or Z. The ones that feel the need to raise their hand before speaking. I want “the quiet ones,” “the odd ones” or “the good girls” to know that they are just as capable of doing big things as the loudest person at the table in a meeting.

Sometimes they have more to say, it’s just finding the right person who will listen.

I want women to know that they are the heroes of their own stories.

Happy Fourth of Ju - No, that’s not right. Happy Thanks- Merry Christmas?

It’s actually only April in case you’re confused on what day it is. Me too! According to the calendar, Easter has passed and “summer” is upon us in just a couple months.

We’re only a quarter of the way through the year and it feels like we’ve lived a few years in one. These are absolutely crazy times, that’s for sure.

So, let’s see… What have I been up to during quarantine, you may ask? Probably a lot of what you have also been up to.

I’ve still been working from home 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It feels like we’ve actually been busier over the last five weeks than when we were in the office. So that’s kept me in the zone.

I’ve read…A lot. Some fiction. Some about spiritual life. And a few autobiographical, a couple that I just finished on Saturday, in fact - Rob Lowe’s “Stories I Only Tell My Friends” and Loretta Lynn’s “Me & Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust,” about her friendship with Patsy Cline. I’ve been lost in stories and escaping the current pandemic situation. And I can’t stop ordering books from Amazon. Even though I still have stacks of unread books around my room. I understand this is a problem.

I’ve watched a few movies. Mostly ones that I’ve seen before and bring me comfort, like “Enchanted” or “Notting Hill.” But, I did watch a couple I’ve been meaning to see - “About Time” and “Love, The Coopers.”

I’ve also started a few TV series that have been on my list of things to watch. My latest obsession is “Brothers & Sisters.” It’s so good - Rob Lowe, Calista Flockhart, Sally Field and more. It has drama, some suspense and twists, as well as plenty of family and relationship dynamics to be fascinated with, which is my very favorite thing. Can you tell I’m going through a Rob Lowe phase? I’ve also watched “Community,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and “The West Wing.”

There have been some cozy rainy days, where I’ve curled up with a blanket and a hot drink, just admiring the gray skies, the sound of the water dripping from the roof to the sidewalk and letting myself get carried away in the creative zone, pretending I was in London. Other days, the skies were so blue and the air was warm, that it felt like the perfect LA beach day.

I’ve gotten some exercise in - I’ve gone on walks a lot through the week to break up working from home, clear my mind and to just stay active. I’ve tried out Carrie Underwood’s Fit52 app and I’ve tried to squeeze in squats, push-ups and other simple exercises throughout the day that I can do in the house without it taking much time.

I was rejected from USC. I’d applied to the John Wells Division of TV and Screenwriting back in November, but finally found out I didn’t get in. That hurt. Especially when it was one of the first weeks of processing all of this transition of working and doing most things from home. But, it’s all good now. I’m ready for whatever’s next. Even though I have no idea what that looks like right now.

I also started a podcast!! It’s something I’ve wanted to do forever, but kept putting off. I ordered the microphone sometime last year, and it’s just been sitting on my desk collecting dust. Now seemed like the best time to give it a try. I did and I’ve loved every second of it. It’s given me a chance to tell my stories and get really honest with myself.

I’ve been trying to fill a lot of the other time by working on honing my craft - journaling, reading books on writing, taking classes on writing (including Aaron Sorkin’s Masterclass on “Screenwriting) and so on. I’ve tried to also get back into some things I’ve missed, like making playlists or making graphics, editing some photos, getting hooked on Pinterest again with all of the clothes, bright colors and makeup ideas for spring. It’s been fun to just use a different part of my brain that I’ve tuned out for awhile.

I’ve spent more time with my parents, still living at home and all. On the weekends, we’ll pick up food from a local restaurant and eat in the car, which seems to have become a thing, you know? Otherwise, we’re just at home, like most people. Although, we did take a drive out to see this year's batch of poppies. That was a fun adventure of sunshine and getting out of town!

I’ve stayed in contact with most of my coworkers, especially those I’m closest with, like my work mom and those in those in my department of public affairs. I’ve spoken to a lot of my closest friends and family through plenty of text messages and phone calls, which has warmed my heart a lot. I also had a couple friend dates with one of my best friends, picking up food at one of our local restaurants and getting coffee, while social distancing from our cars. It's so good for the soul, and I highly recommend it when you can.

