Jenn's Life

Moments of Grace

2005-11-28T14:52:00.000-05:00

Feeling really happy these days.... It's not a total excitement type of happy
but feeling so lucky to have these moments of grace fill each day. I
notice when I am ready to sleep each night and I take a moment to look back at
my day how content I feel. I think it's the first time in a really long
time I feel like I can actually say to myself I am where I am supposed to
be. It feels really great.
Feeling lucky for Lily. For her
love of family and home. Our basement is now painted and decorated so
pretty thanks to her. For the moments we can share together in a room not
speaking and feeling completely close. For my sweet kitties. How I am
enjoying their kitty spirits. Early loves to sit next to my computer while
I work. I love her orange body watching me work. It makes working so
much easier! And Early, who knew being woken up each night at three to
give you love would make me so happy. For hearing my nieces still speak
about me even though I am not able to speak to them. For family and
friends who made missing my first Thanksgiving away from Phoenix not so
hard. The calls and emails helped so much. I felt really loved
and I needed it.
I know that on Thursday we all took a moment to say what we
were thankful for, but for me it's these special moments that happen each day I
most thankful for.

Studio Friday... very late....

2005-11-13T16:16:00.000-05:00

This weeks topic for Studio Friday was "All Things Round." I remember writing to Tine earlier this week saying how I've really missed being part of Studio Friday. I've been working two jobs so finding some free time isn't always easy. I was thinking how much I wanted to be a part of this weeks topic but as I told Tine I just don't have anything round in my studio. Today while reading some of the other wonderful entries it hit me. Sitting right in front of me is in fact two round coffee cups full of round coins! So here is my entery... I know it's late but it feels great to be a part of this again.

See the other inspiring Studio Friday entries here...

http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/

How Sweet Is This!

2005-11-09T19:47:00.000-05:00

This is Birdie sleeping with Ben in the kitchen. I love how Ben hates it but has decided to be nice and be a daddy to the new babies. How can you not love it!

New Addition

2005-11-08T14:27:00.000-05:00

Meet Birdie and Early....

These two sweet babies are the new addition to our family. Birdie is the boy. He's the dark one. Early is our sweet new little orange girl. We got them three weeks ago and our house hasn't been the same since. I can't get over how sweet they are. So much curiousosity and life inside these two little ones. I am also so surprised at how much love they have. Early makes sure to clean Birdie each night before they sleep, it's quite sweet. Birdie makes sure to wake me each night at three in the morning for some special love. It's our special time together and he never misses a night. Our two Labs and our other cat seem to be doing really well with the new babies. I've even caught Early cleaning the dogs faces a few times!

1st Fall In Erie

2005-11-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

Funny how beautiful I found the changing of the leaves to be until.... I spent four hours cleaning leaves out of my yard that doesn't look a thing like it's been cleaned at all!

Sweet Smellin'

2005-09-26T17:33:00.000-04:00

I had this amazing weekend. A weekend where I constantly stopped to say thank you God, I am so blessed.

Highlights of my weekend are:

Driving through wine country where there were so many grapes the air smelled like grape jelly for miles and miles.

Watching my one and only dahlia finally bloom. The colors have continued to change the more open it gets. Today it's peach on the outside and pale yellow on the inside. It is stunning.

Decorating my yard with Connie for Halloween. A lot of laughs and a lot of fun.

Sitting outside my house in the back yard and thinking to myself I can't imagine being in any other place right now. The weather was so perfect I wished it would never end. I felt truly present and happy.

Keith

2005-09-21T20:55:00.000-04:00

This is Keith and I a few weeks ago celebrating his 30th year. I know I've not posted in so long but tonight I saw this picture and wanted to say how happy I am to be here in Erie where I can help celebrate the 30th year of this great guy. I feel so lucky to have in-laws I like so much.

Keith, I'm so glad I am getting to know you. I hope your entire 30th year is as great as the last few weeks have been for you. Happy Birthday.

ps. Click the photo to see my necklace. It's a superhero design. (www.superherodesigns.com) It was given to me as a gift of "faith." I wear it often and just as I was told when it was given to me I remember how much I am loved in this world. Thank you Andrea.

