Hello, Help Me, and Hooray.

 

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind... so many things happening, most not so great, that i feel lost in the shuffle of life. It's so draining, and saddening when things are out of your control and yet you have to take the fall for them. I recently had room mate.... 'troubles' and had to ask them both to leave. This is a huge issue for me seeing as i have a whole house to pay for, and not enough income to support it. After they [finally!!!!!!] left, i noticed a ton of damages done to my house, they didn't pay me all the rent money they owed me and my camera is missing.

It seems so sad that heart is breaking so much over the loss of camera... way more then the missing chunk of my sink..how DO YOU crack a sink?!?! And why woudn't you tell someone you broke said sink?

Anyways....since i'm out hundreds of dollars [pre-repairs], don't think i can buy a new camera right now, and without a camera, i can't color new doodles. [my camera is my 'scanner'.] 

Aside from all the trauma/drama in my house hold life, I'm getting more and more scared that now my ears have hurt me for 10 months now. I've been putting off seeing a specialist until i had a little bit more money saved, but i think i just need to book the appointment already. I'm actually really scared, i don't know whats wrong and my doctor can't see anything that looks out of the norm, which terrifies me more.

Even during all this mess, i really am thankful that i have such good friends. New and old friends have been pretty supportive, lended me MANY OF ears to babble on to, or to cry and cheer with. So although i am very out of sorts right now, i feel blessed at least that I'm not going through it all alone.

I hope you are all doing well, and having stress free weeks, and if for some reason you're going through a rocky time, i hope you do in fact have people that are standing by you to hug you and hold your hand. ...or at least to bring you ice cream.

Have a day full of sunshine dear friends.

Jenipher :)

I'm thankful; for my hair.

When i was in the thick my eating disorder i was losing my hair. I have naturally curly hair which makes it appear thicker and easier to work with, but by the time i reached my lowest weight, i couldn't even put my hair in a pony tail without it falling right out.

On days like today, where i feel like i need to lose weight, when i feel like a beached whale, and when i feel like I'm a failure because i had too many sweets this week, i put my hair in a pony tail and think what a miracle it is to have my body functioning again. It's exciting that my hair has come back to adventure with me during these next trails of life. 

Unless a medical issue has occurred, it doesn't seem likely many people would be so grateful to have a head of hair, but to me, it's a constant reminder of how far i have come, the trails i've been through, and reminds me of the bright future of ups and downs that's to come.

I'm a thankful girl. :)

1. I’m getting the help I need to make my life better.

2. I made a major leap doing so.

3. I’m willing [and going to] to make the adjustments.

4. b r e a t h i n g.

5. I’m accepting the support.

6. Kashi meals.

7. Amazing Doctors.

8. My hair has gotten thicker and now I have a happy pony tail [!!]

9. The thought of finally r e l a x i n g.

10. H O P E.

11. Dream Boogie tomorrow!!

HOLY cow! I won a grant!!

I can't express how excited and thankful i am. I applied for a professional art grant the end of last year, had the paneling a few weeks ago, and was just informed tonight, that i have been blessed with funding to follow my dreams from United Arts.



This grant will give me the opportunity to professionally print and package my 'nightly doodles', will allow me to personalize and inspire through my new [encouraging] blog Smiles and Thanks, and help me spread words of kindness and affirmation to Orlando and beyond!!

An extra special thanks to Margot Knight, Mary Patrick, Bonnie Hubbard, Rick Lang, Anna McCambridge, Dario J. Moore, Dennis Neal and Jeremy Seghers for believing in all of us, having incredible patience, and devoting your time reviewing our grants. Thank you for offering great opportunity, and helping make our artistic community a more inspiring place!

And even more so...thank you all SO MUCH for having faith in me and my art work. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Thank you.

Sometime is RIGHT NOW and i can't express how excited i am to start this new adventure!
YAY!!!!

MANY smiles and NUMEROUS thanks!
Jenipher

I'm a thankful girl. :)

9/8/10

Rachel helping me with my grant

My beautiful pottery Rachel helped me make!

Fish tacos

Reconciliation with special people from my past

Quick work day

My nutritionist

Today’s a new day.

Grace.

Things said in love.

Helping hands.

Writing e-mails at work.

9/9/10

Cranberry juice

Zucchini bread

Friends

Being on time for work even after running around

My car and air conditioning

b.r.e.a.t.h.i.n.g.

getting more sales! Yay!

Allowing myself time to draw.

I stayed in bed till 8:30am

My house

Trying to let go.

What are YOU thankful for friends?

with love,

Jenipher

Colorful thanks this week. :)

8/8/10

1. Seeing Lindsey
2. Easy drive back to Orlando.
3. @whatsyourstatus service/music
4. Knowing people at Status! Finally!
5. Our family breakfast this morning. – went REALLY well!
6. the BEST grilled cheese @Lucillesdiner
7. Cinnimon strusel muffins. Mmmm…
8. my room mates
9. HUGS.
10. SO MUCH FOOD from my trip! [[fed me all week!!]]

