Sharing my home is still one of my greatest joys. After all, it is the thing I love best about my home – the people I share it with.
My “crafting” phase of late has evolved into watercolor painting (remember my very first ever watercolor – April 4, 2015?!). So many of you have been so encouraging and supportive.
I am having so much fun with my daughter-in-law, Colleen, as we create our new McKinneyx2Design business, and I am so grateful to so many of you who have supported us through purchases and by helping spread the word.
I miss my little Mikey as I remember him through these photos. What a joy he was. He really taught us the love of a pet. If it weren’t for Mikey, we wouldn’t have Charlie, and we would have missed out on so much joy and love.
So here’s the first post (again), and if you wouldn’t mind indulging me……. would you share with me what your favorite posts are? Is it the recipes? Is it the photography? Is it the “art” (watercolor, cards), is it the poetry or writing, family stories, crafts? Should I narrow it to just one of them? Or should I continue this crazy, scattered, who knows what you are going to see tomorrow “lifestyle” blog?
the first post – so how do I begin?
So I have a good idea what I want to write about… for the most part. My BFF’s oldest daughter told me I should start a “lifestyle” blog. I guess she thinks my life is interesting…. or at least enough that one or two people might want to read about things I do…. (Hopefully I’ll have at least one subscriber – Jacyln Rae – hint hint!)
Or maybe she just thinks I would enjoy doing it, and that is enough.
Hmmm…. I think I like that…
You know…. that’s one of the perks of growing – err – older and wiser – you get to the point where you realize you can do things just because you want to. Yes – there are those things most of us HAVE to do – like paying bills, doing laundry, working – you get the gist – but what do you like to do in between all that?
That’s the real “living” part.
“Life in between” can mean so many things…
The main reason I titled this blog with it is because I want to share the things I choose to do in between the things I “have” to do.
It can also be a stage of life that is in between stages – and aren’t they all?!
Right now – I’m kind of in between the mom stage and the empty nester and grandma stage. And Oh I Can’t Wait to be a Grandma! (No hint hint Jake and Colleen – whenever you are ready… well – maybe a little hint hint)
I think I was born to “mother.” And oh poor everyone around me that I “mother” – sorry! It’s just in my DNA – I want to nurture, I want to comfort, I want to make happy. Could be worst things -right?! (clear throat) But don’t ask my boys…
So anyway – the things I love to do “in between” the things I have to do – that’s what I want to share with you here.
I love to bake. I love how it makes the house smell. I love how it makes people feel when they bite into a buttery, chocolately, caramely yummy thing. I love surprising someone with a special treat of something they love. Here is a picture of my first attempt at French Macarons. I was so excited these testy little buggers turned out. Not sure I’ll ever make them again – so much work – so temperamental – and what if they don’t turn out the next time? Was it beginner’s luck? I’ll just believe I’ve MASTERED them…. and leave it at that….
I also love to decorate – my home that is. And it’s not all about it being House and Garden perfect for those of you that know me and are thinking “Jodi – you are NOT an interior decorator!”
My ultimate goal (in decorating) is to create a place that is warm and welcoming. A place where someone can just drop by (no formal invitations needed around here) and feel comfortable and welcomed and loved. No shoes off in my house. So what if the carpet has stains… Those stains represent someone who I shared my home with or that spilled a drink or our dog who came in after a rainy spring day – so what… I grew up in a house that was House and Garden perfect… that meant NO SHOES inside… it meant that you could see sweeper marks in the carpet from the daily vacuum…. it meant that you could literally eat off the garage floor if you were so inclined because it was so clean…. and that’s all good… Mom was an awesome “cleaner”… but it’s not me. I want comfort, warmth, welcoming. I want my house to feel like your favorite worn slippers or most comfortable fleece hoodie or your “go to” black yoga pants. That’s what trips my trigger.
Here’s a little peek at our home – and that’s my little buddy “Mikey” who is never far from my side. After this LONG COLD winter, it was so nice to see the daffodils and grass recently.
And I also love to craft. It’s been various things through the years… I’ve tried knitting and crocheting and cross-stitching, tole painting, slate painting, wood crafts, and ceramics. My most recent crafting obsession is papercrafting – stamping, coloring, cutting, punching, pasting, tying – anything with paper and ink. I guess it feels comforting being that I (and so many of us) spend so much time on the computer. It feels extra special to create and send a special handmade something to someone and hope they realize the time and love you put into it – just for them. Here’s a card I made for a very special cousin and friend – Oh Rob! (I’m sure you’ll hear more about him in coming posts). Oh how I love that guy – and his amazingly talented and loving wife and superhero to me, Joyce. Rob’s “One Little Word” this year is “reflection,” so I wanted to create a birthday card acknowledging and celebrating “reflection.”