I’ve had incredibly positive days, where I’m so glad to be working from home and have this “extra time” to be with my mom and my dog or to work on other projects. And then there have been dark moments, a few tears shed, days where I feel like I’m just being swallowed up. I think we’re all just taking it as it comes and doing the best we can. I’ve tried to have grace for myself as much as possible during this transition. We’ve never dealt with a quarantine or working from home for long periods of time and that takes adjusting. It’s okay if it takes longer to get used to this way of living.

I’ve had a hard time sleeping most nights - whether it’s falling asleep or if I fall asleep fine, then I wake up multiple times or toss and turn. I’ve tried melatonin and Olly vitamin gummies. My doctor suggested chamomile tea, which seems to have worked the past few nights, so I think I’ll continue to do that. If not, I’ll just keep watching “The West Wing” and ordering books about White House speechwriters at 1 a.m., like I did last night. That was fun!

These days, I’m finding my groove and a rhythm. I wake up a little later, make my coffee, put my makeup on, while I’m turning on my computer and getting into my email. I’m able to work on my biggest, or most time-consuming projects, in the morning. I work pretty solid until lunch. Then I’ll try to go on a walk in my neighborhood, listen to music or do something that will clear my mind or get me out of the house for a bit. For the rest of the afternoon, I’ll finalize any stories or projects I’ve been working on, give updates to my team or send any other emails I need to that aren’t as draining and don’t take as much mental effort.

I’m not sure how much longer this will last, but I’m trying to make the most of it, however that looks like. I think like anything, there are ebbs and flows to this situation. We just have to take it all one step at a time.

That's all for now,

Shelby

I tend to think of my life in terms of eras or phases.

Although I would guess most people do the same, especially when it comes to hairstyles, fashions and fads. You know, where you can look at a picture and know exactly what time period it took place in? Or what the soundtrack to your life was at the time?

Plaid skirts and ponytails? Well, that was Britney Spears circa late 90s. Butterfly clips, glitter and blowup furniture? Early 00s and so on.

The last year of my life has been a new era. No, it didn’t involve butterfly clips or any other fashion trends. It wasn’t about the music I listened to or even the places I went.

I think it was the first time in my life that I started owning my story. Using my voice for more than just my job. I started becoming more intentional about it. I started speaking up more, going after the things I wanted, embracing the things that make me different and trying not to sweat the small stuff. (I said trying, not necessarily succeeding).

But, I know that, regardless of what I'm wearing in photos from the last year-and-a-half, I'll know exactly when it was. I will see it in my smile and the way I carry myself. The way my eyes shine, because of what they've seen and overcome. For what I tried, even if I didn't succeed or nothing came of it.

I'll remember the magic and heartbreak that occurred.

It'll be more than a phase. It'll be part of my new lifestyle.

xoxo,

Shelby

I roll out of bed, follow my mom to the car in my pj's, complete with my blanket and bedhead, butterflies filling my stomach.

It's Tuesday. That means a day at grandma and grandpa's house.

What will they have in store for me today?

Mom drops me off at the door, I give her a kiss and hug goodbye. I'll see her after she gets off work.

Grandma greets me at the door and walks me to "my" room to put my backpack and blanket away. She points to the dresser, where there are toys, *NSYNC trading cards and other knick knacks that I can choose from. I obviously pick the *NSYNC cards first, because I love them.

I glance around the living room, decorated with a southwestern aesthetic. Think Santa Fe vibes with an ox head on the wall, a wooden pallet lined wall, wooden beams, cream colored furniture and other Native American items, like a weaved basket and drum set and trunks, all surrounding the television. My favorite area is the corner by the fireplace, though. The way the other set of couches is positioned makes me feel like my own little space to use my imagination and play pretend.

The kitchen is a cross between the 60s/70s decor with a green vintage double-oven, funky green patterned flooring (that I actually really loved), antique treasures, like an older slot machine, wooden phone and shelves with items from years past. At the edge is a small wooden dining table that no one ever actually sits down at, it's mostly for looks with decorative plates and fake baked goods under glass cases, like bread or cupcakes.

Coffee brews in the kitchen, the strong smell of caffeine wafts through the living room, while grandpa sits in his chair, reading a western book of some kind or says his morning prayers. Grandma either hurriedly wipes down the counters or puts a bagel in the toaster or some other baked good in the oven. That was her place- always making fudge, candy or some other savory dish.

As I settle in the living room with my kid cappuccino, I look to the backyard. Out there, Socks and OJ, their cats, lounge around and eat breakfast on the patio. The pool is still and peaceful, the air is cool and the sun breaks through the trees, while the other half is still shaded. Somehow all I can think about is how I wish it was warmer already, so I could put on my bathing suit and jump in the pool.

