Jerusalem Jackson Greer's Blog, page 31

settling back in

I am not sure if it is because we are coming up on the one year anniversary of taking our house off the market, or if it is because things are starting to look so lovely on the outside, or if I have just gotten used to the idea,  but lately I have a renewed hope and energy for our life on Ridge Road. I am once again excited by the idea of  improving our little house and Sweet Man and I stay up late planning kitchen renovations and weekends are often spent working in the gardens or tackling a small decorating project or two. I have plans to show you all of our changes and updates properly, but July and early August are always so busy around here with the start of school and both the boys birthdays, that I am doing good just to have clean underwear for everyone.So a few pictures taken on the fly with my phone will have to suffice for now.


The outside of our house is really starting to take shape. Mother's Day weekend the boys and my MIL stared this landscape project along the front of the house and Sweet Man has continued to add to it ever since.  I am loving the green brick, and the windows are almost all painted and now just need to be scrapped. I want to cover the iron post with some sort of vine, as I am not a fan of the post as they are. There is still much to do in the front yard and to the exterior of the house, and while we still have a ways to go (new roof, more grass, some fruit trees...) just having this much done feels like a huge step in the right direction.



Inspired by our trip to Eureka Springs, I have hung white curtains in our bedroom. They are currently mismatched, as I just used whatever bits I had stuffed in the fabric closet. But I have figured out what kind of white fabric looks best in the room and now know what I am looking for. A thin white cotton linen blend or white seersucker are the best. Our last curtains were very heavy, and while they were probably a little more "energy" efficient they left our room dark and cave-like. I love how happy and cheerful the room feels now.
There are other changes happening in our bedroom-slowly but surely- and I am hoping to have a complete room tour in a few weeks. Maybe.




I have had this bench for years, my FIL made it for me out a bed frame found on the side of the road. First I left it unpainted, then a few years ago I painted it an extremely pale pink but was never truly happy with that choice. Recently I have been overtaken with a love of a melonish coral red and an acidy mustard yellow. These colors are showing up in every room of my house, but nowhere more than in our dining room. I just love how happy this bench looks now, and I cannot wait to see how it will look against the very pale mustardy yellow walls - which I am determined to see painted very soon.
Despite all this settling in, I still have bouts of wanderlust. I still daydream of a someday-farm-life, and tear up from time to time at the thought of how close we came. But lately, thankfully, I am having more bouts of gratefulness for where we are- instead of frustration about where we are not. And, truthfully Sweet Man and I feel a call to be good stewards of the life we have here-to care for the home, the yard, and the neighborhood where we live in the here and now, instead of letting it all fall apart and deteriorate while we wait for tomorrow to come. So that is what we are doing, little bit by little bit.

On the nightstand

 Jesus Freak
I am barely into this book and already I have filled a handfull of notecards with quotes and passages.It is challenging and encouraging all at once. I want to inhale it. 
Prodigal Summer
A new all-time favorite. Maybe in my top 5 favorite fiction books ever. Right now Sweet Man is reading it, and when he is through we are going to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle together.


Traveling with Pomengranates
 I loved this book written by mother and daughter. So much inspiration and encouragement found between these pages. So much honesty about the creative process, road blocks, and finding breadcrumbs along the way.


The Writing Life
I know this is a standard for writers, but I just now finished it. I think I was somewhat afraid of it. Afraid I would read it and think, "well crap. I am not a writer like I thought I was."Instead I found myself crying while I read certain passages, thinking "yes, that's it exactly." The tug to write that much stronger. Oh goodness.
So what are you reading??
blessings!J

camp love

I am all about crafting some camp cuteness over on the At Home in Arkansas Blog today! Hop on over to see more...
Cheers!J

bounded up in blue

I have begun collecting old quilts. Specifically patchwork and crazies.
I love the myriad of fabric choices that each of the quilters made.
I love that they seem to be made from scraps. From the leftovers.
I can well imagine the time it took to chose and cut each piece of fabric.
Piles of triangles and odd geometric shapes big and small covering the dining room table, pushed to the side to make way for dinner or homework.

