My name is Jasmine Myers. I’m a 30 year old writer and jeweler living in Portland, OR.

JasmineMyers.com has been a long time coming, and yet in some ways, it has been the least “natural” progression I’ve ever experienced. Being me, just me, simply, unapologetically me is something I still struggle with. This blog is my way of exploring who I am, who I am as a writer, as a woman, as a person in a world full of people lucky enough to be in a position to spend time “figuring it out.” I’m aware it’s a #firstworldproblem.

I am a creative spirit, often without the structure to pursue any one thing to completion. I struggle with this, and a thousand other things, too, and then, I write about it. That’s Jasmine Myers, and that’s JasmineMyers.com.

Professional Life

Professionally, I am a marketing coordinator for a popular jewelry designer. I have been writing and making jewelry both professionally and as a hobby off and on for 12 years. In addition to my day job, I run my own jewelry business, bama + ry, which opened in July of 2012. I make custom and inspiring hand stamped copper and nickel jewelry. It has been a source of healing and also a tremendous source of joy. I am grateful.

Married Life

I married the absolute love of my life on March 7, 2009, and for that, I count my lucky stars every single day.

Ryan is Program Director at a high-risk mental health facility. He has a huge heart and a pyschology degree. He uses both for his work and for his wife. It’s like having two full-time jobs. I don’t understand how he does any of it, but I love him for it all the same.

Real Life

Weight Loss – I have been blogging since 2002, when I began a weight loss journey that absolutely changed my world. I lost more than 200 pounds on that journey and blogged about it and the aftermath until the fall of 2011 when I finally realized that I wanted to just be me and not an “after.” It’s hard to explain, but if you get, you get it. I was very lucky that a lot of people got it.

Pregnancy Loss – In February of 2012, I lost our first pregnancy: twins. After a 2.5 years battle to get pregnant and then a loss, I am … at a loss. I am slowly weaving this experience into the fabric of my life, as it most assuredly must become, and it’s made many appearances on my blog in the process.

Dietary Changes – From 2005 to January 2012, I was mostly vegetarian. At some points, I ate chicken, turkey, pork, or fish, but it was the rare occasion and I never ate red meat. As a result of my miscarriage, we discovered that I have not only severe iron-deficiency anemia, but I may also have a blood disorder called Thalassemia that contributes to my iron issues. For my health, I am no longer vegetarian and now eat red meat regularly. Although, it’s still weird to think of myself as a meat-eater. Just sayin.

Divorce. Falling in love again. Infertility. Love. Loss. I haven’t been everywhere, but I’ve been a lot of somewheres. And, I’m learning that the best way to keep your life from being destroyed by grief, loss, or just … the unexpected is to leave your mind and heart open so that things can pass through without the use of psychological dynamite. (I’m working on that…)

Had you told me 10 years ago that this was what life looks like as you barrel toward surpass your 30th birthday (June 2, 2012), I would never have believed you.

I would have said that a 30 year old Jasmine would

- own a home

- have a padded bank account

- have a couple of kids

- have published a book

- have a wildly successful career making lots of money

I would have been wrong, but I’m glad you never told me, because this life is a nuanced, chaotic blessing far more complex and beautiful than my youthful imagination could have ever constructed.

Thank you for reading.