RIP Estelle Getty...

Hello All!

Greetings for the Last Frontier. I’m ready to be done saying that. I can truly say that Alaska is the most beautiful place I have ever been, but honestly, traveling this much in the last couple years has taught me that there is nothing more beautiful than HOME! By home, I’m not necessarily referring to the Hills of Zephyr, but more so where my loved ones are. I can’t wait to be home with all of you, share my new home with you, and hear all about what I’ve missed while I’ve been away. Selah is starting kindergarten. Marin is close to walking. It’s time to come home.
Things here are excellent! The cast is friendlier than any other team I have been a part of and that makes work so much more enjoyable. No conflicts, just joy…We all care so much about each other and provides such a sense of security and for that, I’m grateful.
Thank you for all the wonderful correspondence! I can’t tell you how excited I get on Sundays when I get back on the ship to start another cruise and I have letters and cards from you guys. It’s always such a nice surprise! Jalyn sent me some new photos of the girls. I’m in awe of what’s happening to them. Beautiful.
Grandma sent me a letter and the clipping from the newspaper announcing mine and Aaron’s purchase of 4th and 4th. I loved seeing that. Besides my checking account balance, I really had no proof that I actually owned it, so thanks to Grandma, I believe it!
Mom sent me a card that sang to me as I opened it. That was a wonderful surprise. She wrote me a short novel sharing her heart with me, a beautiful letter that I’ve read several times. We had such a great visit, and reading the letter reminds me of all of our fun times together.
Aunt Kaye has sent me a couple INFORMATIVE letters, which I LOVE! She updates me on her and Uncle David and of course Sarah and Hannah. I love reading them, and everyone that sees the letters on my desk inquires about her beautiful penmanship. I enjoy getting those updates a great deal and appreciate the time and effort she must put in to that.
Carol sent me a care package with new music and pictures along with a handmade card and some treats that remind me of late nights at her house. Carol could teach seminars on how to make someone’s day. She is so gifted in that arena.
Believe it or not, Aaron actually sent me a card! I didn’t know what to do when I saw it sitting in my box. I smiled when I saw the return address was the new house. He pretty much told me that he couldn’t care less when I come home, but that Tiki misses me every single day. (I’ll take that as Aaron’s own way of telling me he wants me home…at least I tell myself that!)
Jenn never writes.
Yesterday, when I got back onboard, I had the very best surprise though…A CARD FROM HANNAH! When I saw her name on the envelope, I immediately started to cry and told my friend that I was standing with how special it was that I was getting mail from her. Her words were beautiful and sincere. God’s timing with her journey has amazed me. The horrible times in the past will all be worth it when she’s back home. Visiting her before I left I KNEW in my heart that she was a transformed young lady. The work isn’t done, but it isn’t ever done for ANY OF US! It’s all a journey, and it’s so important to appreciate the valleys as much as the peaks. I’m so thankful that places like Steppin Stone exist for situations like this one. God is good.

I hate to sound like Oprah with the book recommendations, but I’ve got another one that you MUST READ!
The Shack.
Without telling you too much, it’s about a man who is suffering through the loss of his little girl. She was abducted and there is proof of her murder. This proof was found in a remote shack.
Four years after the kidnapping, he receives a note inviting him to the shack for a weekend. The note is signed by someone claiming to be God.

That is all I am going to tell you about the plot.
Read it!!!!!!
I warn you of the intensity. It’s CRAZY, but more fulfilling than any other book I have EVER READ!
It perfectly answers the question, “Where is God during chaos and turmoil?”
Read it, and then pass it on to someone who needs it.
Robbie Brown in who called me with the recommendation. I will be forever grateful to him for it. Without exaggerating, it truly was life-altering to read this book.

In less than two months, I will be HOME! I’m counting the days.
In the meantime however, Carol and Jenn are coming to visit on August 3rd, and then the following cruise Matt and Sarah are coming along with Dr. and Mrs. Pancotto! That is going to be two crazy weeks. I’m so blessed by all of these wonderful visitors. My friends onboard can’t seem to get enough of my friends and family. I can’t either.
The newest development with visitors is Jenn, B, Selah, and Grandma coming for the last cruise of the Alaska season! That is going to be incredible!!!! I will be overwhelmed with joy having them all on at once. It will make packing much easier for me after I bribe one of them to bring an empty suitcase with them to help with my ridiculous amount of STUFF. Jenn and Byron will have their room, I’m getting Grandma HER own room, and I’m hoping that Selah will want to “campout” with Uncle in OUR own room. I’ve already gone through my DVD collection to see what she will enjoy. I brought Matilda, Pippy Longstocking, Annie, and Free Willy…so that should cover a few hours of entertainment for her.
Thanks to Byron for arranging this.
It will be magical.
It just seems so right them coming on my last cruise and bringing me home with them. I’m thrilled just at the thought!