8, 9, 10 :)

1. Email responses
2. LOVE
3. 49’er pancakes
4. Amazing leftovers! – YUM!
5. Mid-night creating.
6. Harry Potter books! – I heart Ron Weasley
7. Baby, my kitty.
8. Journaling at work.
9. Friendship
10. texts/e-mails at work
11. nice customers!

8/10/10

1. My counselor got engaged!!
2. I’m in a REALLY REALLY great place right now!!
3. Crafts with Kristin and Jessica tonight!
4. I felt creative last night. :D
5. Luna Bar. Mmm…mint chocolate protein!
6. FREEDOM.
7. Friendship
8. “Thank You” – I <3>
9. God’s consistent love.
10. No headaches today!!
11. Easy jobs.

12. My Treadmill. – BEST birthday present.

I am thankful on Wednesday.

1. Short work day!

2. Made new jeweleries for a gallery my jewels are in!

3. Ate three delicious meals.

4. Woke up stressed, figured it out, ended happy.

5. NICE customers.

6. Bosses who are nice, and accommodating.

7. Co-workers who make you happy, laugh, and smile.

8. Kitties who curl on you and purrr.

9. My room mate, and his ridiculous-ness.

10. Friends who surprise you with happy affirmations.

What are YOU thankful for??

Smiles and Love,

Jenipher

Forget Friday Thanks.

1. Allowing myself to cry at work.

2. My car. Thank God, it’s a blessing. [and where i went to cry lol]

3. My amazing co-workers.

4. Encouragement.

5. “500 days of summer”.

6. Spider Solitaire.

7. My swell room mate.

8. Conversation.

9. Hope.

10. Writing e-mails at work.

What are YOU thankful for?

Have a great day!

Jenipher

I'm thankful, are YOU?

1. Home made waffles

2. Breakfast with my friend Courtney – I’ve missed her!!

3. It’s Friday! – no work tomorrow!!!!

4. Thinking of relaxing after work. – M&M’s and tea please!

5. Art/fun plans this tomorrow – with @carissa_paige

6. Tea with sugar – relaxation in a cup

7. New internet friends – and Twitter/iphones for letting us chat today

8. Perspective – always intrigues me.

9. My friend Aamir’s e-mail – kept me distracted at work

10. My friend Michelle thinking I’m a real business person. PERSPECTIVE!

One Year Ago Today...The Hospital

One Year ago today...i was in excruciating pain. I had just come back from California and happened to kick a couple pieces of glass. I cut my pinky toe open in four places.

[who the CRAP can cut such a tiny toe that many times?]

They could only put four stitches in it since i did such a bad job, and couldn't even sew up the top of my toe. A shame too, since i am still having pain and nerve problems with that silly toe. :[


Anyways...during this time, i was very blessed with some special friends. Some of whom are still in my life. Others who are not. Regardless...i am so thankful for these special people. Last summer was magical and I'm so thankful for it.

I spent the next 5 months on crutches, had to clean my wound more times then i could count. Battled MANY tears. But it taught me that i am so much stronger then i EVER anticipated.

It sucks [royally] that i am still in pain. BUT I'm so thankful for the lessons i learned while taking care of myself during this time...one year ago starting today.

One year later...life is still crazy.

There are [many] days i still feel like my life is falling apart. But even in the "worst of days"..

..i am still very thankful for all the blessings, in my life.
[past, present and future]

I hope you are having a lovely day that doesn't involve hospitals!
Peace, Love, and PBJ,
Jenipher

Thankful Tuesday

1. BOGO Rainer Cherries!

2. seeing my friend Melody tonight! – Walmart “friend date”!

3. i love HULU.

4. Vanilla Bean Greek yogurt. – tastes like cheese cake!

5. Feeling better then yesterday. [physically] Thank God!

6. That the cream for my nerve damage on my toe seems to be working.

7. nice post office lady.

8. my cozy home.

9. “Blue Like Jazz” – don miller is a HOOT!

10. Good hair day.

What are YOU thankful for?

Love and Hope to all of you!

Jenipher

PS: Want to see more lists of being thankful? Good List Daily is stellar!

Life is pretty crazy. I am very thankful.

Life is a very hectic place for me right now. I'm glad i can take a few minutes and still realize [many, not all] the reasons i'm thankful.

[well...NOW saturday]

1. FREE Chik-fil-a – HAPPY COW APPRECIATION!

2. My INCREDIBLE co-workers/friends

3. That my parents are helping me find the doctors that can help me.

4. HOPE. HOPE. HOPE.

5. Feeling better then yesterday.

6. Cooking!! [with a new friend tonight]

7. Painting 3 paintings in my cube today.

8. Having a job i can paint during.

9. Art and chatter with an artist friend [later today]

10. laughter. smiles. puns. jokes. have i said smiles and laughter?

11. encouragement. love. music. positive affirmations.

12. strength. faith. hope. chabata bread.