Chalk Art

2005-08-28T19:20:00.000-04:00

Chalk Art (Celebrate Erie)

Last weekend was Celebrate Erie. I wasn't really feeling the need to celebrate Erie. I've been feeling so lonely for Phoenix which was working against Erie in a big way. With a little persuading Connie talked me into going. I'm really glad I went. As I downloaded pictures today I thought to myself how last weekend walking through downtown Erie with the streets closed and lined with blocks and blocks of amazing chalk art I felt a part of the city. I didn't feel like I was visiting or just checking things out. I actually felt like it was part of me. I think this is a really big step for me. I realize yet again when I am free and truly living in the moment how apart of everything I feel, and it feels pretty darn great.

Colors

2005-08-24T20:09:00.000-04:00

Colors

I seem to have some sort of bug... I've not been feeling not so hot for almost three entire weeks. I can't seem to get enough sleep and I've been feeling so blah that nothing tastes good and nothing sounds good either. This weekend I tried to do anything I could outside in hopes of getting me out of this funk. I found amazing flowers all around Erie and I just couldn't get enough of them. I thought to myself this morning as I was feeling the cool air for the first time this summer how lucky I've been this summer experiencing so much color and life. I am so glad I've got these great pictures. I think they will help carry my through the winter.

Studio Friday's "Positive Space"

2005-08-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

Positive Space

This is my favorite space in my studio. It's the window right next to my desk. I've loved having this window so close. Often I watch the wind, birds or even squirrels playing while sitting at my desk. I love to watch the rain fall from this window, it's one of my favorite spots to watch storms. Sitting on this window are two mugs my best friend gave me from trips she has taken, a bear daisy vase and snowman candle my mother sent me. I placed these items in this window so I would think about Phoenix and two of my favorite people each time I look up. This spot is by far my most positive one in my studio.

To see more from Studio Friday go here....

http://www.tinesparkles.squarespace.com/

My Five Idiosyncrasies

2005-08-12T07:23:00.000-04:00

Biltmore Estates Garden Statue

On Andrea's website http://www.superherodesigns.com/journal/ she asked us to list five idiosyncrasies we have. These are mine.

1. I always put toothpaste on my toothbrush and then just hold the toothbrush in my mouth while walking around the house. I seem to do this for about five minutes then I actually brush my teeth. Connie says I take longer to brush my teeth than anyone she's ever met.

2. I can not sit at my computer without turning music on. No matter how long I am going to be sitting, I turn my radio on. Even if I sit for two minutes.

3. I can not get onto any exercise machine at my gym no matter what machine or where it is located at the gym from the left. I have to get on, or off from the right.

4. I hate, hate, hate to drive if someone else is in the car with me, even Connie.

5. I absolutely have to subscribe to our local paper but I never read it. Not ever.

Baby Oh Baby!

2005-08-09T20:15:00.000-04:00

Connie in Las Vegas

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities, or pride, so I love you because I know no other way way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that you your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Pablo Neruda

You came into my life four years ago darling. I wasn't looking for you, for a relationship, or even a free drink. Yet you came, you fought for us, you were patient and here we are four years later loving every day together. We've had hard times, we've had our fights, we've had our moments of having to stop and remember why we got together in the first place. We've also had our fun trips, our great conversations, our amazing wedding and so much fun and laughter. These amazing times with you have made the last four years of my life such an adventure. I've learned, I've been challenged and I've also loved in a way I never knew was possible. I promise I will love you when it's easy and I will love you when it's hard because you help me be the person I am meant to be. You have helped me grow so much more than I ever thought possible. For that I will love you always. Thank you sweet girl for the best four of my life so far, I can't wait to see what the rest of my life with you will be like. I love you.

Notes

2005-08-05T09:42:00.000-04:00

Studio Friday

Studio Friday's "Sketchbook/Notebook"

These days I'm using only one notebook.... I got it at Target for less than $3 and I love it. This notebook has become something I write in, or color in with my favorite colored pencils each night before I go to sleep. I always try to write at least three things I am grateful for that day. Doing this always seems to turn my opinion of the day right around no matter how stressful my day was. The past year has been so busy and stressful that I had really gotten away from journaling but this cute little notebook has helped me get back into it.

