{jonnajonna}

Remembering Wholeness...

2012-01-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have told about umpteen million people about this book...and about that many more have asked me about it. Carol Tuttle's Remembering Wholeness is quite possibly the best, most helpful, validating, calming, amazing book I've ever read. Her message is simple: connect with your "source" to claim the life you've always wanted. Carol is an LDS author, but this is not an LDS book. She shares her message in such a way that it's received by members of all faiths. Because I share many of her core beliefs, Remembering Wholeness really struck home with me. Almost every single page of my copy is dog-eared, highlighted, underlined, filled with notes and thoughts or falling out from constant use. I use this book in the morning...and then again before I fall asleep, after I read my scriptures.

I also have a TON of Carol's other goodies, too! MANY talks, other books and workbooks, and courses. They were ALL worth it! I can't believe how big of a blessing she's been in my life.

PLEASE visit Carol's site and have a peek around! All of her stuff is available under the store tab (It's been a LONG time since I've been able to find her books in stores!), but the rest of her site is pretty dang amazing too!

Hope you enjoy!

Much Love,

j

New Loves...

2012-01-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have a few new Loves in my life... Want to meet them?

This is my Christmas. It was a surprise a week early, so I could practice and play it during the Christmas Program in Sacrament Meeting ON Christmas day. It sounds and smells and IS amazing. :) Thank you Santa's! (Yes, about 4 were involved in this delivery!) He doesn't have a name yet, but I'm thinking it needs to be something cut and hunky. Suggestions?

Next,

Yes, I know that Hallelujah isn't new. It's classic!!! It's a New Love, however, because guess what...I can ACTUALLY PLAY SOME OF IT!!! It's haunting and lovely and peaceful and calming...and it's my goal for the next few months to perfect it. Wish me luck.

And...
Have you met my most favorite thing in the WHOLE world?

This is my nephew. My sweet, sweet Ethan Jon. I am so lucky that Brandon and Andrea have trusted me enough to let me play as often as I get to. This pic was on his 2 week birthday...he is now almost 4 months old!!! I can't believe it!

He is growing up SO fast!!! Thank you, Mr. Ethan for loving me as much as I love you...

Much Love,

j

Why do I always give away the stuff I make...?

2012-01-02T18:02:00.001-07:00

Seriously. I love you guys, but I so want to be able to justify making something that stays with me! Haha! You know...if I make something for me, I'm being selfish and wasting my time doing blank instead blank... At least that's what I spend a lot of my time telling myself.
Anyway, I've been working on this happy bit for about 3 weeks and it wasn't until a few days ago that I found the perfect picture for the frame. Promise me, Brie that YOU WON'T LOOK AT THE PICTURE!!! Cause, yes. It's for you... ;)

The super cute gelatin mold is from one of Wild Olive's happy patterns from the Food Friends 2 pack. So stinking cute! I can't wait until I have time to make them ALL...and maybe even keep one of them for myself...

Much Love,

j

2012...

2011-12-28T14:42:00.001-07:00

I've done a lot of thinking about the "BIG" things that I should accomplish this next year. I did some pretty amazing things in 2011...even if they weren't marked momentous in the lives of everyone else! Ha! What's sad is even though they all meant the world to me...I didn't get around to documenting them here. Lame. So...here's a simplified version of my ta-da's from this last year:

*realizing, getting prepared and ready and attending the temple
*FINALLY being "ready" to teach guitar
*moving on
*beginning and FINISHING the worlds more difficult baby quilt for my most favorite thing in the world (it was a serious dangerous, hard, forced creativity, time consuming, butt kicking project...)
*losing poundage
*decorating on a fairly regular basis...for a couple of months straight...
*understanding the Atonement
*figuring out my "Type". Yep, I'm a ONE!!!
*being the best tanta ever! ;)
&
*playing guitar with my daddy on Christmas day during the Sacrament Meeting Christmas program...

...I just looked at my list of wants from January... Not many of them happened. I guess it was because I was busy doing 800 million other things... :)

Here is my current list of wants for 2012. I'm sure it's going to change 365 times, but that's okay. As long as I've got something awesome going on, I'm happy... ;)

*Learn how to run
*Keep losing
*Embroider more (PS, I ADORE Wild Olive!!!)
*the BIG one
*go to the temple at least twice a month
*keep teaching (and learning) the guitar
*get over the dang stage fright already!
*read a new book each month
*get Christmas made by Thanksgiving...
*buy a new car
*change my self perceptions...
*blog more...let's aim for at least once a week... ;)
&...

Keep your fingers crossed for me...

Much Love,

j

Happy Christmas...

2011-12-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Much Love,

***Thank you, cute Des for the most amazing pic. I swiped it... ;)

jdb...

2011-10-05T22:51:00.000-06:00

My. Dad. Is. Awesome...

Much Love,

Perfect...

2011-08-09T11:43:00.000-06:00

{image via pinterest. / thereadables.tumblr.com}

I first found this from Marta, who just happens to have a crazy classy blog that I adore, and thought that it was absolutely PERFECT for today...seeing how, it's less than 12 hours until Go Time... ;)

Much Love,

j

The 5 White Frames...August...

2011-08-02T19:20:00.000-06:00

Remember how I told you that I had all sorts of goodies all printed up and ready to be swapped out for the July pics? Yeah...most of them were a tad too small. Dang. But...that posed an interesting challenge! I got to dig around and play in found pics, old books, and pulled out magazine articles. I LOVE they way they turned out! I love the mix of colors. They're all so happy and summery.

See?! The colors are fun together!

(Yes, that's my hat. No, I don't wear it. In public...)

I absolutely LOVED how you can see my chandeliers in this one!

I thought it went really well with the Marie Antoinette gang.

The goat was from a really old pilfered copy of Three Billy Goats from Liberty. :)

I love goats...

Marie Antoinette and her Birthday Cake.

(I want my B-day cake to look just like it. Just sayin'...)

You can see it a bit better in the other pics, but the small one says,

"Enjoy the Ride"

I love it...and swiped it from Shabby Blogs...I love Shabby Blogs...

Much Love,

I've been tagged...

2011-08-02T18:27:00.000-06:00

4 months ago...(Sorry Kels!) I've been not...paying attention... (LARGE things have been on my mind lately! ;)) Sounds like terrible fun, though!

{i've been tagged}

4 shows I watch:

1) Bones (I CANNOT for the life of me understand WHY more people don't watch this show. I. LOVE. IT.)

2) Jonathan Creek

3) How I Met Your Mother
4) Nova

4 things I'm passionate about:

1) My Art (Even though it's sort of...far and few between, lately.)

2) Music

3) My Job (I LOVE my job!)
4) My Faith (Ditto! Darling Kels! It's just one of those core, unwavering beliefs...)

4 phrases I say a lot:

1) DUDE! (Yeah. I'm all but 30 and still say, "DUDE!" about 20 billion times a day.)

2) Yes, Love?

3) Gah! (this is more used in texting, but it's still used a lot!

4) Seriously!? (Both as a question AND as a statement!)

4 things I have learned from the past:

1) Trust in my Heavenly Father and I can do anything.

2) Mr. Rogers knew his stuff.

3) Elementary school is the best!

4) Life doesn't happen according to "my plan". (And that's okay-see #1)

4 things I did yesterday:

1) Ate Del Taco while watching Bones (season 3)

2) Made The 5 White Frames for August

3) Listened to JET

4) Watched it rain...and rain...and rain...and rain...

4 places I would love to visit:

1) Pennsylvania and DC for some American History.

2) Japan

3) England
4) The Jellyfish lake in Phuket.

4 things I'm looking forward to:

1) 8:30 am, August 10th, 2011 :)

2) The newest Dansie arriving.

3) The abundance of zucchini that late August always brings.

4) Weird, I know...but going back to work! I miss the routine...and my great Liberty friends!

4 things I love about spring:

1) Tulips

2) WARM SUN, but being able to still get away with cardigans.

3) The end of school...

4) The happiness that Easter brings! (okay...the giddiness the Easter/April Martha Stewart brings me...)

TAG! YOU'RE IT!! Now, it's you're turn, ANNNDEEE!!!, Miss Larson, Des! (I know how busy you are Des, but I'd LOVE to see your answers!)

Much Love,

It's Official...

2011-07-29T15:03:00.000-06:00

I FINALLY have a date! No...not that date. Or even THAT ONE.

This one:

After years of refusal (an interesting story about me and "My Plan", rather than my Heavenly Father's plan for me...) and months of not seeing, I was prompted. NOW was the time. Now was the time I was to go through the temple. Not live worthily and see what happens, but "Do what you are supposed to do to be ready...NOW." So, after a meeting with the bishop, a time goal was set, callings were accepted, assignments taken on. He, of course, kept close tabs on me...and after I got through my speaking assignment in Sacrament Meeting last week, I was called in again.

"Do you remember what time we said?"

"Three months-ish."

"Yes. How many months has it been?"

"About three months."

"Go ahead and pick your date...you're ready."

I've never been so happy, giddy, smiley, bouncy in my life. I called and made the appointment this morning! I'm going to the 10 AM session at the Salt Lake Temple: ON MY 30TH BIRTHDAY! I'm feeling butterflies: that wonderful mix of anticipation, wonderment and excitement all rolled into one. It feels like I have so much to do-and learn before I go through...with so little time to do it in...but it absolutely feels...

RIGHT.

Much Love,

*I'll keep you posted. :)

The 5 White Frames...July...

2011-07-13T20:09:00.000-06:00

I had blog jealousy after reading and seeing so many awesome, happy, fun, creative, cute, crafty spaces. Then, instead of feeling sorry about my dirty, dusty space, I sprung into action, cleaned and dusted and re-routed my computer wires and gussied up the top of the hutch. I pulled out my beloved Marshall (I ADORE this thing!!! Thanks Daddy!) and my art/graphic design/Adobe books from hiding and tucked a few more goodies into my version of "that thing I covet at Brie's house" aka The Folded Book and...then? The rest of the space felt empty. Then...my super cute mom came to the rescue with the God Bless America...print over at the SUPERFANTASIC Landee See, Landee Do blog and it got me thinking...two days later

The 5 White Frames were born!!! :)

What do you think? My most excellent plan is to change them out for the month/holiday/season or whenever I find a pic that I adore. Here are July's:

*The rectangular frame on top of the block has a vintage little boy holding a firecracker that says,

"Will you go OFF with me on the 4th?"

HA! I so loved it!

Because my birthday (Shh...the big 30!) is next month, I have a mix of b-day and other fab finds that make me happy, like Marie Antoinette and Alice in Wonderland pics all picked out... It really is a happy, inspiring mix. I promise... Stay tuned! :)

Much Love,

Ahh...

2011-06-24T14:04:00.000-06:00

THIS is my official drink of Summer. NOT Country Time Lemonade, like the ad on Pandora was trying to convince me. Orange Fanta always has and always will be Summer for me. It's my fave...thank heavens that I discovered Fanta Zero (a big THANK YOU goes out to the happy people at the Coca-Cola Company for their Zero genius!)! And, I especially love it with my awesome blue straw...

Much Love,

j

Oooh...

2011-06-22T18:56:00.000-06:00

I am SO excited for this! I downloaded the book today!
I heart my Nook so much!

Much Love,

j

Best. Trip. Ever...!

2011-06-17T19:32:00.002-06:00

Thank you, Orlando for:

making me dizzy
and a little bit nauseous
and giddy
and exhausted
and hungry
and HOT
and dampish
and soaked
and full
making me scream
and laugh-a lot...
fanta twist floats
the Tower
meeting the Yeti (again...and again...and again...)
foot-long churros
Vinylmation
front row
and back row
Aerosmith with sub woofers
the great people watching...

