We have a few family theme songs. Some are for our love for Trek, some for travel and adventure, some are love songs that make Jarrett and I smooch in front of the boys while they giggle, all have some special meaning to our family.
We have our ipod going all the time, even when we leave the house we leave it going so music greets us when we walk back in the door. There is one very special song on there that I downloaded a few months ago while Trek was sleeping in my arms. He loved to dance with us to it, we all LOVE to rock out to this song, and it energizes us to stay the course as we figure out and live our dreams.
I don’t know who “Frankie” is-he sounds like someone I’d like to meet, but I replace his name with mine when I sing it-oh yeah baby! (Jarrett just read this and told me it was Frank Sinatra-I would actually have liked to meet him)
It’s my life by BonJovi
This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow’s getting harder, make no mistake
Luck ain’t even lucky, gotta make your own breaks
It’s my life
And it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I’m alive
(It’s my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said, “I did it my way”
I just wanna live while I’m alive
‘Cause it’s my life
You better stand tall
When they’re calling you out
Don’t bend, don’t break
Baby, don’t back down
(It’s my life)
And it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I’m alive
As much as I hope and dream and plan to be able to travel and live my life exactly as I imagine, doubt of course creeps in. Most of the time I think of some way to fix the pretend scenario in my brain or I discuss it with Jarrett and when I feel better I move on, he is the BEST at making me laugh and just enjoy the moment. And then sometimes, as with so many times already in our journey, I meet someone who inspires me. Someone who I can remember in those times of worry, that they made their dreams come true, so can I!
Today it was Thailand Jack Sparrow.
We have seen Jack around town and I have been very suspicious of him. The boys have been enamored and stare openly, well we all do and so does everyone he passes. Its obvious he is not Johnny Depp, but he does look really, really amazing as a Jack Sparrow. The part I was suspicious of was that I have seen him randomly at all times of the day and he is always in full costume and walking alone on the street with pirate mannerisms. Well, I finally found out what he does. He is Thailand Jack Sparrow.
The saneness of this man is of course up for question, Jarrett is not suspicious of this fact, but rather confident of it! But his inspiration to me is legit all the same, he is making a living as Thailand Jack Sparrow. He sits at his car at night and sells postcards and jewelry. The postcards are hilarious. They are pictures of him, in Thailand, as Jack Sparrow, each hand-signed, Thailand Jack Sparrow.
I am just in awe that he could take something so creative and unique and just make it work. If I took pictures of myself and made them into postcards no one would buy them, heck if I had known 2 days ago I would buy a postcard with Thailand Jack Sparrow for 20 baht (80 cents) I would have laughed. But here I am the proud owner of a TJS postcard. The boys and I spent over 10 minutes laughing and picking out our favorite one. (Jarrett stood by suspiciously confident). Conner whispered for me to ask him if he was the real Jack Sparrow, TJS responded with a crooked grin. He even let me take a picture of him, the boys did not want to, so I jumped in.
I can’t exactly explain what I felt when I was looking at his turquiose VW bug and his silly postcards. I guess I just felt peace and a little giddiness. I knew we would make it, I am not sure how it will look every step of the way, but I know that we will find a way to keep living our dreams for the rest of our lives.
and a little bit of thanks will go to Bon Jovi and Thailand Jack Sparrow!
Frankie is Frank Sinatra.
Such amazing people you have met on your journey! They all have made an impact on your life and creating wonderful memories.
we are creating some amazing memories, sometimes it feels like it is a dream-it is a magical time for us
now that is one cool inspirational story! I love that guy ~ he is rockin Thailand with his business, and his belief.
I think that people come into our life for a reason, and at the right time! Sure is good to hear of others who dream big, and succeed.
I agree, what an unlikely way to make it in this world! it really made me happy to see it and meet him
Go TJS – way to keep the dream alive! Love it:) Since your video post I also have wondered about the Captain. I love that you find inspiration in the most unique things – who would have thought it would be Jack Sparrow? Jarrett cracks me up. I am picturing him standing by smiling as you and the boys excitedly pick out a postcard:) And you’re right – you WILL find a way to keep living your dreams for the rest of your lives. Thanks for sharing – love and miss all of you!
thanks mama, I could feel Jarrett’s metaphorical eyes rolling the whole time, but he waited patiently for us to have our fun:)
Cool! I think he looks just like him and Preston thinks it is him:) I’m glad you got a picture with him! I always knew you guys would make it and you are doing each day:) Keep it up! Maybe one day I will join you:) I might need to meet a jacks sparrow or two to get there but maybe one day. I love you all so much and am excited to see your TJS postcard one day!
can’t wait for you to join us too. xoxo
Wow! HE LOOKS JUST LIKE HIM!!
How fun!
it is so fun and funny! we try to find him everyday now-hehe
I was once bemoaning my seeming inability to take the kinds of photos I really want to and a photographer friend passed along this advice: “See instead of look.” Chelsea, you and Jarrett definitely “see.” How wonderful for your boys that they are being raised to do this instead of having to learn it later in life!
wow, that is a huge compliment-thank you Cathy.
Oh my, we just listened to that song yesterday! Haha!
isn’t it the best! you feel like you can take on the world when it is done:)
I loved this post too. I think it is something lots of moms struggle with. Living life your authentic way. But, every time I read your blog it gives me confidence to live life my way and to challenge the things I think I ‘have to’ Or ‘should’ do. And you just make me want to have more fun and go harvest rice or something. You are the best!
Frankie is Frank Sinatra. Only us old folks would know.
Aunt Sue
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hehe, thanks Aunt Sue, Jarrett of course knew b/c he is an old soul:)
To funny that you would post the words to that song … It is my all time favorite song!!!! Wylder and I would ALWAYS blast it and dance away. Amazing. I am also with you 100% on your feels to TJS … He is loving his dream, snaps to jack! We should all follow our hearts more than our heads! Xoxo
it is the best song! and its perfect for dancing to!
I love that song!
it’s so empowering.
agreed:)
Oh, Jarrett ~ he cracks me up! Although his back was to me, I could just envision the smirk on his face
Chelsea, my dear, you and your guys are a true inspiration and I have no doubt you will continue living your dream as long as you want to. I’m so proud of all of you for doing what most people just talk about doing! Love y’all!
oh yes, Jarrett still rolls his eyes about Jack:)
Good morning, Chelsea! Having coffee with you and your boys…
I LOVE that you appreciate TJS, as he’s hilarious and I have been hoping you’d revisit him since his brief appearance in your video a few days ago. What an awesome dude!! I’m sure his life is difficult for obvious reasons, but I’m willing to bet that he’s doing exactly what he wants and is meant to do. And isn’t that why your family is traveling the world?! You’re living the dream, fulfilling your destiny. And for that, you guys are my heroes. <3
thank you so much mary, that is so kind and encouraging, i love that you have coffee with us