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Deborah T. Hewitt's avatar

Jenn, what a blessing to catchup with your story this Saturday afternoon! We were a bit skunked out and I gave in and did a lot of washing and garden therapy (both unable to escape the smell. when I finally left the house I asked everywhere I went, "do I smell like a skunk?" lol) - but back to your post. I love everything about it and can feel it all. You have a sweet husband and I relate to stopping movies to talk about light or the actor I hadn't seen in a long time or something spoken that hit my heart. My John completely gets me too. He even joins in for many years now - annoyingly (ha ha) stopping the movie. Your paintings and sketches are so good. I love, love the shadow painting and your recent moon painting and what lovely name for it. I found a picture of my old office to send you in a direct message here - so you can see why I love your purple couch and the idea of buying that painting! A piece of both of us. Oh and I adore the work of Georgia O'Keeffe! She was married to Alfred Stieglitz, who I studied in school. Amazing. Hope the kids enjoyed! Happy, happy Mother's Day to you! I hope you have a breakfast in bed to sketch! Sending much love. oxoxox

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Jenn's avatar

I hope you’ve finally been able to escape the skunk! That’s so crazy. I am glad you can relate to having someone who will put up with and even finds joy in an annoying little habit 😂. John sounds like a perfect fit! Thank you for the kind compliments on my artwork! The kids enjoyed the lesson, they love looking at all the art and learning about who created it. Jasper Johns was the favorite, though. Georgia O’Keefe was a talented lady and that is really neat that you studied Alfred, i feel like he gets shoved under the rug a bit because his wife is so famous! I will look forward to your message about your office and my purple couch! I think I have a few smaller, quick paintings/studies of it, too, somewhere. I’ll have to dig them out to show you! I hope you have the best Mother’s Day, and thank you for the happy wishes ❤️

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Deborah T. Hewitt's avatar

It's getting better! But Bea is still deep in the smell! Many baths but...

Yes, John and I have some good things in common, or like I mentioned before, we have traded or picked up some of each other's funny quirks! I am not familiar with Jasper Johns so will take a look! I believe you're right about Stieglitz! I am up way too late but will send the picture over before I shut down :) It's a random picture with my older iPhone that I was lucky to find! I miss that blessing of an office. Now, the spare room is John's music room with my pictures on the walls of musicians! That's pretty cool and he deserves it. He has my old purple sleeper couch in it from a loft at our old house which was my first work space - but I didn't really want clients walking through the house so we turned the intentional office space by the front door into my office for 18 years :). It was rarely used as a guest-room since my parents always had their RV when they stayed. It had a leather love seat in it shaped a bit like your purple couch with purple walls :)

Have a beautiful day with your sweet family! ox

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you for the picture, what a beautiful space. I imagine you do miss it! The music room sounds very cool, though. My husband had a workspace out of the house a few years ago that was decorated with about 30 pieces of my art that he picked ☺️. I love that John has done the same with your art. I will enjoy, and I hope you do, too!

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Charlotte Pendragon's avatar

Your husband is your Endymion! Wonderful story Jenn, and so beautiful! Your kids have to be amazing. Thank you for sharing moments from your life. ✨💜✨

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you, Charlotte, I think he is ☺️. I am very biased, but I think my kids are pretty great humans, I love spending time with them and learning together. Thank you so much for catching up with me here and leaving me a wonderful compliment! Happy Friday ❤️

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

Loved reading this article and seeing the artwork. When you are a passanger, you do notice more what is happening around you. But when you are in the driver's seat, you need to focus on the road. Same car; different experience.

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Jenn's avatar

It’s so true, and I like how you put it—same car different experience. I am grateful that I get to be a passenger sometimes. Thank you, Perry, for understanding and for the kind words!

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WFSL_TheFossil's avatar

Seeking Endymion is incredible, I love it.

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you, I appreciate it so much!