...and these:

{YES! We were in the front row!!}

{Another front row!}

{This one we were in the back for all but 1 or the 5 times we rode it...in one day...}

{I SOOO loved this ride! It's in the dark-but this video has the lights on...}

{AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN!!!!!}

(I didn't take any of these videos...they were all borrowed from YouTube... )

Pictures will come soon...I promise!

Much Love,

Old...yellow...different...

2011-04-04T19:50:00.000-06:00

Those aren't what you think they are. I know what you're thinking...because I thought it too. I know you think they look like old, withered, jaundiced...bits.
But they're not.
They're old, withered...lemon slices.
I cut up a hand full of old lemons to simmer on the stove...and these just happened to float-then dance-on the top...

Sorry to make you snot.

Much Love,

j

Oblivion...

2011-04-04T19:44:00.000-06:00

The other day I rewatched The Stepford Wives-the awesome 2004 version-and got to thinking:

How nice...

Now, don't get all medieval womans rights on me. Hear me out:

How nice would it be to have the perfect:
body
hair
nails
family
house
meals
cupcakes (Ooooh...the cupcakes...)
life...?
AND...how nice would it be to have time to do it all...WHILE you're being the person everyone thinks you should be. Seriously? HOW NICE WOULD THAT BE?!

Sometimes I really wish...

Much Love,

j

"It's like an iPod for my books"...

2011-03-26T17:59:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I'm special...
BUT, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! :)

...The countdown begins...

Much Love,

j

Day: The Fourteenth...

2011-03-26T11:16:00.001-06:00

Day 14 - put your ipod on shuffle and write ten songs that pop up...

YAY! Today is the day that I've been waiting for! I have over 7000 songs and books and scripture and videos and happy things on my iPod...it should be interesting to see what surfaces... ;)

10 Totally Random Bits of iPod Bliss:

Magical Mystery Tour - Cheap Trick, Greatest Hits
All That's Yet To Come - Glen Burtnik, Welcome to Hollywood
Suite From The Polar Express - Alan Silvestri, The Polar Express
Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down, The Better Life
X-Ray Eyes - Kiss, Dynasty
Ch. 03 Acts (New Testament). Yep. The Bible.
Mother Dear - Styx, Equinox
Ch. 24 Matthew (New Testament)
Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd, (Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)
Here Comes Santa Claus - .38 Special, A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night

I LOVE that two Christmas songs and two New Testament chapters pulled up!

Here's some fun info: I absolutely ADORE song #2 (and was chosen to add a blurb of ME on Glen's opening song when this happy CD is plugged into a computer!). I can play a bit of song #4 on my guitar, and song #9 is on my top 10 list of all time favorite songs. And of course, band #7 is my fave of faves...always and forever. I heart Styx. SO much...

Much Love,

j

Day: The Thirteenth...

2011-03-25T12:37:00.001-06:00

Day 13 - a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you...

Easy.

My Mom: for showing me what being a good mom, teacher, friend, wife, teacher, and awesome, creative person really looks and acts like.

My Dad: for my absolute love for music, teaching me about tools-and letting me know it's okay to use them, and for helping me figure out just what I'm looking for in a hubby.

B, seriously, the best brother anyone could ask for: for teaching me something new daily, for his love of the Gospel, for opening a new world for me, and for being the one who says, "Here's what I think you should do."

Andrea: for loving my B, loving me, her creative spirit, listening ear and hugs...and for the important job she's doing right now...

I love you all SO much. Thank you...

Much Love,

So Many Books...

2011-03-25T12:21:00.000-06:00

{30}

I found this list on a link on my new favorite blog: M Christine Weber. I was surprised to see how many I actually HAD read! :)

***

The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?

Instructions: Look at the list and put an '*' after those you have read. Title your post with the number you've read.
***

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen *

2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien *

3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte *

4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling *

5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee *

6 The Bible - Too Many Cooks

7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte *

8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell

9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman *

10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens *

11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott *

12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

14 Complete Works of Shakespeare

15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien *

17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk

18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger *

19 The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

20 Middlemarch - George Eliot

21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell

22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald *

23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens

24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy

25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoevsky

28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll *

30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame *

31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

34 Emma - Jane Austen

35 Persuasion - Jane Austen

36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis *

37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres

39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden *

40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne *

41 Animal Farm - George Orwell *

42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown *

43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving

45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood

49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding *

50 Atonement - Ian McEwan

51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel

52 Dune - Frank Herbert X

53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons

54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen *

55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth

56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens *

58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley *

59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Mark Haddon

60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt

64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold *

65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac

67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy

68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding

69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie

70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville *

71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens

72 Dracula - Bram Stoker

73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson

75 Ulysses - James Joyce

76 The Inferno – Dante

77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome

78 Germinal - Emile Zola

79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray

80 Possession - AS Byatt

81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker

84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro

85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White *

88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom

89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton

91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad *

92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks

94 Watership Down - Richard Adams *

95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole

96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare *

99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl *

100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

***
30...and theres many more on this list that I WANT to read...

Much Love,

j

My New Favorite Thing...

2011-03-22T22:14:00.000-06:00

SO bad...SO funny...

;) Much Love,

j

Day: The Twelfth...

2011-03-18T18:41:00.001-06:00

Day 12 - someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted...

This boy.
(Sorry about the sad, small, blurry pic...it's a crop of a scan of a REALLY old original...)

This is his First grade picture. Back then, I thought we'd ALWAYS be friends-or maybe...more? (Giggle!!) He was my first crush. He was the name I carved in hearts on trees and doodled on paper. He was the one I wanted to wear dresses for. He was the one that I got into fights over (and got in trouble for).

This boy is still my friend...and even though "more" didn't happen, I'm sure I'd still blush if we were in the same room...

...And I'm sure I always will... :)

Much Love,

j

Day: The Eleventh...

2011-03-17T17:20:00.002-06:00

Day 11 - a favorite book...

I LOVE to read. I'm always reading...and usually I'm reading three or four books and a couple of magazines at the same time. Right now, I'm reading:

A Single Voice by Kristen Oaks
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley
Craft Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco
The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin
and Blogging For Bliss by Tara Frey (which is full of brilliantly fab ideas, that I plan to use to make this place that much more magical!)
...and Martha Stewart Living, and Women's Health, and Lucky... :)

I've read hard classics for my AP English classes, the books EVERYONE MUST READ, the books that EVERYONE currently is reading (yep, count the Twilight Saga, The Hunger Game Trilogy and The Maze Runner books on that list.), religious books, dirty books, mystery books (hello, Mr. Bond...), and countless children's books...
But nothing I've read will ever be held as high as
The Catcher In The Rye...

To be honest, I'm not too sure exactly why I love this book as much as I do. It's just one of those things in my life that is part of me, one that I love because deep down I feel it has somehow flipped a switch and created the person I am today. This book, this harsh, difficult book that has been linked to many odd, sad and scary events and seems to be on every one's Conspiracy Theory list, has somehow become so much more for me.

I read it for the first time in tenth grade for my AP English class. I fought a lot of the books I had to read that year, but this one felt easy and relatable...which is funny, because Holden Caulfield and myself are NOTHING alike. It was the words of J.D. Salinger and the way he wove them into the story of Holden that I loved the most, I think. My personal copy of Catcher is falling apart and faded and dog-eared and underlined, and loved, and it smells just like an old, loved book should.

Much Love,

j

Some of the reasons I adore Catcher:

'What I was really hanging around for, I was trying to feel some kind of a good-by. I mean I've left schools and places I didn't even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don't care if it's a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it. If you don't, you feel even worse.'
-Holden Caulfield

'What really knocks me out is a book, when you're all done reading it, you wished the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it.'
-Holden Caulfield

'Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them - if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry.'

-Mr. Antolini

Day: The Tenth...

2011-03-16T17:22:00.000-06:00

A gorgeous image...of one of my least favorite things...

Click for more amazing pics!

Day 10 - top ten pet peeves...

Wet Socks
Having to wear socks. Period.
Wet pant legs
Mayo
Tattling
Drivers that DON'T use their turn signals
Fingernail biting...Gah...
Squeaky snow boots
"Teacher!" Poke, poke. "TEACHER!" Poke, poke, poke...
Bogie licking. (Yes, I see this about 40 times a day!)

...Much Love,

j

I am giddy...

2011-03-16T16:46:00.000-06:00

I love these men.

Not just a little bit of love. LOADS.

I heard once that, "girls aren't supposed to like Monty Python". I suppose I'm the exception.
I. ADORE. THEM.
I have always loved dry British humor. The dry British everything. But Monty Python was different. My first exposure was in 7th grade-when we got to skip band and watch Holy Grail in the library after our first concert. I was hooked...and have had secret crushes on all the guys since. (Shhh...Eric Idle is my fave... ;) ) It doesn't matter what mood I'm in when I start a show...I'm always, ALWAYS happy when I finish. My face hurts from smiling, and my stomach hurts from laughing. Hard.

Yesterday, I asked one of my fave people at Liberty if I could maybe, just maybe, possibly borrow her stash of Flying Circus, IF I promised to take ever such great care of them. (Because I was very much in a Flying Circus sort of mood.) She said she'd have to ask her hubby.

Today, she met me in the hall with this:

She said, "For keeps...to make you happy."

Leslie, I can't tell you how stinkin happy you've made me. I am thrilled and giddy and happy and I can't WAIT to plug one in. YOU, my friend are amazing.

Thank you.
(I promise to take good care of them and love them and NOT to bug you with TOOO many quotes...just a few...Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more, SAY NO MORE!)

Much Love,

j

Day: The Ninth...

2011-03-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Day 9 - something you have to forgive yourself for...

Ugh...this is hard...

While preparing to graduate HS, I thought a lot about what I wanted to do and be when I..."grew up". I didn't really WANT to grow up, but the funny thing was that I never actually acted my age to begin with. I was the one doing homework and reading the hard books and studying all hours of the night. Mom and dad were the ones telling me to get out of the house, call a friend and to get into some trouble. I took AP classes, hard classes, art classes, science classes and a Japanese language class that I couldn't quite get the hang of...I also took an internship at the ECEC: Murray School District's preschool.

I LOVED IT.

Every single second of it.

I got to be everything I wanted to be-and was in the eyes of the kids I was with. I had an awesome trainer, and learned then why my mom was so different than all my friends. She actually knew what she was doing and was insanely good at it. She knew how to talk to kids, how to treat kids and how to get them to do what she needed them to do...all while they thought it was their idea. I wanted to be just like her.

So I studied and learned and threw myself into that work.

And it stuck.

I was lucky enough to be hired on as a sub my Senior year of High School and had a job in the Special Ed. classroom before I graduated. I fell in love with this, too.

One year turned into two. Then three. Then four...

Then amazing Kaydee and I were asked to start up a new three year old room... With Kaydee's natural, amazing ability, and my SPED background (I was pretty amazing, too, actually!) we kicked it. It was amazing. Our 3's were the happiest, brightest, well-rounded three-year-olds in the state. Guaranteed. :)

During this time, I met and fell in love with some of the most amazing kids...with some pretty hard challenges. Kaydee and I learned how to care for and support lots of difficult special needs...and we both felt very much like...we were needed.

I didn't feel that I could leave that work...for anything else.

EVEN the U. Even if it would make me a better teacher.

