February 11, 2010

Filed under: note from me by Joleyn @ 9:03 am

just a little note to let you all know that i moved the music to my front page…. www.thedigigirl.com ….. so that when you browse through the archives and older posts you can have continual music. so just remember…go there first for the music.

xoxoxoxo

jo

 

ps…i added like 30 new songs….nice and warm…jazzy like…but not really. :)

March 8, 2010

Filed under: just for fun, kids :: lil peanut by Joleyn @ 12:02 pm

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my peanut has bangs! i can’t believe it myself. for weeks, probably more like for months…she’s begged, she’s pleaded with me, ”please mom, can i have baaaaaangs. pleeeeease, mom.”  yesterday we went to the store and got the “hair” magazine…the one she has seen me page through countless times to do something new with my hair. she looked and looked, kept the book in her room all day, going through all the options. my heart would stop everytime she stopped on page 46. short dark cut with dark red highlights. she thought that one was so pretty. {sigh} it’s her hair, i can do this, i’d remind myself.  finally after allowing myself to accept this part of my baby….she was craving change…..she’s had bangs ever since we started growing her hair out…..age 3? more time passed she decided. “i know what i want mom.” “i want your bangs.” {smile} well…sweetie, i think that will be just boot-i-ful on you. let’s do it. she didn’t even hesitate…as she pulled me into the bathroom. scissors laid out, comb and spray too. she was ready. i was getting there.

we parted little bits at first, pulled the rest back in a pony. we’ll start with small sections…she agreed with her biggest toothless smile. {this is hard for momma} i combed down the bangs, they covered her tiny face. she was still smiling. i asked one more time…are you sure sweetie? YES!! Mom!!! just do it!!  

and………

…………………………………………………that is what i did. slowly….i cut away….and soon i was peeking into the biggest happiest eyes ever. she touched her head…do i have bangs?  as she turned to look in the mirror. still smiling and ooohing and shining….like all little girls do when they think they look beautiful.  i love them momma!!! i love them….do you? i had to take a breath, but out came the words….”sweetie you are beautiful” and “i love them”. i did, i do…love them. she smiled all night, and all night i kept looking at her. how different she looks now. {sigh} i can’t imagine having to let her make bigger decisions….hold on momma….life is just getting going…with this little one. {smile}

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  1. Aunt Amanda posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 3:19 pm.

    You look so sweet Jhacie, I love them!

  2. Sara posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 8:14 pm.

    Oh my goodness your little baby looks just like you know! What beautiful girls….Jhacie J…auntie loves them!

  3. Connie posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 8:41 pm.

    She does look nice with her bangs cut….yes! But, what is really beautiful is the light in her eyes…can’t beat that!!!

  4. nanna posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 10:11 pm.

    Jhacie..isn’t if fun to try different things? You are absolutely beautiful and so is your new hairdo!
    Love you and can’t wait to see you!
    Nanna

March 2, 2010

Filed under: inspired :: poems by Joleyn @ 6:11 pm
The World Is Green Again
By Marjory Wentworth
 
Low limbs of the live oak twist
Like overlapping black rivers
Across the sky. It is easy
To feel lost in the maze
Of their convoluted journey,
 
But there are small birds
We cannot see, singing
In the silvery sun—
Nests balanced on the tips
Of branches like bowls of light.
 
An osprey looks down from a nest
Of twigs and Spanish Moss.
The broad crown of the oak
Is thick with green leaves rippling
In waves. Sometimes, hovering
 
Over water, searching the surface
For fish, he remembers this tree—
The absolute permanence,
Considers its great weight
And all the lives intertwining.
 
He exists as a mass of feathers,
Talons, and bone—dark winged
Fishhawk weaving a life from air.
Loyal to this place and patient,
He trusts the hours that pass
 
Through wind and cold bursts of rain.
Like the live oak, like this place
He inhabits with his whole heart,
He waits until the days lengthen,
And the whole world is green again.
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  1. Marjory Wentworth posted the following on March 4, 2010 at 7:12 am.