To see more of Studio Friday, click here...

http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/studio-friday/

Summer

2005-08-04T19:46:00.000-04:00

Since moving to Erie I've found this new appreciation for Summer. Winter is so close, too close. I know it's coming and what's funny about it is it has really made me more aware of summer. It's made me go outside and do nothing but stand in the sun, watch my garden, take the dogs to the beach, or just stand in my drive way and feel the warmth. Today was hot, humid and I was sweating each time I went outside yet I kept thinking to myself how wonderful this summer air is. This air feels so good on my skin, this sun feels so good to me. I went to the farmer's market held each Thursday and I thought how great it was to see so many people out and about. When I lived in Arizona I never went outside from June until October, it was just too hot. Now, I am outside each day and I think, WOW I've been missing so much. I know that I keep writing about this but I can't help noticing how blessed I am these days and I think to myself how did I get so lucky!

Erie Beach

2005-08-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

Erie Beach

Yesterday Connie and I went to the Beach here. We've not been since the weather became warm. I know, we have this amazing beach here and we never go. Well, we did finally yesterday. I have to say it was pretty perfect. The temperature was nice, not hot. The sun was just starting to set. The water was warm, Connie actually walked in it with me and she hates the water. The wind wasn't going to fast. We sat for an hour and I watched a sailboat going by, a seagull play in the tide, a mother and father with their new baby girl, and I watched the sun shine off the water. I felt like God was telling to stop and pay attention, to notice all these beautiful things around me. It was like I was being given little reminders as to why I am so blessed and I did notice. I was still and I soaked it all in. It was only an hour, but it was just enough time for me to remember why I am so lucky. I couldn't have asked for a better Sunday evening.

Studio Friday "Playtime"

2005-07-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

Studio Friday's Playtime

This week the topic for Studio Friday was "playtime." Tine encouraged us to go through an old box or drawer to see what we could find. I thought about this for three days... Finally I decided I would unpack one of the five boxes in my office closet. Well, I didn't get very far. The first thing I took out of that box were these stamps and these colored pencils. I had bought them in Arizona and I had never used them. I decided this was a sign and I spent the afternoon making cards to send to friends and family. What a great Studio Friday this turned out to be.

To see more entries go here....

http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/journal/

Lovin'

2005-07-26T16:21:00.000-04:00

Our 1st zucchini

These days I'm lovin' us being able to eat food we actually grew ourselves. This was our first garden, Phoenix was always too hot. We've had so much fun planting, weeding and watching everything bloom. These days I see a rabbit in my garden every single time I go into it. It's really hard for me to get upset. I figure if there's anything left over, we'll take it! Today I had the pleasure of eating a salad where I had grown everything in it. The lettuce, tomatoes, and the cucumber. I must say... It was simple but the best salad ever!

This garden has been really therapeutic for me. I think I'm learning patience and stillness. Each day I go into my garden and just stand, no movement. I think how I am so blessed. I am lucky enough to own my own home where I have a yard I can grow my own food. I look at the trees, and the new vegetables growing, my dogs always close by and curious why I get to go into this spot they are kept out of and I thank God for everything I have.

How lucky am I....

Happy Birthday Gregory

2005-07-24T12:44:00.000-04:00

This is my nephew Gregory and my niece Cate. This picture was taken so many years ago but it's still my favorite. I keep it in my office so I can see and think of them often.

My nephew is 10 today!

As I stop today to look at him I am reminded of what a great kid he is. Each time I see him I am so impressed at what a great brother he is, so protective of his two younger sisters. I love his curiosity, it always makes me want to learn and discover new things. I love his gentle spirit, so large now yet still so gentle.

I love you Gregory. I wish we were together today. I will celebrate you all day my sweet little man.

Love,

Aunt Jenny

Studio Friday's Prize Possession

2005-07-22T21:53:00.000-04:00

I've missed the past two studio Fridays from dealing with the death of my cat. I am back now, I've missed taking part each week.

This week we were asked to show our "Prize Possessions." Immediately when I read this I knew what to photograph. These are my grandmother's cats.

My grandmother passed away four years ago. These cats are what was left of her collection of over 2,000 cat pieces. My grandmother had Alzheimers and when she got really sick she sold or broke most of the pieces she had been collecting over her entire life span. When my grandfather passed away a year later my Dad and I found these last pieces. We thought they were all gone. My Dad gave them to me and I've treasured them every since.

I keep these cats in my studio to remind myself of my family.

