After the Flames: Rekindling Life & Spirit
My Introduction
PREFACE
For the last three months I have been going back and forth between whether to share my experiences. You know it’s scary to open up and put our story out there. Plus, I also felt like it was crass to overshare and present a woe is me kind of façade. I had prayed about it and asked God if it was something I should consider.
What finally convinced me was a reconnection with a friend. She and I were texting back and forth, since we both live in different time zones these days, and I finally stopped self-editing about what I was going through. Since January 20, 2023, I’ve been riding the rollercoaster that is bereavement and playing hokey pokey with major depressive disorder.
Texting quickly turned into a long phone call. After spilling the tea, she paused, sighed, and said, “thank you for trusting me to tell me what was really going on.” Then she shared about the difficulties she and her husband have been facing. We cried together. We laughed together. We also prayed together. Before hanging up she said, “before talking with you I felt hopeless and alone.” My heart ached for her. At that moment I knew I had my answer.
INTRODUCTION
Aloha mai, my name is Jenny. I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi and am part Native Hawaiian. In my youth I did all the things; graduated from high school and college, got a 40-hour-a-week gig, traveled a bit and even raised a little hell. I married late – 17 months before my 40th birthday – to a wonderful man, @alohaed.
This year we celebrate 13 years of marriage and 17 years of knowing each other. We’ve been through a lot as a couple, including job losses, financial resets, public character assasination, and infertility. Through it all we leaned on our faith and each other. I thank God everyday for the opportunity to share my husband’s life.
Nine months ago our lives changed forever. My husband and I experienced a devastating apartment fire where we lost half of our little family; my father and our two little dogs. With each passing day we both found it more and more difficult to stay in Hawaiʻi. The islands suddenly felt foreign and abrasive. I felt like I just couldn’t breathe.
Thanks to the immense outpouring of aloha and kindness from strangers, and people we knew, my husband and I made the decision to leave and move 4,800 miles across the globe to his hometown in North Carolina.
DAY TO DAY
Making a home in North Carolina has been pretty easy, for the most part. We live at a cross roads - literally - in a small rural area in Johnston County. I never realized just how urban Hawaiʻi is, compared to JoCo. I really enjoy living in the country and truly appreciate the slower, quieter pace of life.
Like most GenXers I enjoy time with friends, but also really, really dig it when I don’t have to leave the house or the property. Shout out to my fellow latchkey kids.
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Together my husband and I experimented with planting a garden. We learned which area is best for growing certain produce, and even learned what we will never grow again.
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*Pro Tip* read the carrott package before planting the seeds. The variety “Little Fingers”, really mean little fingers – like little baby fingers.
I’ve also been blessed by learning home canning with my husband’s Aunt, who lives on the property next to us. She’s taught me how to can pork, chicken, ground beef and even beef stew. It’s been so fun to get to know her and make memories.
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My mother-in-law has also been so welcoming. She’s pretty amazing. She is one of those soft and kind, genuine, southern ladies. We’ve been enjoying talking about everything and anything. As well as marathon watching the Hallmark Channel. Years ago I used to scoff at the schmaltzyness of Hallmark movies, but holy crap I’ve really come to enjoy watching them. My MIL has also encouraged me to start my own subscription box business. More about that later.
As for a 9-to-5 gig, I work remotely for a nonprofit in Hawaiʻi called ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi. We focus on bridging the gap for other nonprofit organizations when it comes to workforce development, education, and funding. While it’s a bit stressful at times, I really enjoy it a lot. Building an organization from the ground up is magnificent and frightening, all at the same time.
Hobbies and work have helped me through the grieving process. I’m one of those types of people that will throw themselves into a project to numb all the feels. Honestly, finding a meaningful purpose post tragedy has been a huge undertaking. Some days just getting out of bed is a challenge. Thank God my husband and I have each other, and when it’s darkest, we lean heavily on our faith. We take it day by day and are learning to walk by faith, and not by sight.
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PROMISE
This blog will bounce back and forth in time as I post more about our journey of rebuilding our lives. My promise to you – in this space you’ll discover our struggles, triumphs, and setbacks. We hope that our story can bring comfort and inspiration to those of you who are going through a difficult season in your life. Please feel free to reach out to us and share your stories. We would love to hear from you and connect.
God Bless. A hui hou (until we meet again).
Jenny
Hi Jenny , first I wanna say sorry for your loss. Both human and furry ! We lost ours and I know the hurt. Also I wanna say I was devistated by the fires in your former home Hawaii and glad the decision to move is proved a good one , so without further ado Hi to you from another Hiver and welcome to your new addiction! Life on hive started now and you are a blogger now !
A new life online in stories. The fact that this is a new thing that hopefully will get a big place in your daily life.
Hi to you from our bloggers paradise, we are thriving and now you came along and joined ! That’s great.
The beginning can be daunting but fear not all went through the same difficulties.
I have to warn you though, it’s highly addictive , but we will understand we are also addicted, not on the least because you decided to join! So again Wel free come to the Hive.
It’s a true movement and blockchain, and I love that you decided to join us here. You will have fun blogging and vlogging I promise.
For all interests there is a community place where you can meet , read and leave your written piece. Gotta be fair it’s not a GET RICH QUICK thing here! the beginning it’s hard and new and maybe you need help. We have amazing people here on the platform that help in discord if you need it. I love blogging, been here for three years already. But one important warning always be carefull with all your passwords, Never give those up !! I speak from experience !