    Joleyn – I am so flattered that you posted my poem on your blog. That means a great deal to me. Where did you find it? I wonder if you read in Patti Callahan Henry’s novel? It was originally written for the Governor’s 2nd inauguration 3 years ago.
    Your blog is fantastic. It makes me feel good, just going through it.
    What a beautiful family.
    Where are you based?
    Have a fantastic day!
    Marjory Wentworth

  2. Joleyn posted the following on March 4, 2010 at 8:32 am.

    Marjory, i’m flattered that you left a comment. i loved your poem. it moved me, so visually. i kept seeing that great oak. all it’s branches tangled together. the osprey and it’s nest. after learning that the osprey always comes back to it’s nest as long as the smallest piece of it is anywhere to be found. it brought your poem to life for me.this poem is something i’d like to capture my own way…through photography some time. i love it when words are so vivid that you can actually see them.
    to answer your questions…i did read it in the novel by Patti Callahan Henry. {great book too.} i’m originaly from a small town…miles city, montana…but have been in north dakota for almost 10 years now.
    again, so touched that you would comment here. thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

February 27, 2010

Filed under: inspired :: breath, inspired :: quotes by Joleyn @ 10:57 am

since “my baby” has been broken, and i’ve really had little patience to re-figure out “my old baby“…i’ve been doing a lot more reading, a lot more pouting, researching, and thinking…i know, i know…but this time…it’s been a good thing for the most part….a sort of lenton journey…i may add.  i started reading this book and having only read through chapter 4 but have been completely reschooled on some things. or maybe just reassured about things. or maybe my eyes have been reopened to things that i have since had them closed for a while. anyways….in this book the author brings up this guy who has all these quotes that just really makes one think. 

let me introduce to you…Publius Ovidius Naso.

  

Ovid to the English speaking world.

He wrote such things like …  “Many women long for what eludes them, and like not what is offered them.” “Those things that nature denied to human sight, she revealed to the eyes of the soul.” “Either do not attempt at all, or go through with it.” “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”“My hopes are not always realized, but I always hope.” “Remove the temptation of idleness and cupids bow is useless.”“Neither can the wave that has passed by be recalled, nor the hour which has passed return again.” “We are ever striving after what is forbidden, and coveting what is denied us.” “Time is generally the best doctor.” “Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all.” “Luck affects everything; let your hook always be cast; in the stream where you least expect it, there will be a fish” “Suppressed grief suffocates, it rages within the breast, and is forced to multiply its strength.” “Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi, sed saepe cadendo. – A drop of water hollows a stone, not by force, but by continuously dripping.” “The glow of inspiration warms us; it is a holy rapture.” “Whether they give or refuse, it delights women just the same to have been asked.” “Our integrity is never worth so much as when we have parted with our all to keep it.” 

it all just makes me think. i love things like that. what did life do to him, that led him to think such life inspiring thoughts? what do they all mean? what do you find if you dig deep? the list of his quotes went on and on, and each were so inspiring. each made me stop and think … wow, that’s good. that’s so real. it was addicting for a short period of time. to keep reading what he had to say.

“Love fed fat soon turns to boredom.” my favorite…it was in the book i’m reading…it’s what started this little research project of mine. love fed fat? is that even possible?  can one really expect that much love and attention from another? and if given all their fill, simply become bored with it all? can someone lose their self so much in providing too much love for someone else? how do you feel about this? i’m left feeling curious. maybe seeing things a bit different now?

i didn’t really have a plan with where this would all lead. i didn’t know what i would find…but i’m left feeling like i stumbled on a secret hidden treasure. i share it with you to ponder.

February 26, 2010

Filed under: inspired, just for fun by Joleyn @ 4:28 pm

one of my wonderfuly artistic friends…over at curry chaos……is putting on this fun crafty artist swap…here are the details from her blog…….