To see more studio Friday entries visit:
http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/

Faith

2005-07-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

Cross in Oklahoma
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

I don't always understand why things happen the way they do. Sometimes I don't even care but other times I drive myself crazy trying to figure it out. It's been one week since we lost our sweet Scully. I was angry for days. Angry because she was only ten. Ten is too young to go. Today, I had a shift. Today, because of wonderful people in my life I am reminded we don't always understand why things happen but if we have faith and we trust we will learn what lessons are meant for us. So today I say thank you God. Thank you for Scully. Thank you for allowing Connie to know her for ten years and for allowing me to know her for four years. Thank you for the four other animals I still have at home with me. They bring us so much love and joy. And thank you God for the people in my life, they have reminded me to have faith...

Healing

2005-07-19T11:42:00.000-04:00

creek flowers
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

I think I am doing better than last week, though it's been a hard few days for Connie and I. We've been hit pretty hard by our little Scully's death. We are trying to pick up the pieces and move forward. We realize our lives will never be the same, but we don't dwell on that. We've been trying to remember to celebrate our sweet girl and thank her for touching our lives for so long.

Scully's White and Pink Belly

2005-07-14T14:45:00.000-04:00

I love this picture of Scully... you can see the pink under all that white hair. You can also see how pink the tip of her nose is.

Our Scully didn't make it. We lost her today. We will miss her sweet soft feet, her pink belly and her sweet pink bunny nose.

We love you sweet girl....

Scully

2005-07-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

This is our little Scully
We call her bunny face.
She's really sick right now. Our vet said to pray she makes it through the night. Pray everyone, we love our Scully. It's been 10 years and we aren't ready to let her go. We taught each other 'kiss therapy." I still need more of this sweet girl, not ready to let her go.

U.S. Flag

2005-07-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

Flag
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

I reach out to all of the people in London. They have supported us a great deal, now it's our turn to lend support.

I pray for peace tonight in everyone's mind and in everyone's heart.

4th of July, 2005

2005-07-05T11:26:00.000-04:00

I had an Explosive Weekend!
Yes, it was that good.

Kick ball
Laughing
Jello-shots
Perfect Weather
Great "chocolate dip"
kids with sparklers
cards, yatzee and poker
cool movie
a great martini
fireworks

It's been so hard today to get back into the grind of thing after such a perfect weekend. At least I have the memories and the pictures. You can see more of them here...

www.flickr.com/photos/jennshiggins

2005-07-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

Happy July 4th Everyone!

Lettuce From Our 1st Garden

2005-07-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

For the past few days I've been feeling like a teenager again. We are going to a big family picnic today. My job was to make, veggie trays, cheese and cracker trays, cupcakes and jello shots. That's right, jello shots.
Off to be a kid for a day...

Studio Friday

2005-07-01T11:52:00.000-04:00

Studio Friday's Theme is talisman/mascot

This clown was given to me by my grandmother. It's the only birthday gift I ever received from her. All my life she was sick with Alzheimers and Parkinson disease so sometimes she remembered us, but most of the time not. One year (age six I think) I got a birthday gift in the mail from her. It was this clown. I've had him out every since. I don't actually like clowns. I have always thought they were scary and creepy, but not this one. Each time I see it I think of grandma Lucille.

You can see more from Studio Friday here....
http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/journal

Garden Entry, Biltmore Estates

2005-06-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

Garden Entry, Biltmore Estates
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

Off to a journey of sorts....
My first violin lesson is today. I am scared and excited all at once. It feels like the fist day of school all over again. I must not let fear stop me, I will use it to push me into places more free than ever before.

Jug, Old Tucson

2005-06-29T12:29:00.000-04:00

Jug, Old Tucson
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

Off to see the city today, camera in hand of course!

Names

2005-06-26T18:53:00.000-04:00

I never liked my name. It was so popular and no matter where I go, what grade I was in, there is always, always another Jennifer. Learning to be okay with having such a common name wasn't easy for years. I finally just said screw it, this is who I am. It helps make me well, me.
I Found this info interesting....
Found it on http://www.namestatistics.com/
Jennifer is the #6 most common female name. 0.932% of females in the US are named Jennifer. Around 1188300 US females are named Jennifer!
Higgins is the #370 most common last name. 0.03% of last names in the US are Higgins. Around 75000 US last names are Higgins!

Process...

