When I heard that one of my favorite marriage and sexual intimacy bloggers, Sheila Wray Gregoire, was coming to town, I was ecstatic. Sheila lives over a thousand miles from me, so it’s not like we’d ever happen upon each other without one of us traveling a long way. Thankfully, she came to the great State of Texas — where we welcomed her with 70° F weather in February. (And I didn’t have to experience 14° F weather in Canada to see her.)
Her presentation at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, Girl Talk, was absolutely wonderful! And it was a thrill to lunch with Sheila and her assistant and chat face-to-face about our lives, our callings, and what flavors we wanted in our Marble Slab Creamery ice cream. At the event, we posed with our books and had a photo taken. Sheila asked if she could post it, and — knowing I’d be revealing myself soon — I clenched my teeth and said yes.
But I sort of thought I had a few days before she decompressed, went through the photos on her camera, found the right one, uploaded it, blah, blah, blah. Instead, I awakened Monday morning to find our smiling faces on that day’s blog post.
Well, the cat’s out of the bag now! Or it’s really more like toothpaste: Once you squeeze that paste out, it’s never going back in the tube.
So there it is — a face to go with the words.
But I also updated all my profile pictures on social media and added a bio to this site with more information about who I am.
Frankly, I think anyone who has read me consistently already knows who I am. I don’t hold back here on my thoughts and personality. But I guess it’s nice to have a face to attach to the name.
And in case you were wondering, here’s one of my favorite photos of me and “Spock” — the affectionate nickname I’ve given my wonderful and overly logical husband:
And that’s it: J Revealed.
Kind of anticlimactic, right?
Your nickname for your hubby is right on… all he’s missing is the pointed ears! đŸ˜‰
It is GOOD to finally see you both in the flesh! Now, keep on doing what it is that you do so well with this blog… can’t wait to read what you come up with next!
~Jason
Yes. He laughed hysterically when I showed him a Nimoy-Spock/My-Spock photo comparison. (I need to post that on the blog someday.) By the way, whenever asked if my husband would mind me “coming out,” I was always like, “Are you kidding? So he’ll get to tell people his wife writes about sex?” LOL.
In all seriousness, though, my husband is a truly wonderful man. I am very blessed!
I saw Sheila’s post yesterday and thought, “Oh no, I wonder how J is going to handle THAT!” So nice to see your beautiful face, and I’m glad you decided to “come out”. (And I’m really glad you were already planning to!)
Of course, Sheila asked permission! But she did post a bit sooner than I expected. đŸ™‚ Thanks so much, Sally!
Ha! So glad I pushed you over the edge. đŸ™‚
Marble Slab was awesome. Glad to see you smiling face on Facebook now!
Loved our visit! Thanks for everything, Sheila.
I in no way find it anticlimactic! I told Gerad you look just lIke I pictured, your husband too!
Really? How interesting! I was sure everyone pictured me looking like Wonder Woman. (At least that’s what I’d been trying to project. LOL.)
It’s so nice to see your smile! And I totally love how the clothes you’re wearing in these pictures look so good with your blog design. How very coordinated of you.
Thanks!
(I did that color coordination thing on purpose, but I have many shades of orange in my wardrobe — so it makes sense for me to wear it and have it on my blog. đŸ˜€ )
Can you hear my applause from there? I’m so proud of you and your handsome husband. It takes guts. I know God is going to use your new phase to move more marriages into alignment with his view of hot & holy sexuality. Now, when are WE going to get to meet and have some Mexican food?
Bring on the salsa! I’m ready when you are.
And that applause is rather thunderous. How do you do that with just two hands? đŸ˜‰
YAY! I always love to put a face to a blog. đŸ™‚ Thank you for the tireless work you do to educate us and inspire. Without question, my sex life is better since I’ve been reading here. (I also think something magical happened as I turned 40 several months ago…what “they” say is true!!)
Good to know! And yeah, isn’t 40 great? LOL.
Based on the wisdom you’ve shared, I assumed you were older!
Nice to have a smiling face to go with your words.
Huh, I wonder what you mean by “older.” I’m 47 years old, married 22 years. But thanks for making me feel wise and young — can’t get a much better compliment than that! đŸ™‚
You have a bit of a baby face. Lovely to see you and Spock.
Thanks, Lori!
I thought you were at least 60. I was picturing a feisty granny who swims like 50 laps a day and stuff like that. Like a music teacher I had once.
