“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, "She doesn't have what it takes"; They will say, "Women don't have what it takes."-- Clare Boothe Luce

Whether you are young and immature or older and aging beautifully.... Whether you have children or you're stand in parents to lots of little ones... Whether you graduated high school or you received your doctorate... Whether you pray everyday or only hit your knees in times of uncertainty.... Whether you fight for your country or support those that do... Whether you have disposable income or aren't really sure where your next meal is coming from..... Every single day the sun rises to new beginnings and a new chance to live out your dreams. Are you making the best of each day? Are you fighting, not only for yourself, but for future generations so that they may be successful?

To be a successful woman in the world today means sometimes having to do it all. When I think about all of those who have come before me, I feel honored to be a woman. Everyday, strong women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul fought the unenviable fight for women's rights. They endured immeasurable pain and torture as they pressed forward as an unstoppable and unyielding force to make sure future generations had a shot at something better. As the sun set on August 26, 1920, the end of a very lengthy battle favored women's rights issues as the 19th amendment was added to the United States constitution, granting women the right to vote.

So, why the history lesson? As long as the sun rises on another day, you have the chance to live your dreams. "The road to success is dotted with many comfortable parking places...." Don't let the idea of a comfortable settlement derail you from what you're ultimately trying to achieve.

I turn 25-years-old on Thursday and so far I have gotten married, graduated from college, had my first child, written and directed a film, written a novel that is in the process of being published and I'm now working on my second book.... and more often than not, things are hard. Every day offers new challenges and things needing to be dealt with. Every hurdle jumped leaves twice as many in my path needing to be overcome. Once one problem is solved there are thirteen more waiting to take its place.... Living your dreams is a horrendously difficult task which is why so many stand waiting on the dock while USS Dreamboat floats further and further off into the sea.

But am I stopping? Am I slowing or backing down? Absolutely not. There is an empire to be built and instead of sleeping, I'm blogging to you about living your dreams and making certain you understand that anything worth having is worth fighting unbelievably hard for. My future holds more films, more books, a fragrance, a clothing line, a multitude of franchises and a chance to create a brand for myself and for the financial security of my child. Though my future holds a substantial amount of hard work and sacrifice, I'm not afraid. For those who have gone before me have sacrificed far greater than I will ever have too, so that I may never know what that felt like.

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt 

Rest assured that women have the power to change the world..... will you live your dreams and fight for your own success, whatever that may be, so that future generations will know they can have it all? 

As always,



XOXO... <3 Jennifer <3 

"It's never too late to be what you might have been" -- George Elliot

I chose to title today's blog with this quote in honor of the lovely interview I did this evening with one of the most amazing fan groups a girl could ask for and a good friend, Leann Hunley.
For a quick update on the film for those of you who are following, we are just about finished with the last stages of post production and everything is coming together amazingly. Thank you for the continued support and don't forget to check for updates on www.blissfullies.com
I often get the question "How do you do it all?" And my response to that is always-- 'You just do it. You do what has to be done, you often have to fight for what little sanity you have and at the end of the day you can reflect and take pride in all of your hard work.' Regardless of your dream, it's worth it.
So, ladies, thank all of you for your constant support and for forming the 'Blissful Divas.' You all are incredible. I gave a piece of advice to someone very near and dear to my heart this evening and I feel it's something I should really share with all of you. Something else I get asked a lot is "what is a piece of advice you would give to someone who is trying to break into this business, get acclimated to this industry, revamp their career or just a young person who is trying to follow their dreams." The best piece of advice I can think of, especially in this industry is 'call it like you see it. More often then not, your initial reaction to something or someone is going to be the most appropriate.' This industry is full of people, situations and circumstances that could change a good, warm hearted person to a cold, unforgiving one. Be careful who you trust, but don't allow your caution to interfere with your passion. Remember that for every one person who doesn't believe in who you are or what you can accomplish, there are ten people who do. So put on your boxing gloves and fight for your dreams. Don't sit around waiting for the moment where things could fall apart, kick some ass and take some names because when it's all over it will be the things you didn't do, not the ones you did, that you will regret the most.

As always,



XOXO... <3 Jennifer <3

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

I chose to title today's blog with this quote because it implies that one should never be afraid to try and attain their dreams because trying and failing is far more admirable than never trying at all. Today, you should each make a list of things you have always wanted to try and do but never had the time. Pick something and go for it.
As we progress rapidly through the editing process, things are coming along beautifully. I'm so proud of this first project. From a writer's prospective it's incredible to see your words come to life, from a Director's prospective it's amazing to see the project you directed flow and tell a story and from the prospective of a young girl who happened to write and direct this project it's the most enviable feeling in the world. I am proud of my cast, my crew, my family and myself because it took every last one of us to make this project happen. I'm proud of Leann and all her hard work to bring to life the character of Addison Hamilton, this has been an incredible experience. We're intending on launching the official Blissful Lies website on Saturday, March 12, keep your eyes open for it. Feel free to chat in the official Blissful Lies chat forum and sign the guest book to let us know you've stopped by!
As for the new project I have been alluding to, I am having my first meeting tomorrow with someone I hope is going to be my partner in my new up coming couture baby line. It's all very exciting. We're looking at launching a baby line in the next several months and then we will begin pre-production for film number two.
As all of these exciting projects are rapidly approaching, I want to thank all of my readers and followers for your avid support.
My daughter is 10 weeks old today and I am enjoying every second of watching her grow. I know that one day, when she's old enough to understand she'll appreciate all the hard work I am doing for her now. I also know that I won't ever wake up wishing I had done more.... will you?