2005-06-25T17:02:00.000-04:00

Bean Seeds

It's been a hard week for me. A co-worker of mine passed away and my work has been exceptionally partially because of it and partially because it is my busiest time of month. I made a point to go to the gym every day, even when I didn't want to because I have found that working out does in fact help stress. (I had heard this before but never believed it) What I've noticed since I've moved to Erie, is each time I get stressed or upset I start really missing Phoenix.

I woke up in a funk today and on the way back from the grocery store today cried in the car because I was actually aching for home. Then, like always, I got mad at myself for missing Phoenix. I've been thinking about this all afternoon....

What I think was bothering me so much is I don't yet feel Erie is my home and when I am upset, or stressed I am missing the feeling of a place where I can allow myself to be stressed or upset. I keep thinking when is Erie going to feel like home, when is this city going to feel like home.

I realized today I am waiting for a definitive moment that might not ever come. It's a process... Moving, change, growth, all of it is a process. If I am always waiting, and seeking that moment I am not being present to my life and to the moment.

I have the feeling that Phoenix will always have a chunk of me and that will never change. I also think the more I do allow myself to feel, and to really be me here in Erie I will be surprised at how easy this place will start to feel like home.

Studio Friday - Part Two

2005-06-23T23:41:00.001-04:00

These Are Fun in a Bucket!

Studio Friday Part One

2005-06-23T23:41:00.000-04:00

Studio Friday

This was made my these (see pic below).

This is my Studio Friday "Playtime N' Action"

See more entries here...

http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/

Brenda

2005-06-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

" In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
Martin Luther King Jr.

Brenda,

Today I read this quote and thought of you...

I will miss you and think of you often.

Jenn

My Dad, Biltmore Estates, N.C.

2005-06-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

Dad,

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

You've taught me so much,
I can't imagine having anyone else for a father
I'm so glad you are in my life
I love you with all my heart

Card Stock-Studio Friday

2005-06-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

This is my entry for "Studio Friday" Collection is the subject. I've got so many pieces of multi-colored card stock in my office because I scrapbook. You can walk in any day and see a collection of colors surrounding my studio/office.

See more 'Studio Friday" links here...
http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/

Happy 37th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2005-06-15T00:59:00.000-04:00

These are my parents. June 15th is their 37th wedding anniversary. That's right, 37 years. My mother was about to start her senior year in high school when she married my dad who was in the air force at the time. They waited six years to start a family. People kept asking them why they didn't have kids, what were they waiting on? Why wait everyone asked? They waited because they were in love and wanted to spend time together before having kids. They were so in love. I can't remember a time when we drove in the car as children and they weren't holding hands. 37 years ago they made vows to each other and they still feel the same way. They still hold hands, play songs that reminds them of each other, sit next to each other on the couch when watching TV. They still listen to the "oldies" channel on the radio and sing together in the car.
My parents, 37 years and counting... Way to go you two. Way to go!

Gratitude

2005-06-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

Feeling thankful for so much these days....

For the weather, as muggy as it is, the sun is still out
For the new garden, it's become something really nice for Connie and I to do together
For the roses we didn't know were there, so pretty in my office
For my dogs, they sleep at my feet while I work and make me not so lonely
For my new gym, the women are nice and I don't feel out of place
For my wife, she knows when I need a little extra love even when I don't ask for it
For my in-laws, I feel lucky to live by people I enjoy so much

Mexican Fountain- Los Dos, Arizona

2005-06-09T13:12:00.000-04:00

Last night I was dreaming of a restaurant I used to go to weekly in Phoenix. They made the best Mexican Food and had the best Margaritas I've ever had! This fountain is just one of the many colorful decorations you might find there. One of the hardest parts about moving to Erie has been the change of culinary culture. I miss eating at my favorite restaurants, seeing the people I always saw there, tasting the foods I fell in love with.

Higgins Cemetery, North Carolina

2005-06-08T12:22:00.000-04:00

Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace within the storm...

I have this quote on a magnet and today is one of those days where I need to read it over and over again.
I need to remember to just be still, to live and the answers always come....

Weeds

2005-06-07T15:46:00.000-04:00

Pretty Weeds
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

One of the things I've really liked about being here in Erie is our yard. I've never had a yard full of trees, flowers, plants and even weeds of my own before. Connie and I spend a lot of time together with the dogs working in the yard. Today, we started to put our first garden in, we watch a blue-jay watch us and watched the robbins get excited over the worms we exposed for them. It was a beautiful morning...

