Morning Zen

The magic of morning crept through my window and I came alive under her spell.

 

Fresh herbs growing on the potting table, patina pots and warm sunshine are my favorite parts of summer.

 

A little something, something I’m working on for my Etsy shop, little cards and envelopes made from a collage of  lovely images, professionally printed by Tiny Prints.

Wishing you a zenful day…

ox-jj

Yes, you can

 

Someone once said,

“Your wings already exist.

All you have to do is fly.”

 

 

I’m soaring through the rain today

how about you?

xo-jj

Grandma’s attic

 

On my way home from work yesterday I felt a familiar calling. It whispered, more like nagged me to take a little diversion to a nearby town.  I pulled off the highway, drove through several stops lights, down a residential street, over the railroad tracks and into a little parking lot.  The sky was overcast and  grey after a full day of rain but no matter, the place I was going didn’t have any windows, just stuff, wall to wall stuff. 

A little town a few miles to the north-east of my home is over-run with tiny antique shops, where you can find almost anything your heart desires- if you’re willing to pay for it. I quite often go just to browse, live in the moment of yesterday and hope that something I can’t live without jumps out at me, for the right price, of course.

When I first entered the shop I didn’t feel anything , no nostalgia, no excitement, no lust. I thought this trip was going to be a bust so I turned toward the door in an attempt to make it home and have dinner made before my hubby arrived. I made it halfway before I was stopped dead in my tracks by a case of vintage jewels, my biggest weakness. It was then that I felt that feeling of nostalgia, want, lust. The memories of grandma and her dresser in the attic filled with sparkly brooches, vintage hats and scarves, things I covet today.

The sales girl came over and offered to open the case. I knew once she did that it was all over for me but that tiny voice that came from an eight year old girl dying to play with her grandma’s jewels said “yes please.” Well I guess there isn’t too much else to say except I love the cameo brooch, the millenary flowers and the salvaged rosary chain that I spent three hours assembling last night. It looks great and I think if I can find the strength to part with it I’ll put it up for sale in my Etsy shop next week.

Have a wonderful weekend. I’m headed up-north to hunt for moral mushrooms-yum!

xo-jj

Notes to myself

You don’t have to be all things, all-knowing, or perfect.

What if you are just you, your true self, flaws and all.

It’s okay if you’re not good at everything.

It’s okay to be yourself.

No one cares if your outfit is a little mismatched, a bit wrinkled, or tired.

You’re supposed to look older and have a gray hair or two.

The only thing expected of you, is you, your true self, the person living on the inside.

Your job is to just be and nothing else.

Let it happen.

Do you ever wonder why we expect so much of ourselves and why we can’t get over the fact that we aren’t everything we want to be or everything someone else wants us to be? Can you live with yourself as is, without regret? It’s hard but I’m realizing  just how important it is and trying my dammedest to do it.

A while back I talked about the book A Sea of Whispers that I self-published. After receiving my copies, I gave them out as Christmas gifts to my family. I mentioned in a previous post, offering this book in my Etsy shop sometime in the future. That future isn’t today. It still might happen.  I’ve realized that it’s not important to share what I think or feel with the world but to offer something that captures your thoughts and views. I’d like to merge this book into a journal that records your self- discovery and journey through life. A place where you can record your thoughts without being censored. A place where you are free to be your authentic self. This idea gives me something to work on. I plan to talk to the company that published my book and see what we could offer at an affordable price.

We are all on a journey and have a story to tell and that’s important. I have to say my journey would not be the same without each one of you. It’s funny that it’s so easy to share myself with people I’ve never met. Perhaps it’s because we have a certain need or connection that bonds us so tightly. Or maybe we feel comfortable because we never have to meet face to face. It’s kind of like having an imaginary friend. The fact that you are very real sometimes overwhelms me. I can’t believe I have shared so much of myself with all of you.

Thank you for listening and just being there when I needed to share. You’ll never know how much it’s meant to me.

xo-junie

Designer walls in the blink of an eye, I’m in love!

I’m so excited and wowed by the wall decals offered on Etsy, I just had to share. I love, love the designs and there are so many! I have an open wall in my entry that is screaming for something and I think I have found the perfect solution, well, almost. There are so many beautiful designs that I just can’t chose. I’ll probably go with something like the one above.

 

Is this flower girl motif, not, fabulous? I’m in love! I wish I had a room that she could take center stage in. There are so many fun and funky designs that I want to share with you.

 

 

This owl design is so fun and trendy, I love it. The wall in this image is close to my entry way color and I debated a bit between the branch with birds or the owl. I think the formality of the first design may look a little more at home there but I love this look.

 

 

 

 

This motiff looks amazing, it adds a designer touch to this room.  The look is quite modern and clean. The decals have a matte finish and look painted. They are easily applied and totally removable. Well at least that’s what the disclaimer says. I guess I’ll have to find out for myself.

 

 

They are all stunning including this wall of birches with woodland creatures. I have to think about it a little more before I make my choice. I can’t wait to try this out for myself!

 

Busy day today, interview this morning, gymboree with the princess this afternoon and then an hour and a half drive to a planning committee thing, tonight. If you happen to visit the Mid-Michigan area today I’ll be the crazy chick driving around in a super girl cape, if only, I could really use one of those today.

 

I’d like to say “hey” to all the first time visitors from OWOH. If you haven’t done so yet scrool down to the previous post and take a ride on the magic carpet.