For now, I play with my dollhouse, creating story lines for the plastic family and their dog, arranging their belongings, before switching to my barbecue grill play set.

Grandma will spend most of the morning deep in prayer, as well. I kept myself occupied, but always admiring the power of prayer as I witnessed it with those two. The way they carved time out before they did anything else, turning it over to God.

Grandma and grandpa's house was a wonderland. As a child, I equated it to a day at Disneyland or the very best daycare - complete with prizes, movies and field trips to local spots.

When Christmas would come around, grandma transformed the house into Santa's workshop with animatronics, jingle bells and toys that sang and played holiday tunes. Fake snow, miniature villages, Disney figurines, a nativity set, and of course, a tree, decked with green, gold and red ornaments. "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" was our jam. Kind of morbid when I think about it now, but we'd always turn it up, laugh and sing along. Even the smells fit the occasion with pine and cinnamon scents.

There are so many moments, smells and memories that are connected to her: Southwestern decor; antiques; jukeboxes; my love for diners; country music (that's where I developed my love for Country Weekly Magazine); photo albums and hearing stories about my mom, aunt and uncle growing up or their family vacations; makeup, clothes and purses (to me, grandma was like this glamorous movie star in my eyes and watching her get ready in the morning was like watching art unfold right before my eyes); candy (specifically peppermint patties, sugar-coated fruit slices or almost jelly-like discs? and circus peanuts); Disneyland and sing-a-long videos in the parks; playing dress up; trips to Toys-R-Us, lanterns hanging on the porch and a fountain that changed colors in the center of the pool at night. And somehow in the afternoons, the house always managed to smell of apples and oranges, though just an air freshener, it smelled clean and heavenly.

Everything felt like magic. She made it that way.

Sometimes when life just feels like too much, I close my eyes and I'm there again. In the living room, watching "Full House" or splashing around in the pool, putting on a show for my grandpa. My worries disappear, my grandparents are back, if only for a few minutes in my and life seems to make sense again.

I wish I'd known the power of those years, all those Tuesdays I spent, while I was in them.

But, I guess that's part of growing up.

You don't realize until later just how much of an impact on you the people in your life had.

Bittersweet memories.

xoxo,

Shelby

Growing up, every night before making the dreaded walk to my bedroom, I’d take one last look around the living room, hating the thought that I might be missing an entertaining guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, then I’d tell my parents goodnight. My dad’s response was always “sleep tight and dream big,” then he’d give me a tight hug and a kiss. 

I’d smile and nod my head, then walk to my room and lay my head on the pillow. In the dark, with only the glow of a clock or night light, thoughts of the future would swirl around in my mind.

My dad might have just meant in my dreams for that night, but I took the lesson to heart.

I was the girl who never thought any dream was too big - a wide-eyed dreamer, who never stopped to think about the reality of something not working out. I would jump at the chance for a new opportunity, not assessing the risk or failure that might come with it. I was quiet, but always said what I needed to. I had many friends, but only a few I held close. I spent most afternoons with my grandparents and I loved to help people. I held my faith in God close to my heart and on my sleeve.

While most kids wanted to play tetherball or basketball at recess, I was dreaming up stories and wanting to reenact or rewrite my favorite scenes from television shows I’d watched the night before, like “Lizzie McGuire” or “Full House. Many of my friends found it strange or didn’t understand my interest in those things and at the time, I thought everyone was interested in the entertainment industry like I was.

Never the one to speak out of turn, I always found myself drawn to the spotlight of the stage.

I wanted to act. I wanted to sing. I wanted to write.

One of the first stories I can recall writing as a child was a story about a cat, who wanted to be a pop star, like Britney Spears. In unoriginal fashion, her name was Kitney Spears and she had big dreams and aspirations. Her friends and family didn’t quite understand her ambitions and the path she wanted to take. When she finally made it, they cheered and apologized for not believing in her from the start.

Always performing for family and friends, I eventually joined the drama team at church and in elementary school at the age of 10. It was easier to find myself in a character and have the answers at my disposal, than it was to wing it through life, wondering what was going to come next or how I was going to say it. It didn’t feel like something I needed to force, it was something I just sort of slipped into, like it had been there all along.

Going into my tweens and teenage years, my passions were different than most, as well. I could memorize dialogue from movies and TV shows after only one watch, but ask me what was first on the periodic table of elements and I would’ve blanked. I wrote whenever I could - lunch breaks, a few minutes of downtime in class, or on my phone on the way home.

I lived and breathed whatever I could of the entertainment industry - researching, attending events, like “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” premiere red carpet, and learning as much about the behind the scenes process as I could, especially living just two hours away from where the magic happens.

