capturing

Together we go out and capture the world
Each catching things the other didn't see
A new angel
A different perspective
A site that was just around the corner that the other didn't turn down

It amazes me to see the beauty that we each capture
How different our views of the same place are
I go for the details
He dives into the bigger picture
Together we bring home something unique to ourselves

The world is an expansive space
Each of us finding our own way in it
Navigating, capturing, seeking, and finding
The roads we take are filled with possibility

The wheels in my head are spinning.  This may be the start to a little collaborative project between him and I.  Seeing what the other didn't see and sharing it here.  Hmm.  We shall see where this goes.

postcard from the road

letters across the miles

Dear Kristine

,

Happy Tuesday and almost Fourth of July!  I cannot believe that the fourth is already upon us.  Summertime always seems to fly by in a blink of an eye.  Do you have any plans for the Holiday weekend?  I absolutly love fireworks.  I am not sure where we will be seeing them, but am looking forward to the brillant colors in the sky. 

I love that you have been adding to your photography portfolio since you started working in Providence.  It is wonder that you are embracing your surroundings and really soaking them up.  All to often we run from one thing to the next, never really taking the time appreciate it.  But here you are, soaking it all in.  Fantastic! 

I took a big leap and opened the doors to my

Etsy shop

for the first time.  I can't belive I did but am so proud of myself for just doing it.  My writing, blog, photography, and work has all evolved so organically.  I love that.  Opening the Etsy shop felt like the next right step to take.  I am not sure where it will lead but am excited to see the path it opens me up to. 

When I was in high school I ran Cross Country and track, running the mile, half mile, and two mile.  Belthoff's do not have much speed so we have to stick to the distance events.  You should see my brothers run to first base when they play softball.   It is like they are running in slow motion. 

What I like about running is that it pushes my mind.  I know my body can make it up the hill, but it is my mind that is the challenge.  All it ever says to me is: "I want to stop, I want to stop."  But I must keep my legs moving and make it to the top.  It feels so good when I push through. 

I enjoy riding my bicycle more.  When I am on my bike my mind never even thinks the thought of stopping.  There is to much territory to explore.  To many new sites to see.  I want to peddle as far as I have time for.

I love excercising.  Moving my body, stretching my muscles, climbing higher than I thought I could go.  Excercise is such an amazing healer for the mind, body, and spirit.  I try to excercise five days a week but do not always get the chance. When I don't I feel it in me.  I become a bit sluggish, irritable, and craving the movment.  That is when I pick myself up and go for a walk.  Even a walk around the block refreshes me. 

I hope you have been enjoying your summer.  Please tell me what adventures you have been up to, what feeds your soul, and where you want to go to next. 

Sending lots of love your way from NJ!

xo

Jennifer

{10}

shop

You can find some some fabulous things made my me over on Etsy and Society 6.  Just click on the links below to check them out.

Click on the image to be taken to my Etsy Shop

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Click on the image to be taken to my Society 6 Shop

guest post :: Michelle GD

::

Michelle GD

is pure magic!  I am so honored to have her Guest Posting here.  She has been one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Love Notes Post Card Project.  Her constant love and encouragement lifts me up and reminds me how important it is for individuals to connect with one another.  I was blown away when someone very close to her also wanted to participate in the Love Notes project along side her, but I will let her tell you that story.  You can find Michelle over at

www.michellegd.com

  and over on instagram @michelle_gd :: 

this is my third round of the love notes post card project with

jennifer

.  and I am not shy in telling you that I adore this project!  often, as I am working through jennifer's prompts and finding my way into the words i want to share with my buddy, i end up exploring word and thoughts that hold significance for me as well.  it's fun and lighthearted, but it's also somewhat meditative and sometimes healing.

and do you know what else i love about this project?  my eight-year-old daughter likes to join in with me.  for each round, she has sent her own notes to my (our) buddy.  sometimes she works off the theme (and, when she does, her words are so refreshing) and sometimes she tells our buddy: " you rock!".  but i love that she shows up to participate.  jennifer and

melissa

(my partner last round) were both so fantastic and mailed special love notes to my daughter; it was no surprise that she was over-the-moon excited to receive her own love notes.  so, jennifer and melissa, i thank you.

i also thank jennifer for creating and coordinating this project.  and i thank all of you for participating.  because everyone loves a little snail mail now and then.  and we all deserve the extra love.

love to you all,

michelle

fearless

There was a sense of hesitancy in her before she went back stage
I wasn't sure if she would dance or hide in the background
If I was her, I may have choosen the back ground
But she was FEARLESS

She got up there with confidence
I saw her bravely step into the moment
The light was on, and she shined
I was in awe

There was no second thought
No hesitancy
It was just her, in the moment
Dancing

Remember when you didn't have that fear of what others thought?
Remember when you let loose, had fun, and just did it for the sake of doing it?
That is where she was
In the moment

Oh how I wish I could get back to that mind
The mind of believing in myself
Of letting go
Of not caring what others thought

She has it
And my hope is that she holds onto it for as long as she can
Because it is magic
And it is light

It is how we should all be
Dancing to the beat of our own drum
Letting go
And having the music guide us