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Karafree's avatar

What a beautiful sweet and endearing story.. You remind me of me.. Lol. My early days of being a mom anf young wife, my husband was a post doc... We only had one car.. A small apartment and everyday was an adventure strolling around with our children to the parks, the coffee shop, the library, a play date... I started my art back then, living on the California cost. You've inspired ne to tell a tale... Lol coming soon I hope.

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Jenni Madden's avatar

I saw the title of this essay in my email inbox and wanted to read it but .... life ! Did not forget though because I was intrigued by the title and I'm so glad you wrote this and I love the moon painting. You have a knack for composition and colour. No doubt, your children will inherit your talent...and maybe your husband's driving skills ;) Much love on this warm, sunny day! Have a super weekend!

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VHMan's avatar

So pleasant to hear your family stories.

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you, Hugh, I appreciate you!

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Andrew Jazprose Hill's avatar

Ah Jenn! I love this story and all your drawings. This piece reminded me of a short story I read recently—“Drive My Car,” by Haruki Murakami. It’s about a man who doesn’t like women drivers but winds up hiring one as his chauffeur. There’s also a movie based on the story, which you might have heard of. Your thoughts about being driven by your husband are much more romantic though.

I’m an observer too, which is why I enjoy taking a train. You miss so many interesting things when you’re driving. Really enjoyed this one. Thanks!

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you so very much! I will add “Drive My Car” to my reading list, I’ve never heard of it or the movie, it sounds interesting, thank you for the recommendation. I do like to take the train, it’s so relaxing and interesting. Driving is so exhausting because it takes all my energy to not notice every little interesting thing and focus on driving. There is really so much to see, even in my neighborhood that I see every day! Thanks for understanding and thank you for reading and the kind compliments on my art, I appreciate it!

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The Obsolete Man's avatar

The painting turned out great!

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you for saying so, that’s music to my ears! And thank you for sharing, too, I so appreciate it!

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Scott's avatar

Who's gonna tell you when

It's too late?

Who's gonna tell you things

Aren't so great?

You can't go on thinking

Nothing's wrong, oh oh

Who's gonna drive you home

Tonight?

Who's gonna pick you up

When you fall?

Who's gonna hang it up

When you call?

Who's gonna pay attention

To your dreams?

Yeah, who's gonna plug their ears

When you scream?

You can't go on thinking

Nothing's wrong, oh oh

Who's gonna drive you home

Tonight?

Who's gonna hold you down

When you shake?

Who's gonna come around

When you break?

You can't go on thinking

Nothing's wrong, oh oh

Who's gonna drive you home

Tonight?

You know you can't go on thinking

Nothing's wrong

Who's gonna drive you home

Tonight?

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you so much for posting the lyrics ❤️. It is such an ear worm, but a welcome one.

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VHMan's avatar

Ok. Who sings this?

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Scott's avatar

The Cars, Rick O’casek lead singer.

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you ☺️

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Jamie Millard's avatar

Ooh the paintings are beyond good!! The title reminds me of the Cars song 🎵. We are always driving as one with our loved ones. Bless you.

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you so much Jamie! Life is always good when you’ve got loved ones to journey with. Thank you and have a great weekend!

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Michael Newberry's avatar

You had me at "He drives, I ride." And, of course, educating your kids in art. Beautifully, told.

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you, Michael, I appreciate that. The kids are soaking it all up and want more, I am very excited to see where this goes!

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Joel Wisniewski's avatar

Jenn,

You wrote: "I think I will name it Seeking Endymion". I name it beautiful. You have a talent.

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you so much, Joel, I really appreciate the very kind compliment! Thank you for checking out my painting and sketches!

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Kasandra's avatar

A beautiful sharing. Thank you for the post. XO

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you very much for stopping to read it, and I always appreciate the kind words you leave me. Have a very beautiful weekend!

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Jenn's avatar

Oh, that does sound just wonderful. I miss it. I can walk around my neighborhood here, but not really anywhere else. I’ll look forward to reading your story!

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Jenn's avatar

Thank you! I’m so pleased you liked it, and if they inherit our skills like your said, I think they’ll be getting the best of us 😂

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