Dream big, while simple in nature, was a phrase that meant more to me than just something I held onto at night. To be more. To do more. To live more. Getting older, I realized the statement of “dream big” was not enough on its own. I held onto it, but I fought harder. My focus shifted in college. I would be a journalist and tell other people’s stories. Still, it was storytelling and it felt right.

It got me the degree. It landed me a job in public relations, along with other opportunities that advanced me in my career. It helped me find new passions and mediums for storytelling. And yet, it seems that after you turn 25 and have a good life, you wonder if there could be more. If you could do more. Sometimes you lose yourself along the way and forget why you started in the first place.

Earlier this year, I found a photo of myself when I was younger - the wide-eyed girl who didn’t know what was to come. I slipped the photo onto my dresser mirror and decided then and there that I was going to find her again. I was going to promise that little girl in the picture that I was going to keep dreaming big, even if it killed me. I knew the wide-eyed optimistic girl was in there somewhere. I just needed to take some time to find her again.

lunch

We were hungry when we got to town, not having eaten breakfast. I started looking up cafes and cute places to go while we were on the freeway and found a charming little place. But, the menu turned out not to be quite what we were expecting when we sat down. Neither were the prices. So we walked around until we found another place, Interstellar, that seemed to have a nice mix of food and coffee (the most important part, truthfully).

We safely social-distanced at a table for two on their patio and took our time eating and enjoying the cooler weather. I had tacos and Brittany had a breakfast burrito of sorts. We both had coffee, too. It was tasty and not too expensive, which is really all you can ask for. They also allowed you to use the restroom inside, as long as you wore your mask.

sun and sand

Once we finished lunch, we decided head closer to the pier and ocean.

We hit the sand first to get a better view of the ocean and dip our toes in. We found a spot away from everyone and enjoy ourselves, while still wearing masks. We also turned it into our own mini photoshoot, which was fun, using underneath the pier and the pier’s ferris wheel as our backdrops.

There’s something so freeing about the ocean - I felt all of the heaviness and weight I’d been experiencing over the previous months lift, even if just for a bit of time. I felt calm and honestly, like myself again. I’d missed her. The sparks of creativity and the spunk that I usually feel. Brittany and I hadn’t been able to do a trip like that in awhile either, so it was great to just spend more time with her, laughing at dumb stuff one minute and getting all philosophical about life in the next.

From there, we decided to head up to the pier.

I know they’re trying to make it “safer” to be in larger crowds and not have so many people at once. But, the new path to get to the pier seems a tad more confusing and less social-distance friendly (the path itself is more narrow to get to the pier) than it would be if everyone just walked on like normal.

But, I digress.

While the beach itself was still pretty packed with people, the pier did seem more open than usual. It didn’t feel like you were bumping into people the entire time, which was a nice change.

I got another coffee from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, then we walked to the edge of the pier and back. We decided to find a bench and just enjoy the view. We talked life and relationships and work and the future and God…And all of the things that friends do.

We didn’t have any other plans and it was nice to not feel that rush of having to get to the next destination, like it might have felt before COVID. We took in the view of the ocean and observed people around us. It was just a lot of fun!

After a few hours passed, we decided we could try to go to another area of LA. I Googled attraction after attraction, list after list, trying to figure out what was open and not too far away from us. We decided on the Beachwood Café.

Side note: If you do go to the Santa Monica area, know that they are heavily enforcing masks. They are to be worn at all times and there is a $100 fine for those who don’t have them on in public.

beachwood café

Since Harry Styles’ album dropped last year, I’ve wanted to go to the Beachwood Café, as mentioned in the song “Falling.” Brittany was also always on board with this idea. And there was no time like the present to try it out.

It’s tucked away in a suburb-like area, if you can consider the Hollywood Hills at all like a suburb? Or its own small community. There’s a grocery store, a vintage store, a couple other shops and of course, the restaurant.

It has a vintage, 70’s-esque feel to it with checkered floors, wooden tables and funky wallpaper. However, being that you can’t eat inside restaurants these days, we didn’t get the full effect of the vibe. I ordered a Greek salad and Brittany decided on a pizza. We ate it outside on a bench, people watching and commenting on the cars that drove past us.

Definitely recommend, especially if you’re a Harry Styles fan! And even if not. It’s a cute little area - very peaceful and just far enough out of the city life of LA.