I wanted to go to the U. BAD. I thought about it. I prayed about it. I read about it...
And always, I got the same answer: The kids at the ECEC NEEDED me.

So I never went.

I forgot the U.

Fast forward almost 11 years. I am now counting down to my 30th birthday (which is incredibly scary!) and am working at Liberty Elementary as the aide for the all day kindergarten class (we were just approved for ANOTHER year!!! YAY!!)

I LOVE my job.

But I want to be better.

So...the thing that I get to forgive myself for???

The fact that I'm almost 30...and don't have my degree.

But...

I also know that what I was doing in the meantime was VERY important.

I just get to remember that...and move on...

Much Love,

j

Day: The Eighth...(sort of...)

2011-03-08T19:55:00.001-07:00

Sorry friends. I've been a slacker. But really, who's surprised? ;) Between The Bachelor and food poisoning and movie dates...I've been SO swamped! HA!!!

Now, ON with the show...

Day 8 - A picture of you and your friends...

Brienne and I at the Jet concert.

I. Look. MANIC...

Courtney, Colette and I at...

WICKED!!! :)

At the Orpheum in San Francisco.

My Loves...

Much Love,

j

Day: The Seventh...

2011-03-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Day 7 - have you ever thought about giving up on life? when and why?

Here's what I know:

Life is hard. Sometimes.

But...everything happens for a reason...and ends up being an awesome life lesson...if you take the time to look for it.

So...no. I've not had that thought...nor do I believe I ever will...

Besides, it's not up to me when I leave. That is in the hands of my Heavenly Father.

Much Love,

Day: The Sixth...

2011-02-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Day 6 - a funny (and true) story...

Last Monday (President's Day), Brienne and I decided we needed an adventure. The only thing on the plan was a trip to The Wood Connection...but that would come later. First we needed lunch...

We ended up at Ichiro Buffet, just for giggles. It was awkward at first, but we decided to give it a go. There was a nice looking salad bar and a few veggie rolls...and a WHOLE bunch of random mochi. I drank my tea, Brie her Pepsi while eating everything with chopsticks. It only got better when... 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' came blaring on the radio. I snotted wasabi! Not to be stereotypical or anything, but 1) It WAS an English song and 2) we WERE in a Japanese place...so...

I did a bit of looking and found some FUNNY reviews about Ichiro at Urban Spoon. PLEASE check them out!

After lunch and a very intimidating bill paying experience, Brie suggested a trip to VINH Long, our local Asian market. I've been told repeatedly that I shouldn't go alone-or without a man-but we were feeling brave...and I was out of Sriracha (a kick booty, amazing, hot, chili-garlic sauce that I put on EVERYTHING!) and I was feeling adventurous (and brave) so we decided to go for it...

The first thing that hit me was a very scary smell...a big time sensory overload that was full of spices, pickled somethings, and fish. To keep from gagging (I *was* being a tad over-sensitive...) I kept repeating, "It smells like the Dutch store...it smells like the Dutch store...it smells like the Dutch store..." (Which, incidentally smells funky to me too, but I tough it out, you know, because of the chocolate, gouda and cassis...) Anyway, I grabbed a basket and headed down the spice isle. We found curry spice, soy sauce, my sriracha, other stuff I couldn't make out, and lots and LOTS of this:

Was IS that? You're wondering? Why, it's just your typical bag of DRIED TUNA FLAKES. Yep. Dried tuna flakes. It was sitting there along with this:

(Yes, that says "Prepared Rolled Squid" up there...) and some random bags of dehydrated mini shrimp with their tiny eyes attached still...

Further down the isle, we found lots of odd, pasty, muted (and some hot pink) colored jars. Most of the labels were in Chinese and Japanese but a few were in English. Enjoy and don't gag:

Yeah...

That seriously was enough to do me in. Gagging happened. Dry heaving happened. And yes. I threw up in my mouth.

We hurried a bit faster after that...and kept finding surprises around every corner...

Preserved turnips. Yep...

Vegetarian Chop-Suey in a can...

(They also had "Fried Gluten-Mock Pork" in a can. I bought that...)

Random Mochi Balls...

And SOOOOO Scary Kewpie Mayonnaise. It jiggled when I poked the bag...

We found some good stuff too, though. I picked up some soy bean pudding, some dried yam snacks, awesome rice bowls, and we made a friend with the lady at the cash register. She had drawn-on eyebrows that looked very...quizzical. She told me the fried gluten was good with rice...and left us with a sage caution:

"No text and driving. You go to jail TWO day!"

(Yes. "2 day!")

Much Love,

Day: The Fifth...

2011-02-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Yeah...yesterday was Day 5. Day 5 didn't happen, because as it turns out, I actually had plans...
So, today gets to be Day 5 AND 6... Hang on... ;)

Day 5 - what you have learned in the past month...

That portion sizes matter...and that 29 is a magic number.
How to figure out a minor pentatonic chord.
The beginning of 'Free as a Bird'.
How to read The Circle of Fifths.
I drink a lot more water while sucking on a Camelbak
Spending $35 every two weeks on nails is worth it.
To say what you feel...regardless of the outcome.
(Don't hurt anyone's feelings when you say what you feel.)
What you eat does matter...and that you can reverse the bad with a few weeks of the good.
Most doctors know what they're talking about.
Friends are the cheapest form of therapy.
My hair looks much better when it's ALL black.
Putting stroganoff in your ears results in a trip to the doctors...(NOT me...a kid at school...)
Trusting others? EASY.
Trusting MYSELF? So, so hard. (Especially when it turns out not the way you knew it would.)
Doing yoga and pilates before bed relaxes my back and helps me sleep.
So does melatonin...
I miss Postum.
And...I REALLY need a vacation.

:) Much Love,

j

Day: The Fourth...

2011-02-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Day 4 - The reason you believe you are still alive today...

Today is a tough one. Not fun and clever and quick. I actually tried to make it that way...and it just felt wrong.

*
As a member of the LDS faith, I believe that we are all sent to this earth for a purpose. Each one of us has an individual job to do while here. I know that I chose my path: good and bad along with the challenges. I also know that I have "spiritual contracts" to fulfill. I am part of God's plan-and God has a plan for me...

It's my job to figure out what that is...
(With the help of daily prayer, scripture reading, and church attendance...I get to step it up...)

I believe that the events leading up to this point in my life have been for a specific purpose and have & are preparing me for what's to come. I feel like I was asked to forgo certain things in my life to serve and be there for other little souls.

I don't know when, but I know that I am meant to be a wife and mother...and that together we have a great, important, life changing work to do. I don't know what this is or how I am to be a part of it...but I know something big is going to happen...

THAT is why I am where I am. Doing what I'm doing. Getting ready...

Much Love,

j

Day: The Third...

2011-02-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today is Day 3. 3 is my most favorite of all the numbers. Happy and special and magical and mine...and today's post fits it perfectly:

Day 3 - something that makes you feel better...

How about a few somethings?

These boys

These boys,

This album...and movie,

EVERYTHING that's on this,

Playing this,

And making stuff with this.

Much Love,

Day: The Second...

2011-02-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Day2 - What would be found in your purse...

I loved this one. My purse seriously is a bottomless pit. Right now you'd find:

3 kinds of gum
1 tin of cinnamon Altoids
6 different kinds of lip gloss or balm-mostly Stilla and Burts Bees
1 yellow wallet I got at Urban Outfitters...but not the one in Gateway...the one in San Francisco...
1 pair of Ray Bans
1 bag of 15 gemstones
1 ZZ Top key chain
1 pick holder and about 8 guitar picks
1 bag of pillies and makeup and hand sanitizer
3 flashlights
1 camera
3 printed coupons: some for Wood Connection-others for soy milk...
1 tag that reads: "To Grandma; Love Santa" that I found in a parking lot

This really is pretty tame...once I found a slotted spoon and a gelato cup in there...

;) Much Love,

**PS...that amazing Fossil bag up there is NOT mine. Yes. Very sad. I have a white Calvin Klein one that I really like...but that up there is the one that I REEEEEAAAALLLLY want...

Day: The First...

2011-02-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

{Like this as much as I do? Click!}

Today is Day 1 of the 30 Day Blog Challenge and the day that I get to share...

Day 1 - Your hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365...

How lovely and happy is this?!

To figure out what I need for an ARL and...actually get it.

To reach 130!

To play guitar like this man:

To figure out if I'm really on the right path...and to correct it if I'm not

Read, read, read!

Make something wonderful every month

Take more mini vacations

Have more Alone Days...

To road trip with Brie

...and plan our June '12 trip with Court and Colette

To spend some time really exploring SLC

And a few others I should probably keep to myself... ;)

See you tomorrow...

Much Love,

Fave song of the day...

2011-02-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Mmm...

Much Love,

j

30 Days...

2011-02-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

30 day blog challenge:

One of my happy, gorgeous, tall, fabulous, creative, fun, amazing friends had this posted on her blog awhile back. I, being so awesome, just found it. (SORRY KELS!!!) I absolutely LOVE this idea! You know, my dear? THIS just may be the ticket...a nice self-exploration journey will totally fix it. RIGHT?!?! :)

Anyway, it's been so fun to read through her answers...and it really got me thinking. SO...I've decided to make the commitment here and now to update

EVERY

DAY

FOR

30

DAYS!

Yeah, it's going to be a tough challenge...but, let's stick it through together... ;)

Here's what's on the list:

Day 1 - your hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days

Day2 - What would be found in your purse

Day3 - something that makes you feel better

Day4 - The reason you believe you are still alive today

Day5 - what you have learned in the past month

Day6 - a funny (and true) story

Day7 - have you ever thought about giving up on life? when and why?

Day8 - A picture of you and your friends

Day9 - Something you have to forgive yourself for

Day10 - top ten pet peeves

Day11 - a favorite book

Day12 - someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted

Day13 - a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

Day14 - put your ipod on shuffle and write ten songs that pop up

Day15 - a travel story

Day16 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day17 - a hobby

Day18 - someone or something you definitely could live without

Day19 - A picture of something that makes you happy

Day20 - a favorite recipe

Day21 - a book you've read that changed your views on something

Day22 - what makes you different from everyone else

Day23 - a child I love

Day24 - what's the best thing going for you right now

Day25 - something you bought recently

Day26 - something you have to forgive someone else for

Day27 - a favorite quote

Day28 - what did you do today

Day29 - your dream house

Day30 - 5 things about you no one really knows

Bet you can't wait for tomorrow... ;)

Much Love,

j

Heartsick...

2011-02-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

...is not too strong a word. I miss The Netherlands and Belgium so much it actually hurts. I miss the people I met while there. I miss the way my name sounds when a "Dutchie" says it. I miss the long walks through parks and driving through narrow one ways. I miss the open vastness and the windmills in the distance. I miss watching the sun set on land-not behind a mountain. I miss the food...especially the cereal I had in Amsterdam and the pannekoeken I had in Appeldoorn. I miss the culture. I miss everything we had in common-and feeling like I was really supposed to be exactly where I was.

I miss what that time in my life meant-and why I was there.

I honestly feel like I was born in the wrong place...and that maybe...just maybe I'll be lucky enough to call Holland home one day.

Much Love,

I heart...

2011-02-11T21:25:00.003-07:00

With V-Day around the corner, I thought I'd share another list of my current obsessions...

{CK}

Crash Kings. Yes, again. Their songs are linked to some extra powerful emotions. Each one throws me back to another time and place-and even the ones that remind me of some super painful times, I'm still absolutely in love.

