Thankful. Oh.So.Thankful. (GIVEAWAY!)

(the Thanksgiving spread at my friend Robin's house - so yummy!)

I have been doing some real soulful thinking lately --- about what this past year has brought me and my family --- and about all the amazing blessings in our lives. And this kind of thinking is very good therapy for the seasonal-affect crud that I go through at the start of these all too short days. Life is good --- even when its not. The old adages about counting your blessings have become more than just overused quotes for me now. I am beginning to "get it". Life is so good when you take deep look at all the beauty that surrounds you.

So, if you will join me, I would like to share some of the blessings of this past year with you and I invite you to do the same.

In no particular order ...

...but this one being the most important of all ...

* Meg has moved in with us for good. Amen x infinity. This is the greatest blessing to ever happen to our family --- and I hope it is true for her as well. She is safe, loved, supported, and she is family now. Truly. We could not even begin to tell you how thankful we are for her. And how very proud.

* Isaac's biological relations were found safe after the horrible quake in Haiti. What an incredible blessing. After all the devastation and loss of life in that country - we were able to locate the Metellus family and help them in whatever ways we could.

* Because of this dog, this dog and this fundraiser --- I have made the most incredible lifelong friends. I could have never imagined being so greatly blessed with the bounty of friends that I have now --- and I am so incredibly grateful! All my peeps at the Bangor Humane Society are such amazing blessings --- as well as all my "downtown" peeps --- my clients --- my mommy friends, my crafting friends, etc. Such a blessing to be surrounded by wonderful people.

* My dream of becoming a professional photographer has been realized. Studio 36 is a dream come true ... and within one year has become so successful that we needed a bigger, better location! It is still a long way from paying all the bills. But I am blessed by the clients who have come into my life, by doing what I love and by the growth potential of the biz.

* This past year has been a healthy one for all. How awesome is that!?

* Uncle Jamie got married. And Isaac was over the moon that he was the "ring master". It was a lovely day ... a beautiful, enchanting ceremony ... and a fresh start to my brother's life.

* We got a kitty! And I love her. Big. Much.

* Disney World! We were blessed with a hard earned trip to DisneyWorld! Ahhh --- the memories are simply awesome. I love that place. So magical. So family oriented. When I think of it, I have this intense urge to go back --- but also this calming, joyful sensation that I have experienced some wonderful things there. (Of which I have yet to post on this blog --- I am so behind in my posts!). And Isaac got to meet Spiderman. For real. So totally cool.

* Love. I --- we --- are blessed by the love in our family on a daily basis. Our little foursome has its ups and downs --- but we are so in love with one another. That is so worth waking up for :)

How about you??? Please leave a comment on the blog about what you are thankful for from this past year.

Heck - let's make this into a giveaway! Post your thankful thought and I will draw a random winner from your messages to receive a gift from my shop.

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Jodi

Introducing Our New Etsy Shop: BELOVED BOOKS.

I have always wanted to own my own used book shop that specializes in vintage childrens' books. Ad now I do - sort of. At least online. And although I always wanted to serve coffee in said book shop, I am thinking that perhaps you can grab a cup in your own home and surf through the fabulous books while still wearing your pjs.

Here is a sample of the goodies you will find there:

Please stop by and take a look around. From now till Christmas we are offering a 20% discount when you enter the coupon code: NewShop. Discount will be automatically taken off your total bill (a new Etsy function!).

Thanks for your continued support in all our endeavors. And ENJOY!

Love,

Jodi

Enjoying the Past via Videos.

I spent part of this weekend going through old picture and video files. I found the following two videos --- taken a couple of years ago --- and just had to share. Oh how I miss Isaac's little-baby-self --- but oh how I enjoy every moment that he grows into the sweet young man that he will all-too-soon become. I envy those mamas who have lots and lots of babies. I would have at least 8 if I could --- but am so incredibly thankful for the two awesome kiddos that I have.

Anyway --- here are the videos --- and if you are reading this on facebook --- you will need to click here to see the videos. ENJOY!

Love,
Jodi

Studio 36 Has a New Location!

Hooray! The lease has been signed and for the next couple of years (or longer) our photography studio will be located at 170 Park Street (formerly the Peace & Justice Center) in Bangor, ME. We are so very excited. This space is gorgeous ... and is also the home of One Lupine Fiber Arts ... as well as the new home of my friend Andy Hurtt. There are some wonderful plans for the rest of the building as well --- very artsy plans --- and this space is going to be filled with creativity, joy, and all that is good. I can't wait!

We hope to be open in early January ... and will be sure to have a open house bash asap. Will share plans as we create them.

Thanks for sharing in our enthusiasm!

Love,
Jodi

Aunt Dandi on WABI.

One of my very best friends, who also happens to be the Fundraising Director of the Bangor Humane Society ... Ms. Danielle Coutu ... appears regularly on our local television station, WABI. Here she is ... showing off a pup that is up for adoption ... and promoting our 2011 Bangor Humane Society Calendar ...

http://www.wabi.tv/news/15329/pet-of-the-week-bangor-humane-society

Thank you for all you do Aunt Dandi.

And remember readers ... it is time to buy your calendar! Thank you :)

Love,
Jodi