We stopped at the little grocery store next to it on our way back to the car! Didn’t buy anything, but again…Not crowded, very clean and quiet. A charming area and made you feel like you’re in a movie, although, every spot feels like that when in LA.

hollywood hills and griffith observatory

The sun was starting to go down as we tried to figure out what to do next. We tried finding playlists that fit the LA vibes we were going for and drove around for a bit, admiring the houses in the area and daydreaming.

Shortly after, we decided on Griffith Observatory and made our way through Griffith Park. I remember the days when you didn’t have to pay to visit, but that was years ago, I suppose. Now it’s $15/hour. But, it’s absolutely worth it. And this was the time to go, because there weren’t as many crowds and cars packed into the space. Again, it was nice to slow down and feel like you could actually appreciate the moment without being so distracted by the hustle and buzz of everything around.

There was plenty of room to walk around and take photos without feeling rushed or like there were just too many people to get by. The sun was setting and the weather was warm, but just right. We walked around, soaked up the city views and took our time at the tourist attraction. It really is one of my favorite places to just get away, daydream and process life. There’s a reason it’s been featured in so many films over the years. It’s such a staple in LA and brings it to life.

We tried to think of something else to do, but with a lot of attractions and restaurants being closed or limited hours, we weren’t sure what exactly to do. We drove around for a little while, as I tried to Google lists of things to do in Los Angeles, but ultimately decided it was best to head home.

I’m so glad we decided to go out of town at the last minute. I really do encourage it, as long as you’re taking safety precautions and doing what feels right for you. I think right now we could all use a bit of fun and excitement in our lives, and sometimes just a drive or a day at the beach, is enough to lift our spirits.

I’m excited for the next trip!

here are a few lessons i’ve learned throughout the last few months:

• The more I’ve watched films and TV shows and listened to music, I’ve noticed how artists have either recycled ideas or pulled inspiration from others, with a new twist each time and being able to spot more of those influences on albums or dialogue and so on. And I’m just amazed by it.

• I’m not willing to compromise my faith/relationship with God for a guy who isn’t on the same page as me, whether he’s willing or not.

• It’s important for everyone’s voices to be heard. The black community has been fighting for centuries and now it’s time for the rest of us to step up to the plate and amplify that. This is something we should all be in on together.

• There’s nothing like a trip out of town and a few moments at the beach to fill your soul and remind you of your purpose. Resets are crucial to your mental health and the creative process.

• When going on a date, position it as “do I like him?,” rather than “does he like me?” And sometimes you have to continuously choose yourself.

• Your calling is your why and your job is the how. The job will shift throughout time. It’s not about where you are - you can live out your calling no matter what room you’re in.

• I wrote a few quotes down in my journal when I was going through a bit of a self-doubt phase, but when I saw these…It changed my perspective:
  “Insecurity is loud; confidence is quiet.” -Nancy Juvonen
  “When you do the job and you’re good at it, the work speaks for itself.” - Eva Longoria

• A little bit of work on a project each day really does do a lot in the long run. Have a vision at the beginning, but break it down. Don’t overwhelm yourself with feeling like you have to do it all at once (something I’ve always had a problem with - all or nothing really gets me into trouble).

• If you find out you’re allergic to something, you should really stop torturing yourself by eating it. I have probably said this time and time again. I have also failed time and time again (with wheat/gluten), which results to pain in my stomach, sinus issues, headaches, my lips swelling and more. So don’t be like me!

• Fresh air and movement really go a long way. When it wasn’t 110 degrees outside, I tried to make going for a walk in my neighborhood a normal occurrence every day. It helped clear my head, helped calm the anxiety and just got me out of the house, moving around more.

• When your people text you in a pinch or are having a rough day and need to talk, you drop what you’re doing to be there for them (within reason, of course). Time and time again, I’ve had people closest to me drop everything to give me a hug, give me a shoulder to cry on or listen to me vent in person or ramble in a text or voice memo. I will do everything I can to give them a call or respond to a text when they’re going through the same thing. Right now, more than ever, we need to hold our people close.

• Everything happens in our own time frame. We can’t compare how things play out in our lives to what’s happening to our friends or the acquaintance at the coffee shop or the girl on Instagram. You just have to do and focus on what’s right for you.

And that brings us, yet again, to anticipating another season - fall. My favorite time of year! Cooler months with cozy sweaters and boots (at least I always hope for that anyway), hot beverages, pumpkin everything, festive Gilmore girl episodes, holiday season anticipation, Friendsgiving events and more.
I’m also looking forward to a short trip to Dallas, TX, a girl’s trip before the end of the year with a few of my favorite gal pals/coworkers and who knows what else lies in store.
I’m not sure what the rest of this year will play out like. I don’t think any of us do at this point, but I do hope for more hope and joy. We’ve all been bombarded with so much bad news since March. I think we could all just really use a bright spot. I hope that while things might not be normal for a bit longer, I hope we can slowly start adjusting to getting out more and being able to do some things like we used to. Or at the very least being able to continue to slow down more and appreciate what’s still all around us - faith and love.