And then – I love to photograph it all. Dear hubby got me my first good camera for Christmas this year – and I think he might regret it…. I know my boys do…. but I just love taking photographs of crazy, silly, normal, everyday things. Not a trained professional by any means – not even a class – haven’t even read the whole manual (sorry Patty – I will get there!) – just have fun with it and love seeing what it captures. My BFF, Jill, honored me with the privilege of capturing her daughter, Jackie’s bridal shower recently – oh what fun that was – and even allowed me to do a “photo shoot” with her in-laws (I think George and Alice are going to be more famous than all of us) for a work campaign.
Recently, while Marty (that’s the dear hubby’s name) was cutting grass, I was doing very important things like taking pictures of dandelions and bees on them…. and HE snapped this little gem with his phone while on the tractor…. Not flattering – but yep – that about sums it up. The silly things I do in my life in between…..
So we’ll see how this goes…. I now have my first post under my belt.
And now I have #692 under my belt….
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Keep it going Jodi 🙂 I wouldn’t take any topic off the blog! as long as you’re happy, we’re happy x
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Thank you so much sweet Cristina. I appreciate you kind comment so much!
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Jodi, Jodi, I agree with crijuicebox. I Love everything in your blog. I love the mish mash of things that you do. I love waking up in the morning and seeing your post and being excited over what you are talking about today. Life Inbetween isn’t just about one single thing, it’s about a lot of different things. And you share all those things with us. Please don’t change it to only one thing. Otherwise it might become boring.
Sincerely,
Your biggest fan and avid reader.
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Thanks so much pj my biggest fan!! ❤️
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Yes! I am one of your biggest fans! 🙂
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and I love you for it! ❤
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Awww, thank you Jodi! I love you too!
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I love reading your blog Jodi. You’ve created a wonderful thing.
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I appreciate that so much Sylvia Thank you!!!
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Jodi I love your blog just the way it is, its interesting and full of love! No need to become more focused unless that’s what you want to do. Its rather perfect just the way it is.
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Thank you so much Cathe! I really appreciate!
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Yes, just keep doing what you are doing. And your blog voice was “you” right from the start! (K)
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Lol. That is one thing about me. .. I am me. 😉
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It doesn’t matter what you call it…It is such a pleasure to read your posts, enjoy the things you enjoy.
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Thank you so much Charlie! How kind of you!
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❤ ❤ ❤
You're perfect just the way you are (oh , isn't that a song ?) 🙂 Jodi , we do love to be surprised with your beautiful photos of what surrounds you , your water colours and the cards you lovingly make for your friends , the yummy and comforting goodies coming out of your kitchen , the walks and "conversations" with Charlie , your outings and reunions with friends and family , your decorating touches …
so , everything that you feel like sharing is a gift everyday 🙂 keep doing what you like and gives you joy and don't feel that you have to do like the others , because you've grown (and grown you did 😉 )
Turtle Hugs ❤
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Absolutely agree with everyone else here! Don’t change a thing. Keep rolling the way you roll. It is, as they say, all good! 💛
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Thanks Laura buddy! 😘
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I love reading your columns. I even tried some of your recipes, they are delicious. I am going to be making the Biscoff Banana Bread. But first I had to find the Biscoff spread. Man, that spread is fantastic! Thanks for spreading the joy.
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Oh cyndie. It is sooooo good!!! Thanks for your sweet comment
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I so enjoyed reading your original blog post. Thanks for sharing…and please keep sharing!
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I’m so glad You enjoyed. Thanks Kathy. ☺️
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I love your blog and always have from the name to the author! It is warm and inviting and I love this first post! Keep entertaining us and welcoming us into your world– please! xxx
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Awh Thanks dear Lynn! You are such a supporter! ❤️
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your blog is lovely and so full of exciting things!xx
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and you better be writing that book Missy! 🙂 ❤ I love hearing from you – but you better be writing too!
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Are you catching me playing around?????
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Yes! 🙂 lol! and I’m glad you are! wink!
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hahahaaha wink back!