{Salon Dante}

Salon Dante and my most wonderful, happy, gorgeous nail lady, Kari. She does amazing, mesmerizing work and I'm thrilled to spend an hour with her every 2 weeks. Seriously, my nails have never looked better. I go in for an acrylic overlay on my original nails, and keep them filed short, so I can still play my guitar. I love them! It was a little bit of a transition (like anything new, the nails were a bit heavier and I kept bumping them...) but now I'm doing really well. Go to Salon Dante...and ask for the jonna. You'll love it! :)

{Slim Calm Sexy}

Slim, Calm, Sexy Yoga. I seriously love this book. Tara's routines are amazing...and very problem specific. They are easy to learn and I don't feel pressured to stay with or in a pose if it's uncomfortable or if my legs just aren't cooperating. Is it weird to feel validated and accepted by a book?

{Gnomeo & Juliet}

Gnomeo & Juliet. I'm so looking forward to this movie! (I get to go tomorrow night with two of my favorite people!!!) Three things: 1) I love Romeo and Juliet, 2) I love Elton John, 3) and I have a weird fascination with gnomes. Perfect. Sign me up. :)

{The Tudors}

The Tudors... A terrible habit. Especially with THESE guys...I love them...

{Versace Bright Crystal}

I so love this scent. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I smell happy and girly and fancy and naughty... One spray (though I usually end up spraying 3 or 4) makes me smile.

{Bare Minerals}

The Bare Minerals make-up is so amazing. I love the way it makes my skin feel. And look. I love the way the brushes feel. I love that I don't look overly done up. I look natural. I glow. I am addicted.

AND...?

I am seriously grateful for:

The gospel and the BoM on my iPod

My brother-and his gorgeous, happy, creative, happy, bubbly wife

My amazing, supportive, strong, loving, talented parents (and grandparents!)

My friends that I can't live without...and who so love me back

My Jack and Abby

Books

The Beatles

Mustard Yellow and Gray

Christmas lights around my window

My happy, glowing room

My sewing machine

The Craft Room

Fresca

Room 14

Pilates

June 7th

James Franco & Jason Schwartzman

And so much more...

Much Love,

19 more weeks...

2011-01-30T16:21:00.001-07:00

I'm counting down. I really am THAT excited...

Much Love,

j

Musical Genius...

2011-01-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

{The Beatles}

Much Love,

I think I'm a Type 1...

2011-01-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

...but I haven't read the whole book yet. (Which it turns out...is very typical Type 1!)

One of the very top most defining qualities of happy, bubbly, bright, animated (all things me, right!?!?! I wonder if 1's are sarcastic...?) is that they have so many amazing, wonderful, well-intentioned ideas that they very rarely accomplish them all...either that, or they get distracted by something gorgeous or sparkly, or someone, or something, or the joyous iPod. Here is a random list of my current fantastic ideas:

Finishing my jellyroll strip quilt
Planning for Harry Potter in June
Starting a Log Cabin quilt
Snagging and ARL...
...and being "for real" at Liberty
Buying fabric for "a bag" that I have no idea how to make
Watching my new obsession in its entirety: The Tudors
Listening to Paolo
...and JET
...and Crash Kings
...and STYX
...and Franz Ferdinand
...and The Strokes
...and Kings of Leon
...and discovering new amazing bands
Learning to play 'For You Blue'...
...and 'Growing Up Beside You'
...and 'Worried Man'
...and 'Sgt. Major'
...and getting the 12 bar Blues DOWN on my guitar
...and maybe even learning to play with a slide
Losing 30+ pounds and reaching my healthy goal weight...
...by sticking to my 29 daily WW pointsplus points
Blogging more
Making more mini books
Reading 'The Dark Volume'...
...and 'The Scorch Trials
...and the rest of the Sisters Grimm series
...and 'The Arthurian Omen'
...and 'The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo'
...and 'A Single Voice'
...and 'The Last Lecture'
...and 'The Tales of Beetle the Bard'
...and the rest of 'It's Just My Nature', which got me thinking about this list in the first place
Yoga-ing daily...
...and hooping when there's room
Seeing more movies
Getting my nails done and a regular basis
AND...basically being the craftiest, funniest, most talented, smallest version of myself, EVER!

Yeah. Seriously. This. Is. My. List.

;) Much Love,

j

(Want to find out your Type? Check out Carol Tuttle's book, 'It's Just My Nature!'

I adore...

2011-01-20T20:10:00.002-07:00

Blackbird...

2010-12-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

A couple Saturdays ago, Starchild hosted their first semi-annual "Celebration of Music" held at The Bicentennial (INDOOR!!! :)) Pavillion on November 20th. We had TONS of food and about 150 people. As both a Student AND part sort of owner, I got to participate. I chose to play Blackbird, by the most fabulous Beatles. I love this song, and think that I play it rather well...alone. It took A LOT for me to get up and play for family, friends...and strangers. B and I chose to play it in a non-traditional way. We did not play the song verbatum. We didn't follow any sheets of music. We just got up...and played. He called the shots, and I kept up, the best I could.

...enjoy...

Much Love,

Somebody likes to watch...

2010-09-16T20:14:00.000-06:00

I FOUND IT!!! I have been searching for Watcher in the Woods for close to 8 years now (yeah, I know, it's on Amazon...) with no luck. I got it for Brienne for her birthday many, many years ago, but loved her enough to actually give it to her. I've been missing it ever since, but I was able to get my grubby paws on it tonight! Yes, that's what I'm doing as SOON as I get home!!! "trapped in my dimension..." HA!

We've been wondering and hoping and wanting to find the "Somebody likes to watch!!!" movie for just as many years and...???

YES!!! Brienne did some investigation work: Check out Kindertrama for the trailer and the response to Brie's inquiry... :)

This is another one of my favorites. It's completely creepy...but not for the reason you may be thinking... ;)

Enjoy... HA!

Much Love,

FOR FACEBOOK FANS OF STARCHILD...

2010-08-31T19:51:00.001-06:00

Facebook Fans of Starchild get ready for our first GIVEAWAY!!!

I have been asked by Starchild Music Productions to provide the goodies for the first of many monthly Giveaways! Here are the the ways to be enterered:

Current fans get one entry. Not a fan yet? Find us HERE!
Leave a comment on Starchild's Facebook Wall that tells us WHY you love Starchild to get another entry.

Suggest Starchild to your Facebook friends and get one more!
(Please Facebook message me-Jonelle Dansie-with the names of your friends you suggest so you will get credit!)

Repost this giveaway on your Facebook profile or Blog (Comment here to let me know you did!) and get ONE MORE! (You can have TWO more if you do both... :) )
AND

Current students of Jon or Brandon will get ANOTHER entry! Leave us another Facebook wall comment letting us know that you are-and tell us your favorite thing that you’ve learned during one of your lessons!

The drawing will take place on September 8th and will include your choice of 3 MUSE Guitar Bling (These work on ANY slick surface!!), 1 MUSE On the Rocks etched glass and one MUSE Custom Switchplate.

(Stay tuned for pictures!)

GOOD LUCK everyone and PLEASE check out Starchild on their website and fbook page! :)
http://starchildmusicproductions/ and http://facebook.com/starchild.music.productions

Much Love,

j

Finally...

2010-08-27T20:06:00.000-06:00

The 24th was the publishing date for my much anticipated MOCKINGJAY!!!! It was a long, hard summer to wait for the third to come-I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!

But...the 24th came and went...and I didn't have my book. WHY? Because UPS didn't put it on the truck to deliver it until the NIGHT of the 23rd. Rude. (You pre-order so you can have it in your grubbies ON THE DAY IT'S RELEASED!) The 25th rolled around and it wasn't dropped off until 6. I was gone by then. I didn't get to start reading until 11 that evening, and I was so tired that I fell asleep in the middle of chapter 2. Sad.

Last night I put off everything else and let myself read. I was able to make it to page 134 before passing out... and OH MY HONEST!!!!!!!!! I can't STAND it!! I want to know what happens, who wins, who lives, who dies, who she ends up with...IF she makes it... The anticipation-that's showing up as pure anxiety-is KILLING me and I just can't read fast enough.

Court, I promise that I'll have a good chunk-at least-down by Monday. No more sleep. No more food. No other plans. I promise.

Don't bother me. I'm reading...

Much Love,

j

Here you go...

2010-08-25T20:25:00.001-06:00

So...we were talking today and wondered out loud if "he's a tall glass of water" means what we think it means. (We were a little bit in the gutter...) Well, I did a little digging and found some FANTASTIC results on a public forum:

"Apart from the obvious (that he was tall)... maybe the person using the phrase in English was trying to imply that the man was also "refreshing" (mentally/emotionally/physically???)."

"In the Southern part of the U.S. we say someone is a tall glass of water when they are physically attractive. "Look at her, now that woman is one tall glass of water..." "

"I have only heard the expression "a tall drink of water," which simply means "a very tall person." I would only use it for a person who is also thin. It wouldn't have anything to do with whether they are attractive or not."

"Any idea of the origins of these idioms? If a very tall person took a drink of water, it would have a lot longer to go to reach their stomach. Maybe that has something to do with it?"

"Yes, I've heard "she is a tall, cool, drink of water", meaning that she is "refreshing" to look at and a pleasure to behold! Also, it gives the idea that someone is very "cool" or composed."

"Just another note--the fact that the person is attractive is more important than the fact that they are tall."

"Apparently we "yankees" take things more literally. I can see why someone in the sultry South would think a cold beverage was very attractive. If I called someone a "warm cup of cocoa" on a cold January day up here in the North, I would certainly be saying that they were appealing--not that they were short and fat with a head that looks like a marshmallow. "

"A tall glass of water refers to someone who is innocuous, harmless, basically of no importance."

Yep. FANTASTIC...

People are amazing.

Much Love,

j

Just In Case You Were Wondering...

2010-08-24T19:31:00.000-06:00

Cause I was...

What is the origin of the custom of knocking on wood for luck?

***

A few possibilities are repeated fairly consistently in the search results for our query "knock on wood origin."

The explanation we prefer is the ancient belief that spirits either dwelled in or guarded trees. We prefer this because many cultures around the world show evidence of tree worship dating back thousands of years.

Greeks worshipped the oak as it was sacred to Zeus, Celts believed in tree spirits, and both believed touching sacred trees would bring good fortune. Irish lore holds that "touching wood" is a way to thank the leprechauns for a bit of luck. Pagans also held similar beliefs of protective tree spirits. Chinese and Koreans thought the spirits of mothers who died in childbirth remained in nearby trees.
Another explanation points to the wooden Christian cross as the origin of "good luck," although this is likely a Christian adaptation of earlier pagan practices.

A Jewish version traces the origin to the Spanish Inquisition of the 15th century. At the time, persecuted Jews fled to synagogues built of wood, and they devised a coded knock to gain admission. Since this practice spared countless lives, it became common to "knock on wood" for good luck.

So there you go...

Much Love,

j

Yes Please...

2010-08-24T19:12:00.000-06:00

Home Ec is AMAZING!!! I've been moving slower than I would like (stinkin schedule!), but have loved every minute of it! I can't wait to get everything made! I've learned a lot already: not only about sewing...but about my happy Brother machine named Lola, and myself. Stuff like, "If it tells you to use an iron, just do it!"

I've spent sufficient time on Etsy making a wish list of pretty fabric and ric rac and binding... Take a look!