I use Peakd and Ecency to post to Hive,
It’s both a website, mobile and desktop application that improves your experience on Hive. If you are interested for Android download : https://android.ecency.com, for iOS: https://ios.ecency.com, for desktop: https://desktop.ecency.com or www.peakd.com both apps that helps you to connect, and that’s what we do here !
You can also earn to promote and boost your content. Again If you are interested https://ecency.com just some extra information in this early start of your journey here! Last hive.blog is an option too. And this “ steps to take blog” :
https://ecency.com/hive-125125/@beeber/ecency-help-signup-process-for
Or join discord
https://discord.gg/qPRgm69AT9
Good luck with with hive experience and I Will See you around and may you find here what you are looking for. Just remember that all good things come in good time and never giving up is THE key to big succes on the Blockchain. Also you could join the the Terminal discord, as I said before we help there with problems or questions, for free don’t worry. Or visit @heyhaveyamet for more new arrivals, all are in the same phase that might be helpful or reassuring. Newbie exposure in the beginning is very important, so looking up friends in the same stage might be a good thing.
Let me know if this was helpfull or if you need more help, see you in Discord the Terminal, or somewhere in the comments. Here is the invite again its totally free,
https://discord.gg/EQjdu5VK
Good luck to you as the new arrival, may hive become your new life !
Tip! https://peakd.com/hive-174578/@crosheille/so-whats-the-criteria-for-a-quality-post-how-curators-make-their-selections
Or watch this vlog
Or this blog https://peakd.com/hive-189306/@ryzeonline/hives-most-effective-but-controversial-marketing-video-so-far
See you in the comments or discord
Love
Britt
Holland
Aloha Britt, thank you so much for the warm welcome.
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I know what you mean about the addictive aspect of being here - my husband has been on Hive for a few months. I often hear, "Hey, I'm gonna write for a bit". He then surfaces four hours later. lol
Thank you for all the info! Super excited to learn more about Hive and its vibrant community.
mahalo nui,
Jenny
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Welcome to the Hive community @jenny-b!
We sincerely hope you find everything you are looking for and have found a new home here.
Seven suggestions to consider:
I found you because @brittandjosie and @jamerussell from @heyhaveyamet presented and promoted your publication to get more exposure and help you grow faster.
If you find yourself overwhelmed and need some guidance, or if you have any questions, there are informed Hiveans available who can help you; you can click to go to The Terminal in Discord here:
Have fun and happy Hiving!
Thank you so much!
Amazing read from you Jenny! What a rollercoaster. Life has its ups and downs - and your life is not an exemption. But your faith and trust in each other have really surpassed all the trials coming your way. Thank you for sharing a brief story of your life! You're so honest and it was an emotional but fun read~
Hoping to read more from you soon!
Thank you for your kindness!
Welcome to Hive @jenny-b! This is @chillwithshanna from @ocd (Original Content Decentralized) team. Congratulations on making your first post on Hive and welcome to this amazing community!
Thank you for making Hive a place for you to share your inspiring stories and we are here rooting for you. Sorry to hear about your loss, we wish you get all the support you can get in rebuilding your life in a new country.
Maybe your husband already mentioned but for easier access, here are the differentCommunities you can subscribe to which are all categorized based on interest or topics or you can check out the Communities Incubation Program. It is best to share your blogs in the appropriate community so they can reach the right audience for your work.
Please be aware that plagiarizing posts by using other people’s ideas or images is a major offense. Here is a useful collection of resources about how plagiarism and abuse is viewed and handled on Hive.
Here is a Newbie guide for tips and information about blogging here on Hive. If you have questions, you can hop into Discord server and we'll gladly answer your questions.
Happy Blogging!
Hello! Welcome to Hive, @jenny-b. I found you thanks to @heyhaveyamet 's introduction post.
You've come to a wonderful place where you can develop any interest you can think of. The limit is up to you!
The learning curve is steep at first, but ask any questions you have, read and observe.
Here are some resources to help you get started:
Link to The Terminal Discord server, highly recommended for learning anything about Hive and @heyhaveyamet 's home.
Link to Ecency's Discord server, my favourite frontend and where you can find me most of the time.
Link to the Ecency resource library, where I'm adding practical tutorials in Spanish and some are in English, too.
Little by little you will find the places where you feel most comfortable, get in touch with other hivers and success will come.
Greetings from Spain. 🤗
Thank you so much for the welcome - and all the info! :)
Welcome to hive, you have really went through a lot in life but thank God for giving you a kind and supportive husband that is rare to come by. Stay strong everything in life happens for a reason.
Thank you! As tough as it is to take, I agree - everything happens for a reason.
Welcome to Hive! Did you know that there are many different websites powered by Hive? If you enjoy travel blogging check out TravelFeed.io :) See you around @jenny-b!
Thank you!
13 years of marriage is a sweet thing, especially these days that divorce is rampant. It is a sign of true
Thank you! Very true. At times it's been rocky, but so totally worth it. Truly blessed.
Hello Jenny, it's nice to see you hang out in Hive. Welcome! I hope you will have a great time here.
I'm sorry for your loss, it was devastating and I hope you will recover from it as days passed by.
Hi, thank you!