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You really get down and into your photography! Your blog is very much about lifestyle – you cover so many things so wonderfully. The reflection card you made is spectacular. Yes, please keep sharing. Love it all! One of my favs was when you made the mints. I like when you combine family events and recipes or food and talk about it, as well as your cards and crafts.
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Awh thanks cindy for sharing your fave! Happy sunshine to you.
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Awww so cool to see how it all started Jodi!! Keep going!! Hehe…I love your blog so much and all the variety. But of course I love the watercolor most…you’ve been getting so incredibly good at it!! More!! More!! ❤️❤️😃
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Ok ok if you insist. Lol. 😘
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Lol…excellent! It’s all settled then.
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Very sweet Jodi, blogging is like an adventure, you never know where it’s going to take you! I like the scattered and random post style!
Jenna
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Thanks so much Jenna!
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I love the concept of “life in between.” Variety is the spice of life!
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😉👍🏻. Tanks Beverly!
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So great to read your first post! Thanks for sharing your talents with us!!!
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Thank YOU!!
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Since I wasn’t following your blog from the beginning, I really enjoyed finding out a bit more about you and why/how you started your blog! I would never have known you weren’t trained as a photographer…you are *that* good! 🙂
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Wow. Not really but thanks Teresa!! 😝
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I love all your posts! Especially when Charlie writes a post. Also, I love the cards you make and your poems…. as I said “all your posts”.
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Thanks Gerri! I think you’ll like tomorrow’s post then. Charlie is guest blogging again 🙂
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You light up my life with your blogs! I am a great grandmother of 5. I am loving each day I share with my sweetie of almost 60 years and my family near and far. Truly,God is good.
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Oh Georgie! Thanks for making my day. What a lovely thing for you to say, and it sure sounds like YOU are doing something right and wonderful!
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Don’t ever water it down! Keep following your heart and blogging about whatever you please. That’s what makes it so you.❤️
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Oh Lin! Thank you! If nothing else – it is definitely me. 🙂
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Love all your posts just some a little better than others. Some of your poignant writings, pictures oh so insightful to me aka flowers, water, and oh how you have caught people in candid shots that seems to “catch the moment in time”—joy, sorrow, contemplation–all elements of life some of which I especially treasure. Such a keen eye my buddy for people, places, things, and words Italian hugs
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Polish hugs back buddy! I so appreciate your ongoing encouragement and support! LOVE YA! xo
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A tip of my hat and a raised glass to 692 more!
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Why thank you John 🙂 You are such a great supporter!
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I don’t remember how I came across your blog but I enjoy it so much so don’t change a single thing. I am dabbling in watercolor for the first time & sure enjoy how brave you are, you just dig in & create something gorgeous. I’m still hiding behind stamps! But that’s ok. Your yard is beautiful so someone spends a good deal of time out there. Here in Minnesota it’s still very much winter but spring will come. Just had snow this am but it’s melting fast. Going to spend some time this afternoon making thank you cards after a wonderful birthday party last Saturday! Kids, grands & great grands!❤️
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Oh Nan – how kind of you to take the time to write and share! Keep splashing those watercolors – do it every day if you can – I’ve been told you have to do 100 paintings before you like one! The journey is fun. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY! How fortunate are you to have had all those loved ones with you! THANK YOU!
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I look forward to California mornings with fresh coffee brewing and a slice of homemade toast shared with my wonderful husband as he retrieves the newspaper and we retreat back to bed to read, sip and munch. But after the paper my ritual includes either making some new cards, handstictching part of a quilt project or opening my iPad to your blog.
I love your poetry and water colors, I enjoy your recipes and Charlie stories, but I especially cherish your stories, whatever the subject. Your blog is “real” and a glimpse into the life of a fellow crafter, baker, artist, grandma, mother and online friend. Congratulations on #692!
I look forward to your “life in between”.
Grandma Lolo
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Wow Lolo! What a Privilege to be a part of your lovely day! I am humbled and honored. THANK YOU for making my day! Oh how I could go for a piece of homemade toast and coffee in bed! How divine! 🙂
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Hi Jodi, I really admire you, your persistence, posting everyday is so hard for me, I’m doing it now in February, but I’m counting the days for this challenge finish, and I stop with the everyday post. Your blog is great, I’m glad you always have some nice things to share.
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Thanks so much Elizabeth!