I never buy the pristine, the mint condition, the heirloom quality.
I buy the quite-used variety instead.
These quilts are not the things of blue ribbon prizes or art exhibits.
But they are each pieces of domestic artwork at their best.
Because they have been loved, and used, and  loved again.

Made from what is left of baby blankets, work shirts, Sunday dresses, feed sacks, several of the fabrics are worn. Threadbare.
Over the years they hold steady because they are lined and stitched to other pieces of fabric.Some of those pieces are stronger than others. Some are brighter. Some are softer. Some pieces are smaller and some bigger.Colors and patterns clashing and contradicting, left and right.But there they are.
Together.Making it work.


As a child I made up stories to go with the variety of patterns found on the quilts pieced together by my great-grandmothers. Laying in the big bed with the yellow headboard at  Maw's house, listening to the gentle constant sound of the ceiling fan whir, counting down the minutes until naptime was over, I studied and traced each scrap, each square.
Running my hand across the quilt I could feel the rough bumps.The knots, here and there, holding the whole thing together.Little bits of knotted up threads and yarn, that seemed to float randomly, tying the top to the bottom, the front to the back. 
I whispered to myself tales of ballerina dancing queens, picnics at the beach, sailboats in storms and love stories filled with hearts and flowers.. Each piece of fabric seemed to stand alone. Able to tell their own singular stories in a sea of color.
Finishing my quilt tour I always chose my top three favorite patches,  wishing I had dresses made of each,  as I (finally) drifted off to sleep.


This is a new-to-me quilt.
Standing back, at a distance, I can see how each of the patches works with the others.
How the the twist and turns of the shapes now seem purposeful, instead of haphazard.
If I look closely I can see how the entire blanket is made of pieced together rectangles, triangles and odd make-do shapes. I can see how the knots speckle the quilt like soft little polka-dots, placed exactly where they are needed most.
The quilt is beautiful up close and from far away.
It is also imperfect.
One of the corners is ripped up. There are a few small tears on the top.
But the majority of the quilt is still intact. Big enough to cover a swinging bed, or a sleeping child at nap time.
Or me when I catch an evening chill.



When not in use, the quilt lays atop my chifferobe next to my favorite vintage chalk figures of Mary and Jesus, the ones that have been broken and glued back together. Next to them is the pair of open hands I found in Memphis and  the colorful handmade clay rosary beads the boys bought me for Christmas. Behind all of this is a poster-size collage I made from torn magazine images, all representing some sort of sacred space in my heart.  From my side of the bed, I can see each of these items perfectly and it has occurred to me more than once  that I have created some sort of alter up there, some sort of visual expression of a soul-offering, over the place where I keep my yoga pants and sundresses.

Last night, feeling particularly anxious and adrift, I pulled the quilt down, searching for comfort. Once again I found myself tracing each scrap with my fingers. Picking out my favorites. Making up stories. Wondering about the person who made this quilt, wondering about the patches that look liked sofa fabric, calico dresses, barkcloth curtains. Wondering how the binding earned it's rips, and whose bed this small quilt was meant for. Gradually feeling less adrift as I wondered if the maker knew just how beautiful the mismatched bits of her life would look all stitched together and bound by the color of the sky.

sunday's challenge-what if?

What if instead of hearing Jesus scolding Martha for being busy, what if instead we hear Jesus encouraging Martha to take a break? To give herself permission to rest. To sit. To listen. To go slow. 
What if we heard it as a reminder instead of as a reprimand?
Yes. The laundry has to get done, dinner has to be considered, and deadlines are real things.
But first, always first, go back to the source. Lean in a little closer. Wait a little longer. Breathe a little deeper.Be.

fields of grace {mid-summer blog tour and a QUICK giveaway}

This is Brittany. She is a momma of boys (like me!) and a liturgical calendar nut (like me!) She is also the author of The Lily Field blog , a precious blog full of fun ideas, and real life post, that I quickly fell in-love with.