Vintage Fabric -----Golden Goodness --- Remnant
by JaneSaysVintage

Vintage fabric - blue green and aqua floral
by thriftypyg

Vintage fabric - small orange rose trio

by thriftypyg

Vintage Fabric - Butterfly Pattern in Pink, Black and Gold - By the Yard

by pumpkintruck

So So LOVELY Vintage Sheet ----- Yellow Rose
by JaneSaysVintage

Vintage Fabric - PINK ROSES - Fine Cotton Yardage

by SelvedgeShop

Vintage yard. fabric. pink. aqua. floral.
by funkeyfinds

50 cents ea Vintage destash yardage trim lot

by reginasstudio

You Are My Sunshine. . . 14 yds of Vintage Trim

by beansyweensy

All of these gorgeous finds can be found on my favorites!!

Enjoy!
Much Love,

j

Better Late Than Never...

2010-08-21T21:02:00.000-06:00

San Francisco...

I love you.

Whole heartily. I didn't want to leave! I loved the food (TONY'S, STELLA'S, THAT GELATO JOINT (!?!), ZA PIZZA, SUSHI!!!), the atmosphere, the way it smelled... The three days I was there with Court and Colette were, literally, the best three days of the summer...

We were told many times that we were lucky-

NO FOG!

From what we were told, it was a very rare few clear days.

On Chestnut...I think... Just after we walked past the model shoot.

Alcatraz looks so little...

Lombard Street!!!

The view of Lombard and surrounding from the top of Coit Tower.

I LOVE that Peter and Paul get to share...

Views from our fantastic ferry ride. It was SO cold and windy!

This is taken inside Alcatraz...

I can't imagine being inside and knowing that freedom was so close...

The Social Hall was destroyed by a fire during the Native American occupation of Alcatraz.

It was my favorite building on the island.

(A BIG) Breakfast at Dottie's

In front of Grace Cathedral in Nob Hill-one of the Scavo twins (from Desperate Housewives) took this picture of us. :)

*You can't tell how freakin happy Courtney is, can you...

The Ghiberti Doors

Darwin E. Coon

Alcatraz inmate # 1422 from 1959-1963

He was in the Alcatraz gift shop signing his biography-so I bought one...

...for Father's Day...

Our friend "David" the Coit Tower elevator operator.

"Welcome to my office..."

I seriously love this picture of the three of us. :)

I absolutely LOVED Wicked!

It was GORGEOUS!!!

The chocolate ice cream at Ghirardelli was SO super tasty!

Alcatraz was my FAVORITE part of the trip.

I loved it, and now, I'm kind of obsessed with it's history...

Girls, THANK YOU SO MUCH for such an amazing trip!

Much Love,

j

China Meadows...

2010-08-17T22:00:00.001-06:00

Last weekend, Brie, John and myself froze our booties off at China Meadows Camp Ground in Wyoming. We went up for the Perseid meteor shower-but stayed for the camp fire nachos...and frogs.

On the way home, we stopped at Fort Bridger and met Herb and Bob...and learned EVERYTHING there was to know about Fort Bridger, Jim Bridger, the Trading Post, the Dog, Bob's wife, his kids, his grand kids, school, Wyoming, cancer, butter churns, rabbit holes, a local historic bridge, ledger books, Brigham Young, Native Americans, Mormons, Salt Lake, Pioneers, the Union Pacific Railroad, the Pony Express, how much it cost to mail a letter, buffalo skin, guns, saws, wood drawers, paper collars, canned meat, derby hats, where stuff is, where it should be and EVERYTHING in between.

This reminded me of THIS:

Much Love,

j

Home Ec...

2010-08-09T11:50:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to ME!!! I just signed up for the possibly COOLEST Home Ec Class EVER! My life has been such a mess lately, with so many things up in the air. I want to change my Major and run away. The other day, I asked myself, "What EXACTLY do YOU want to do?" My answer? "I want to do this: Smile and Wave: HOME EC [Full Details & Registration]." So, the day before it begins on the perfectly auspicious day of 8/10, I did.

I'm still not sure about the rest of my life, but I'm happy about this. I am so excited for the joy it will bring-and I can't WAIT to get to make something snazzy out of my garden gnome fabric! :)

Much Love,

j

77 Things About Me...

2010-08-03T18:47:00.001-06:00

I saw Brienne's list of 77 things a while back and loved it. I know her pretty well (YAY!) but learned some amazingly fun and insightful things while reading her List...and it got me thinking. What would I put on my List? What hasn't already been shared? What fantastic things would my friends and family learn about me? NEVER did I think that I could learn something new about myself. During the writing of The List, which took about a day to complete, I had numerous insights, discovered new passions and unlocked a few deep seeded longings. Read on, enjoy, and if there is anything that we share, let me know... ;)

1) I love parsnips
2) Marie Antoinette is my idol
3) I miss eating OJ Cereal while watching Fraggle Rock
4) I fell in love with French macaroons upon seeing them.
5) I love the smell of baby dolls
5) I really did leave my heart in San Francisco
7) I love the amazing vintage charm of Stella's Pasty and the cute Jason Schwartzman look-alike behind the counter
8) I am SO thankful that Jack choose me
9) Yellow shoes make me happy
10) I want a black dining room one day
11) I want to collect vintage French glass
12) I wish I had a star named after me
13) I freeze up when asked to play guitar for everyone except Brandon
14) I love rock hounding
15) I wish I lived in the city where Ghost Whisperer is filmed
16) I'm an old soul, but don't look or act my age
17) I love graffiti
18) I wan to go to Philadelphia to learn about American history
19) I can't wait for the day I become a mom
20) I like to wear eye shadow
21) I liked the way my JET/Depot hand stamped looked and secretly wished it was permanent
22) I think I'll have twins
23) I don't like going to the mall, but I dream about them
24) I love Tonic Water and Bridge Mix
25) Labrodite is my new favorite stone
26) I have when people say, "anyhow", "furthermore", or "anyways"
27) I kind of, really wish I could go to Hogwarts
28) I love scary movies and books
29) One of the best Christmas presents I ever got was a jar of salsa
30) Ranunculus and tulips are my favorite flowers
31) Ryan McGinness is my favorite artist
32) I really love Thai food
33) I am beyond excited for The Green Hornet
34) I want to have someone say to my great grandchild, "Jonelle Dansie _____ was YOUR great grandmother?!"
35) I love everything Indie and Shabby Chic
36) I actually really love Utah
37) I still love The Goonies, Back to the Future and Ghostbusters
38) My bike's name is Billy
39) I wish I were Indiana Jones
40) I wish I could have grown up in Mayberry
41) I wish I could pull off bangs
42) I want to name a little girl Lola and a little boy Brody
43) I haven't seen any of the Star Wars movies all the way through
44) I want to learn how to skateboard
45) For some reason I attract all things Dutch-that is, everything except the thing I wanted most
46) I REALLY love Tommy Shaw...
47) ...and Nic Cester
48) I adore Jonathan Creek
49) I have horrible organization skills, but my closet is color coded by sleeve length
50) I cried when I heard Paul McCartney live-from a block and a half away
51) I still don't think I've found my life's calling
52) I really love stop motion animation
53) I believe in Angels-and talk to them
54) I like the way Play-Doh smells
55) I wish I could play guitar like Stevie Ray Vaughn
56) Jack Black makes me laugh. A lot.
57) I have a Starchild Potato Head
58) I wish I were a runner
59) There was a while when I wished I were a Geisha
60) I like skull & crossbones
61) Spiders both scare and fascinate me
62) I still watch cartoons
63) I wish I knew how to use a lathe and like watching Woodturning Workshop
64) The Hunger Games and Catching Fire left me feeling uneasy. I seriously don't know what I'd do in a situation like that...
65) I love Rainbow Snow's Tigers Blood
66) I over-think everything
67) I love to garden and check on my plants several times a day
68) I could eat Mexican food ANY time of day
69) Alice in Wonderland is my favorite Disney movie
70) I want to go to Montgomery, Alabama one day
71) I want to learn calligraphy
72) I really miss Hansen's Planetarium
73) I sew the way I cook...
74) I wish I could buy all new music on vinyl. I love my records!
75) I wish I could have gone to a Beatles concert
76) I want a Gibson J-200 natural finish guitar one day
77) I want to write a children's book

Much Love,

j

Last Night...

2010-08-02T14:20:00.000-06:00

The clouds were absolutely insane last night! It was calm and warm...and the light was an eerie yellow...

Much Love,

j

I adore...

2010-07-31T22:07:00.000-06:00

Whip It

is my new favorite movie.

Who would have thought that a movie about roller derby would turn out to be a goose-bump

feel good story? Fantastic. Amazing.

Plus,

THIS

cute boy is in it... Mmmm...

If you haven't yet, WATCH IT!!

Much love,

j

The 24th...

2010-07-27T15:07:00.001-06:00

Starchild's new landlord invited us to his place for a 24th style BBQ. That turned into, "Jon, will you and Floyd play for us?" That turned into, "Can the JDB play?" THAT turned into, "Bring whomever you'd like-it's catered!" (And, as it turned out, it wasn't a BBQ. It was fantastic Mexican and chocolate covered fruit!) THEN, the guys started loading gear and we went up the hill to the top of the world.

Sunset on the Great Salt Lake.

I love the smirks on their faces.

Valley shot. Jordan River Temple is in the middle.

I really liked the silhouettes.

We had a few dancers.

The dot in the middle is Venus.

Moonrise!

We shot a video of the show-you can see the camera in the middle.

The end of a song-and the beginning of fireworks.

I LOVED the movement in this one.

The end of the show.

Fireworks behind Michael!

We invited good friends Dan and Virginia (the BEST Karate instructors I know) and Winu and Kyle (owners of High Note Thai Cuisine) to come with us. It was an absolute blast! Thanks again Tony, for such a great time...and view...and food...

Much Love,

j

Sweet Sadie...

2010-07-22T17:15:00.000-06:00

The other day I saw a raven. It visited my backyard three times one day, hopping around eating my lettuce and peas. He was very out of place...and it got me thinking. I told Brie, and she said it was a sign. For what? I did some checking of a few online omen dictionaries. One told me that the meaning was dependent of the number of ravens you see. One raven, meant death.

Feeling a little sad and a lot confused, I turned off the computer and went back to watching the big black, ominous bird. The last time it came, it was around for a good 20 minutes. It was windy and the sky was black. The light hit the birds wings in such a way they looked purple. Jack and Sadie caught on and instead of just watching, they barked. The raven left and hasn't been back.

***

A few weeks ago, we noticed that Sadie wasn't acting herself. She stopped asking for food and wouldn't eat when I gave her some, but was drinking a lot. We also noticed that her belly was swollen. We changed food, thinking that she was just being grumpy and didn't want to eat what she was used to. Nothing worked. She stopped eating all together...and gave up on water. She only moved to go outside, and even then I had to help her up and down the steps.

Last Wednesday, I was extra worried... I spent some time with B and told him that I didn't feel that Sadie was going to be around for long. He decided to come over to say good-bye. My heart leaped, though, because when he opened the back door, she was waiting for him, wagging and happy. Maybe she just wasn't feeling well? Maybe it was too warm for her? Maybe...she's just old...

We did some reading and started rubbing honey into her gums to help her absorb some sugar...and maybe get some strength back. She wouldn't-or couldn't-keep it in. I kept finding puddles of spit and honey on my floor.

Dad was a mess. He was scared and nervous...but somehow found the strength to go and buy some cement, so we could make a cast of sweet Sadie's paws. We mixed the cement up last Friday night. It was hot and humid outside and all Sadie could do was lay and breath. HARD. Her breaths were shallow and forced. We knew that we didn't have much time. She cooperated the best she could having her feet stuck in fresh mud and didn't fight as I washed her toes.

