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

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What keeps you real?

Sometimes I get caught up in all the crazy things in life and forget the important stuff. It’s vital to give time and validation to the people who are most important in your life.  A simple call means so much to a sick friend and a quick visit can make someone’s day. I admit to being self-centered and completely unaware or forgetful of things and people at times. It’s important that I stay grounded and not let my mind wander too far off track. I’m the kind of person who needs time to wander both mentally and physically. I need to putter and create, take a rest and then get back on track. Maybe it’s my gypsy roots that navigates my psyche or perhaps it’s because I’m never satisfied with one hobby, one project or just one job at a time. Sometimes I exhaust myself.

I worked most of the day at Pottery Barn and then I spent my paycheck. Some days I’d be better off just staying home but then I’d miss out on things like this….

Do you love it, or is it just me?

How about this clean, crisp look, for spring?

I love these found soda bottles. They’re vintage and range in age from 60 to 100 years old. Good thing they’re available by catalog and internet only.

It’s great to work in a place you love as long as you can refrain from taking home all the merchandise 😉

love…

jj

A little chit chat on a slow Thursday

I’m thinking about making a change with a pallet of  seaside colors. My house is painted in Tuscan hues and it suits me well but lately I’ve contemplated  somthing a little more Zen for my master bedroom and bath, colors that resembles a spa-like atmosphere.  A hint of sand and a whisper of turquoise might do the trick but I don’t want it to stick out like a  chicken with lips. It has to blend with the rest of the house. That might be tricky.

The little vintage chair in the picture above is my inspiration for the room. I found it at a garage sale for 3 bucks. It has been partly stripped which left fabulous layers of ocean blues and sea greens over a base of sandy  brown. The shift in colors are subtle and light and just perfect. I bought it and left it as is. I’ve paired it with a creamy white vanity, accented with a green vase of peacock feathers. I love the look but not so sure I can fit it into my decor on a larger scale, any ideas?

If I were to go on a total splurge I’d buy a new bedroom set in creamy white and paint my walls in the lightest sky blue, new paintings, new duvet cover,etc. $$$  I don’t see that happening any time too soon.

No matter…. it’s the people and pets that make a house a home, right?

On that note I thought I would update you on the beautiful Manx cat I dreamt about before he showed up on my door step and adopted me. Ricky-Bobby has gone from a frequent visitor to a full-time resident. He still spends much of his time in the woods and meadow that surround the house but comes inside to eat and sleep and kill my Canary but that’s a whole other story. I needed a new pet like I needed a new hole in my head but I’m a sucker for a sad face and somebody out there knows it.

The other kitties (only 2 left)  that followed him here are still wild but we spent the time and money to capture and neuter them. Mr. Java has the bite marks to prove it. They peek in the windows and sneak through the doggy door to sleep in the garage when it gets too cold. Remember how Mr. Java had such a fit because I was feeding them? Guess who feeds them now, he caved.

Well, thats all for a slow thursday. Hey Deb guess what? The suns out. Thanks for sending it my way. Now how about those lemons? he hee…

xo-jj

I’m thankful for… meaningful moments

Every morning I wrap my fingers around a toasty cup of coffee and step outside to watch the day begin. I ponder the mist rising above the sleepy woodland, the leaves rotting on the forest floor, the air thick and damp allowing a generous coat of green moss to prosper.

This is the moment I fall in love with the day, silent, hopeful and posed with the unknown. With the steam rising from my cup, I give thanks for my life and everyone in it. I close my eyes and breathe in the heavy air. I’m thoughtful, thankful and ready for the day to begin.

I give thanks for my life and everyone in it…

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends

xo-jj

and that’s the truth

All right, without further delay or procrastination here it is, the honest scrap about me.

This honor was bestowed upon me by my good friend the Seawitch.

1. I live in the same town where I was born- moved away once but came back. I always thought I would grow up to be famous and live in a big city.

2. I have been writing crazy little stories and poetry since I was 12 years old.

3. I am fiercely loyal and can become dangerous if you mess with my kids 😉

4. I had a stalker when I was 15. Thank God that’s over.

5. About 12 years ago I ran into a burning house and retrieved 3 kids and 2 dogs. I put them in my car/van and waited until their mother arrived home.