 

I was thinking AGAIN that we should do an ART SWAP…..would I have any takers????  I might just keep reposting this until I get some takers because I think this could be fabulous!  We could go with a theme and then crafters/artists of all media could participate – knitters, crocheters, jewelry designers, poets, photographers, paper artists, quilters, sewers, etc. etc.  Heck even if I had one taker that would be enough – we could trade.  It would just be great fun to see what others are creating.
How about a THEME of FRESH.  Whatever fresh means to you.
It’s the 25th today – comment and let me know if you are interested.
DUE DATE: March 18th (which means they need to be in my hands by the 18th – sent out using PRIORITY MAIL by the 15th of March)
All items will be swapped and sent back out by the 23rd.
Ok the nitty gritty details – BEST WORK ONLY – and I am sure this goes without saying – only send in something you yourself would love to get. 
Send your item along with $5.00 for shipping back to youPlease only send cash.     
It’s hard to put a value minimum or maximum – so the best I can do is tell you items I am considering making for the swap:
earrings, a felted soap, a paper door decoration, a small bird, a hanging pillow, a 5 x 7 photo, an altered jar, a set of note cards, etc……
What do you say – I know there a lot of talented people out there – and some of you even read my blog!  :)   I would love to see what we can do!!! 
Hope to hear from you soon….Stacey

 

 
 

ok, here is my  “swap” … one of these lily prints…8×12…backed with Single Weight Matboard…from mpix. i’ll let the lucky girl pick which she wants….if that works…other wise…stacey you pick and let me know…and i’ll get it ordered….and shipped to you asap.

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ok ladies…I know we have tons of artistic-ness between us…let’s share the love and have some fun. :) Email me and I’ll pass it on to Stacey….or check out her blog for details.

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  1. Stacey posted the following on February 26, 2010 at 5:42 pm.

    Oh my Joleyn – this is just gorgeous. Thank you so much for participating and thank you for posting here. This print would look perfect in my house! :)

  2. Jenne Brown posted the following on March 9, 2010 at 2:04 pm.

    Hey Jo,

    Let me think about this. It sounds like fun. I absolutely love the picture you took of the tree looking upward. Very cool!

Filed under: inspired, just for fun by Joleyn @ 10:50 am

so a friend posts on facebook today…

“Art washes away the dust of everyday life.” -Pablo Picasso.
Who’s your favorite artist, or what’s one of your favorite works of art?”

…my response was nothing short of a novel…well… almost. 

{better click on the link…so you have some good music to get you through this post. haha. i recommend something by eric hutchinson or jack johnson. :)}

 

i’m no art major, i often wished i would have been. if i ever got the chance, i’d change my mind…and want to be an artist when i grow up.  {not the business woman i thought i’d be} i wish i knew more about it, maybe then i’d know why i love it so.  whether it’s a painting or music, poetry, or photography, every thing about it moves me. the emotion i feel when i see some thing…it’s all one big sigh of breath…or one huge beat of heart…for me. you’ll pobably laugh, but i love hanging out at ART.com. i have an account there too. i spend way too much time admiring all it has to offer. which room would i put this, where could i put that.  if only i had a big room just for me and my art…what would i collect over my lifetime? what would i save?

 my favs are all so very different, but all so wonderfully inspiring… 

for starters how about Alfred Gockel…eyes on the sky or endless love….his paintings are so intense to me…crazy….but i love them.
"Eyes on the Sky" Print"Endless Love" Print

 

 

 

Laurie Maitland’s Symphony in Red and Khaki I and II

 

"Symphony in Red and Khaki II" Print"Symphony in Red and Khaki I" Print
 
 
I really love almost all abstracts…Lisa Kowalski is another,
 "Gold Swirls" Print
 
 
 
 

 

 
Peter Wileman–love his horizon pieces…
"Violet Horizon" Print "Orange Horizon" Print
 
 
Steven N. Meyers …
"Wind" Print"Giant Calla" Print
 
 
 
 
Tony Stromberg … his pieces pull the emotion right out from my breathe…
"Fierce Grace" Print"Spirit Horse" Print"Bad Girls" Print
 
 
 
 
I love anything oceany….. Alice Dalton Brown’s Blues Come Through and Long Golden Day are two of my all time favs.
"Blues Come Through" Print"Long Golden Day" Print
 
 
The Dog by Pablo Picasso…always makes me laugh…outloud. in all honesty though…i’d be willing to spend way to much on the darn thing.
"The Dog" Print
 