Over the next little while you might see bits of A Homemade Year turning up here and there as we celebrate the simple joys of Ordinary Time. As part of the summer tour, Brittany is hosting a giveaway of the book!!Waahoo! There is only a day left in the giveaway, so if you haven't entered yet, make sure you do! And check out her post about Ordinary Time and the pasta salad recipe she shares from the book!

Also, Ashley Ann from Under the Sycamore posted a quote from AHY yesterday afternoon on her Instagram feed. 
I cannot express how overwhelmed I get when I read all the sweet and encouraging comments on post such as Brittany's and Ashley's. I am blown away every time. Blown away and grateful. Also I am humbled by the weight and the responsibility that comes with sharing ones heart. The call to be authentic and real and to let the mess and the hope hang out becomes that much more important. To live the truth of All is not perfect,  all is not lost, instead all is grace daily. 

Speaking of being blown away...Guess who gets to present at Wild Goose? Me.Wowzers.If you don't know about Wild Goose, check out their website and be amazed by the gathering of talent and heart they have amassed (including Phyllis Tickle, Sybil MacBeth, Glennon Melton, Brian McClaren, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Phillip Yancy...)  The name of the festival comes from the Celtic word used for the Holy Spirit, which also means wild goose because it cannot be tracked,or tamed. Golly I love that metaphor.I am truly blown away that I get to participate and share a bit of my story and the heart of AHY at this festival. Talk about fields of grace.(And yes, the hippie part of me is excited by being at this sort of gathering. I am already planning how to decorate my tent....)If you are going to be at Wild Goose come see me! I will be presenting in the Art & Soul Cafe, Friday night, August 9 from 6:30-7:30. As a friend of mine you can get a 20%  discount on ticket prices if you click here. Yay you! Yay Wild Goose!

Tomorrow is Miles' birthday party. It is all about the Minecraft this year. Cannot believe my baby is  9. 
Have a great weekend friends!

Queen of Harts Bridal Shower

Last weekend I had the honor of helping throw a shower for the daughter of some of our very good friends.We have known Caitlin since she was Miles' age or younger and I cannot believe she is all grown up and about to get married! 

 Caitlin, whose name will be Mrs. Caitlin Hart, as of August 3rd, is a creative and artistic and fashionable gal, who also loves Tim Burton movies, old Hollywood glam, vintage chic, and fairy tales (to name just a few.)
So we felt it was only right to throw her an Alice in Wonderland themed shower


 First you have to go through the looking glass...

 and meet Queen Alice, all ready for the party...

 Next you have to drop off your gift, featuring a brooch for the brides bouquet..



Pass the Mad Hatter (aka Hank)
finally arriving at the Tea Party fit for a queen.


Jeanetta came over Saturday (she is the creator of the Mad Hatter and Alice) to help decorate and we had a grand time. Just like when we used to decorate our shop years ago.Sweet Man asked how we split up the duties when we decorate, and I realized that we work so closely, and think so alike in this way, that I am not even sure how it all gets done. I guess that is what happens when you have been creating with someone- in some or fashion-for twenty years. Suddenly you realize it is a natural as breathing.


My friend Lynn brought all the decadent cakes and pies and tinsy sandwiches and tons of fruit.Another friend, Kitzel, brought the flowers.So wonderful to have friends who are happy to pitch in and help.
I found these cute little "Here Comes the Bride" stir sticks at Target. We stuck them in everything- the cake, the flowers...

I loved getting to pull out all my party stuff.It seems as if we have fallen into this lull where none of our friends are getting married or having babies, and so I have not thrown a shower in I don't know how long.So great to pull out the vintage tea pots and the all the cake stands and cover everything with flowers.



Hank  breaking hearts right and left as the Matter Hatter aka King of Aces. 


Always fun to whip out this LOVE bunting my sister Jemimah made.This little bunting has come in handy on so many occasions.I think I might need a few more...Maybe some PEACE, HOPE, and JOY ones?Hmmm...

  A whole bunch of favorites: Pompom garland, Striped candles, my Happy, Blessed flash card, as well as some Southern Voodoo Punch.