I liked the J logo more. :/ It was all mysterious and more comfortable somehow. But I’m extremely resistant to change. It always upsets me.
I wish I could swim 50 laps a day! And feisty, I am. Glad to have you as a reader!
You don’t look anywhere close to 47! I would have guessed you were 35 by your picture!
Well, aren’t you my new favorite friend?! Thank you. đŸ™‚
Way to go!!! ……says this blog lurker. haha. Next up is public speaking, right? đŸ™‚ đŸ™‚ If you come to DC I will be there!
Thanks, Ashley! Ooh, I would love to come to D.C. I haven’t been there since 1993!!! When I’ve got all my speaking stuff lined up, I’ll post about that. (Maybe you can help get me scheduled in the area. đŸ˜‰ )
We’re near DC in Northern Virginia. I’m sure Tiffani would love to be there if the chance comes along!
I’m so thankful for your blog – you have great insight and a wonderful sense of humor. I’ve been married 30 years, and I love that I have you as a resource to share with the young married ladies at my church. You are a huge encouragement.
Thanks so much, Pam! Yay to 30 years! Congrats and blessings to you both.
Not anticlimactic. Love it. You and your hubby are adorable! Now, if we just could know what J stands for…..
Think of “J” like “M” or “Q” in the James Bond films. đŸ˜‰ Thanks, Karin.
I saw Sheila’s blog post with your picture and almost commented about you being revealed. But then I thought maybe I had missed your “coming out” announcement, as I’m behind in my reading. Haha. Oh well, it is nice to see the person behind the persona. Happy “coming out” to you.
Thanks so much! Yes, Sheila was very gracious and would not have posted a photo without my consent. đŸ™‚
I didn’t realize you were a Texas girl! Me too. đŸ™‚
Yee-haw! I’m born-and-bred. Texas home girl! đŸ˜‰
Love the picture of you and your husband! I have that same top – but in a deep wine color.
Thanks! (And isn’t that shirt so comfortable? đŸ˜‰ )
I saw you photo on Sheila’s blog as well and as has been noted before, thought I was behind on my Feedly reads and had missed yours. SO glad the two of you could finally meet face to face đŸ™‚ Love having a face to the name, and the bonus of Mr. Spock’s face too! Blessings to you as you continue to follow God’s leading in your life to touch the lives of many through what you write.
Thanks, Marisa! I really appreciate your encouragement.
Thank you for the work that you do. Blessings on you and thanks for your vulnerability and willingness to be open because you bless so many, especially me.
Thanks so much!
I feel a bit like alchemist. I didn’t have a picture of you in my mind- just an image of all the stuff you’ve written. So basically my marriage mentor. But I’ll get used to seeing your face soon! It is a much younger face than I thought, thought. I also kinda thought you were most likely in your late 50’s, at least. But the most important part of your character is that you are playful while giving the straight goods. I love your blog!
Believe it or not, Spock’s in his 50s. But I’m not there quite yet.
Thanks so much, Julie P!
I always thought you were a blond for some reason. I LOVE the picture of you and your husband! You both look SO happy together! Thanks for all you do. Your blogs are refreshing and inspirational! Your blog is VERY helpful to me. Especially the “body issue” ones. Keep up the great work! God bless!!!!!
I used to be a blonde! But that was a long time ago. Thanks!
So glad you decided to reveal yourself. I love now having a face to go with the words I read when I’m here. Thank you. And– you’re adorable. Love your photos!
~S
Thanks so much, S! And I love being called “adorable.” That’s so sweet of you.
am not married yet. but I really love ur post. I learn a lot from it. happy we have someone who comes out straight to tell us d true gospel about sex, intimacy and so on. More power to ur elbow
Thanks, Kehinde!
I read your blog mostly for laughs, but have gotten a ton of excellent advice, even though I’m not married đŸ™‚ You don’t look anywhere near 40! I love your blunt sense of humor. My kind of girl!
I “don’t look anywhere near 40”? Well, come on in, Lisa, and join my Favorite Women Club! Thanks so much, and I’m glad to have you as a regular reader.
It’s great to have a face with all of the great words of wisdom. What a way to reveal…this is the best coming out I have seen in a while…”pun intended “
Thanks!
SO glad to finally put a face with the great blog I’ve been following for so long! You and Sheila are my “go to girls”!
What a high compliment! Thanks, Kris.
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