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Every day is an adventure on your blog! It’s like opening a Cracker Jack box to see what prize you’ll get! Please, keep it up as it is. ❤
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Awh! How fun – I am a box of Cracker Jack – I love it! 🙂 Every day is an adventure – for every one of us – eh? We just need to look at little closely and realize 🙂 Thanks KR!
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You are so welcome Jodi! xoxoxo!
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Dear Jodi,
Your blog is wonderful just the way it is. I look forward to reading it each day with excitement and wonder what the subject will be… will it be a great recipe…Charlie talking about one of his adventures….or just “Life In Between”. Some days your blog strikes a nerve and tears row down my cheek… and there are other days with great pictures, recipes, and art work. I love the variety.
Thank you for your time and talent.
regards, Lin
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Dear Lin – thank you so very much for your kind comment and encouragement. It means so much to me.
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I love the mish mash too x
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Thanks Catherine 🙂 I’m a mish mash for sure LOL!
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It is fun to look back Jodi. I too love all the friendships made through this process. When I started out it was to help me generate ideas for the kids art class I was teaching. But, now I Blog to stay in touch with all my friends.
I enjoy reading your blog everyday, I say stay with your crazy, scattered posts! They are always a highlight of my morning. 💕☕️
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And you are always a highlight to my day too Sharon! You have been one of the great treasures to me of blogging 🙂
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Thank you Jodi! 💕❤️
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I look forward to reading your posts each day! I like how you share on a variety of topics. Of course, I always enjoy seeing your watercolors! 😄🎨👍 Now that we have become friends, it really doesn’t matter to me what you blog about as long as you are sharing what is on your heart. That is what makes your blog so special to me – YOU! 💙😍💜 xo
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Oh Jilly – I love that you say “now that we have become friends!” What a privilege! Thank you, friend! xo
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I’m the grateful one here! ❤️💙💜 Bear hugs! 🐻
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I loved reading your beginning post! And your blog is so wonderful because it has so much in it! Please don’t drop anything – I think you’re doing a fantastic job with this blog and have enjoyed every post I’ve ever read!! 🙂 🙂
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Thank you so so much Linda! 🙂
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Love it all. Really enjoy reading your posts. Don’t change a thing.
Flo x
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thanks so much Flo! I appreciate your support and encouragement 🙂
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I remember finding your blog and seeing your family in Thanksgiving shirts. I quietly thought to myself, I wish I could be part of something so fun, then I looked at my four kids and realized, I am.
When I bake something new my daughter will say, “thanks Jodi”. When I bring out my water color paints, it brings my kids to the table for some amazing laughter, the best $20 ever spent.
Motherhood is the best part of my life. I just wish I had a friend near me that felt the same way, that is why I stop by your blog every day, you are my missing friend. It also let’s me enjoy your other friends, you have some really fun friends.
Have you ever thought about making a “bucket list” for Charlie?
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Oh Myra – what a lovely, lovely comment, and I am so happy that through reading my blog, you have realized the beauty and love and wonderful family YOU have right in front of you! How so very cute that your daughters say “thanks Jodi!” Wow – what an honor! 🙂 I am humbled and feel so very blessed by your comment. I am so happy to be your “missing friend.” Motherhood IS the best part of life! Cherish every single moment. and PS Charlie has a few thoughts to share tomorrow 🙂
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Wonderful 1st and 692nd post Jodi. I am glad I was able to read the first post – I learned a great deal about you. I for one enjoy your photos – they are wonderful and honestly to me, they look like a professional took them – that’s you! Thanks Jodi, wonderful post today! 🙂
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Awh! Thanks Terry! I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support today. Thanks for your kind comments about my photos 🙂
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I love your blog just the way it is. I enjoy opening up your message each day wondering what you are going to say. Change is good, but only if it makes you happy. I love all your interests, especially being a dog lover. When you let Charlie leave a message, it reminds me of my sweet dog , Woody. He used to write notes to our vet. Thank you for sharing your life in between. It makes my day and ALWAYS makes me smile.
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Oh Kim – thank YOU for making my day and making ME smile! 🙂 How cute that Woody wrote notes to the vet. Charlie has a few things to say tomorrow 🙂 wink!
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I’m glad you started your blog when you did Jodi. I enjoy it a lot. I think your blog is unique from many blogs I follow, because of unique content on cards/painting, your delicious recipes, Charly’s posts, Your wonderful poetry and pictures, and your sharing of your family. Keep up the good work. You had something to say and you wrote it, you shared it. That’s a big deal 🙂
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Oh Mandi! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. It means a lot to me (and Charlie – hehe!) who has a few things to say tomorrow 🙂
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Great Jodi can’t wait. You are welcome!
