Monday, April 06, 2009

A Gift for You


I'll try to keep this short and sweet because I'm not going to say anything that you already don't know but today is a very special day b/c 29 years ago a star was born. Jasmine Star. I met Jasmine about four years ago when she asked me to shoot her wedding. That started a wonderful friendship with her and her incredible husband but it wasn't until I read a book that she wrote about her families life that I began to truly see the astonishing person that she is.

Today she is at the top of an industry that she entered only two years ago. That is remarkable. She is remarkable.

Again, this is no surprise to you but what may come as a surprise to you is how she did it. Humbly, gracefully and with a flawlessness that is unprecedented.

As she sat in my kitchen yesterday she said, "I feel so blessed because I've had the opportunity to watch and see what others are doing and learn from them and then move forward with that knowledge."

I said, "That's wonderful that you feel blessed by that but that gift was not uniquely given to you. Everyone in the world has been given that same gift. They just haven't accepted it (yet)."

So can you do what Jasmine has done? Absolutely! Approach life humbly. Develop an insatiable curiosity. Learn from others. Accept the gift...and then go out and pass it on. That's what Jasmine is doing.

Happy Birthday Jasmine. Today - you are the gift.

14 comments:

Ginger Murray said...

Ahem, "twenty-something!"

Her success is also because she was "DETERMINED!" right?? :)She was a gift to many people when she was able to accompany you on the Free to Succeed tour.

Ginger Murray said...

Also, on this day in history, according to your little side bar, Hostess Twinkies were invented in 1930. I do have to say... the twinkie does look a little moldy.. perhaps it is from 1930?? ha!

Regina White said...

I do have to say when I read stuff like this it makes me feel more comfortable with being a new-be to this industry. I feel like I can accomplish anything and learn and grow in my work. It's awesome to have people like you, and Jasmine be so open and helpful to us just starting out. THANK You! You all are already giving us a gift of friendship,knowledge and words of encouragement.

Fusion said...

I agree 100% with Regina White! and Jasmin is a Star, a generous beautiful soul who is very thankful to David Jay for inspiring her. Great entry post David.

Jasmine said...

Awww, you just made me get all teary-eyed!!
If it wasn't for your nice words, I might not have forgiven you for blasting my real age on the web!! No birthday cake for you! ;)

Anonymous said...

This was a great post! Jasmine has been amazing with accepting the gift & being able to become a great leader in this great industry!

Curtis Copeland said...

Happy (late) birthday Jasmine! We celebrate the gift you are to us! Thank you for inspiring us!

Quirky Christa said...

He, he....you told Jasmine's real age :)
You're both very inspiring people! Thanks for sharing, as always.

Anonymous said...

Very Sweet Happy Birthday Jasmine!

jeramy sossaman said...

jasmine, you don't look a day past 27. :-) rock on! happy birthday...

Rosemary and Jonathan said...

Awesome photographers--both you and Jasmine! From Rosemary at www.monarch-photography.com

KATEE said...

I love it!
"Approach life humbly. Develop an insatiable curiosity. Learn from others. Accept the gift... and then go out and pass it on."

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASMINE! :) You are a blessing for sure! :)

Thea Coughlin said...

You and Jasmine are both radiant, loving and generous people. You embody the wisdom you both freely share.

God bless you.

gj said...

awesome!!!