Polka King

2005-06-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

This Sunday's adventure took us to a small town in Ohio named Geneva on the Lake. This was another small "beach" town on Lake Erie. We spent the day playing arcade games, slowly putting our feet into the cold lake water then running away laughing from the shock of the water, trying some not so good wine at a local vineyard, then drinking it anyway, drinking sweet cherry wine coolers that were so refreshing in the hot sun and listening to this man. This is the polka king. No real name, just Polka King. Said he's played over 11,000 songs in public and allows no pictures. He's too famous he says. I asked him if I could please photograph him, as he added such delight to our meal and wine coolers. His response to me was "I'll allow you to sneak one, but only one." Thanks Polka King....

2005-06-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

Off on another suprise Sunday adventure..... can't wait to see where we go this week.

Findley Lake

2005-06-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday on our excursion we found Findley Lake. It's a smaller lake, surrounded by small cottages and green trees. I fell in love instantly. It just felt so cozy and instantly relaxing. The great part is this beautiful lake is only 20 miles from our house. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. We plan to go in August for our anniversary and I'm counting the days already. Funny how a place you've spent only an hour or so in can instantly take your heart....

Studio Friday "Ugliest Thing"

2005-06-03T18:16:00.000-04:00

unfortunately my studio has to be used as my office as well. I work from home and my house isn't large enough for me to have both a studio and an office. No matter when you stop by you will always find a stack of papers on my desk. I used to have paper everywhere. At least it's all in one spot now.

You can see the other entries for Studio Friday here...
http://tinesparkles.squarespace.com/

Hoover Damn

2005-06-03T10:29:00.000-04:00

Hoover Damn
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

Five new things about me since I moved to Erie....

1. Just started working out. I've got sore spots on my body I never knew I had before

2. Making my first scrapbook. I'm completely addicted.

3. I am about to start violin lessons and I'm totally nervous! I feel like the first day of school is coming and I'm the new kid. Don't miss that feeling at all!

4. I am learning how to knit. I've joined a group called "Chicks with Sticks." I really love it.

5. I'm completely addicted to my IPod. I bought myself one as a birthday gift. Little did I know I'd have it on all the time. I work from home. It's totally addicting...

Lucy

2005-06-02T12:30:00.001-04:00

Lucy In Jamestown, NY

Took a drive Sunday to explore the new area we live in. Connie looked at a map and chose Jamestown, NY. The town was only 55 miles away. Little did we know Jamestown is the birthplace of Lucille Ball. We just happened to show up the one time of year the town throws the annual Lucy days. What an adventure our day turned out to be.

Surprise Dahlia

2005-06-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

Dahlia Bud

Excited to see my first dahlia coming up. My partner planted them for me as a surprise while I was away visiting my parents in Arizona. They have become my favorite flowers thanks to the amazingly talented photographer Andrea Scher. You can see why I love them so much here www.superherodesigns.com

Thank you honey for planting these for me. I can't wait to see them bloom!

Happy Birthday Carla

2005-05-30T12:33:00.000-04:00

Carla and me in Las Vegas

Off to a picnic to celebrate a great gal...

Happy Birthday sis in law

Pink Hibiscus

2005-05-28T10:14:00.000-04:00

Pink Hibiscus
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

i beg you.... to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very forign language. don't search for the answers, which could not be given you now, because you would not be able to live them. and the point is, to live everything. live the questions now. perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without ever noticing it, live your way into the answer....

rainer maria rilke

This is one of my favorite quotes....

I wish everyone a safe and happy 3 day weekend!

Old Tucson, Tucson, Arizona

2005-05-27T15:52:00.000-04:00

Me In Jail

I am missing Arizona today. It's been pulling at my heart all day.
Sometimes when I wake up I can't figure out why a certain thing is on my mind. I think maybe I dreamt about it but can't remember it. This happened this morning with Arizona. I never thought I'd miss a place so much. I miss the people, the friends, the family, but the city too. I miss my city. I miss the desert, the heat, the feel of it.
Does this ache for a place you are no longer in ever go away?

Happy Birthday Dave!

2005-05-25T16:39:00.000-04:00

Dave and Logan, My 29th Birthday Party, 2005

Hey you....