Stay tuned for more updates!
As always,



 XOXO... <3 Jennifer <3

"Don't Tell Me the Sky is the Limit, When There Are Footprints on the Moon"

After another long day in the paradise that is my life, I find myself writing this to all of you. I am reminded constantly about a timeless quote by Maya Angelou that reads, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." It's important to always go above and beyond, because you never know what will change someone's day, week, month, year or... life, for the better. Find it in yourself to smile at a stranger, hold the door for someone in need, tell the one's you love that you love them and stand up for what you believe in because in the end it will be what you didn't do, didn't say, didn't fight for that haunts you. 
As the launch of the official Blissful Lies website is approaching rapidly I am hoping for the greatest of success for it as well as all of its contributors.  Having created a film like this is a constant reminder of what anyone can achieve and I hope you all realize what type of talent lies within you. 
When people realize I have successfully filmed my first independent film, I'm a student, a wife and a mom the first thing they want to know is 'how do you find time for everything.' I love this question because I'm still trying to figure out how I squeeze it all into one day. But like I tell them, and I'm telling you, it doesn't matter what your goal is... I guarantee it will require some work. So weigh what you're working towards against what it will inevitably cost you, and in the end if it seems like it's worth it, it probably is.
Finding that it was possible to achieve my dreams once I set my mind to it, has opened up a whole entire world for me where absolutely anything is possible. My daughter will know what it means to stand up for the weak, fight for the brave, work hard every day and achieve whatever her heart desires. I urge all of you to do the same.
UPDATES: The Blissful Lies website is just days away from launching. STAY TUNED! As always,




xoxo... <3 Jennifer <3

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"

It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said 'the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams...' What an amazing woman. This country was founded on failure, debt, impracticality and fear.... but with those negative aspects came success, prosperity and unyielding talent. I have found in my limited experience, if you continue to push and persevere there is no cap on what you can accomplish.  A year ago I was simply a girl who had just lost a grandfather, two great-grandmothers, a dog and a baby all in the span of just a few months and after reaching what I thought was the end of my rope, I surprised myself and a new chapter of my life began....
As we enter the third round of editing for my first film, I am preparing to submit the first draft of 'Blissful Lies' the novel to our publisher, working on pre-production pieces for film number two, preparing to graduate in May, raising my beautiful daughter and enjoying every second of all this chaos. Although at times I can't imagine continuing everything I have going on.... I also will never look back on my life and wish I would have done more, fought harder and lived my dreams.... because I am living my dreams, fighting as hard as I can and doing everything I want..... Please know that it doesn't matter your age, your dream or your passion... if you have a goal, go for it. Believing you're capable and strong enough to achieve anything you set your mind to, is half the battle... the other half is believing you're worth it.

Stay posted for updates on Blissful Lies. As always,

xoxo... <3 Jennifer <3

Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game....

Do you have a dream? A goal? A fantasy? Something you've always wanted to do but somehow always managed to find an excuse or a reason not to try? Hello. I'm Jennifer Brown Thomas.... I'm 24 years old, I'm a wife. A daughter. A student. A friend. A writer. A director... and a mother. Last year, after an appalling array of personal tragedies I stopped, stepped back and realized that it wasn't these situations that defined who I was, I defined who I was. At that moment I decided that maybe I could do it all..... So I set out to achieve my goals.
I wrote a screenplay, met and teamed up with producer Carl Jackson, got a budget together and in a few months we had a contract with television icon, Leann Hunley, to play the lead of Addison Hamilton. Funny to think how just a few months prior to a signed contract nothing had seemed to make sense... and now.... now it fell into place like a carefully executed plan. 
On August 27, I met and fell in love with one of the sweetest and most genuine people I now know, Leann. Then, less than a week later we began filming. Together with an incredible cast, an amazing crew and the unyielding support of my family and friends, Blissful Lies was born. An independent film, shot in 16 days. As we enter our third round of editing, I couldn't be more proud of this film. My first screenplay, my first time directing and doing it all with such an abundance of talent is a dream come true.
As the premiering of Blissful Lies nears I have chosen to do film number two..... A suspense and drama engulfed film you'll all be dying to see :-)
So you see.... it doesn't matter what your dreams are, whether it's becoming an astronaut or casting your favorite actress in your first film.... anything is possible. All you have to do is believe... AND "Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game......
 
xoxo...... <3 Jennifer <3