Please keep your eyes and ears open for used cars that are for sale and good jobs that will pay me ridiculous amounts of money. Thank you.

I love you all and feel your love all the time.
Thinking of you with every note I sing.
Jamie

Mom Visits Me...

We've had the most amazing time. The most perfect Alaska weather I've seen in my two seasons here...

Many memories made.

More to come...

A Cold, Rainy Tuesday in Alaska...

Hello my dear friends and family:

I hope that everyone is doing well! A busy weekend in Tampa for everyone with Jenn’s Birthday bash and Jalyn’s Birthday on Sunday. Happy Birthday to both of my wonderful sisters. I hate missing days like those, but it’s all part of my job I guess…I wish that I could have been there for all the fun! I’m told that it’s been raining a lot there, which is good. Aaron says that the yard is looking good. He’s been doing a whole lot of work in the yard. (can’t wait to see it!!!)

I’m enjoying a new cruise after last week, which was a bit of a challenge for me because of illness. My throat has decided to stop cooperating. These dumb tonsils of mine are driving me crazy. I suppose that they will have to come out at some point. The doctor onboard told me to expect continued infection until they’re gone. I told him that I hated him and that I would prove him wrong. He gave me great meds and I am feeling better already. The clean Alaska air is my friend. Singing like that is not fun, but I got through it, and people didn’t seem to notice.

I’ve finished the most amazing book I’ve read in a long time. Some of you may have seen the television special that Diane Sawyer did on it. It’s called “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. Without giving you too much information, it’s written by a professor who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and prepared his “last lecture” to his students. He chose the topic of childhood dreams. The book is absolutely unbelievable. A quick read, but the impact it had was great…I highly recommend it to you all!

I played in snow this week at the top of Mount Roberts. It was so much fun! We had to do some trespassing into avalanche danger areas. It was well worth it though.

This week, I’m preparing for Mom’s visit. We’re going to have a lot of fun. I don’t have the same connections that I had on my last ship for the tours, but we are still going to have a memorable time. I can’t wait to hug someone I’m related to…it’s been too long. I love sharing the amazing experience with my loved ones…it’s such a honor.

Time is flying by on the STAR. The weeks are a bit repetitive, but the team is so incredibly friendly! I’m having a great time. Excited just at the thought of coming home. I’m loving all the updates from you all. Marin is growing so quickly. Selah is a graduate. Hannah made OLD GIRL at school. Thank God for that. Aunt Kaye is a working woman, and Sarah is on a sabbatical. Jalyn and mom are losing weight. Jenn and Byron have opened an animal rescue center. I’m so proud of you all!

A very special happy birthday to my dear friend Bill Jacobs today!

MANY Hugs and Kisses to All of You,
Jamie

Happy Birthday to BOTH of my WONDERFUL SISTERS!!!

(a poem I wrote for Jenn's 30th)

To my wonderfully talented, beautiful, kind-hearted sister Jenn,
on her 30th Birthday…

June the nineteenth is quite a special day,
For that is when she entered the world, and stole their hearts away.

Jim and Janice could finally be called Mom and Dad,
Which make lots of people awfully glad.

They decided on Jennifer Leann as her name,
And softball, singing, and chasing boys would be her best games.

She always stayed quite busy at school,
Not so much with studying, but all the kids knew she was cool.

People would drive from miles around to hear her sweet voice sing;
Then it was time to celebrate, for she was graduating from King!

She went to FC and joined all the groups.
She toured with the “Friends”, and her belt ran out of loops!

They bought her new pants to wear on the stage,
Many named her “Fat Girl” which caused her no rage.

She then lived with April off of Bruce B. Downs.
Those days were filled with fun and laughter; there was no time to frown.

She went on four dates,
And just like that…she found her mate!

His name was John Byron, and he sang her nice songs,
But many thought he wanted to see her thong.

The wedding day quickly arrived,
And thanks to many prayers, Janice survived.