We woke up Saturday morning to find Sadie on my bathroom floor. Still breathing, but in bad shape. Her tongue and gums were yellow and dry, her nose chapped, her eyes clenched shut and she was cold. We called our Vet...but decided that we needed to go to Cottonwood Animal Hospital. She rode in the back with dad. When I picked her up, her head flopped back and her tongue fell out. It was the saddest thing I've ever seen. "Oh, darlin...", was all I could say.

We drove silently, listening to her pant, knowing what was going to happen when we got there.

I took Sadie in, wrapped in a blanket and the sweet nurses ushered us past the crowd (and past the lady in curlers who said, "That looks critical"...) into the back. For a few minutes I was alone with the doctor and got to answer the tough questions the best I could, while trying to hold back tears and keeping my voice steady. "She hasn't been eating....her belly is swollen...he tongue is yellow...she's 15 years old..." Then my dad came in. Crying. The doctor did some checking and tests, "She has tumors in her liver and I believe her spleen has ruptured. She's anemic." I was shaking. "We COULD operate, but I don't believe that will help...and even if it does, she'll have to endure a complete blood transfusion. I don't recommend that we do that...I think..." We all knew why we were there. I think even Sadie knew. They prepped her for an IV and the doctor said, "GET THESE PEOPLE A ROOM!" We couldn't hold our tears back any more.

In our private room, we watched our sweet Sadie on the bench, tongue hanging out, shallow and shallower breaths, limp... We whispered, "thanks for being ours". She, rolled over, reached out (in the same way she chose dad so many years ago at the Human Society) with her front right paw, looked up, smiled and stopped breathing.

She ceased. I ran to get the doctor. She listened to her heart, gave her an injection and said, "She's gone."

Our sweet Sadie died at the Cottonwood Animal Hospital shortly after 11:00 on the morning of Saturday, July 17th. She chose when to leave us...rather than having us make that terrribly hard decision. Her papers said that she was 15 years, 7 months and 16 days old. A long, happy, life.

She's now out back, by the Studio, where she can hear the music that she loved. We have made her a happy space, with rocks and stepping stones and birds.

Poor Jack is lost and so confused. He knew she was in the box we brought home-and was very, VERY unhappy. He doesn't like to be alone, and often goes over to her space, dropping balls on top, or taking one that he left earlier. He is having a hard time sleeping and is barking a lot more. It absolutely breaks my heart.

It's still very sad and has been a very difficult week for the three of us and Jack, but we know that our Sadie is in a much better place right now.

Sade, we'll miss you. Thank you for being ours.

Much Love,

j

Be anything and everything...

2010-07-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

Finally. MY set of BE: Blocks are finished! :)

I absolutely loved this project BEFORE I began it 6+ months ago. I had the idea (inspired by STYX, President Hinckley, random quotes, songs, and trips to Heartland Paper Co. and The Wood Connection) back in October last year and from that, it grew into a seemingly simple, but overly complicated multi-step project. :) I completed the original set of BE: Blocks for my brother and sister in law (You can read about them...and see how amazing they are, HERE!)

Keeping the integrity of the message as a whole the same, I did a little tweaking, to make every single BE meaningful and inspiring for me and where I am in my life. I am thrilled with the way they turned out and love that everyone who sees them loves the message as much as I do. I also love that I had a couple days that I could set aside to work on them. ;) They are, without a doubt yummy smelling, paper/ribbon/vintage button covered, inspiring masterpieces.

So, my Loves, Just BE. Be anything and everything...and know that you ARE.

Much Love,

j

*PS...just so you'd know...I'd jump for joy if any of you out there would like a set for yourself... Just let me know...

**PPS...I didn't blow anything up this time. Just a couple of blisters. 380 degree hot melt glue is mean.

Kimberly Evans...

2010-07-07T13:09:00.002-06:00

So, so sad. I found out last night that the girl that slipped and fell down the water fall at Bells Canyon a week or so ago was a friend that I used to work with at the Early Childhood Education Center here in Murray. Kim's body was found at the base of the waterfall yesterday afternoon.

Kim was a great teacher and a blast to work with. You could tell that she loved her job almost as much as the kids! :)

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Kim, we'll miss you...

Much Love,

j

9 Little Letters...

2010-06-28T12:27:00.001-06:00

Equals a Dream Realized.

STARCHILD

A year ago March, my family and Floyd Kunz (the coolest guy I know, next to my dad, of course,) opened Starchild Guitar Studios & Artisan Guitar Works in Union Square (Sandy, Utah). About a month ago, we felt that we had out grown our small space and went in search of a better and bigger home. We were lucky enough to STAY in Union Square (9460 S. Union Square Suite 104, Sandy, UT 84070) and double our floor space! The past few weeks have been spent sanding, painting (Cream in my Coffee, a most excellent Noir and a sticky sweet Red...), replacing carpet, building and transforming the space into a rock and roll heaven.

My contribution? (Other than manning the long board?) See for yourself:

Between myself being extra anal and the scale (the guitar is about 7 feet long) this took me about 12 hours to complete...

I can't wait for you all to come see it in person...

What do you think? ;)

Much Love,

j

Don't pretend...

2010-06-14T21:24:00.001-06:00

After a terribly difficult week, crying so hard in the middle of my kitchen that I thought I never be the same, sheet rock dust mixed with tears, a little bit of bruising and divine intervention in the form of a four day trip to San Francisco, all I have to say is this:

Saving Grace

Take my hand, I know it doesn't seem enough for me to feel it

Understand

That I will never be the one who

Traps us in, I know it doesn't seem enough for us to keep it

Seize the day

When I will always be the one who...

Takes you for a ride and then decides

That it's not right to keep on like this

I will dismiss all the thoughts and feelings

That consume me

From the very start I saw the art

In painting everybody else to be

The savior of the world

You're my saving grace

Take my hand

And know that every second is forever

Don't pretend

That I would ever be the one who

Loses faith

In knowing that we'll always be together

Check my pulse

Cause I will always be the one who...

Takes you for a ride and then decides

That it's not right to keep on like this

I will dismiss all the thoughts and feelings

That consume me

From the very start I saw the art

In painting everbody else to be

The savior of the world

You're my saving grace

Stay with me late into this night

Lay with me, and I promise to make you feel...

You're my saving grace

And I'm not gonna lose you

Seriously, that's how I feel. Lost and conflicted and angry and sad...and yet, pretty content...like I know: somehow, someday down the line, he'll get it. I just pray that that day comes sooner than later.

Thanks, Crash Kings for making things a little bit better...

j

I left my heart in...

2010-06-14T16:13:00.001-06:00

{The Heads of State}

Much Love,

j

Happy...

2010-05-23T13:45:00.001-06:00

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY

to two of my favorite people!

I promise I'll get these to you soon! :)

Much Love,

j

Falling Slowly...

2010-05-16T21:52:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite song from Once...

Much Love,

j

Shine On...

2010-05-13T23:03:00.001-06:00

Shine On

Please don't cry

You know I'm leaving here tonight

Before I go I want you to know there will always be a light

And if the moon had to runaway

And all the stars didn't wanna play

Don't waste the sun on a rainy day

The wind will soon blow it all away, yeah

So many times I'd planned

To be much more than who I am

And if I let you down I will follow you 'round until you understand

That if the moon had to runaway

And all the stars didn't wanna play

Don't waste the sun on a rainy day

The wind will soon blow it all away

When the days all feel the same

Don't feel the cold or wind or rain

Everything will be okay

We will meet again one day

I will shine on, for everyone

So please don't cry

Although I leave you here this night

Where I go, how far I don't know

But I will always be your light

That if the moon had to runaway

And all the stars didn't wanna play

Don't waste the sun on a rainy day

The wind will soon blow it all away

When the days all seem the same

Don't feel the cold or wind or rain

Everything will be okay

We will meet again one day

I will shine on, for everyone

Shine on, for eveyone

When the stars all look the same

Don't feel the cold or wind or rain

Everything will be okay

We will meet again one day

I will shine on, for everyone

Shine on for everyone

Always look on the bright side of life...

2010-05-05T14:21:00.002-06:00

{source}

"Be not discouraged, neither allow the spirit of doubt or gloom or despondency to come into thy life, for these are tricks of the evil one to destroy thy faith and thy usefulness. But look upon the bright side of life, to be cheerful, humble, prayerful, and pure in thy devotion, and in thy habits, and the Lord will remember thee in mercy. His power and blessings will be upon thee. Therefore, look unto the Lord in humility, and thou shalt be comforted in the answers to thy prayers and be guided in the path of thy duty, day and night."

--Hyrum Smith

Much Love,

Come on, come on...

2010-05-03T21:10:00.004-06:00

Yes Please...

Got my hands in your pockets, I'll take what I need

Heavy feet I've been walking, cause nothing is free

It's the end of the day, I don't hear what you say at all

Got a mouthful of concrete, in every meal

Got a fistful of nothing, because nothing is real

It's the end of the day I don't know how to feel at all

Hey man

You gotta understand

I got the world in my two hands

Hey man

Never going back, never going back

No shame

Blood in my veins

I got one life and it won't change

Hey man

Never going back, never going back

Come on come on

I don't need anyone

To tell me what to believe

Come on come on

Shout it out everyone

You can tell me what to believe

Now I am a young man I see cracks in the steel

If they ask you to stand, well they just want you to kneel

If you don't know what you want then you just going to have to take it all

Hey man

You gotta understand

I got the world in my two hands

Hey man

Never going back, never going back

Then this is what I say

Come on come on

I don't need anyone

to tell me what to believe

Come on come on

Shout it out everyone

You can tell me what to believe

People say the rain has come falling down

Everyone was talking

People they were talking

Talking out the side of their mouths

Come on come on

I don't need anyone

to tell me what to believe

Come on come on

Shout it out everyone

You can tell me what to believe

You can't tell me what to

Tell me what to believe

JET

Much Love,

Epic Flames...

2010-04-24T01:04:00.000-06:00

Finally.

After MONTHS of planning and worry and failure after failure, I finally have a page of vinyl flames for Vince's Duesenburg guitar. I'm happy with they way they turned out...but I'm not sure if they're exactely what he had in mind. My instructions were, "You could curve it like this..." I'm really hoping that he'll find some that he can use and will like well enough to put on his baby!

ps...I really like that you can see my fbook pic peeking out from behind the flames up top... :)

I'm thinking that I should probably cut another page in yellow...

Much Love,

{5 loves...Design Tools}

2010-04-19T23:39:00.000-06:00

Sorry I missed you yesterday! I've been feeling a bit off lately and spent most of my day either sleeping...or outside in the sun. My reward? A fabulous burn that quickly went brown! :)

My {5 loves} this week are my favorite Design Tools. I thought about it for a bit and finally went with the ones that are making me 1, happiest and 2, making my life easier at the moment. In no particular order (I think that Provo Craft should give me a job...):

The YourStory Bookbinding/Laminating Machine

The Yudu Personal Screen Printing Machine

The Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter

The Gypsy Portable Design Studio

(This works with your Cricut!)

The Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions

(Yes, I had to type the whole thing!)

I am absolutely IN LOVE with these 5 things.

I'll have to get some pics posted of the projects that I've MADE with them!

Much Love,

j

{5 loves...Music}

2010-04-11T18:36:00.002-06:00

So...many of the blogs that I read have a weekly listing of the authors "loves". I've done a few lists of my own over the past couple of months, but am REALLY loving the idea of having a weekly list! My goal is to have a list of five themed loves each Sunday...

