ONLY IN MY WORLD

How harmless do these mints look? They are so small that I'm not even sure how they could turn a nice evening into....... well, let me explain.

I saw a very artistic flick tonight only to end up buying a box of, you guessed it, Junior Mints. How do I eat them? Being that the candy is so small and my fingers have been on vacation for a while, I take the whole thing very slowly.

I was doing fine until I dropped/lost/slipped from my hand one little mint. O'well, not a big deal. I have an entire box, right?

To be clear, I did look for the mint. But, it wasn't readily available to be eaten so I experienced the movie without it. So I thought.

Movie is over, we talk about it, grab my bag and we are off. I get in the light and OH MY GOSH!! I'm still laughing as I'm writing this. Chocolate was definitely the star of my dress, my belt, up & down my arms. Literally everywhere. It melted at some point during the movie. It had even found it's way onto my cell phone.

We could not stop laughing. I think we were so consumed with HOW these little tiny things attacked me without my knowledge that we found it difficult to put together a full sentence. I mean seriously, it looked as if we fought and I lost really, really bad.

I wish I could explain in some fashion how it all went down or how to connect the dots, even just a little. Unfortunately, all I got was a great story, a lot of looks and a really long laugh. Only in my world.

Hands or not, it could happen to you. For as good as they are, beware!

Cheers,
Jen

Seize The Moment!

Great Article from the LA Times. Have a great weekend.
Much Love, Jen

Los Angeles Times. Ann Wells writes:

My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. . . . He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached.

"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least eight or nine years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion."

He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me.

"Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you are alive is a special occasion."

I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. . . .

I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life. . . .I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event---such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom. . . .

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. . . .I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes I tell myself that it is special.

Every day is that special day you've been waiting for. Seize it!

Changing The Face of Fashion

Welcome to Dress the Legs Campaign. Ladies, fashion is about to change! Please read and sign the petition to help the industry gain momentum for those of us that find it difficult have functional & fashionable clothing.

As a newly elected (and very excited) board member, I was in a meeting over the weekend in Kansas City with women all around the country discussing our fashion struggles. What I got excited about was the ability to have such a great discussion about the issue. We not only created an awareness around the issue, we are creating a "what can we do to change the issues" movement.

I am thrilled to have been chosen as a board member for this cause and hope to make a REAL change in this area.

We have made a few strides with Britain's Missing Top Model & Project Runway. We are bringing awareness and education to the people who can make a difference.

Wish us luck & get on the campaign to help grow our mission. Sign up now :)

Love, Jen

Best Advice from Kansas City

My day began at 4AM to an annoying alarm, a dog licking my face, and my husband sleeping soundly.

I was trying hard not to go back to bed but was inspired by the reality that I would be having breakfast with a really great friend in a few hours! The shower was finally greeted with my lack of energy, I woke up the hubby and somehow arrived on time for the departure.

I arrived in a cold Kansas City for several reasons, one of which is to catch up with friends & family. While catching up, I heard the best 3 words today.

We were sitting inside watching the rain, chatting about life and depending on others. The young voice of this beautiful 9 year old blond says "the best thing is to do it yourself." Have your own thing going.

"YES", I said. I can't wait to hear her advice at 21. Keep your ears open to things like this. Young & Wise is becoming a trend.

Enjoy the weekend & bring someone new into your life.

~ Jen

If there is a WILL there is a WAY

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a fantastic 3 yr. old little boy named, WILL. He had the best smile, attitude and appetite for a good high 5 (or should that be a 2.5?).

Not only did this little guy possess a spirit full of energy, he was wearing his strength on his shirt. I have thought about him for days. He is missing his legs and part of his hands due to congenital issues. But, you would never know it. He was running around the entire time.

Over these past three years, I have been blessed with opportunities that have opened up my heart to accept and understand differences in people and I'm finding how simple things really can be. We complicate things when we don't have to!

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of talking to a group of 7th grade girls and sharing thoughts on body image, popularity, etc. and I had such a great time. The earlier/younger we can open up about acceptance and embracing the differences between others, the WILL to achieve will blossom.

Find your WILL & make it your way.

Love, Jen