Here’s to finishing off the rest of the year strong!

Outings

There weren’t any pumpkin patches or special trips or any other annual events to attend this year. But, one of my best friends and I had a bit of a “fall outing” of our own that consisted of coffee at one of our favorite local spots and exploring our downtown area, visiting antique shops and thrift stores and trying one of the new candy spots. There’s something about walking through a space with all of these vintage, previously owned items that just puts you in a creative mindset, or daydream up stories of who might’ve owned this or that. We had fun wandering the aisles and corners filled with magazines, postcards, records and other items, like typewriters and pianos.

I think now is the perfect time to explore and try a new place. Or if you are able to get out of town, even just for the day, the weather is perfect for driving and listening to that perfectly curated fall playlist. Heck, even just going for a walk when the weather is cool and the air is crisp is good enough. Sometimes this weather and the aesthetic of fall is also a great backdrop for a mini-photo shoot.

Sweaters and Coffee

These two go hand in hand for me. Right now with working from home, I can drink all of the coffee I want and go a bit more casual when it comes to my wardrobe. A lot of my wardrobe has consisted of a sweatshirt with some sort of pop culture reference or a grandpa sweater/cardigan, made popular again by my girl, T. Swift.

DIY

This time of year calls for getting crafty with your food and crafts. While I might not be carving a pumpkin this year, my mom and I decided to carve our stuffed bell peppers that we had for dinner. It was not only fun, but delicious, too.

This time of year is to be savored and enjoyed. Slow down - taste the sweet and savory food on your plate, smell the flowers and the crackling of a fire pit, feel the warmth of a blanket, sweater or a hug from a loved one and hear the silence from the spaces in between or the sweet sounds of Carole King, because she is the soundtrack to fall.

Here’s to the last few moments of spooky things, Halloween movies and lots of candy.

That’s all for now,

Shelby

This week, I decided I was going to take a trip to Ojai. I’ve always wanted to go and now seemed as good a time as any to do such a thing. Two of my best friends have done solo trips, and as introverts, like myself, have loved it and kept encouraging me to do it. So I did the thing.

I left around 8:30 and made the trek through the winding mountains and gorgeous countryside, listening to my playlist that I’d made for this occasion, featuring Mandy Moore, Haim, Keith Urban, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and others. Unfortunately, it only played a handful of songs, because it hadn’t fully downloaded before I left. So about midway to my destination, I switched to the sara bareilles CD in my car’s CD player, which did just the trick. I sang loudly and jammed to my favorite tunes.  

I was amazed by the wide-open spaces, some leaves and sides of the hills turning to a deep shade of orange and yellow. There were random, hole in the wall type general stores or restaurants and some houses were decorated for the fall/Halloween season.

As I made my way closer to Ojai, the elevation grew higher and glancing just to my right, I could see that there was an incredible view awaiting me. So, at the next turnout on the hill, I decided I was going to stop. And I did. I turned off the car and stepped out and was immediately struck by the silence, only the crunching of my feet on the gravel was to be heard. For miles, I’d felt like the only one driving and was for the most part. You couldn’t hear tires from cars or anything else around…at all. In the words of Taylor swift, “I’ve never heard silence quite this loud.” It was almost kind of eerie, because we’re so not used to it these days. I only stayed for a few minutes because I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time in the small town I’d had my heart set on for so long.

As luck would have it, I got back in the car and my pants split – thankfully, it wasn’t noticeable and I was able to go on about my day. *phew* That could’ve been bad. I checked for cars, thinking there were none, but there must have been one in my blind spot, because as I pulled onto the highway, there was one rightbehindme. I kept waiting for the perfect moment to pull off, so he wouldn’t be on my tail and eventually found it and let him go on his merry way, so I could enjoy my Saturday drive.

I finally made it into Ojai, making note of some of the shops and restaurants that looked enticing and even passing a few of the inns I’d imagined staying in someday. It was overcast and gloomy and the headache I’d woken up with had gotten worse at this point. I chalked it up to just needing another cup of coffee or needing to eat something or just the long drive. But, I’d deal with that later.