I miss you terribly.
I hate living so far away from you.
I miss our talks.
I miss your constant reminders to be the best me possible.
You are a great man and I am thankful you are in my life.

I love you!

Happy Birthday to you!

My Two Big Boys

2005-05-23T16:40:00.000-04:00

My babies!
Finn and Benny.
The light one is Finn and the red one is Benny.
They are best friends. They have to be together at all times.
They bring so much joy into our lives.
I love them so much and am thankful for them each and every day.

My First Spring

2005-05-18T18:52:00.000-04:00

I've spent the last hour sitting outside listening and watching spring. It sounds crazy but it feels like my first spring ever. In Arizona it never looked or felt like this. I can actually smell spring. I've been watching the light wind blow through the new leaves on the trees. I've been absorbing the beautiful colors that were not there even two weeks ago. I've been spying on two small birds as they build a nest in a bird house the neighbor has set up on their fence. I've just been sitting and all I can think of is Thank you God for such a beautiful earth. Moving to Erie has not been easy at times but today, I feel really lucky I'm here.

Dave & Cactus

2005-05-17T16:12:00.000-04:00

Dave & Cactus
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

Happy 29th Birthday!

I wish for your 29th year to be full of laughter and new discoveries!

My Baby

2005-05-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

My Baby
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

This is my other half. I sort of hate that term yet when I look at her I can't help but believe she is my other half. I never in my life thought I'd find someone who could get me so completly. I don't have to speak and she knows exactly what I'm thinking. I feel understood in a way I never thought I could be. How lucky I am to have such a gift in my life.

Me In Pink

2005-05-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

Me In Pink
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

This is me. I think this photo was taken in January. I think January because I am in a sweater and in AZ where I used to live January was the only time of year I could wear sweaters. My partner Connie made me sit down so she could take this photo. Connie said we needed a picture of me in my favorite jewelry because I wear it all the time. It's true. I do wear it all the time. I think I've owned this necklace and bracelet for two years almost and still each time I put it on I am amazed at how pretty it is. I just love it. If I am feeling sad or just want to feel pretty I put it on. I think they have some sort of magical powers. I always feel great when wearing it. My jewelry was made by the amazingingly talented Andrea Scher. I love her jewelry so much.
Thank you Andrea for creating such lovely necklaces, bracelets and earnings. I can't tell you enough how much I enjoy them.

Hello 29

2005-03-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

I am 29 today.

I've been told by a lot of my friends how hard 29 was for them. I can't say I feel that at all. My 20's were hard. A lot challenges, a lot of regrets that I've had to try and forgive myself for. So much change. A lot of lessons learned the hardest way possible. Turning 30 next year sounds great to me.

I've been spending the last few years learning to let go of my past, be in the moment, trust the not knowing and letting things unfold the way the universe means for them them to unfold.

Today, I will be grateful for every single moment of my 20's.

Hello 29, I welcome you and I am thankful for you.

Front of House

2005-03-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

Front of House
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

This is our new house. In two days I will pack up my three dogs, two cats, and my wife and make the trip from Arizona to Pennsylvania.
I've never lived out side of Arizona. I will turn 29 tomorrow and leave for our new lives in Pennsylvania on Wednesday.
I've having a hard time with this move. Part of me thinks this is exciting. I know people move from state to state, country to country all the time and it isn't a big deal at all. So why am I having such a hard time with all of this change?
My mind tells me change is okay. Change is good. Embrace change. Great things come from change. How do I get my heart to agree with my mind? How do I relax and surrender to the experiences and the lessons that are meant for me?
I think all I can do is go through the motions at this point. I will go through this and hope my heart allows me to understand all of this.

Welcome Sring Welcome

2005-03-20T15:37:00.000-05:00

One great thing about living in Arizona this time of year is the weather. As I go from blog to blog today I read people in far away places telling winter to leave, asking for spring to finally arrive. I wish I could send all of these strangers some of our weather today. Today I am reminded of why I live here. The weather is perfect at 72 f. There is a slight breeze all around and flowers are blooming everywhere. Welcome Sping welcome.

Tine

2005-03-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

Tine
Originally uploaded by jennhiggins.

Happy Birthday Tine!

I wish you a year of love, happiness, laughter and success.

You Rock Sister.

Jenn