honored, overwhelmed and so cool...

This is my friend Jo. 

She has a new magazine. 

She makes it all look so easy, but she works so hard everyday and the results help so many...

Please join me in celebrating her achievement...

I also owe Jo a debt of thanks for for letting me tell my own story... and once again, be a part of hers in WWC: BUSINESS...

This new publication is brimming with stories of passion and success, of women entrepreneurs, the tales of how they've made it happen, why they've worked so hard, and tips on how to turn inspiration into economy.

I really am honored to be included in the first issue...

This is a 10 page article, but no ruing the surprise here, you'll have to catch it in print...it was a neat thing for me to tell my story of how all this happened...what made it possible, and why I do it.

Here are some of my fave shots of the lab, these made it into the article....

Me and a camera, what else is new?

This is a stairwell down from the lab, the walls are lined with our old event cards and posters and signs, the steps are actually signed like a guest book...

Piles of art, just how I like it...

I think of myself as an altar-builder with collections and textures 

piled ceiling -high...

And, I could do none of this alone...if it was not for the line-up of artists, there would be no Earth Angels, I want to thank each and everyone of them that has worked with me over the years...at last count Sue, Michelle and I counted almost 80 that I worked with over the years and are no longer among the active roster of artists (some have retired, some have pursued other paths and careers, some are no longer actively creating...)....so much talent....so much growth.

And of course, I need to that all the fellow entrepreneurs with whom I have worked to co-host events too! 

Thanks Amanda, Jeanine, Phyllis, Darren, and Joyce.

We're all in this together and our success and fulfillment is tied to so many others, so many kindred spirits.

It's business, but so much more...and I am thrilled to share it with you.

Thanks Jo for making this all possible.

xxoo Jen

merry days, time passing

I am still sending out Christmas cards - trying to be clever I got New Year's cards because there was no way they were all going in time...

So here's a hello Monday, and since I could not get 3 kiddos to look perfect in one shot, we compromised and went for a card with 8 images. 

Besides, what's perfect, when I am sure "enough" is as good as a feast?

Hello Monday, you are here already and the packages are not all wrapped...yet...and some small voice is reminding me to just enjoy whatever it is, and that what will get done, will get done...it will be enough.

Hello Monday and our wonderful annual festivities start in a few hours when we meet our family for the annual sing along.... so all of the little details will just have to be what they are and we'll enjoy them. 

 

Hello  fudge for Santa, we did not get to cookies, and it's a good thing gift bags were invented because they are the way to go...

And I have realized, sometimes, the less you do - the more you enjoy it...and conversely the more you do- the less you enjoy it.

Hello to all those years of Christmas photos....the kids are getting bigger each year and the time rolls by ever more quickly.

Hello Monday, I am a grateful girl...so happy to have so many I love in one place, at one time...

Sigh...hello Monday and Happy Christmas....and here's to you to enjoy your days, the traditions, the small moments and all the festive trimmings. 

Here's wishing you all a bright and beautiful holiday with loved ones and a new year full of good health and happy times.

xxoo Jen

lotsa love for Lanne...

How wonderful to once again see my friend Jennifer Lanne's paintings celebrated with fresh editorial coverage....

 To celebrate we're offering 20% off any order today -- it's a flash sale with code golanne at checkout

AND a BIG

thanks to the editors at PRIMS for the wonderful attention to her work and certain style.

Here's the cover of the new issue....

it's just out and available to order on our site...

 And here's a peek at some of the newest pieces we've posted to the site.

I love when she blends dark and light....and these two new pieces have the added lustre of mica for a bit of snowy sparkle...

 Juicy colors drench her canvases...

these are two of my ruby red, jewel-toned faves....

And of course her landscapes always send me....they are laden with lush brushstrokes and a certain, evocative longing...

This one is called "Moonlight on Wool"... love her names for her pieces too!

Here's Jennifer and Ben at the recent Schuyler Pond "Merry Artists' Showcase in Saratoga, NY...

Nancy and her hubby Bill traveled 11 hours from Ohio to meet Jennifer and shop for her art in person....they left with "Happiness Blooms"...

Here I am with Jennifer and Laura Putnam...

a friend and fellow Lanne fan.

Congrats Jennifer -- you and your art deserve the attention.  I treasure you and your creations and it's an honor to work with you at Earth Angels Studios...

xxoo Jen

finding some magic...hello Monday

It's hard to believe in magic some days...thoughts of Friday's tragedy lay heavy on my heart.

We made our trip to find a bit of joy in the beauty of the season in our dash to Manhattan to see the tree, the lights and Santa.  There is a sweetness in these holiday traditions we do year after year....it  makes me feel as if we are moving forward towards a shared goodness.  

  

And believing brings us peace.

Hello Monday. I am grateful to our kids, they show us how to move through things with grace, leaving room for magic in the everyday.

Hello to believing in the Miracle on 34th Street.

I cannot help but feel the swell of joy in watching my children grow, of seeking the fulfillment of our simple traditions and thinking how very, very blessed I am.

Hello 7am and our annual jaunt to Manhattan to visit the "real" Santa at Macy*s on 34th Street. It was a short trio, we were home by 2pm, but it was magic.

Hello writing letters to Santa...(my kids love to use the "official" mailbox for the North Pole at Macy*s)...

Hello my wonderful little girl who did not want me to peek at hers...

At 10 she believes in the real meaning of Christmas...

"This year I am not really going to ask for anything....all the big presents should go to a charity for the children who lost their home in hurricane Sandy."

Hello to Citi Pond at Bryant Park...no time to skate but it looked like fun!

Hello to frosty, soggy walks and ignoring the chores to do something fun with kiddos and our friends...thanks to Shauna, Brian and Mackenzie for making the trip with us and sharing the tradition...

Hello to joy and peace...and finding the time to enjoy where ever it is you can be together this holiday.

Hello to believing in the magic of everyday.

xxoo Jen

feed your soul...

...in Lisa's words:

I need to have time to think,

To laugh with friends,

To nurture creativity.

I need to feed my soul.

I cannot tell you how much I love working with Lisa Leonard....her life and work are truly inspirational and I love the connections I have made through her jewelry with customers and friends.

As a Mom, a Wife, an Artist and an Entrepreneur, she has a style and grace that makes me grateful to know and work with her....and learn from her. 

So of course I'm honored to offer her "heartfelt" creations at Earth Angels Studios....and so grateful to Jo Packham for showcasing her feed your soul necklace in the new issue of Where Women Cook magazine.

You can order the necklace here...and if you mention coupon code ThxWWCook we'll pay the shipping.  
You can also order the magazine here and we'll ship it free too with the same code at checkout...

Thanks Jo - Thanks Lisa - 

thanks to all those who celebrate style and treasure beauty.

 My birthday girl and me are wearing our "heartfelt" necklaces today...

xxoo Jen