Pablo Picasso’s…blue Nude…ever feel like that? …
"Blue Nude, c.1902" Poster
 
 
 
 
 i love, love, love…these photos by Panoramic Images…
 
"Bamboo Forest, Sagano, Kyoto, Japan" Photographic Print
Bamboo Forest, Sagano, Kyoto, Japan
 
"Northern Lights" Photographic Print 
Northern Lights
 
"Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA" Photographic Print 
Outer Banks, North Carolina {this one being a favorite…and hopefully my next buy.}
 
 
 
 
The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night by Vincent Van Gogh…i’d like to go there some day…
"The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night, c.1888" Print
 
 
honestly i could go on all day..but i really need to get my laundry done…it’s been calling my name since monday and i tripped on it today, so think it’s time i tackle it all…and put it away.
anyways…thank you my friend…for such a great question…how fun was this little journey. :)
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  1. Stacey posted the following on February 26, 2010 at 2:44 pm.

    What are you talking about girl…….you are most definitely an artist – and a very good one. You do not need a degree to be an artist it’s your God given talent.
    Could you imagine a life without art? A sad life it would be…
    And beautiful choices on the prints. I can see why they are your favorites. I too love art.com. So many choices, so many unique styles. I also LOVE to spend hours searching etsy for sweet little treasures. My favorites list there is a mile long.

  2. Joleyn posted the following on March 4, 2010 at 10:15 am.

    haha!! stacey, i love etsy too….art is just everywhere….and so addicting. :) thanks for making a girl feel good too…you always do.

February 20, 2010

Filed under: inspired :: poems, note from me by Joleyn @ 12:37 pm
s i l e n c e. 
 
Sabbath comes.
Quiet breathes.
Gently settled.
Heart pounding.
Hushed echoes.
 
s i l e n c e. 
 
River runs.
Sabbath downpour.
Soul drenched.
Drink it in.
Saturate.
 
s i l e n c e.
 
Consciousness soothed.
Spirit at peace.
Calmed soul.
Sabbath’s serenity.
Comes slowly.
 
s i l e n c e.
 
jml
2010

February 17, 2010

Filed under: inspired :: heart whispers by Joleyn @ 1:24 pm

How will YOU spend these 40 days?

“Lent is the liturgical season of forty days which begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (Easter Triduum). Lent is the primary penitential season in the Church’s liturgical year, reflecting the forty days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church) During the season of Lent, there is a special call to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We can fast from negative things in our lives, such as complaints about weather, work, food, and others’ treatment of us. For us, Lent represents a look at our lives and our relationship with God and each other.

Give up bitterness; turn to forgiveness. Give up hatred; return good for evil. Give up negativism; be positive. Give up complaining; be grateful. Give up harsh judgments; think kindly thoughts. Give up worry; trust Divine Providence. Give up discouragement; be full of hope. Give up anger; be more patient. Give up pettiness; be more mature. Give up gloom; enjoy the beauty around you. Give up jealousy; pray and trust. Give up gossiping; control your thoughts. Give up sin; turn to virtue.

{St. Mary’s Parish Family — A People with the Mission of Christ}
f a m i l y   is a monthly publication for friends and family of St. Mary’s Parish Family.
Filed under: inspired :: heart whispers by Joleyn @ 9:45 am

Belief :: I rise out of the old and into the new.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It affords us an opportunity to turn away from beliefs that limit or bind us. Some think of this time as a period of fasting from special foods or outer pleasures. Others believe it is a time to give up certain states of mind, certain words and ways that are not in keeping with the Jesus Christ ideal.

No matter how we may choose to keep Lent, let us turn our eyes from the darkness to the light, our ears from strife to peace, our words from negative to positive, and our hands from destruction to construction. Keeping Lent in this way will prepare us mentally, physically and spiritually to rise out of the old and into the new.

–Adapted from Daily Word, February 11, 1959

Is not this the fast that I choose?–Isaiah 58:6

February 16, 2010

Filed under: just for fun :: birthdays by Joleyn @ 9:35 pm

one of the things i love about birthdays…getting mail days later.

