October 5–11, 2026
What a week! Full of purpose, meaningful encounters, hard work, beautiful surprises, and so much gratitude.
This week, much of my energy and focus went into Unchained Mothering and the Juniorette Club of Coconut Grove. A tremendous amount of work behind the scenes, but also a particularly social week, filled with opportunities to connect, listen, learn, and celebrate the extraordinary people who make our community what it is.
From State of the Arts in Coral Gables, to the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove membership luncheon, where we had the privilege of hearing Betty Osceola speak about the Everglades, her heritage, and the importance of protecting what matters.
From The Women’s Fund’s Raise the Bar event, bringing together inspiring women and advocates, to a joyful Dolly Parton tribute at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. So many different gatherings, yet all reminding me of the importance of community, engagement, and the power of showing up. Meeting with Naty from Colibri for more surprises on the unchained mothering side.
And then came Sunday!
RISE II: Pink Warrior! What a success!
Four organizations joining forces, more than 102 attendees, over 20 volunteers, and wonderful sponsors and supporters coming together around breast cancer awareness, self-defense, personal safety, and community empowerment.
We had the privilege of hearing Gloria Martinez share her powerful testimony as a survivor of human trafficking, and Sensei Carol White and her team reminded us that learning to defend ourselves is also about confidence, awareness, and taking an active role in our own safety.
Seeing people of different ages, backgrounds, and communities standing together was incredibly moving. This is what happens when good intentions become collective action. I am so proud of everyone involved and deeply grateful!
And on my artistic journey, another reason to smile: two of my photographs, Rising and The Courage to Bend, are currently exhibited at the Coral Gables Museum, as part of CAPTURE 2026. A beautiful reminder that my work as an artist continues alongside my commitment to community and nonprofit work. Both are important parts of who I am.
Of course, in the midst of all this, there was family life. Our little Ruby wasn’t feeling very well, thankfully she is doing better! There were the ordinary responsibilities, the unexpected little worries, and the moments that remind us that life doesn’t stop just because our calendars are full.
And thank G-d for Shabbat. That precious opportunity to disconnect, unwind, reconnect with what matters, and begin a new cycle of Torah readings with Bereshit — a reminder that we can always begin again.
A new month, a new beginning, and new opportunities to bring light into the world.
I have so much more to share from this week, and I will do so little by little. In the meantime, you can follow some of these moments on Instagram at @jessicadevreeze and @unchained_mothering.
One thought I want to carry into the coming week:
We make plans, and then life happens. We need to know how to adapt, leave room for surprises, and sometimes simply listen.
But through it all, we can choose to be a force for good.
We cannot control everything happening around us, but we can decide how we respond, what we contribute, and how we treat others.
It is up to each of us to make this world a better place, starting with ourselves.
Grateful for the week behind me, thankful for the one ahead, and always looking forward to what life will bring.
With love and light, always,
Jessica ❤️
P.S. No, I’m far from being Wonder Woman! 😅 But I’m happy with all that we’ve accomplished this week and so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen!
The truth is, I have weeks like this one, incredibly full, when I seem to be everywhere at once… and then others when I turn into a bit of a hermit, retreating into my own world to restore my energy.
And somewhere between those two extremes is that balance I am so often looking for! Still working on it! 😊
I can’t believe tomorrow is already Monday! And I must admit, I’m a tad tired!
Next week? More administrative work and follow-ups for Unchained Mothering, still a few things to take care of for the Juniorette Club of Coconut Grove… But I also want to make room for my art! There is so much I want and need to do on that front.
And of course, time for family and friends! ❤️
Oh, and let’s not forget sports! 🏃♀️💪 Where am I going to fit my training into all of this?
Well… let’s see!
Another week to plan, adapt, and hopefully leave room for the unexpected… and maybe a little rest, too!
PPS: I managed to fit in a mask for 15 mn of regeneration;-) on one of my busiest day, thank you Irene for that gift received on May 2026 🤣
PPPS a great thank you to Katya and her for preparing all the swag bags for Rise II and more
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