Get Out Your Sticky Notes Girls!

That's right girls, get out your sticky note pads, because this one is a keeper. It's a real motivator, a real kick in the pants, and a real Hallmark sticky note word to the wise. Ready........read..... Laugh! Now, I have a pretty good sense of humor (I think). I mean, I make people around me laugh all the time. I know, that could be a sense of naivety, not sense of humor. But laughter, whether through my naive comments, or my true witty wisdom is the best medicine for the soul.

So many words in my art lately. Don't know where this is coming from. But I like it. Most are not my words, but I like them anyways. These are my words though. Should I patent them now? Or is it copyright? Whatever it is, I don't think anyone would steal my panty line. Get it? See I told you I'm funny! :)

What I've Been Up To....

Of course I did a little more playing with the Brownie camera today. And I worked on a few new paintings for an upcoming show.This afternoon I laid down for a spell. Now, this is not a normal activity for me. I have to be beyond tired to even think about sitting for a spell, much less close my eyes before 9PM. But my body and mind needed a break. Mailey and William were playing with friends, so the house was quiet. I never really got to sleep, but rather a completely restful state. And that's when I got the idea for a new jewelry piece. See here:

OK, maybe you can't really see it that well. So here it is in full focus with my Rebel friend:

It's a little family tree necklace. It looks super cool on too. Ah.....back to the brushes now. Oh, and here's a Rebel friend picture of the new paintings. The one on the right says,

"Only from the heart can you reach the sky". Little blue bird is releasing heart balloons to his love that's sits on the moon for him. Aw....I really should work for Hallmark, don't you think?

Maybe I'll Paint Later...

Ok. I was about to paint and then I was like, "I wonder how my new camera would do with my colorful art supplies?" And here you go: And what about my little camper and Jenni letters.......

Oh man, I've got a PINK bike I could use too and prop it in front of the playhouse........can you tell I got really excited? My kids came home fom school and I showed them my contraption (actually William was like Mom, what are you doing with that pringles can on top of that old camera? And why is your camera on top of it all?). They were like, "Mom that is sooooo cool. Can we take some?" Not yet. I'm on a roll kids!

Yep. On a roll. Now I wonder where I can find an old truck parked? Gotta go!!

I Should be Painting but....

A new toy came in the mail and well....this is what I've been doing all afternoon. I really can't even express in words how excited I am about this new toy. Seriously I am in awe. These pictures are so mysterious, so soft, so.....well, perfect.

Now I am off to paint in my very cool sunroom studio. Lily is already nestled in my lap and snoring. The life of an artist. I think I like it right now. Yep, ginormous smile running across my face right now.

Where Are You Going Tonight?

I'd like to take a drive at night somewhere where the stars are so bright they sparkle like millions of diamonds. Then I'd lay down the tailgate, spread out a cozy blanket and gaze upwards. Of course a nice glass of red wine would accompany me during this gazing. And I'd watch for shooting stars. My wish should I see one? Well now, wishes don't come true if you share them!

Being a Mamma Bird

Being a Mamma bird can be, well hard sometimes. You work hard to build the nest, then protect the eggs and of course nurture the babies. It's easy to isolate yourself while in the process of all these stages and try to do it all alone. Sometimes it's just plain easier to do it yourself than teach someone else you say. I know, I've been there. But as I was driving home from Birmingham today enjoying this amazing day, I had this thought process about the Mamma Bird. Before a bird can become a Mamma, she has to build a nest. She uses branches fallen from her nature friends, fur from the family pets, dryer lint from the laundry of the house she has decided to call her own, wrappers from the Popsicles the children have left unattended in the yard, and other trinkets left behind from the family. Without those things, her nest would not be as warm, as strong or as inviting.

After the show yesterday I was very thankful to have my family, friends and you there to support me throughout the day. For each of you play an important part in making my creative nest a success. And without even the smallest twig, it could come completely apart. I am not sure I verbalize enough how very much I appreciate all the support I receive during an art show weekend. From the physical support, to the emotional support, each plays a vital role.

So as I traveled the I-20 route back to my warm home, I enjoyed being so content in my heart and mind. I thought a lot about the future of my creative career and the dreams I have. But one breath at a time I will move forward. I will listen to what my heart says and always be mindful of what I need to nurture my family and myself at the same time. Upon my arrival home I was greeted by an exuberant Lily dog, warm embrace from my sweet husband and a "Welcome Home Mommy" poster and drawing of Mailey and I holding hands taped to the walls. Oh wow, with every breath I take my life becomes more and more complete and so very full.

And my nest, well it's very tightly woven together right now, with lots of Popsicle wrappers for added sweetness. xo Jenni

Where are you going?

Here's where I'll be going THIS WEEKEND with all my new jewelry (like 75 new items, you should see my fingernails!)and a few new paintings. This show I added sorta last minute. And since I run a tight timeline before shows, paintings were not to be started until next week for the Wesleyan Show. So today I made a few new ones that I love, plus I have the few from last week. So if you live in the Birmingham area, come out and see me. This community is amazing! Next week I'll be back to show some of the lovelies I've been working on all week. See you then!