Do Not Be Alarmed!

Hello friends.

Many of you have wondered whether I have gone into hiding ... joined a cult ... or am currently lost in the woods of Maine somewhere ... (among various other unlikely scenarios). But alas, do not be alarmed!

Here is the scoop:

* I am in the process of moving the studio to a new location --- which is why you do not see me there anymore --- and why the place looks empty. The new location is wonderful and I will tell you about it soon.

* I am in the process of changing my cell phone carrier --- which is why you cannot reach me via that number you currently have. I am sure I have missed out on some fabulous get-togethers because of this --- but am hoping to transfer the "old" number to my new cell. Until then, feel free to call me at home or e-mail me at jrenshaw@hotmail.com.

* I also have had a recent issue with my Etsy shop --- which is why you all wondered where in the heck my shop went. No worries, it is back up and running --- www.thishandmadelife.etsy.com --- with some fabulous new goodies and more on the way.

* You have also not seen me at the local bar --- which is why you wonder whether I have joined AA. No worries --- I will be back to my Wed. night drinking ritual asap. Just have to get the studio moved, my Bro's wedding pics done, among other pressing projects.

So, have a drink for me. I look forward to getting my life in order and sharing details of the new studio asap. I also have PLENTY of new pics to share in the near future (you didn't think you were off the hook yet with my Disney vacation pics, did you? There are still 1,ooo more to go through! Silly you.)

Love to you all.

Jodi

My Brother's Wedding.

My "little" brother did it --- something he swore forever that he would never do --- he married. He committed himself to Amy Taylor --- forever more ---- on Sept 18, 2010. It was a lovely ceremony at Stonewall Farm in Keene, NH.

The facility was gorgeous, simple and elegant. The ceremony itself was emotional and tender. The food was to die for (well, nothing actually died, as it was all vegan and too delicious for words). The music acts (there were 3) throughout the event were wonderful. The homemade beer and wine flowed. The reunion of family and friends was incredible! And to top it all off ... the Grateful Dead cover band ... The Zen Tricksters ... rocked the evening.

Good Times.

Jamie & Amy --- may you grow together in your love in ways that amaze and inspire. May you always have each other's backs in every way. May you both encourage one another to be your greatest selves. May you walk beaches together hand-in-hand at ripe old ages. Know that everything is temporary --- so savor every wonderful moment --- and know that the not-so-great stuff never lasts long. Enjoy.

Love,
Jodi

TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE WEDDING, check here periodically, as I am uploading them a handful at a time.

Etsy Shop Difficulties.

I am sorry to report that somehow my Etsy shop has been deleted. I am terribly frustrated by this, as are several of my customers. I have contacted Etsy and am currrently working with them to get my shop back online. Meanwhile, for those of you who have contacted me regarding your orders and/or your attempts to order ... I will send out open orders asap ... and if anyone needs a journal, you can still purchase from me directly by e-mailing me at jrenshaw@hotmail.com.

Sorry for the trouble. All will be well soon.

Love,
Jodi

Disney 2010: Day 2: Epcot Living Seas.

The Living Seas has always been one of my favorite attractions at Disney World's Epcot. During this particular trip, I was not as focused on picture taking ... so there are only a select few random pictures ... such as ...

... a really cool poisonous fish ...



... an extra cool jellyfish ...

... Isaac enamored by the gorgeous fish ...

... and the kiddos being eaten by a shark ...

Just kidding! Humans "are friends - not food". Silly you.

We ran around the place - peeking in at manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, etc. The whole place was wonderfully reconstructed to flow with the Finding Nemo movie. Plenty of educational opportunities and fun. I could have stayed all day.

Here is a glimpse of the newer Turtle Talk with Crush attraction --- as Isaac experienced it :)

And here is a glimpse of one of my favorite restaurants in all the Magic Kingdom, The Coral Reef ... (the Seared Scottish Salmon is to die for!) ...

Yes, we missed Erica. And wanted her to see the sharks all around us. I LOVE eating fish right in front of fish. I am sick that way.

More goodies to share soon ...

xo,

Jodi

Disney 2010: Day 2: Epcot Character Spot

Want to see all the 'primary' Disney characters in one swoop? You can! At Disney's Epcot ... almost as soon as you walk throught the gates. And the line is no where near as long as the lines at the Magic Kingdom.

It was nice to make this a Day 2 event ... to sort of get the character-hunting over with at the beginning of the vacation.

And, of course, the kiddos brought their Mommy-made Autograph Books! (shameless plug)

First stop: Mickey!

And then, Isaac's fave ... Pluto:

Next, we completely skipped the line for Minnie (neither kids were interested - sorry Miss Minnie) ... and we headed for Goofy ... another favorite ...

Donald, oh Donald ... you are a short-tempered bird with a Napolean complex ... but we love you too ...

And Isaac was determined to show you his "dance" skills ...

Good times. Thank you, Epcot, for making our friends available for picture taking and autographs. Easy, fun and a great start to the week. Highly recommended.

Love,

Jodi

Disney 2010: Day 1: 1900 Park Fare.

Firstly, a HUGE "Thank You" to all the wonderful people who supported our family vacation to Disney World. Thanks to those who supported our fundraisers, who watched our pets while we were away, who represented my work at the local art fair that I missed, who gave special support to Meaghan so that she could join us, etc. etc. We are so grateful for you all.

Secondly, we had a GREAT time. Perhaps even too much of a great time as we are absolutely exhausted now! But we have taken the time to rest for a day ... and now it is time to share some pictures :)

We arrived at Disney World on the eve September 5th ... just in time to take the monorail to our dinner reservations at 1900 Park Fare in Disney's Grand Floridian. This is where Cinderella, her Prince, and Cinderella's step-family drop in to dance and dine with guests.

It was a lovely way to begin our vacation ... surrounded by fairy-tale characters brought-to-life. Though we were absolutely exhausted from our flights and lay-overs, these characters gave us quite an introduction to what our week at Disney would be like ... full of fun, whimsy, magic, and fairy tales.

Princess Cinderella and all her family members went from table-to-table ... engaging all their guests with one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. It took Isaac a bit of coaxing to be receptive to all this attention even though he loves Cinderella dearly.

It took Daddy no time at all ...

My favorite characters were Anastasia and Drizella. They played their parts very well ... and though Cinderella was the epitome of grace ... these two girls were silly, jealous, and mildly wicked. I loved them.

Anastasia was Meg's favorite ...

Drisella was my fave ... but I think Isaac was a bit afraid or unimpressed by her ... either way, I love this pic ...

Now Lady Tremaine ... she was quite stately and reserved. I didn't see any outward signs of wickedness. Perhaps she is now content to live the high life ... even if it is due to Cinderella's marriage to the Prince ... and not to one of her daughters. Isaac wanted nothing to do with her. He is quite unforgiving that way. Meg, however, found her interesting ...

Our visit at 1900 Park Fare was fun, energetic, and a bit magical. We danced, we sang, we ate, we schmoozed with fairy tale characters. All good stuff. I even began to believe that I was truly IN the story itself. And THAT is the magic of Disney.

More stories to tell & pictures to share throughout the week.

Love to all,

Jodi & Family