The Unsinkable

Titanic’s real Molly Brown | Home in Denver, CO

“In my journey back to life, I love sharing the people, places, and creations that bring light into my days — and I hope they’ll inspire you too.”

Molly Brown didn’t just survive the Titanic, she lived her life unsinkable. Fearless in politics before women could vote. Generous to miners’ families and orphans. A reformer who stood against greed and injustice.

This is that kind of second-half power, the part of life when you’ve been hit by the wave, but you rise anyway, steering toward a new purpose in the dark.

My story isn’t over. It’s just getting bolder.

Let’s go back to the movies! We all remember James Cameron’s Titanic, right?
Remember the character Molly Brown — the “unsinkable Molly Brown,” played by Kathy Bates (one of my favorite actresses, by the way)? She’s been in so many of my favorites.

Recently, we did a self-guided tour of the Molly Brown House and Museum. It was incredible! One of my favorite things to do when traveling is learning the local history in the places we visit. And I loved loved LOVED the Molly Brown House and Museum! Molly was a force, huh? Even though her character in the movie wasn’t central to the plot, stepping into the real world of Margaret (Molly) Tobin Brown reminded me how much bigger her story truly was.

She wasn’t just a survivor. She was a visionary philanthropist, suffragist, political trailblazer, and devoted family woman whose legacy shines with resilience, compassion, and defiance of norms.

The volunteer who walked us through the rooms was fantastic — you could tell she loved her job.
From my own time working in private, members-only food & beverage jobs, I’ve grown to appreciate the finer details of life. I do love being fancy, but I’m also the girl who forgets to shower for a day or two (sorry, Jeff!).

Her home struck me. It was beautiful, yes, but it felt like a home. I felt calm walking through it. I was especially enamored with the kitchen setup — simple, timeless, minimalist, and filled with just high-quality essentials.

We weren’t allowed to touch anything, only to sit in the clear acrylic chairs placed in certain rooms. But you know what? I sat in one, right in her favorite room: the balcony foyer. She would read, write letters, nap, entertain, and was even known to yodel to incoming guests during fundraisers and social gatherings.

And beyond all that fun history, here’s what struck me most: I can relate to her. Before May 5, 2023, and after, I’ve felt frustrations probably as strong as she did. I’ve felt anger, sadness, fear, torment. But I’ve also felt joy, happiness, pride, silliness, confusion, sarcasm, laughter — all of it. And like her, it’s up to me which emotions I choose to give my energy to. I’m still working on it.

Maybe I should ask Molly? The museum has events coming up this October… who’s in?

Thanx for being here.
XOXO,
BRI

Enjoy Photos from Molly Brown’s house:

Post Script: Unsinkable

I am really proud of the work I used to do. At first, it was about making great $$$. Raising a family on two incomes is great. And I am lucky to have had the opportunity to learn what sort of culture that I wanted to build, while being able to also be home with my family as much as possible. I am not perfect, and I am sure there are many out there who may not have great memories of their experiences with me, but that’s what they were, learning and growing from mistakes and experiences.

I worked in restaurants and customer service my whole life. I have met the best people, the worst people. I watched the most broken people, rebuild and recover and heal what life had thrown at them. I have learned from and still love the most amazing married couples. I have watched them grow their families, I’ve seen them break up, rebuild again. I have lost awesome friends who may have started out as a bar regular, or a video store customer, a club member, but grew into extended family and forever friends.

I am lucky to have the opportunity to have everyone around me right now. If it wasn’t for all of you who are still reading and still sharing, I am so lucky you’re sticking with me. And grateful.

At the end of the day, I relate to Molly Brown’s determination for doing the right things at the right times for the right reasons, she truly impacted the world, and contributed to some of the largest moments in our country’s history. When in Denver, you should check it out. They have some really fun Titanic memorabilia too!!

THANX FOR BEING HERE

XOXO,

BRI