Addresses; they’ve had too many,
But all were smart moves to save their pennies.


Then along came a gift,
That gave everyone a MUCH needed lift.

Her name was Sweet Selah, an angel from above.
She came at the perfect time bringing with her hope, joy and love.

By becoming a mother, her heart continued to grow.
What would come next? Who could know?

She wanted to share the amazing gift of motherhood.
Although most doubted, she knew in her heart that she could.

And for her special new friends, she carried two precious babies,
Both of which are growing fast into lovely little ladies.

Those who witnessed her strength stood in awe at the door,
For no act so unselfish had any one of us ever seen before.

So what comes next for this beautiful young woman?
Some may be asking?

Many years filled with peace, success, laughter and MUCH love…
For THAT is everlasting!

--

May God continue to bless and protect you my sweet sister,
All my love,
James

4th and 4th...

This is a beautiful photo that Carol took of the new house! The kitchen is so awesome and this picture shows it off so well.

Well done Aaron.

The Long Awaited Blog...

Hello Blog Community!

I hope this entry finds you all doing well. (the three of you who read this)

First things first: Allow me to apologize for my lack of entries. The hand-over process on the STAR Princess has been SO MUCH more extensive than any other task I have been a part of before. I am thrilled to say that it is complete, and I now have more free time than anyone I know, besides Marin. I promise to make up for it by sharing all that you have missed during the last month or so. In order to do that, we’re going to have to head back to LA.

I enjoyed the most wonderful weekend with the Poarch family to celebrate Hunter’s graduation from Pepperdine. Hailey flew in, and we were able to catch up on all the fun. Sally Largen (Hailey’s former roommate) drove ALL THE WAY from Studio City and picked me up in Santa Clarita. We had a good talk in the car on the way to the home of Mike, Robyn, Ruby and Bolen. She’s a long-time friend of their family and we were able to catch up on each other’s lives and what we’ve missed since out last time together last year. Once we arrived at their house, the fun began and NEVER stopped. MANY hugs and kisses LOTS of games and laughter and even MORE food. Tommy and Wicky were in town and Hunter brought a couple friends from school.
After hours of laughter, Sally, Hailey, and I went to Sally’s apartment to sleep. We didn’t sleep much. Stayed up and laughed, and before we knew it, it was time to get up for church. We went to church where Robyn and Mike attend. It was fine. Good doughnuts. Ruby sat in my lap for part of the service…that made my day. She’s adorable. We had lunch at Panera Bread and then spent the rest of the day back at Robyn and Mike’s house.

I got back to my apartment with enough time to prepare for the coming week of rehearsals. Four FULL production shows and a Welcome Aboard show is A LOT to learn. The final week of rehearsals went well. My teacher, Noelle is a dear friend to me. We actually shared an apartment for part of my extended time in LA last year, so she made my time as painless as possible. Flying to the ship was wonderful! We flew into Seattle on the morning we boarded, so we didn’t have to get a hotel. I was exhausted once I got onboard, but after a quick tour and MANY phone calls home, I was able to catch up on some sleep. (a car picked me up at 3am that morning!!)

I love exploring a new ship. It’s like introducing yourself to a new friend. There’s something so special about the first step you take when you board. I always say a little prayer as I walk on. I pray that my time on board is safe and fun and filled with many learning experiences…so far, so good!
The ship is HUGE! I am still finding new places. The theatre is beautiful and overall, I just has a lot more to offer than my last ship. I miss having fewer passengers though. This one is very crowded compared to the Island Princess.

Alaska is more beautiful than when I left it. MUCH more snow. I’m loving it so much. The air up here is tremendously clean, and I’m thrilled to be back in Alaska. I love sharing it with people and watching their faces the first time they experience it.

Two weeks ago, there were special visitors on the STAR. Dan Radde and Bill Jacobs are friends of mine and Aaron’s that we met though Aaron’s work. It was a mere coincidence that they booked on my ship, but none the less, it was so wonderful to see them and spend time with them! They came with a good bit of their family…lots of new friends. They all kept me entertained. Dan and Bill are such fun people. We were able to share a couple of meals and go whale watching. (the most memorable whale watching I’ve experienced! Whales, sea lions, sea otters, deer, black bears, and and eagle) A whale jumped out of the water which took my breath away. My schedule was a bit hectic with rehearsals, but every spare second I had, I spent with them. Wonderful people…they made my month. It’s always so nice to have loved one’s on the ship.