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Jodi, I’ve discovered your blog along the way, so it was fun to read your first post. I enjoy the variety of your blog, all aspects, so please don’t narrow it down. Happy blogging 🙂
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Thank you so much Ruth! I sure appreciate your kind encouragement.
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Oh and I love your phrase … the things I choose to do in between the things I “have” to do.
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That is what it is all about – eh?! 🙂 ❤
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Love your blog just the way it is, Jodi. Everything you come up with is amazing!!
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thank you Carol – not everything is amazing I come up with – lol! but why share the yukky stuff – hahaha!
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I was initially drawn to your blog because of your card posts, but as I continued to receive your posts in my email I became aware of your awesome talent as someone I’d like to know better. I feel all your posts share more of the person you are and to take away anything would leave an emptiness to you through your words, creativity, recipes, and pictures. Thank you for sharing. I am inspired by your posts.
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Oh Karen – I am so humbled by your kind comment. Thank you for taking the time to write and share with me. I am truly overwhelmed by the kindness. It is such a privilege to share. Thank you for inviting me into your email box each day 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️ You are brightening up my every days Jodi !!.. I just started on board, and SO GLAD, ,I Did!!.. Your friendly Posts, filled with so much creativity – and thought put a smile in my heart !!..!..( A YES, YES, to All you are sharing!) … Greetings from Canadian friend – Joanne 😊
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Thank you my sweet Canadian friend! So appreciate!
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Thank You!!..Jodi, for replying… ( 🌹…… 🐈 Some Canadians ( me ) .. Are word shy!!.lol! Night xo
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Always a pleasure to read what you’re up to, Jodi! And I love, love your watercolors!
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Thanks so much LaNae! And oh how I love doing those watercolors 🙂
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Jodi, thanks for sharing your first post again! I wasn’t following you then, so I hadn’t gotten a chance to read it. I just love your blog….and now I understand the name….because it is always such a positive place, so focused on what is good and creative in life, and that encourages me, even when I am feeling down. I’m so sorry about Mikey, but glad that you found Charlie. Life does move on, even when we aren’t quite ready. But I am so glad that I have found your blog! Thanks for all you do, for all of us!
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Thanks so much Ann! The feeling is very mutual 🙂
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You doing an awesome job so far 😉
Sabrina –
http://OrganicIsBeautiful.com
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awh! Thanks! 🙂
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So much comments!!! I have to scroll scroll scroll 😀 I love it! I don’t know if I get the whole idea of the post, but what’s that “Should I narrow it to just one of them?”. NO! You have to be you! You are super – duper – uber fantastic!!!!!! I want to see all your: photo, crafting, cooking and all the other stuff on your blog. This blog is awesom! And such an inspiration for me! Lately I’m more on latvian blog laukumeitene.lv but i hope to manage ilznelle.com again! Love your writing, love your photos! LOVE you JODI! Hugs from LATVIA!
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Oh Ilze, my sweet Latvian friend! Love you too!!! Hugs from Mars!! ❤
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Keep going Jodi. You inspire me To take time TO DO what I ENJOY!
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Dear Jodi, ….104 comments later…… see how much people love you just the way you are!!!!
while I confess ‘art and painting’ were the initial drawcards to your website last June, it is your JOY and Enthusiasm for Life that keeps me enchanted.
Perhaps I do like the art, photos, and Charlie (alot)!! But your other stories I find quite entertaining as well. the recipes… well, I just have to close my eyes to those 😦
Please, do not change what you are doing!! love you the way you are, Debi
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Oh Debi… Thank YOU! I would trade every recipe post to paint like you!!! 🙂 xo
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Beautiful post, Jodi!!! I always enjoy taking a little glance into you life-in-between! I love all of it, but best I like your food photography, it´s really outstanding “delicious”! 😊❤️
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I appreciate you letting me know Ann! Thanks so much for your visits and comments 🙂
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I’m so glad you decided to repost your first blog. It sort of ties everything together for me and gives me a better understanding of why you began and what your thought process was.
Personally, I like the fact that your blog is so diversified. It’s like opening a different gift everyday but not knowing what your going to get.
I’m glad I found your blog and hope you continue to do this at least until your book comes out..:)
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Oh George! Thank you my friend! Thank you so much my friend! 🙂
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