6. I’m a terrible speller, spell-check is my friend.

7. I have only finished reading about 6 books in my lifetime I get bored too easily.

8. In 10th grade my girlfriends and I hid in the locker room of the opposing football team at half time and never got caught. We didn’t see much but it was still worth the thrill.  he he

9. I had to stuff my bra for my best friends wedding because I missed my last fitting and well it didn’t fit. Thank heavens everything stayed put.

10. I believe helping others is the best way to help yourself!

That’s it, 10 things you don’t know about me. Have a great weekend!

xo-jj

My Brat Pack

Just a little message left along the trail in your honor. If you missed my previous post about found words left here and there you can catch up here.

I’ve been a little removed from this space and yours lately, also a little tardy and neglectful. So I’d like to take a moment to thank my dear friends for hanging with me. I would also like to thank Miss Deborah and Shell for the wonderful friendship awards they passed on to me. This next video is a tribute to my friends, so if you’re reading my blog this clip is for you. Love the brat pack, love the song and the memories this vidoe stirs up.  Enjoy!

Gotta love that!

xo-jj

But Wow!

After this weekend of crazy parties in the blogsphere I am speechless. You’re all so creative, so kind and so damn much fun. I can’t think of anything to say but wow. It is because of so many interesting souls out there in the blogging universe that I’ve felt so inspired, enriched and entertained these past few months.

I’ve only made it to a fraction of the blog parties as of yet so I’ll continue to visit throughout the week. It seems that my time has been very short lately. I start out each morning fully intending to get everything accomplished but something always gets in my way. There are so many important things I want to share with you this week- so stay tuned.

Okay, now I promised a blog give-away for those who commented on my Mad Tea Party post. I will draw out a name this evening and publish it tomorrow, so you still have time to get your name in for this. Do you want a peek at the prize? Yeah, I know silly question.

 

She is from Add an Accent and comes in her own little box (big whoop) with a little bottle of magic fairy dust. Although she looks at home in the garden flowers I’m thinking she would make a perfect accessorie for a Christmas project.

My wish for today-productivity. I could wish for something bigger but let’s start small. Dreams and wishes are important no matter the size. Thank you for being a part of mine.

xo-jj

Blown away, well almost

This shot was taken after the storms were over and the sun came out. I wandered through the tall weeds to check on a mother deer and her two fawns. They were no where to be seen. They usually hide in this tall grass during the day. The babies are tiny, about the size of small dogs and I was worried about their safety because of the downed trees and power lines and the wide-spread flooding in my area.

I’m finally back on-line after a series of crazy storms, the last of which on Friday night took out my cable and Internet. I was lucky compared to many others in the area. numerous trees were split or totally uprooted. They fell across major roads causing a few detours and did serious damage to several houses in my area. A few blocks away a tree fell on a brand new car that had been purchased just the day before. The city was without power and as I drove out of town with my windows down I could hear the sound of chain saws coming from every direction. Unfortunately I didn’t get an opportunity to take any pictures because of my hectic weekend schedule.

I have an update to my Manx cat story. I’ve continued to leave food out for him/her but unfortunately this has attracted every stray in the neighborhood. Every time I look out my window there is another cat helping himself to the food dish. I really don’t want to become the cat lady but I do feel bad for the many animals that have lost their homes due to the recession. So I have kind of a dilemma on my hands.

Mr. Java and the princess taking a walk on father’s day. She saw a little girl ahead with a pink bike and although she is only 19 months old she is determined to ride a bike and of course how could she resist one in pink. Some day little one- don’t grow up too fast!

Well, I’m off to tackle a long list of must do crap. I’ll be back to catch up with some blog visits later today or this evening. Take care! 

xo-jj

Ulternate universe, characters welcome

 Those of us who are immersed in the on-line world of bloggery see nothing strange about cyber parties or daily visits to our neighboring blogs. We talk about each other as if we are neighbors, co-workers and friends. It feels totally natural and not the least bit strange at all; until you try to explain why you’re wearing rabbit ears while  having tea with imaginary friends and taking pictures. Just try to explain I dare you! Mr. Java was ready to call for the white coats to come take me away to a nicely padded room. He didn’t buy the whole taking pictures for an upcoming cyber party bit.

