Fashion with Compassion

I am very honored to share some exciting news with everyone. A dear family friend, Nashville songwriter, singer, guitarist & jewelry designer, Shantel Nicole Grace, has created a line to help benefit the P.L.A.Y. Foundation. 

There are 10 vintage earring designs titled "Jenny's Collection". From now through December 2008, 50% of the profits collected from the earrings sales will go directly to the foundation. To view this beautiful collection, go to Designs by Shantel

and click on "Jenny's Collection" on the left hand side. For more information, click on Fashion with Compassion. We are so excited to be in partnership with such a talented and dynamic artist. Shantel is an amazing soul, truly. Sh sang at our wedding and made that time the most intimate ever. She is on iTunes, selling CDs & traveling to London for music opportunities. How in the world did I get her at my wedding? ;)

Designs by Shantel are founded on the highest standards of social and environmental  responsibility. Be a part of her collection and her spirit.

Love,

Jen

You Never Know Where You Might Meet an Angel

For those of you who need that extra shot of espresso, a reality check or just a way to feel good about everything going on in our world today, familiarize yourself with Same Kind of Different As Me! Its a fabulous book filled with life changing messages.

Sunday morning we had a little different version of spiritual growth. 

We had the opportunity to hear Denver More & Ron Hall (co-authors of the book) tell their story about how they met under the most extreme opposite situations and how it changed both of their lives.

When they were finished everyone in the room was in awe. A discussion was started about the lessons we could learn from and so many people had profound things to say. 

The interesting thing was that some were having that "ah-ha" moment but yet listening to them speak it seemed obvious.  Until a point was made: until you have that experience which brings you an angel, you may not get it.

 

The other was this: you never know where your angels come from. Don't underestimate any situation!

Love,

Jen

Labor Day Weekend 2008, Beaver Lake, Arkansas

Testing Your Limbits

Hello all! I hope everyone had a chance to catch up on a little R&R over the weeknd. We had such a great time this weekend with my soon-to-be (three weeks and counting) sister-in-law's family at Beaver Lake, Arkansas.

I discovered what an awesome wake boarder we are bringing into the clan, not to mention a boat driver, woah! It was a sibling weekend. We ate (and ate), played a great game called Hoopla. Try it and it will definitely bring you out of your shell and have you laughing.  

Then stayed on the water all day. We totally lost track of time and just savored the moments! We even introduced my husband to Dairy Queen. This was a very momentous occasion. On Monday, September 1st, he was introduced to the "Blizzard". We were on the road when the ice cream craving took over and before we knew it the car had taken itself right into a front row spot by the door. He loved it. I swear, it's the little things in life that keeps the smiles going!

Anyway, little Matthew was all about learning how to wake board and tube. So, we all tried a few things. How did I do? 

Well, we had a three person tube which I quickly realized was going to affect my weight distribution. So, I tightned every muscle I had leaned forward and was ready to perform many acrobatic tricks, I held on to the handles by sliding my wrists under and then just let the ride take me. I felt like I was on a trampoline. I would bounce higher than everyone and then get the giggles so bad I couldn't hold on then...flip, right off the side. Then back in, assume the position, and start over for round 2, 3 & 4. We had a great time.

Then, as my confidence grew, I wanted to try knee boarding. This my friends, was a great Kodak moment.  With help from all, I ended up on my stomach holding on for dear life. One thing I didn't expect was the faster we went my legs started hitting the water so hard that I once again, got the giggles. Not because it hurt or that it was all that funny but I have developed a really soft spot on the back of my leg that tickles. Is that not the weirdest thing? :)

So, the water was actually tickling my leg. So, here we go. Laugh, roll off, back up.  Haha!  This went on for a while until Nick decided to come behind me, which pushed me up higher on the board and then he held the rope and I balanced on the board. This was where we developed the team work to make it work. We held on for quite a while!

I loved it! What a liberating weekend. There is something about being in water that makes you feel "free".  We saw a few people that could have been less free, but all the same, it provides an opportunity to forget and be yourself.   

Fred & Ginger went with us until I got in the water. They went into a cubby hole and stayed dry. I'm sure they were laughing and wondering what they were missing. Anyway, pictures to come and laughs to follow! Have a great day!

Love, Jen

A Rough Start, A Few Laughs & Friends in Low Places

Good day! Before I start this post, I wanted to give you a bit of encouragement. I live by a school where the boys track team is up running every morning. I was watching one kid this morning who I thought was going to fall over any minute! He was shuffling (not running), his head was titled to the side (as if his shoulder was a pillow) , and he was way behind the pack.

It was one of those moments where you start to feel his pain. Poor guy, what a rough start to the day, I thought. Then, out from behind came two other kids that weren't doing much better but noticed this kid struggling. Without much but a simple mental push, they got up next to him and all three started pacing each other.

They started picking up the pace, the head came off his shoulders, and they got closer and closer to the lead pack. It was like watching a flower get a little water and sprout up. I'm sure he is at home sleeping now but it was a great way to enjoy the morning. :)

So, after coffee and the morning race, I got back to reality. What's been going on? Well, my new 10 friends have been with me at a few events. They made their debut at an engagement party for my brother and Christy. How did they do? Well, they did a nice job of holding my wine glass and talked a lot for me. We used to talk A LOT together. :) I was reminded of this when one of my friends went onto another glass, oops!

My youngest brother had posted a while back about a friend of ours who was going to run 100 miles and his goal was to raise $5K for P.L.A.Y. Well, that race was this past weekend and he raised just under the $5K goal! Just amazing! But, let me tell you how this was done. Justin and his partner didn't finish the race (it's 100 miles!). But not because of the mileage, rather it was mother nature. This is just crazy.

The race started at 4 in the morning under these conditions: 30 degrees, snow, rain, sleet and his running partner suffered from hypothermia and a twisted knee. Some runners even had to be carried out by helicopter. WOW! They did such a great thing. Even though they didn't cross the finish line the end result was greatly summed up by "achieving anything, even goals one had worked toward for a year, pales in comparison to the simple act of reaching out and caring for another human being."

I've done some speaking this week, met with a wonderful author (fascinating how the book industry works), been at meetings, watched some great videos provided to me by Scottish Rite, found my new (of several) inspiration at teamcody.com & tried to sleep.

But, one of the things I have observed is the people I have met. I don't know if it's me, them, or the situation but its been fun. Everyone needs friends in low places. Check this out: have you ever talked to the person in the tollbooth?

How about your drive-through bank teller? Until recently, I pretty much did my thing at both places and moved on. Well, last weekend it was kind of late and I went through the toll and we were getting change. As this took a second, I asked her how she was doing and when she got off her shift. She responded that she had a little longer to go on her shift but then said (with a smile), "I'm just really glad to have a job."

How she said this really made me appreciate how we take things for granted. Then, I love my drive through teller at the bank. This guy is always so helpful and has the best things to say. He is always cheerful and provides fantastic service but, the one thing I find so refreshing is that he makes an effort of getting outside of himself and making the "drive-through" experience something nice in your day.

So what do these two examples mean to you? No matter what your doing, be the best that you can be. Even though our goals in life may be different, the way we treat others can get you much farther in life than having it "all" but no spirit.

Love,
Jen