13. God’s love.

14. Good list daily.

15. Being able to come up with 20+ reasons to be thankful!!

What are YOU thankful for?

smile, love and hugs to you!

Jenipher

I'm thankful, are YOU?

It’s a [friday!] wednesday!

1. Being away from Orlando for a few days.

2. My AMAZING co-worker/friends!

3. Grapes and Tuna…MMMMMMM!

4. My printed “Nightly Doodles”.

5. My room mates watching my kitty.

6. My friend Torin’s silly comments.

7. Tumblr!! It’s so stellar! I’m dailypretties.tumblr.com!

8. A nice smooth 4 [.5] hr drive down here.

9. Friends who all seem to move to California kept me company via phone on my drive.

10. I made one medium potato last three meals!

10 things, even on the hard days...

1) Options. – i have them.

2) Hope. – i have it too!

3) Friends. – they DO care.

4) Status – I love my Church.

5) Wesley. – still feels like home.

6) Rainer Cherries. – They make me happy.

7) God. – I thank him often.

8). My home.

9) My room. – it’s my favorite get away.

10) My imagin-ation.

10.5) Finding 10 things. [even on the hard days]

Wednesday Words

1) My counselor, Shelley.

2) My parents.

3) Rice Crispy Treat,/Ice Cream, sandwiches

4) change.

5) Laptops.

6) Bookstores

7) Grapes, Carrots, and Cherries

8. Air Conditioning

9) Fresh Fish, Creativity, Optimism, New Beginnings.

10) Perseverance

I hope you’re day was glorious!

Jenipher

Swell Sunday - Giving Thanks.

You can see my list on "Good List Daily" right here. :)

I hope you're all having a blessing filled weekend,
Jenipher

PS: I'm listening to Joss Stone as i type this. Oh my. She's so talented!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My first post of 2010. So So Crazy!

2009 was a crazy year....and I'm so thankful for all the blessings [both bad and good blessings] 2009 provided.

I'm thankful to have 10 toes.
I'm thankful to be able to shower normally.
I'm thankful i can walk. Run. Roller Blade. Jump. Dance.
I'm thankful i have friends that love me. Support me.
I'm thankful to have my family in my life again.
I'm thankful Cherry Runway did well in 2009.
I'm thankful to have my job[s].
And really..I'm thankful for all the wonderful things God has taught me this year.

I leave you with a funny cartoon. :D I hope you all had a safe, and wonderful New Years Eve/Day!













Smiles and Blessings,
JENipher

I'm thankful!

On the Spark blog, Margot challenged us to take pictures of things we're thankful for. This was actually a very fulfilling task, and i enjoyed it very much. I guess i am feeling much better, because as always, mine were all food items. Ha.



Top Left: I made eggs for myself for one of the first times. "He" made eggs so well. It's TIME i make myself some stellar eggs.

Top Right: I treated myself with one of my all time favorite sandwiches. And you know what? I'm going to do it more often.

Bottom Left: Jeremiah's is THE spot you have to visit when you come to Orlando. Coming into town? I'll take you there!

Bottom Right: I haven't been to the farmers market in SEVEN weeks! It was such a lovely experience this morning. :)

I have been doing better, thank goodness, and i really feel like the worse is FINALLY going to be over. So, on the to next! I am really looking forward to what life has for me. But, I'm ready to par take! and create!

Don't just be Thankful. Photograph it!

I was reading some very fabulous interviews from a book about journals while at Borders the other night and a lovely gal named Christine wrote about what she was thankful for every week. I found it amazing she found a creative outlet to share that. Riley and I make sure to ask "what were you thankful for today" to each other every day, so now i wanted to share some of the things i was thankful for this week.

If you don't know me personally, then you wouldn't know that food is really the way to my heart. Thus, this weeks images of what i was thankful for. (Obviously there are many other things i was thankful for, but these are the only images i have to show. :)



Riley and I went on a picnic the other day. It was a gorgeous day out. We napped, played cards, read to each other, and most importantly ;) ate these amazing sandwiches he made me. He calls them his Saturday morning sandwich's and i really fancy them.



Frozen Pizza. Comfort food and horrid weakness. I had a lot of meetings this day so i splurged on this delicious pizza since i knew i couldn't pick around in the kitchen all day like i can when I'm at home working. I've been eating these pizzas since i was kid and they always hit the spot.



We try to eat very healthy most of the time, and we also try to budget everything quite tightly, so when i got a coupon for a free drink at Borders, i knew it was time to "splurge" (on the calories anyways). This drink is really bad for you but ohhh soooo goood!! I really am quite impressed with how delicious all of Borders drinks are. Kudos to them!

Other then that I'm thankful for...

* time to work on Cherry Runway
* hanging out with/talking to friends again
* SCORE
* Riley's constant support
* our engagement party tomorrow!!
* seeing his family tonight and mine tomorrow
* bananas (see note below)

(this seems silly i know, but we aren't spending any money right now and we saved our last banana for the Saturday sandwiches. The best way to really appreciate a fruit is by not being able to eat them for a while)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! See you on the flip side. :)