Today's list? My five music loves!

The Gibson J-200

JET

Classic iPod in Silver

(mine is engraved with:

j, Keep Your Antenna Up

& Follow the Muse)

Blackbird by The Beatles

Illustration by Folon from The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics

I'm learning the picking pattern for Blackbird now.

The Marshall MG 15

I LOVE this amp! It's portable, has amazing Marshall sound

AND

it has a line in option so you can play your iPod through/with it!

Seriously, your iPod will never sound better!!!

With your iPod connected, you can play along with your favorite songs...

Bliss...

Much love!

j

Something More...

2010-04-01T10:38:00.001-06:00

Turns out that you can't take burritos into The Depot, but you CAN take cameras in... Geez...I HAD to wear my tight skirt...

BIG thanks to Star for taking these pics that ~~she shared with me~~ I stole...

I look manic...and really hot.

Literally.

Crash Kings

I LOVE Mike's Orange amp!

YES we were this close... (I got even closer for JET!)

I was standing to the left a little, behind the guy in denim. He smelled like a mix of cotton candy and the Henri Bendel Firewood candle.

It was nice...

The girl next to him, I'll call her "Beth", was excellent. She came and rocked it alone.

Notice the pics on Mark's mic stand?

Apparently it's REALLY hard to get a good picture of them.

(The guy wearing a JET pass with a camera took about 30 before he shook his head and gave up.)

Way to go Star!!! (She was also able to snag his set list!)

Also, enjoy Mark's pants and Italian leather Beatle boots and the mic for Chris.

He sang every 5th song or so.

I LOVE this shot of Nic and Cam.

...and Mr. Security Guard...

Is it weird that I'm SURE that I had prolonged eye contact with Nic more than once?

Nah...It's totally normal, right?!

I also LOVED the old and loved Marshall in the backgound.

(And the keyboard guy with the bedroom eyes...)

Much Love,
j

La Di Da...

2010-03-29T22:12:00.001-06:00

I went back to Lowes this afternoon and spent about an hour out in the wind drooling over the gorgeous Spring plants.

Ranunculus are my FAVORITE and I LOVED these colors!

(next to tulips...)

This is my front planter...under my bedroom window. This is a twisted view, but I love it! It has all of the important bits:

tulips, sedum, violets, and a few ranunculus that I planted last year.

I some snapdragons and pansies to fill in around the tulips in the front.

They remind me of Alice in Wonderland! :)

I've never seen this plant before. The tag said it's a 'Fragrant Wallflower'.

I loved the bright yellow and purple mix, but the best part is that it was COVERED in...

HONEY BEES!!

Tasty anaheim peppers...

(I also put the fabulous wall-o-waters around two different types of tomatoes.)

PARSNIPS!!! I plated these last Summer...but they are better if you let them winter over...

I'm going to fill the gaps in with beets.

It was so windy that I had to pull my hair back in a clip AND a braid...

Even then, the wind pulled it out.

(I'm also noticing that it's BEYOND time to color my hair. My black has faded to red and brown...and the blond roots are scary!)

I found a peat pot full of red and white tulips. I put them in my tulip house for inside...

I'll get the table cleaned off soon...promise...

I put these under my Japanese Maple tree in the front yard...mostly for the quail.

Our neighbor planted strawberries in the strip of dirt next to our fence and a few starts have made their way into this patch. I thought they might like some company. :)

This is under our picture window. There are close to 100 tulips in this planter, but it still needed some color. I added some pansies and snapdragons here, too.

I'm tingling in anticipation...

j

JET...

2010-03-27T12:03:00.000-06:00

& Crash Kings!!!!!

(In tight pants)

It started off with this...

And after an amazing hour of being close enough I could see in their mouths and the outlines of pockets, I got this...

(Without the onstage dancers...)

Seriously, it was one of the best shows I've been to (and that's saying a LOT!)

I didn't get this:

But I really wish I had... And I kind of wish, I was on my way to Vegas with them...

Much Love,

j

Custom M.U.S.E....

2010-03-26T00:53:00.000-06:00

I know I've posted these pics just about EVERYWHERE else...but I'm REALLY happy and proud of my work! (Besides that, I wanted a more permanent record of them. I'm actually planning on printing my blog one day... :) )

I was asked-and very honored-to create a logo and a custom web design for a hand made guitar about two weeks ago. Daniel, the master craftsman is 16 and he did ALL of the work on his own. I think he did an amazing job (and want him to design ME a guitar one day!)

This is the logo that I created for Daniel. I included the spider (which I LOVE!) as a surprise. I hope he likes it! This is done out of matte black adhesive vinyl. I designed the logo on the Gypsy and cut it with the Cricut. I LOVE Provo Craft...they have made my life SO much easier-and fun...and messy...and creative!

The ONLY instructions Daniel had for me was, "Cover it in spiderwebs!". I hope this is something like what he had in mind. I hand cut this out of the same black vinyl as the logo using an Exacto knife and LOTS of patience. I absolutely LOVE the contrast between the matte black vinyl and the satin finish of the guitar. This pic doesn't do it justice, but I swear, I was drooling a bit when I got it on. I chose adhesive vinyl for this project because the guitar will be played. Static vinyl is a great choice for guitars, but given the location of the largest web, Daniel's arm will be in almost constant contact with the design. I didn't want the web to budge!

I've had a few questions about how adhesive vinyl works...and if it could damage the surface of the guitars. My thought is, NO! It should NOT damage the surface/finish of your guitar. The adhesive vinyl I use is the kind made to go on walls, glass, ceramic, etc. I have NEVER seen it damage or harm any surface. This vinyl IS removable, but NOT reusable. Also, for matte or satin finish guitars, the static vinyl has a difficult time sticking-adhesive is the best bet. I have both adhesive and static vinyl on a few of my personal guitars and have NEVER had a problem! On the plus side, static vinyl is removable and reusable! :)

*For those who are interested, a job like this including a custom logo and a hand cut design sells for around $60 (depending on size, materials and time).

Kajststina...

2010-03-25T16:39:00.000-06:00

& Annamon.

At a particularly fabulous and quick trip to Ikea, Brienne and I stumbled upon some of the most amazing fabric. Me being in my nesting phase and LOVING that I'm actually able to sew straight lines, NEEDED to pick some up.

My favorite is the one below. How bizarre is THIS???

Yep! That's right! Those are head bucking goats...and a triumphant mountain climber. And what's that up there in the right hand corner? Could it be...?

YES!!! Severed goat heads floating in the water under the bridge.
Seriously...

I really loved the hot pink and green mix crafty fox print too...

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with these. I only got a yard of each of them. The thought actually occurred that I could turn them into picnic blankets...but then I remember that I don't have picnics. So...who knows?!

*Do any of you have suggestions???

I really liked the bright yellow dandelion fairy print. I think it's going to end up as the inside of a purse...

And the fabulous grey gets to be the outside! I have an idea for a bag...I hope it won't be too overwhelming!

Much love,

Lemon Button...

2010-03-22T22:28:00.000-06:00

Today I went to Lowes. We're adding on to our raised bed garden and needed more wood to build a new home for our corn. While wandering around, I found this:

A GORGEOUS happy fern named 'Lemon Button'! She is an Exotic Angel Plant (I LOVE Exotic Angel plants!!!) that loves indirect light and medium water. I have the perfect white ceramic pot picked out and she'll live on the side of my tub surrounded by river rock. :)

I also ran across this beautiful new book! 'Handmade Home-Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures'. By Amanda Blake Soule. I instantly fell in love with her projects, her family and her. I can't wait to make the sweet banner pictured on the cover! Along with each project, you'll find a story that accompanies. Often they are very personal and touching.

I felt like I wanted to be Amanda's new best friend and was delighted to find that she has a blog! You can find her-along with her photos, links to buy this book and 'The Creative Family', her first book and other interesting finds at: http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/. PLEASE go check her out! I hope you love what you see and read as much as I do!

Much Love,

Continued...

2010-03-18T21:00:00.000-06:00

I TOTALLY forgot. One of my favorite random finds is 'The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters'. It's creepy. It's weird. It's Victorian England on...acid. I picked it up the day it was released (in August 2006) on a whim...because I had an excellent coupon from Barnes and Noble. I was THRILLED with this twisted, HUGE (it's 768 pages!) book. The reviews aren't all that positive-but I was hooked.

Last year, a follow up was released in March. 'The Dark Volume' came and went...and got lost. I have been so terribly busy that I didn't pick it up. However...last night while pre-ordering 'Mockingjay' and 'The Murderous Procession' I snagged a copy!

I know that I have a lot on my plate...and very limited amounts of time to read. But...

I couldn't leave this behind. Again.

Kisses,

First Editions...

2010-03-17T20:40:00.000-06:00

I am SO excited!!! 'Alice I Have Been' by Melanie Benjamin was chosen as this month's Slow Readers Book Club book! It promises to be fast and easy...and a great read! It's historical fiction, which I LOVE...

Which brings me to:

I Am THRILLED for 'A Murderous Procession'! I love Ariana Franklin's work and the rest of the 'Mistress of the Art of Death 'series. When I finished the third, 'Grave Goods', I just knew there would be more. There HAD to be more! This will be released on April 1st, but I pre-ordered it tonight!

This is another that I'm anticipating with bated breath. I. Can't. WAIT for 'Mockingjay'!!! (I also pre-ordered this one! It will be released on August 24th.)

Courtney talked me into reading 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. (Thank you, Love!) No more than 8 pages into HG and I was hooked. Sucked in completely. It was difficult (an easy, fast read, though not pretty) to read and I often found myself shaking I was so scared/angry/nervous...and I cried. A lot. I hated what Katniss had to go through and couldn't help but put myself in the story line. What would I do if I were in that situation??? I read this so fast (less that 2 days) that I ended up dreaming the Games. Not pretty. I also couldn't eat or sleep. I think EVERYONE needs to read this, but I caution: If you do, you won't have a life for a day or two!

'Catching Fire' is the second in the series. Because of the horrible dreams the first gave me, I forced myself to take a break. I had to hide it so I wouldn't become completely consumed. Again. But, desire took hold of me and I dug the book out. I am making myself read this one slower-and more thoroughly. I feel like I missed a lot from Hunger Games-I was so anxious to get to the end...and make sure everything was "okay". Right now, I'm mad. I do NOT like what's happening...and I've been told it's only going to get worse...

***

The thought occurred to me the other day that I just may be the ONLY person left that actually anticipates new releases...not just to read the books, but to feel and experience a good, long, hard back book. AND to top that, there's the thrill of holding a first edition in my hands. First editions always smell better, feel better, and look amazing on the shelf. A HUGE thank you to all of my favorite authors, for your dedication and hard work. It's not overlooked.

Much Love,

Just Give Me Some...

2010-03-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Perfect...

Inside Out...

2010-03-02T16:20:00.001-07:00

Does this dog...

look like he could do....

THIS???!!!!

(Seriously, this is the scariest thing I've ever seen...)

I love my baby...

*Jack*

Feeling Nesty

2010-02-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

I've got that Spring itch.

(Actually, I've had it since December 26th.)

I'm ready for the green grass and tulips...for the baby birds and the blue sky...for the warm sun and butterflies...and dragonflies...

The other day, A Beautiful Mess had a glorious idea. Elsie posted a gorgeous Spring feather butterfly wreath. Inspired by her project and these fun polishes:

I went shopping. Here's what I found:

(Yes...my nails are bright yellow!)