A co-worker friend of Jalyn’s named Karen was also on board that week as well. She was SO FUNNY! She spoke SO HIGHLY of Jalyn as everyone does. It made me feel good talking to her. Just hearing her talk about Jalyn and things back in Tampa made me feel at home. She and her husband came with a big group of people, and I met every single one of them. Nice people. (we took lots of pictures together)

This last week was my last week of rehearsals! Hunter Poarch joined me for a cruise. He was the easiest guest I’ve ever had. I had signed him on, so he stayed in my room, and somehow the week felt extremely normal! It was by far the busiest I had been thus far with rehearsals, but Hunter just went hiking in all the ports while I worked and then watched the shows at night. He had me laughing so much. For those of you who don’t know him well…he’s one of the most laid back people that I have ever met. Anything goes with Hunter. It was his first cruise, so he was a bit in shock about most things. He couldn’t believe that the food was free and how big the ship was. He couldn’t believe that we had a room steward. (he got used to that VERY quickly) On the second night he was here, I met him back in my room after a show and I asked him if he was hungry. He told me that he has eaten a couple of hours ago, but could eat again. I told him that I was planning on ordering some dinner and he sort of hesitated to get anything. I thought that he might be thinking about the cost, so I communicated to him that room service was free and he nearly hit the roof. He ordered everything on the menu and laughed as he ate it. It made me so happy to watch him enjoy himself as much as he did. A great way for him to celebrate graduating. He became fast friends with EVERY SINGLE member of my cast, including my teacher from the head office. He amazes me. He left on Sunday to make the long trip across the country to Virginia to start his new job. MANY prayers for him as he travels and begins a new adventure.

Now I can catch up on sleep and blogging. I haven’t been to a Wal-Mart since my very first week onboard…that proves how busy I’ve been! I normally go at least once a week. It’s a highlight for me!

I assume that everyone that is reading this has already seen my new house! It went through!! Praise the Lord. I haven’t seen photos of the inside yet, but from what I hear, Aaron is doing such an amazing job with it. I knew he would. I can’t describe the feeling of not being there for that whole process. Aaron called last week and was sitting at the dinner table with some of our friends for a meal and my stomach turned. I will be so eager to see it when I finish here. Thanks to EVERYONE that has helped with this huge process. It means more than you know. This house is a HUGE miracle and having you all as a part in it makes it all the better. The BIGGEST thanks to Aaron for all he is doing.

MUCH love to all.
Happy Birthday to Aaron on June 4th.

Here is my mailing information if any of you care about me:

Jamie Johnson
Guest Entertainer
Entertainment Department
M/V Star Princess
Quay Cruise Agencies
21905 64th Ave., Suite 301-B
Mountlake Terrace USA, Washington 98043

A New Adventure Begins...

I've just finished my second day of rehearsals here in LA. I flew here on Sunday and have really enjoyed my time here so far! Beautiful sun, but in the 60's!!!! It feels so good.
My time at home was incredible! It was filled with family and friends. I wouldn't have changed a single thing, except maybe some more time with all of them. Looking at my current career the only REAL downside is having to say good-bye to the people I love the most. Knowing I have their support and love as I travel is the reason I'm able to do it though.
The cast is EXTREMELY friendly! There are more countries represented than any other cast I have ever been a part of...USA, Canada, Australia, England, Spain, Germany, Russia, and South Africa!! How amazing is that? I LOVE learning about the different cultures and getting to know these extremely talented people. What a blessing!
My plan for the coming weekend is to head back to my old turf in West Hollywood/Studio City and be with the Poarch family for Hunter's graduation from Pepperdine! Hailey and her new husband are coming down for the grand event. I CANNOT wait to be with all of them again! They were the people that made my extended time on the West Coast so tolerable last year. I'm sure we'll have a great time.
I'm surprising myself with muscle memory from some of the shows that I learned last year, so that is simplifying my life quite a bit! God is keeping me feeling great. My throat is healthy and all is well. The new studio is AMAZING! State of the art facility. Princess really goes all out. I'm so grateful to be working for them.
I pray that everyone back home is well. My extended family needs prayers for Annette Poore. She's really having a hard time. Thank God we have Moffitt so close by, but MANY prayers for her and Dr. Poore, and of course Byron, Jenn, and sweet Selah.
I can't think of any other updates.
News on the house when it becomes available...possibly closing next Tuesday.

I love you all...