It’s been awhile since I have posted, but it seems as good a time to restart. While I still have my full-time job to go to to for now, I know a lot of people’s lives are being to be turned upside down. There is fear everywhere of the unknown and what’s to come. You can see it in people’s eyes. And while I feel helpless but to follow the recommended stays of place and washing and social distancing, I can create and put beauty out there anytime I have a chance. We must try and remain positive and find the beauty in all things no matter how small.

Today, the windows are open and the sun is shining. I have my favorite Amazon Prime station playing (Acoustic Chill). I am updating my website this weekend, chores around the house that have been long put aside. I am diving into my “studio” and creating my space. I love seeing the kids more. The seem more relaxed from this small break from our normal chaos. I know the dogs and cat are happy to see us all day long!

Be good to one and other. Put good into the world to counter all the hard and fear. Sending much love (from a distance LOL)!

xoxo

Jen

PS… The Bronze Mini Series is available online now! Check out the Shop. Since we will be home for awhile, some new art may be just the right thing!

Last month, I had a stall with the Lodi Chamber of Commerce Street Faire. I showed some of my prep for my first event through my Instagram account (@jenmarieink). It was both liberating and frightening at the same time. I was creating a small space for me to sell my art.

Through the process, I learned that I love power tools while creating my peg boards. I created a copper hanging rack that might have killed me. Thank goodness I set up a dry run in my backyard. I had to see what I was doing. The copper frame came from inspiration from Pinterest. But all the photos were taken indoors. Not outside where the wind was whipping through my yard. I grabbed my phone, keys and wallet and headed back to Lowe’s. I grabbed some 3M clear hooks and some copper wire. Back at home I realized the hooks were not going to stick to the back of the pipe, nor would it hold up my art. I was about to cry. Then I heard a voice that simply said that I was over thinking it.

I calmed myself down and looked at the rack again and simply stretched the copper wire from side to side. I grabbed the paper clips, prayed and hung a few pieces. It worked.

I was blessed to have a couple of my friends help me throughout the day - THANK YOU Kristi, Jerry, Shannon and Maddie. I was blessed by a few friends buy some pieces. Kids stopped by to buy bookmarks.

But David and his wife were the highlight of the event. It was earlier in the day. The couple entered the tent. The wife gravitated to a piece she liked, but I was watching David. He kept going back and forth between three pieces. He was admiring them. He was studying them. I could tell when he narrowed it down to two of the them. He kept going back to one. It was one I thought was a mistake to bring. While it was “perfect” when it was done, it came into contact with plastic wrap while drying. At first, I may have said a few adult words. But as I looked at it, the texture it created was kinda cool. So I brought it anyways. It was the piece that David chose.

David didn’t want to carry it through the Faire as they were just starting. I offered to hold it while they shopped. The Faire was nearing the final hour and I was afraid that he had forgotten his investment. At that moment, the darling couple arrived with nothing else in hand. I told him I was getting worried. He laughed and his wife noticed that the piece that she liked had been sold. When I handed them their bag, David mentioned that they collected art and their walls are covered. Now they were going to make room for my piece. He then said out of everything they saw that day, my art was the best.

I am still on cloud nine. His words gave me the affirmation I needed. Of course, my friends say my stuff is cool or beautiful. But these words from a stranger, who was going to appreciate what I made, will always be a favorite moment in my journey.

Thank you to everyone who came out! Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events.

xo

Jen