Then I got to work. I wound chunky multi-grey yarn over a straw wreath frame...twice.

Then I wound fun light and wispy grey on top.

And the I broke out the itty bitty (still working) glue gun and...TA DA!

I love this project. I'm not sure though, where I'm going to hang it. I originally thought that I would hang it in my bathroom, where it would get the most light...but now I'm thinking by my bed. Who knows...

I just hope it will tide me over...until Spring-time.

***BTW, my amazing daddy got me a new glue gun today. An Arrow brand "MAN" glue gun that takes special glue...that's guaranteed not to explode (for one year).

Through the Looking Glass...

2010-02-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling that "nostalgic warmth" again. Every two months or so, I have to pull out Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette to get my fill of outrageous abundance in all it's forms. I am in love with the soft pastel colors, the hair (and accessories), and the layer upon layer of over the top lux. I'm ready for Spring (and was told that I have "Seasonal Depression Disorder"...) and for the promises it holds. I'm also ready for the wonderfully twisted world of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. Below is an interesting mix (in no particular order) of Loves inspired by the two unrelated films...that somehow fit perfectly-and beautifully together.

*By the way...I made that mirror up above. It's soft and has a fuzzy mercury glass feel to it.*

This is my favorite version of the Alice story... A pop-up book by J. Otto Seibold.

As far as I'm concerned, Kirsten Dunst played this part PERFECTLY

(and all of the fabulous '80's music made it just that much better).

This is a swiped YouTube compilation of Marie clips.

The song is What Ever Happened by The Strokes

I love this. So much...

The colors in this hair clip are amazing.

I want to wear this to Easter dinner.

This gorgeous piece is just over $850...

...but it opens and you can play with the goodies inside!

A vintage sterling sliver headband-and Alice classic.

I LOVE grey and yellow together.

This reminds me of that transition time when there's still a chance of frost, but the first tulips and blossoms are ready.

One of my favorites in on of my favorite shades.

I would have a ranunculus bouquet by my bed year round if I could.

(Ranunculous symbolize radiant charm, by the way...)

Alice is my favorite Disney movie.
I don't care if I am 28-I would wear this.

I love this more than anything.

I want a black dining room one day...

I would probably wear these with jeans...

This is the song that Avril Lavigne wrote for the new Alice movie.

What do you think???

I think she's gorgeous...and I want her eyes. And hair.

Problem Child...

2010-01-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I'm a closet Martha Stewart fan. I love her. LOVE her, love her. I love her show. I LOVE her magazine and her Easter, Halloween and Christmas decorations make me giddy. In the current Feb. magazine, there was a multi-page spread featuring Darcy Miller-and her glorious art.

I have been in LOVE with this article since reading it (again and again and again) about three weeks ago. Tonight while going through my blog list it was being discussed all OVER the place. I just had to post it here, too. I instantly fell in love with her print, colors and textures. They are so simple...yet elegant.

PLEASE take a few minutes to visit Darcy Miller's site and fall in love too.

Just Be...

2010-01-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the amazing STYX song, 'Just Be' and the beautiful words of President Hinckley in his book, Way to Be! I made these powerful little reminders for my brother and sister-in-law. I used all of Pres. Hinckley's 6 Be's and then some-pulling from other Church talks and inspiring messages.

I chose to have a "Be..." to focus on for the month-so there are 12 in all. Here is a sample:

This was a fantastic project to work on...and I fell in love with it right away! B & A haven't seen them yet-but everyone else who has loves them as well. I've even had a few requests for custom orders. Who knew?

*And yes, this WAS the project that killed the glue gun... ;)

Obsessions...

2010-01-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

Some of my new Loves:

This Garden

(It's a mini ornament terrarium!)

These Buttons

These Headbands

This Toy

This Picture of Me

This Saying

(and the glorious guitar it's on)

This Glass

These Dogs

This Book

And

This Wall

(The movie was amazing as well!)

I love shoes...

2010-01-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

Love them...(even though I get stuck in the habit of wearing the same ones every day-I am guilty of wearing a fave pair of yellow leather zipper flats everyday for about 3 months...) The pile above (complete with a pair of klompen that I bought in an garage attic workspace near Kinderdijk, Netherlands-I often wear these to take out the trash...) is small compared to the massive shelf in the closet filled with 3 inchers, rock and roll rain boots, teal wedges, patent reds, and "Dynasty" flip flops... I seriously have the best shoes. But I have a new fave...

My amazing brother had this fantastic pair made for me for Christmas! The right shoe is my first name-with my current yummy Ovation (it smells like baby dolls!) and the left shoe is my last name-with a gorgeous Henna Luna. The back....

has "Clocks" with the TAB for, yes, Coldplay's Clocks. (Clocks is a shared love of B's and mine...for multiple reasons...) These were made by one of his students-an extremely talented 14 year old-and this was his first commissioned piece. From what I hear, he was very nervous during the reveal-he REALLY wanted his cool guitar teacher to like them! He did, and I was thrilled...and cried a bit. The best part?

The graffiti... ;)

j

Sometimes I feel...

2009-12-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

lost
scared
stuck
imperfect
old
immature
lazy
sick
drowning
and incredibly sad.

But then...

gloriously,
I'm reminded off all the things than I AM...

blessed
creative
strong
curious
protected
pretty
okay
grateful
loving
eclectic
unique
and the best dang copier ever...even if I need reminders...and sometimes they're grey.

My life has been such a mess of life experiences lately. I've:

become invisible,
received my first university A...
...and F...
...and a current D-,
witnessed abuse,
cried at the thought of the slain bunny,
cooked Tofurky,
played Sinterklaas,
fought with my ISP,
wondered where my sense of calm was coming from,
and hoped that I was "enough".

I really hope I am...

29 before 29

2009-08-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

A few months back, I came across Leni's blog-a happy, inspiring, picture filled blog. Inspired by her, her '26 before 26' post, and in honor of my birthday I give you my:

29 before 29:

A List of 29 Goals, Aspirations, Dreams and To-Do's before I Turn (gulp) 29

1) Go to NAMM

2) Attend 3 STYX shows-at least ONE of them gets to be out of town: 1 2 3 - OOT

3) Complete my first year at AAU and register for year 2

4) Start composting

5) Buy a Henna Luna

6) Learn to play 'Crystal Ball' on my acoustic, fluently

7) Re-invent myself every 4 months-exploring color, new styles and accessories: 1 2 3

8) Have a Psychic/Angel reading

9) Enter 12 contests: one for each month: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 (I AM Lucky!)

10) Scrapbook Europe

11) Study a new artist each month: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

12) Watch EVERY James Bond movie: There are 18 official and 3 non-canonical.

13) Have 'All Alone' days every other month: 1 2 3 4 5 6

14) Take mini vacations with friends

15) Study Music Theory

16) Reach goal weight. 31 lbs to go!

17) Make Christmas-BY HAND!

18) Learn to Hula-Hoop (and explore the Hoopnotica Workout!)

19) Read a book each month: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

20) Go to more concerts: explore local artists, and big names.

21) Become more aware of where my money goes and what I spend my money on

22) Plan a vacation to someplace NEW!

23) Continue with my new Vegan diet and cut out artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils and processed foods

24) Photograph my life more and SHARE the pictures

25) Listen to more female artists. Find at least 5 I love: 1 2 3 4 5

26) Explore my family history

27) Create something by hand each month: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

28) Attend at least one ReAL game.

29) A secret. This item is actually TOP on my list...and the one I want most.

So there you go, my loves. 29 things to keep me REALLY busy. I will print and hang this where I'll see it often to keep me on track and mark off the items as I complete them. Please feel free to participate in any of these with me...

Stars and Kisses,

Personal Transformation

2009-07-15T10:22:00.000-06:00

4 weeks ago, I made a big decision.

I had been toying with Vegetarianism for years now. I'd go a day or two meat-free and be VERY proud. I've been working on a new list, inspired by Leni, my "29 before 29"-a fantastic list of to-do's, to-tries, and to-be's before I turned 29. #16 on that list was, "Explore a Meat-Free week and record the results." I felt happy, fulfilled, light and free the days that I left the meat out...but I'd always get sucked back in because I LOOOVED cheese and butter and bacon and ice-cream and BBQ's and... The salads at Cafe Rio make me drool a little bit. Training Table? YES PLEASE!-One Hickory Burger Combo, added bacon, with Cheese Fries, dipping sauce and a large Diet Coke. East Coast's Ham & Cheese with everything but onions. Yummm...

Until I read about three pages in T. Colin Campbell's, (PhD) book, The China Study.

I decided then-June 24th, 2009 that I was going to cut ALL animal protein out of my diet.

No Meat

No Dairy

No Eggs

I did it not to be ethically sound or to save the planet-I did it for a perceived selfish reason: My Health. But...the good news? I AM being ethical and am saving the planet! By not consuming these "foods" I am almost eliminating my chance of getting cancer and Type 1 Diabetes (both diseases are in my family-on my Mother's AND Father's side.) as well as supporting animal rights and NOT supporting the chemicals and pollution that comes from "processing" animals. There's not even the packaging to deal with. When buying fresh veggies, you get the produce bag-which can be recycled in Murray (either in my city issued recycling can OR I can take them to work-my Elementary school recycles grocery bags!)

In 4 weeks I've lost about 5 pounds and an inch each off of my tummy, thighs and arms. My skin is smooth and glowing. I need less sleep, have more energy and am tolerating heat better. I'm eating less, burning more. I never thought that I could get so full on veggies and brown rice...

ALL by just by cutting out animal protein.

About three weeks into this transformation, I received an email from one of my favorite online shops, Mod Cloth. They are having a Terrific Transformation contest in honor of their website make-over and asked for each of their friends to blog about THEIR biggest transformation. When I read it, my new lifestyle had clicked so well that I didn't think that it HAD been a personal transformation-it was just my new, easy life. Then it hit me-when I finally took a GOOD look at myself. I had made this change. I made this choice. A change that gotten me on a great path. More energy=More accomplished. Feeling Better=GREAT choices. And so on, and so forth.

I really believe that because of the HUGE, yet simple choice of becoming Vegan it has made it possible to start so much and clear negative beliefs, feelings, and thoughts. I've started attending my Church meetings with a good friend and for the first time in my life, LOVE IT. I've also committed to attending fall classes at The Academy of Arts University. (I can earn my degree 100% online! I just got info back today!)

Life is good.

Let Them Eat Cake...

2009-07-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

Sofia Coppola is one of my favorite writer/directors.
Kirsten Dunst is a HUGE fave of mine. So is Jason Schwartzman.

Naturally, I fell in LOVE with Marie Antoinette some years ago. Who wouldn't?

"Marie Antoinette defied both royalty and commoner by living like a rock star..."

Inspired by the look and feel of the movie as well as the AMAZING soundtrack (I'm in love with songs, 'Opus 36' by Dustin O'Halloran, 'Ceremony' by New Order and 'The Melody of a Fallen Tree' by Windsor for the Derby) and Donna Downey's 'Inspiration Wednesdays' I went to work transforming an otherwise blah journal.

The movie is so rich with color (pink, cream, orange, teal, light blue, sea foam green, sepia...) and sparkles and layers upon layers of INTENSE texture. I wanted to see what would happen when I pushed myself so I used the lavish feel of the music and the history as a template and completely ignored my inner instinct when I felt it was time to stop layering and adding. (Once I felt that "need" I pushed it another FULL day-about 6 hours of watching the movie and listening the music and adding MORE!)

THIS was the result:

Over the top Kisses,