 I love finger sandwiches. I could eat two dozen in one sitting I think.
 There were cucumber ones and then another kind that had cranberries and cream cheese. Little bits of homegrown basil were interspersed as a garnish. I just loved these the most I think.


I love Ryan and Caitlin's Art Deco styled wedding invite.So them.


Did I mention that I love getting to use all my vintage goodies?


Here is the Bride-to-Be receiving what I bet was her most favorite gift- a copy of the Vintage Tea Party book.How apropos don't you think?

First Day of School 2013

2010

2011

2012





Monday was the first day of school for us.We were rushed getting out the door in the morning, so I took our traditional "first day" photo's when we got home.I won't make that mistake again.Good grief.Welcome to real life folks.
xoJ

At the Intersection (Vol. 2) - Liz Owen of Mabel's House

So I lost my camera chord. Or I should say it is misplaced. It is probably in my office. But I am too lazy to get up and go look. I am whooped.
If I had my camera chord I might have been able to download all the pictures I took of the shower I helped throw for a lovely bride-to-be, or my boys sulky faces after a long first day back to school, or the bench and chairs that Jeanetta helped me get  painted or the mantle I decorated.
But no. All that will have to wait.
Which is probably okay, because in all honesty I am 100% wiped out from all the fun and hard work that has gone into the last three days.
So what better time to share another vol. of At the Intersection?

Today I am so excited to have my IRL friend Liz Owen sharing her thoughts on the intersection of mess and beauty in her faith, her art, and her parenting.  I think you will find this post as delightful, honest, and real as Liz is in real-life. She is authentic to her core. 




Name: Elizabeth (Liz) OwenBlog Name: Mabel's HouseArt Form: Writing, sometimes DecoratorKids Ages: One daughter, Jane,  2Relationship Status: MarriedOther Job(s) besides blogging/creating: Project ManagerExpression of Faith: Christian, Non-denominationalWhere Do You Live? in Little Rock in a House
Questions:
How did you find your creative niche? Was this something you have always done, or did you fall into it by accident? I started writing "books" before I could actually write. I folded pieces of paper in half and scribbled what I thought looked like words inside. I remember aching to learn how to read. But I didn't buckle down and get serious about writing until my late 20's.Where do you create? Office? Kitchen table? I have a small desk/vanity upstairs in my closet when I need to really concentrate, but I've found that I can pretty much write anywhere.

Do you create best in solitude or in the middle of chaos? Contained chaos, like the tv or people having a conversation across the room is no problem. My two year old hanging on my leg? No.
How does your faith influence your creative process? I think the things that occupy our minds the most always come out in our creative processes, so yes, it influences it that way. I don't necessarily always write about my faith, but it's always there in some form.
How does that process influence or enrich your faith? Writing makes me hone my thoughts, it makes me take a good look at how I really feel, or the things that really confuse/excite/intrigue me. I'd say that writing enables me to think more critically about my faith in ways I wouldn't normally be able to do. The old phrase "I don't know what I think until I write about it" applies mightily to me.

Sometimes I feel as if writing, parenting, and the practicing my faith are all drawing from the same well inside me, that they tax the same part of my heart. This means that quite often I find that I have depleted all of my resources pouring into just one of the three, leaving the other two wanting.  Do you have this same issue, or is it just me? 
Yes. Absolutely. 100%. Some weeks I'm on a creative roll and write four or five chapters, or several blog posts I'm really proud of, but I end up ignoring my family to do so. Then the next week I don't write a thing, but I spend the entire time watching movies with my husband or playing games with my daughter. It's a major see-saw for me. I"m sure there's a nice middle ground somewhere, but I haven't found it yet. Until then I've just come to embrace the see-saw, and I'm thankful to have a husband who understands.
What do you do to recharge, or refill the well...
In your creative process?  READ. A million people have said it before me, but it bears repeating, you cannot be a good writer if you don't read. I'm constantly inspired by other people's work and it really motivates me. 
In your parenting? Honestly, I only have one kid, and she's a good egg. As long as she sleeps the whole night through I'm recharged by the next morning. A few weeks ago I ran away though. My husband had been away a lot, and I'd been sick and working, and Jane had been in a bad mood and teething, and I just packed my bags and went away for two days all by myself. That was a major recharge, although not something I'll be able to do very often. 
In the practicing of your faith? Talk about your peaks and valleys. The church we attend is very encouraging, and I try to read a "religious" book fairly often. But lately I'm learning that mediation has a big place in my life. I don't do it formally, or probably even correctly, but at night before bed I turn out the lights, listen to something soothing instrumental music, and just lie very still and quiet. I started doing this as a practice for my anxiety, but found that it turned out to be a very spiritual time. I feel that sometimes we're so busy praying at God we don't take time to be still and quiet, to listen to what he might be saying back. I"ve learned not to be so hard on myself. I don't expect to be on a spiritual high all the time. My faith is a lot like my marriage. Sometimes it's an exciting adventure, and sometimes we just sit quietly across each other at the dinner table and pass the salad. Both are good. Both are ok. 