I pulled up to my first spot, only to panic when I couldn’t find my mask. I had just checked to make sure I had it before leaving and saw it. But, I dumped the contents of my bag out and it was not to be found. Great, now I was going to have to leave to buy a mask and come back… I stepped out of the car for a second and there it was…I’d been sitting on it. Major facepalm moment, for sure. Off I went to my first stop.

Main Street

Ojai Roasting Co. 

At the first sight of a coffee shop, I stopped. They had a seasonal golden latte, so that’s what I went with. The barista described it to me and it sounded good. There were a lot of elements, including ginger, so I said ‘sure,’ then proceeded to walk through the town.

There’s a park smack dab in the middle of town, so I decided to sit and drink my coffee, write and observe. It was a nice time to put thoughts to paper and just watch the interactions of old friends getting together or families spending time together on a Saturday. It was also nice to just not have anywhere I needed to be. Finally, I decided to walk around and see what else was around. It looked like there was a trail, a couple tennis courts, and of course, a jungle gym area for the kids.

Shopping

I went in just about all of the local boutique and department stores along the stretch of main street. There was one next door to the coffee shop (that I didn’t catch the name of), but was enchanting and whimsical, and again, like something out of a fairytale. there were birdfeeders and windchimes hanging from the ceiling, inspirational quotes on the wall and other one-of-a-kind items that were special to that area.

Another fun store I visited was reins department store, which is a mix of everything – they sell men’s and women’s clothing and souvenirs, but also essential items for the home, kitchenware and other fun stuff, like home décor and candles. So many cool odds and ends. A great one stop shop if you do stay overnight or live in the area.

I walked around a bit more, but after a couple hours, I decided I should probably eat lunch.

Ojai Pizza Company

It was busy when I first walked in and most tables were designated for larger parties, so I just got mine to go. I ordered an extra small (imagine a personal size) Mediterranean Pizza and a water. I waited in the lobby, then took my pizza back to my car to eat. Most of the spaces outside were for particular restaurants and my head was hurting pretty badly, so I just wanted to sit in the comfort of my own car.

My next stop

Originally, I wanted to visit a place called meditation mount. It was supposed to be incredibly peaceful with trails and lookout spots, but, I didn’t realize it was temporarily closed. Thankfully, I’d looked it up before I drove out there. I realized I’d seen and done what I came to do in ojai, so I looked up beaches close by and set my sights on ventura.

In conclusion, I love the vibe and feel of Ojai…But, it might be more of a girl’s trip, Bachelorette party, wind down, while brunching and drinking wine sort of place. Very peaceful, though. Next time, I will definitely stay over-night and make myself comfortable. I especially loved the Spanish style decor and the hippie feel to the town. It reminded me a bit of Santa Fe, New Mexico in parts.

Masks were expected to be worn at all times walking through the streets, in stores, and, of course in the restaurants until seated. Everything was very clean and for the most part, you were able to keep your distance, except for in a few stores that were a little tight on space, but people were respectful and traveling alone, I felt incredibly safe.

As I drove away, I cranked up my carole king tunes and off I went. It’s only 15 miles away, so it wasn’t a bad drive at all. Straight shot and I was there.

Ventura

I snapped pictures, I soaked up the ocean, I closed my eyes and took in the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore and the seagulls squawking (or whatever it is they do) and just let the sea work its magic. Being at the beach, or anywhere in nature for that matter, is where I feel closest to God. I hear his voice the most clearly there. Maybe it’s because it’s the only place I get away from the noise long enough to listen. I walked the pier for a few minutes, then walked along the shore and finally made the call to head home before night fell. I easily could’ve stayed all night, though.

I took a different route home and was hit with so many memories from my college years/early 20’s. I did a lot of good, deep thinking. The kind you can really only do on a solo road trip, while listening to John mayer’s “wildfire” and Taylor swift’s “folklore.” They were the perfect vibes to end the trip as I daydreamed and drove. In spite of the headache, it was still a day filled with whimsy and magic.

I’ve decided that in this weird time of transition, I’m going to make a list of places I’ve always wanted to go or want to visit again and whenever I feel like getting away (which will probably be every weekend now), I will just pick a spot and go. This life is too short to be lived in a bubble.

Watch

Every year I look forward to seeing how the various talk show hosts will dress up on “Today,” “Good Morning America,” “Kelly and Ryan” and more. They always have some of the most fun and elaborate costumes.

I also love watching holiday episodes of all of my favorite shows, including “Friends,” “Parks and Rec,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and more.

This year, I’ve been trying to watch more movies from my childhood, like “Under Wraps” and “Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire,” along with a few others I’ve never seen before, like “Hocus Pocus” (I know, I know), “Practical Magic” and “Clue.”