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this one was for Tracy…..a package from Erlenbusch’s….i always say…if you guess the gift….momma gets it. ;)

well, he guessed it…big goob. :)

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Filed under: inspired :: poems, note from me by Joleyn @ 11:59 am

One click. 

Eye closed.

Muddled darkness.

Blank.

Blackness surrounds.

Spun me ‘round.

Pushed me down.

Sat on me.

I could not breath.

Stillness. Pause—

Breath. Pause—

Breathe. Pause— 

Driving force.

Internal inspiration.

Mind releases.

Altered motivation.

But … inspired.

 

jml

February 15, 2010

Filed under: inspired :: poems by Joleyn @ 11:17 pm

so i started reading this book. a collection of poems really…by emily dickinson.  poetry… something that has always intrigued me but yet, i’ve  never felt such power…until now. wow. her words can bring tears to my eyes in one breath and complete joy in the next. i’ve had to research her, to seek out how she grew up, what inspired her, how she lived. such fragile beauty yet so elusive-ly secretive and powerful. one of my favorite poems so far…

I measure every Grief I meet (561)  
by Emily Dickinson
I measure every Grief I meet
With narrow, probing, Eyes – 
I wonder if It weighs like Mine – 
Or has an Easier size.

I wonder if They bore it long – 
Or did it just begin – 
I could not tell the Date of Mine – 
It feels so old a pain – 

I wonder if it hurts to live – 
And if They have to try – 
And whether – could They choose between – 
It would not be – to die – 

I note that Some – gone patient long – 
At length, renew their smile – 
An imitation of a Light
That has so little Oil – 

I wonder if when Years have piled – 
Some Thousands – on the Harm – 
That hurt them early – such a lapse
Could give them any Balm –  

Or would they go on aching still
Through Centuries of Nerve – 
Enlightened to a larger Pain – 
In Contrast with the Love –  

The Grieved – are many – I am told – 
There is the various Cause – 
Death – is but one – and comes but once – 
And only nails the eyes –  

There's Grief of Want – and grief of Cold – 
A sort they call "Despair" – 
There's Banishment from native Eyes – 
In Sight of Native Air –  

And though I may not guess the kind – 
Correctly – yet to me
A piercing Comfort it affords
In passing Calvary –  

To note the fashions – of the Cross – 
And how they're mostly worn – 
Still fascinated to presume
That Some – are like My Own – 

February 14, 2010

Filed under: just for fun by Joleyn @ 10:40 pm

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this is what we find on our pillows the night before valentine’s day. little heart shaped butterflies.

our little princess…this has to be her most favorite day of the year.  she gets her very own specially decorated box. hers to keep forever, to fill with whatever she deems worthy to keep. she can tote it around keeping it close to her for days.  she creates little messages of love to fill our hearts with. she writes letters, hides notes, cuts out hearts and glues them together to make butterflies that love each other. we woke up to three special little notes from our peanut, all different. all designed with delicate care. i think her love language has to be “Receiving Gifts” . she absolutely thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind each gift.

she makes my heart beat….daily. {sigh} love her so.

Filed under: just for fun by Joleyn @ 9:32 pm

my love bugs…my valentines. love them to the moon and back.

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don’t the mugs match their personalities. ;) love it!!

 

ps…please excuse the focus issues…i’m having issues with my OLD camera…don’t ask. ;(

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  1. Sara posted the following on February 24, 2010 at 10:02 pm.

    love those mugs…great find. And they really do match their personalities! :)

  2. nanna posted the following on March 3, 2010 at 8:09 pm.

    love, love, love these mugs! Can’t wait to come have coffee with these four smiling faces!
    Love you guys!
    Nanna

February 13, 2010

Filed under: just for fun :: birthdays by Joleyn @ 8:03 am

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well sweetie, today is your day. happy birthday to you.

i love you, i love you, i love you…because i love you.

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  1. Mom & Dad posted the following on February 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm.

    Happy Birthday…you’re just as cute as ever!
    Love ya,
    Fred & Mary

  2. Sara posted the following on February 13, 2010 at 12:45 pm.

    Hate to admit it…but you were pretty cute. Happy Birthday to you!