Do you have any advice for other mom's out there who are also trying to learn how to live out their callings as artist, mothers and followers of Christ? What is something you wish someone had told you earlier on?  Cut yourself some slack. No, it's not just you. We're all winging it. You're doing just fine.  It's going to be alright. 

What are some specific challenges you are facing right now in all three of these areas? Like all moms with young kids, I wish for more time to be creative and write. Or just time to sit and stare at the wall and drool. But everything in this life is a phase, and one of these days I'll have tons of writing time and a lot less peanut butter shaped hand prints on my walls. I will miss those hand prints. I try to remember that when I'm frustrated and craving quiet time to read or write.

How can I, and my readers, pray for you? I'd ask for prayers that God gives me wisdom to know His truth. The more and more I read my Bible and pray the more I realize that sometimes institutions greatly miss the mark on what God, and Jesus, intended. 
Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers regarding the interplay of art, faith, and parenthood in your life? Any experiences or practices you would like to share?
 I remember the first time I ever swam in the ocean, I really fought the waves and swells. I struggled against them, until I learned to just roll with the water (so to speak). My life as a mother and writer is no different. I can't control the waves and swells, or the sick days or dirty dishes or missed deadlines. I can only roll with it. That's what I tell myself a million times a day. 

Thank you Liz! I love you friend. This post could not have come on a better day for me personally, and I bet I am not alone!
***************************************************************************I am by no means a journalist so if there are questions you would like me to ask future interviewees please leave them in the comments on this post.

Also, if anything Liz said struck a chord in you, please say so! The great thing about blogging is that we can encourage each other, right her in this little online space, from wherever we are, no need to even put on make-up or brush our hair. So please, leave Liz some love in the comments!

PS- Loving Liz? Buy her precious book and get to know her better! 
Love much,J

stuff yo

So here are a few things.
1. I got a new-to-me refrigerator. It has a freezer on the bottom. My grandmothers both had freezers on the bottom before it was cool and I have wanted one ever since. It is revolutionary. My in-laws moved to Louisiana last month and ended up with 3 refrigerators. So we got this one. Hurray!

 2. We went to visit said in-laws in Louisiana. I don't know why, maybe it is all those books by Rebbecca Wells that I love. Or maybe it is because one of my most favorite vacations ever was taken in Louisiana, or maybe it is because there seem to be Mother Mary's at every turn. But I love that state. Someday, maybe when I am gray headed and sowing my wild oats at last, I will move there and write fiction.





3. School starts Monday. Yes, we have a short year. Yes, this year it feels particularly short. I don't know why. Maybe it has something to do with the earth's gravitational pull in the future. I am excited to get back the routine, to see all the kids, to learn new things my self. But this year I am hoping to do a little more momma-care. Like going to Water Zumba and the thrift stores. By myself. In the evening. We shall see.
This weekend we have Open House at the school on Saturday and I am hosting a wedding shower (Alice in Wonderland theme!) Sunday. After I recover from all that, plus the first day of school, I promise to be a better blogger!Thank you for sticking around.
much loveJ