Ceci Frost

I am born and raised in southern California, and I love it! I am a beach and hiking kind of girl. I grew up doing extreme sports, starting little business, and writing books for fun. I graduated from Life Pacific College in Fall ’11 and immediately moved to Israel to help lead a study abroad program for 4 months. It was an amazing cultural experience, where I got to dabble with traveling blogging. After living overseas I moved to Oklahoma to test out a long distance relationship, I stayed for 3 ½ years. Transitioning out of Oklahoma with my “Okie” husband, we remodeled a 60’s trailer and road-tripped around the country for 4 ½ months with our two cats. We had the time of our lives! Check out our trip: joyward.wordpress.com Now we are back in Ventura County, pursuing writing, photography, and a beverage business for the local farmers markets in hopes of starting a coffee shop. When people ask me if I have siblings I usually give them my book business card because, “…it’ll take awhile to explain.” I was my mom’s only child but I have many step and half siblings. Throughout my life my mom battled with cancer, she had it three separate times. She was my best friend. Her personality was that of an encourager, and people lover. She made everyone feel special. When she passed away my world was shocked. I want nothing more than to help others heal properly after loss, never feel alone, and live with hope.

Articles:

Grief, the Roller Coaster

The one thing you can predict when it comes to the journey of grief is that it will be unpredictable. The most random and smallest sound, smell, or sight can push you emotionally. It’s typically when you least expect it. This is when you realize that you have memories—some that you forgot about—that are attached to specific songs, activities, locations, or a silly candy bar. You could be fine, focusing on something, and then one of those things shows up and your mind goes back in time while you’re trying to stay present. It takes your breath away and freezes […]

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From Motherless to ‘Motherfull’

Knowing our role or function among our friends and family isn’t something we intentionally think about; it’s just natural. Knowing our role at work is necessary and obvious. I didn’t realize every character (aka: people around me) in my story (aka: life) had been playing a role in my life for years. Not just Mom, Dad, Grandma, or best friend. But more in-depth: protector, caretaker, wisdom giver, encourager, the glue, or comedian. I knew before I lost my mom that I was Cathy’s daughter. Everyone loved my mom; therefore, they loved me too, because I was her daughter. (I truly […]

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Songwriting as Healing Art

I kissed your head Told you I loved you, ’cause I wanted You to know just how much that you impacted My life, so much more than I could ask for This is not good-bye, and yes, I will cry but that’s ’cause I miss your face This is not good-bye, I know I’ll see you on the other side some day This is not good-bye I held your hand We praised and we prayed with all we had With every second and every minute you breathed You are a fighter to me I dedicate this song to you The […]

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Grieving the Loss of the Future

I knew from day one when I lost my mom that specific occasions would arise in my life that I would inevitably miss having a mother there for. The two most prominent times would be getting married and having kids. I was hesitant about them from the beginning. It was comforting knowing I had my dear friend Rebecca to relate to when it came to those topics. The thought of marriage and having kids would make me sad instead of happy because my mom wouldn’t get to be a part of those exciting events. She wouldn’t be there to get […]

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