Then not long after that I was chattering about what I was going to wear to this up-coming blog event, Vanessa from A fanciful Twist’s Mad Hatter Tea party, and the person I was talking to said oh, it sounds like fun, where is the party? At that moment I knew that no matter what I said or how I tried to explain it was going to sound stupid or crazy or more than likely a combination of both.  I could see the wheels turning in her head as I tried to explain. Her thoughts were rumbling as a role of the eyes and strained facial expression gave way to an “oh I see.”  That was it, not one question about blogs or how they work, who uses them and how do I get one. Nope just a “oh I see.”  I know what she was thinking, “oh my, this poor chick is unemployed while trying to make a go of her photography and she’s lost her mind in the process.” It was that look of pity and fear on her face that snapped me back from this alternate universe  into the land of tangible things and real people engaging in live conversions.

I think the younger generation, like 25 and under has a much easier time understanding the cyber world but just try to explain it to your parents. Do you get the look of didn’t we raise you better than that and be careful or some stalker will show up at your door. I get that talk from Mr. Java who really doesn’t understand this blog thing at all. He only got with the email kick a few years ago because his business dictated that her communicate that way. 

So I wondering how do others explain this alternate world of friendships and parties and what do you say when your in the midst of blogging and a friend calls to ask “what are you up to?” Do you say I was working on my blog, twittering with a friend, down-loading pictures on my web-page or just make something up?

Are we really an odd group or just people who still have an imagination, a sense of fun and genuine trust in the universe? I’m not sure what the answer to that is but I do know that I have met some truly wonderful and exceptionally interesting people here in blog land. How about you?

xo-jj

Here’s to a new week, a new path and new friends…

 

How do you choose a new path? Do you look for the easy road or something magical and inspiring? Does it have to speak to you or do you just go with the one that is highly recommended? Like I always say: “follow your heart, your passion, your bliss” and you’ll never go wrong. It may not be easy but it will be worth it!

I’m back from my family retreat and as promised I will be passing on an award today but first I’d like to share my unravelling with you.

I along with 164 other people from around the globe have embarked on a journey of self discovery from the feet up. Our first assignment was to photograph our feet in a way that said something about us. I shared one of my pic’s with you here. We are allowed to share 4 photo’s and descriptions each week with the class. We do not have our new photo assignment for this week but our writing assignment is to write our life as a fairy tale. Okay we all know that I’m good at the make believe stuff but writing about my whole life as a fairy tale isn’t that easy. I have caught myself adding little embellishments and sidesteps that just aren’t true. What a surprise to me that the writing assignments has been the hardest part thus far. It is incredibly interesting to see how others view themselves. I have always wondered how different my view of myself is compared to the people who know me best.

Okay now to move into the good stuff. I was very honored last week when Deborah from Midlife Poet  (go meet Deborah she is so inspiring) gave me the coveted Renee award. If you do not know anything about this award or have the privilege of knowing Renee, a very incredible lady, please stop by Birds Circling My Head for a visit.

Now I think I’m ready to share this award with a few deserving friends of mine.  I will list just a few that I think have displayed their courage or kindness to others and me in blog land.

Libby from Thoughts usually with attitude: Libby is a very courageous and kind lady battling MS. No matter what kind of day it is she always has a kind and encouraging message to leave. Thank you for that Libby.

Ricardo from Unloaded: He is in the midst of making some incredible changes in his life and tells it like it is, at all times. He lets it all hang out very candidly but is always supportive of his fellow bloggers. Thanks Ricardo.

Shell from Swan of Dreamers: She is a dreamer like myself and inspires others with her beautiful words. She charms me with her positive attitude and I usually learn something when I visit her. She always has something kind to say. Thanks Shell, fellow dreamer.

Terra from Unfinished business part II: Terra has an uncanny way of making  her daily experiences read like a sitcom or soap opera. She is kind and supportive in her comments. Thanks Terra.

 Now really I could go on all day listing people who inspire me and others with their beautiful blogs that make me want to try harder.  I mentioned just a few because they are the bloggers who have been most supportive of me in my quest to follow my dreams.

Thanks for sharing this first day of a new week with me.

xo-jj