a day in the life of a latvian mom

Meet Jodi

Back in 2017, my blog brought me an unexpected gift— Jodi. Jodi is a creative soul with a talent for cooking, baking, and a passion for watercolor painting that I’ve been fortunate to witness from the very beginning. Through her blog, she shares the joy she finds in life’s “in between” moments, whether it’s whipping up mouth-watering treats, capturing the beauty of everyday life with her brush, or simply spending time with her loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share a bit more about the incredible person behind the posts that first caught my attention at her site lifeinbetween.me and led to a Friend.

Getting to Know You

What inspired you to start your blog?

Ten years ago, in 2014, when I started my blog, I was an “empty nester” Mom exploring new hobbies in my spare time – those “in between” moments when I wasn’t working or doing chores, and I decided to share my journey exploring those “Life in between” moments through my blog (lifeinbetween.me).  We all have stuff we “have” to do.  But in between, we all have some very precious time to do the stuff we “choose” to do.  My blog is about all that stuff… the things I love to do…. when I get to choose what I want to do… For me sometimes…. for others sometimes… But mostly just because I can…. and I want to….. and I love to….   And isn’t that what life is really all about?    The stuff you get to do when you don’t have to do something.   The choices you make and the things you do when you can do whatever you want.  For me – it’s about being creative and positive and joyful.  It’s baking and cooking and feeding people.  Have you ever seen sweeter smiles than those when people are biting into a freshly baked gooey chocolate chip cookie or heavenly light and crispy cinnamon chip scone? It’s the joy in the journey of learning watercolor painting and other art mediums for this 60+ year old non-artsy student of life with absolutely zero education or experience in art.  It’s crafting things from old junk and a warm heart to create special, personalized gifts that are treasures to those who receive them. It’s about photographing food in the most mouth-watering ways that make people want to cook or bake or EAT! … or capturing the glow of an Autumn sunset or the smile in a child’s eyes through the lens of my camera.  It’s words – writing them and reading them.  Painting pictures with words that conjure up feelings of warmth and nostalgia and joy and love.  Creating sentences with words that make people think about things differently.   Though I haven’t written in my blog for several years, I still keep it open, and actually refer to it often for recipes or to re-read something.  One day, I imagine I will get back to it – –  when the time feels right.  

Can you tell me a bit about yourself—where you’re from, what you do, and what you enjoy most in life? What are your top three hobbies or passions?

I’m Jodi.  Wife to the guy that captured my heart at 16, married me when I was 19, and still tells me he loves me every day 42 years later.  Mom to two of the most amazing young men in the entire world and mother-in-law to the sweetest, kindest, most generous and loving young lady any mom could wish for.  Gushing Grandma to the two most beautiful girls in the entire universe. Full-time Marketing Communications Specialist.  Self-published author and illustrator of two children’s books – inspired by my granddaughters. Living in (not on) Mars – Mars, Pennsylvania, United States, that is!  A community near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The thing I enjoy most in life is spending time with my grandchildren and family.  If left to my own devices, I will often walk, bake, or paint.  I sell my watercolor paintings on an ETSY shop called McKinneyX2Designs.  I bake (cookies mostly) to make people happy.  I walk to clear my head and try to stay healthy.  I ran my first marathon relay this Spring a year after having a full meniscus knee repair surgery.  

Personality Insights

What’s a unique trait or talent that sets you apart?

I speak fluent “Ubbi Dubbi”

What’s your go-to comfort food or guilty pleasure? 

Potato Chips and Dip, Peanut M&Ms

Do you prefer spontaneous adventures or carefully planned outings? 

I love both!

Fun and Creative

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

Italy – have always wanted to go and missed out on a trip that was planned in 2020, which Covid prohibited.

What’s the most memorable book, movie, or show you’ve experienced recently? 

Book – Outlive by Peter Attia

What’s a favorite memory or experience from your childhood that still makes you smile? 

Time spent with my Grandma

Life Lessons and Reflections

What’s a significant lesson you’ve learned from a challenging experience in your life? 

One incident or day or action does not a full lifetime reflect.  Don’t let a bad day or bad experience trick you into thinking you have a bad life.

How do you approach making important decisions or handling big changes? 

Consulting those I love and respect if needed.  Deeply contemplating the purpose and how I feel about it.  Assuring it aligns with my joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

What’s something you wish you had known earlier in life, and how has that insight influenced you? 

What others think doesn’t matter!  I spent too much of my life worrying about that.  Age has brought wisdom and confidence.

I hope you enjoyed meeting my blogging friend – Jodi 🙂

Ilze