Enjoy…

xo-jj

 

Grazing the Moon

The Story:

A seed is planted without any guarantees. No way to know if it will grow and prosper, but the anticipation is worth the risk. The meadow outside my window is tended to by a horticulturist who from time to time plants a few seeds for no reason other than he can. I have the privilege of waiting and watching.  Sometimes they emerge from the ground as tiny shoots and then wither away in the harsh Michigan weather but other times they prosper and spread far and wide. I remember a year or so ago watching this man toss seeds about, the very same seeds that I have enjoyed from behind the lens of my camera. He probably never imagined that his actions would befall the eyes of so many.

 So as you’re reaching for the stars and when you sometimes graze the moon remember every action causes a ripple and leaves a mark forever- you can’t fall out of time.

I added this image and the story behind it to my studio. Thanks Doc….

xo-jj

Prelude to a Kiss

A short break in the rain allowed me a trip through the garden for the last cuttings of the year. A handful of roses and a small bouquet of lavender made the perfect centerpiece on my breakfast table. A little romance for breakfast never hurt anybody!

 

Prelude to a kiss

 Kind words are softly spoken

as two lips tenderly melt into one.

A look,

a feeling,

a spell is cast,

and the dance begins.

The arrangement not only made the perfect decoration for my table this romantic image made its way into my studio. I loved the look so much, I decided it was worthy of forever. The title was inspired by one of my favorite movies with the same title. Here’s a clip of Meg Ryan’s Prelude to a Kiss. 

I just had to mention a special friend and her perfect day- she so deserves it! Click on the image and take a quick trip. There is nothing more special than a loyal friend!

The artwork and award are by a very talented artist Ces, check out her amazing work.

My wish for you- an extra special weekend!

xo-jj

Lusty green and playful pink

The shelves are dusted and newly stocked items have been carefully displayed in the studio.

A faded rose just outside my window

melting into the perfect whisp of pink

a luring scent

a climbing tendril

the whisper of fall

It’s the little things that make the difference

 

The dream:

 a world without conflict

 life in a peaceful kingdom

love for all 

Feeling a lust for
Lush green
and the need for
cool waters

Wishing you a peaceful day of lusty green and whisper pink.

xo-jj

 

Where Bloggers Create; a place where magic and creativity collide

“It is our choices that show what we truly are,

far more than our abilities.”

J.K. Rowling

I found this quote to be fitting for today’s blog party. Karen Valentine of My desert Cottage is hosting an event that will allow us to take a peek into the lives and studios of over 160 creative soles. Make sure you take this opportunity to see where these creative individuals work their magic.

Thanks Karen

 

I share my desk with a camera collection but my creative process doesn’t begin in the office, in front of my computer, it begins on location, the moment something catches my eye- an opportunity is captured,

 

 but sometimes it starts in my mind when an opportunity is developed or created. My work space is where ever my camera takes me.

 

There’s no recipe or guide to my creative process and my destinations aren’t down on any map. I love the fact that my work environment changes like the wind. Some days I head out to the woods or garden but my favorite places to work are found during my travels.

My office is the place where I decide if an image will make it into my shop, Studiopink, or just take up space in my computer. I’ve posted a comglomeration of things that inspire me throughout the office.

 

My inspiration board is filled with my photos, as well as a few quotes and clippings that speak to me. I can’t tell you how many times a day I look over my shoulder to digest the images and words that inspire me.

 Of course I love to photograph pretty things like  flowers …

 

How could I resist a spring bouquet of pink Calla Lillies?

I couldn’t!

 

 

Or a vase filled with fresh daisies plucked from the field.

I love my flower images but I have to say my favorite photographs are captured in the dreamy spaces that I create.

 

This image of fresh sheets hanging in the trees was capture in my backyard and then enhanced by a little photoshop magic.

 

 

An old chair with chippy paint tucked in the woods is just my style. It feels like a secret place that’s waiting  just for me.

The fading light peeking through the trees makes this image special.

Although the magic really happens when I look through the lens of my camera, I do think my indoor studio is important and should reflect my personality.

 

 

That’s why I have a few special niches filled with things that inspire me. I have a love for writing and the antique Smith & Corona typewriter that was used by a journalist on assignment  inspires me to follow my passion. It folds flat and has a carrying case perfect for a travelling writer/photographer- my dream job.

I’ve combined a few images with original essays in a

found words through photography project.

No matter where you decide to create, always follow your bliss and take the creative journey in a manner that is just your style.

 

“The world is but a canvas to the imagination”

Henry David Thoreau

 

I felt empowered this day and had to captured the moment in a reflection across the pond.

Live your life with a creative spirit but more importantly-

 just live it!

xo-jj

Dreamy woodland spaces

Thanks for taking a moment to spend your day dream with me.Sometimes we need just a moment to close our eyes and let our minds take us to that quiet place where dreams linger and anything is possible. For the dreamy chair poll the clear winner or image that spoke the loudest was #2, the chair with the nest and little blue eggs. This image was raw, totally untouched by photo-shop. It just goes to show that the real magic of light speaks louder than anything simulated in a photo editing program. Image number #1 and #2 will be for sale in the studio and #1, #2 and #3 will be for sale in a set of dreamy little note cards later today. I’m so excited but right now this girl has to take off her dreamy hat, put on her super-girl cape, hop in her sporty convertible (lets pretend I have one) and drive 40 minutes away to rescue Mr. Java. He forgot his work phone and several of his desperate employees have questions and need to his assistance. So I’ll be back this afternoon to work in the studio and make my blog rounds. Thanks again for your input on my mystic dream space.

Oh, by the way, I’ve started revamping my vision board. I’ll give you a peek some time soon. 

WISH>>>>>>>>>DREAM>>>>>>>IMAGINE>>>>>>>

xo-jj