Together.

3.21.2010

Well hello there. It's been a while since I've posted an entry, and I feel bad because one of my goals is to keep up on this blog! Alas, my creative spirit has been a bit low and I've been trolling for inspiration. Usually I can find it fairly easily, yet this month it was escaping me. Not that there is a lack of awesome things out there,  it's just that nothing was calling out to me. Creativity block perhaps? Does that even exist??!! Well, something happened. One of those things that make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Someone was looking out for me.

This lovely arrived in the mail the other day. Fellow blogger, amazing watercolorist, and swap-bot friend Jennifer Mclean sent it. I love reading her blog because she gets so excited about her art and she writes in a style that I just get. Plus, like I said, she's an amazing artist! She did this 5X7 painting (called "Together") along with a few others and blogged about it, and I commented saying this one was my fave. Magically, the very same painting was in my mailbox a few weeks later! I was so surprised, I went and checked to see if I had inadvertently entered in a giveaway (it's happened before!). Nope. The back of it is styled like a postcard and says, "Since you commented on how much you liked this painting, I thought I'd send it to you." Just like that. Are you serious? I can't believe it! It was just the sort of inspiration I was searching for! I mean, I love the painting, but a huge part of the inspiration it brought is nestled in the random act of kindness it represents. I can't even say how perfectly timed it's arrival was! This post is dedicated to you, Jenn. I want to show what your wondermousness did for me. In addition to making up new words, that is.







One of the projects on my to-do list was the Potholder Pass 2. While the swap is sender's choice, I still wanted to make something my partner would love. I simply could not find the motivation or inspiration. So this project sat in the back of my head for a while. When I received Jenn's painting, I was so touched and so inspired that I sat down at my sewing machine and just did whatever came into my head. And yes, I made potholders. Big whoop. But I hadn't sewn anything in weeks, people. Warm and fuzzies!
This isn't the only thing I've made the last few days, but I want to save those projects for another post. In honor of Jenn's habit of posting random pictures of her pet, I will leave you with a picture of mine.

  
(for the record, this is not her bed. this is my chenille stash. lower to the ground and thus easier to access is my terry cloth stash, which is much less expensive and apparently so not worth her lounging time. can't wait until she's big enough to reach the minkee on the next shelf up.)



Thank you, Jenn!

5 comments:

Jennifer McLean said...

Hi Kristen,
Oh my gosh! You've made me blush and nearly cry. :o) I am so wonderfully happy that you love the painting. After you said you liked it, I wanted you to have it. I'm so glad to hear that I helped (in even a little way) unblock your creativity.

I have always believed that the Universe sends us what we need and the comment you made about the painting a few weeks ago so helped. I had felt inept in producing a more whimsical painting and when you said you liked it, you really helped. So, I'm so glad that sending you that same painting has now helped you. I guess it was all meant to be and a lovely happenstance that we "met" on swap-bot.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart about your kind words. It made my month. :o) Can I consider you a new friend? I hope so, because I just added you officially to my list. Have a wonderful Easter Kristen.
Best,
Jenn

Kristen said...

Of course! I feel the same way about the universe. Which doesn't surprise me. =)

pigwidget said...

Hello! Just wanted to pop by and say thank you for following my little crafty-dolly b'log - much appreciated :)

What a generous and amazing story! How wonderful!! I love the painting too - the swirly colours and tree (I have a thing for trees)... And your pot holder UFO project, reminds me I have one particular project that I really *must* finish :D

Anyway, thank you again, and keep in touch :)

Amy Friend said...

Even though you were not inspired, I love the way the potholders turned out. How cool! Are they in the mail? I am checking my list :)

Kristen said...

Yes they are Amy! He he, I'm sure I'm on your list. ;)
And, thanks for stopping by, Pigwidget! I loved visiting your blog!