Eat

Halloween is all about the candy, am I right?

Candy corn, chocolate…Anything goes.

In years past, we’ve made popcorn balls, candy corn cheesecake in a jar and more. This year, it was Mummy Dogs and non-alcoholic drinks - sparkling cider with cherry grenadine syrup. Very tasty! Pinterest and just about any food site has simple recipes to turn into a Halloween idea.

So, there you have it. A fun quiet night at home is just the ticket this year and just as enjoyable. There’s plenty to do!

What are you doing this weekend to celebrate?

Happy Halloween, everyone! Have fun and stay safe.

October

Tell the people in your life how much you care about them. This Luke and Lorelai scene from “Gilmore Girls” (fast forward to 2:09) always reminds me of that.

• “The toughest thing a performer can do is make it look as if it comes easy.” – Justin Timberlake

  • I think that’s true for all greats in their professions. It’s a blessing and a curse, because people see that you’re capable and talented, as if it doesn’t take much time. But that’s because all of the hard work – the blood, sweat and tears have taken place behind the scenes to bring that project to life. And to me, it always

• I wrote this in my journal:

  • Rarely does a significant moment in life actually look like running through the airports to express feelings for someone you love. – Why can’t I simply be content with this moment? What if I missed the guy sitting next to me because I was lost in a daydream? A montage of memories that never existed and probably won’t. Life isn’t a movie. Maybe that’s simply for the best. Because who could ever live up to those grand gestures and the words blurted out in a monologue?

• I was talking with my trainer about relationships one day and she said something that stuck – you can’t always get closure or what you need from the other side, so you need to be able to be okay on your own. Otherwise, it can really do some damage. And it’s true! Hanging on to what you hope someone else will do, because that is not a guarantee.

• There’s a difference between lonely and being alone. Sometimes you need more alone time to not feel so lonely – take a solo trip when you get the chance. It really makes a huge difference and gives room to breathe, catch up on music, read and daydream.

• Less is more was a repeated theme that I saw throughout the month:

  o   Kelsea Ballerini said the best advice she’d been given was “care more about less.”

  o   Scott Patterson (Luke from “Gilmore girls”) told the story of how he was given direction and that “less you do, the better you are.”

• One of my colleagues, a professor I work with said “we can’t keep doing more for less.” That one really hit home!

• You’re never too old to dress up or have fun on Halloween.

November

• The feelings we experience are not mutually exclusive. We can feel more than one thing at one time. You can be excited for a friend’s new relationship while also a little bummed about your singleness. You can be there for your relative who lost a job while also proud for your own promotion…And every emotion we work through in between our own daily lives.

• “Certain things are negotiable in life. I’ll give a little more time, I’ll take a little less money, but joy – if you don’t have joy in your life, what do you have? Joy is where that soul of yours lives.”

  – Kathie Lee … ‘Nuff said.

• Sometimes you just need a trip to Target with your best friend to forget about adulting for a second and pretend that everything is okay for just a couple hours.

• The election…The president, regardless of party is not the end all, be all. And it’s probably not the End of the World, so we’ve got that to hold onto.

• Sometimes in friendships, you won’t see eye to eye. Knowing when to ‘agree to disagree’ will be key. It also means to be willing to have hard, honest conversations sometimes and to hear each other out.

• Our words matter and they make a longer lasting impact than maybe we care to admit at times, even if we don’t realize it at the time.

• If you have vacation time, use it. Even while working from home, probably even more necessary than usual. Breaks are important for sanity!

• The word proximity showed up a lot for me. I took it as keeping our people, my people, close (safely). Finding ways to check in on friends, whether it’s FaceTime or texting – connection is still important, even if we aren’t in the same rooms.

• “The Voice” has reminded me of my love for music. But, not only that – This season, it reminds me of the incredible and talented people I know who live out their life’s mission and talent in the same breath. It has given us something to look forward to in the midst of this

• Five years goes a lot faster than you think. I’ve started thinking a lot about time again in terms of changing. When I look back at the person I was when I first graduated college, I realize how much I’ve changed, how much I’ve learned…Anything good takes time.

Here we are in the last month of the year - December. A month that is meant for happiness and cheer, a month of togetherness. In a time that is very challenging to be happy and find joy for some. A time where we’re going back into the “lock down.” But, more than ever, a time that we need to lean into our faith and loved ones. Find joy in the little moments where we can. Because nothing is guaranteed. And who knows what tomorrow will bring?

What were some of the lessons you learned or recognized in the last few months?