I don't want to get too in depth with my personal affairs, but I can tell you that as I grew older my relationship with family members changed...drastically. It's not a story of teenage rebellion or dumb decisions, but it's far too complicated (and personal) to get into on the internet.
((Wrong holiday, but it was the only photo I could find as all my photos are packed away right now. This is a photo of my grandpa & I during the Halloween season))
What I will share is that my grandpa and I went from a solid relationship to not being on speaking terms when he passed away - sounds so black and white when you put it into words without detail.
I will also share that as complicated as our relationship was during my 20's before he passed away, he still holds a special place in my heart. A lot of that has to do with how bonded we were when I was growing up.
That's why it was so important for me to create a line of jewelry specifically for granddaughters from their grandpa on Valentine's Day. ((Full disclosure: I'm still working on adding Valentine's Day gifts. Hopefully by the time you're reading this I'll have my full line available on my website.))
So, I bet you're wondering why I chose Valentine's Day to focus on when it comes to the bond between a grandfather and granddaughter.
I can't remember at what age it started, or stopped, but I know I was old enough to vividly remember. I have a feeling that he paused his gift giving temporarily and started again one year during my teens, and that's why I remember it so well.
Do you remember that Love's Baby Soft perfume? Walgreens used to sell it (I wonder if they still do! I may have to stop in one day and check it out) in a little gift box, packaged perfectly for...you guessed it. Valentine's Day.
I remember my grandpa giving me that little bottle of baby powder smelling perfume for Valentine's Day and I remember how special that made me feel. Heck, it should be pretty evident of how special it made me feeling considering I'm writing about it in my 30s.
If that tiny little moment, which took him no more than 10 minutes out of his life and only a few dollars out of his pocket, could have such an impact on me imagine what a meaningful keepsake would have had.
I'm not saying you have to buy something from me (although I would definitely appreciate the support!), but I want you to think about starting the tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day with your loved ones.
Whether it's a card in the mail or a meaningful keepsake delivered in person, make it a point to develop these traditions when your grandchildren, children, nieces, nephews, and everyone in between are young. How cool would it be to look back in 30 years with such a positive memory of a long lasting tradition that was outside of a birthday or Christmas?
I want to know - do you have a memory from Valentine's Day growing up? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear from you.
xx-
jen
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I love this quote. I think we we grow older we lose a significant amount of confidence in trying new things. Think about the last time you tried something new. How terrifying was it? Did you actually go through with it? Was everyone laughing at you?
I know that for me personally I am comfortable in my own little bubble - but how far does that really get you in life? I'd like to say that this is some 'new year, new me' resolution type of blog but the truth is this has been a journey I have been on for quite some time.
Every couple of months (or years) I stop and think, 'holy crap how did all this time pass and I'm still where I was X months ago?!' Do you feel that way? Like time is passing you by and you're just living the same day over and over again? I do...and quite honestly, it's gotten a little boring.
Like most, I spend hours mindlessly searching Pinterest and pinning things I'm (probably) never going to look at again. I'm also addicted to Instagram where I watch cookie decorating cookies (if you know me you'd understand how hilarious the thought of me baking is) and calligraphy practice videos.
A few weeks ago I printed out a ton of practice calligraphy pages and was determined to actually start improving my handwriting and learning a new skill. Those pages sat for weeks, moved around from place to place because I was definitely going to start them each night, until a few days ago when I finally decided it was time. So I sat down at the kitchen table with my printed pages, a calligraphy set, and the mindset that I was about to become an Instagram star with my epic new hobby of pretty writing.
That lasted all of about 2 minutes. I had been watching so many videos on calligraphy, which all used markers, that when I opened the calligraphy set I was completely overwhelmed by the fact that it was a fountain pen set.
So those papers went back into a pile that continue to be moved around and the pens sit untouched inside their protective tin. I was (am) still determined to start something.
I was listening to music and editing photos (time for an obligatory name drop to check out my jewelry line by clicking here) and I just had this moment where I had enough. I love what I do, even the tedious bookwork that gets done behind the scenes, but I need something creative besides my work or depression is sure to creep in.
I hadn't painted since I think high school. Which, by the way, even in art class I was lucky if I got a C on any of my projects. I used to bring my work home so my mom could fix it for me...and I don't think I ever received above a B- (which FYI above a C grade was like the holy grail for me).
I share that because painting is something I have never found interest in - because I wasn't very good at it. I am definitely a creative person...but artistic and creative are entirely different.
So I took out the paints, remembered what Bob Ross taught me (there are no mistakes, folks!), and had at it. To my surprise, it took me less than 30 minutes to paint both photos you'll see below.
I probably should have looked up how to paint a tree (which I did do afterwards) or which brush style you're supposed to use for which technique, but I just went in blind...and I'm rather impressed with myself despite what anyone on the internet might think.
Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because I want you to know that it's an awesome journey to suck at something new. I can honestly say that I am excited to learn how to improve my tree painting skills. You see that awkwardly dark blue into yellow sky? That was supposed to be the Northern Lights, HA! And you know what? I love it!
So, tell me...what is something that you've recently started?
Until next time-
xx
jen
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