JO Blog

Why do we sometimes have to slow down enough to realize how richly we have been blessed? This thankfulness can come from reading about a stranger that has lost a loved one, hearing about a friend that just lost their job, seeing a homeless man at a stoplight. Sometimes it even comes in the midst […]

We are finally able to offer prints of some of my original art! Just in time for gift giving (or even for yourself). Each print will come signed and titled. I know we are all busy either getting ready to travel or to have family and friends over for Thanksgiving. I wait until the last […]

This weekend only..starting now (it is the weekend already right?) I am offering FREE SHIPPING on everything in my shop. You have all blessed me with my new line being such a huge success and I wanted to bless you right back. I have more suprises coming up in the shop…but you will just have […]

I have to tell you the truth…this post was hilarious for me. I don't ever take photos of me before I head out……seriously…who does? My kids didn't know what was going on. I had to keep calling for one of them to bring me my camera. When the weekend came my husband was curious what […]

I am one of the guest bloggers that you will find over at the Flea Market Style blog over the next few months. If you are a fan of Flea Market Style Magazine (the first one blew me away) you will want to become a follower of the blog too. Head on over and tell […]

When I am in need of a flea market fix I go immediately to The Barn here in Castle Rock. It is literally an old barn. Each old stall is a shop. Beautiful shops.   Shops full of vintage treasures and many new things too. These women are gifted in their styling abilities. I love […]

I have to admit to you that I was a little nervous thinking about choosing five winners out of all the amazing women who entered.   I remember how I felt when I was just starting out and someone featured my blog. I was so thankful…I felt so blessed. I still am. I am glad […]

All the leaves are gone now. The beautiful colors of fall have now led to our first snow. I was recently asked to take some family photos of our neighbors.   We were lucky enough to catch some of the last colors of fall in this shoot. (He posed himself…how cute is that?? What a […]

My reading habits have changed over the years. I used to have to finish a book…no matter how bad it was. It bothered me to have spent all that time and then not finish it. Now, I may not finish a GOOD book! I used to only read one book at a time. I couldn't […]

One of the best parts about my creative life is watching other creative women soar! I count one of my blessings is having such inspiring and encouraging friends. It is always my pleasure when I can encourage them right back. Jennifer Rizzo is one of THE most creative people I know. She can look at […]

It is easy to walk into a store like Anthropologie and want to buy everything in site….even when your wallet is empty. The music, scent, art, lighting, vintage statement pieces…and that is even before you see the clothes, shoes, tea towels and bedding. (just got this) (dreaming of this) They have me at hello! The […]

I grew up in a really small, rural town. When I was young we would head to the Ben Franklin and buy the gum cigarettes. Neither of my parents smoked so I don't even know why we thought it was cool. So, here I was around 10 walking around town blowing candy dust through my […]

When I was just starting out I was so blessed by many women that had gone before me and they gave me their knowledge so willingly and openly. When I would come across someone that didn't want to share information ( I am not talking about a trade secret ..just basic information) I promised myself […]

  Last week Benjamin and I took a little walk to scout out a location for a family photo shoot I was doing.   Sometimes I don't realize how little time Kelly and I get alone with each of them. When we have that time alone with one of the children I love it.   […]

OK…before you see the weirdest photo of me I would like to explain. I don't know if it will do any good but I want to try! Last year when I went to Brave Girl Camp they made the most awesome caramel corn. SERIOUSLY AMAZING!!! I made it a few times around Christmas and everyone […]

I am very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly amazing women. One of the many benefits of this creative world I have the privilege of being a part of is watching everyone's creative journey. Every once in awhile I want to introduce you to my creative friends and their art. Today I would like you […]

I get a regular stream of emails asking questions about running a small business, Etsy and other shop questions so I thought it was time to have a post every once in awhile about….The Shop. One of the things that has always been important to me as a shop owner is to present my items […]

Because I have been so busy getting the new line out I have not had a chance to share with you about Brave Girl Camp. If you have been following my blog for awhile you know that I went to BGC a year ago and what an amazing impact it had on me. You can […]

Tomorrow at 8 am MST my new collection, The French Brocante, will be available. I can't wait to show you!!  

  I know you are probably waiting for my post on Brave Girl Camp. Sorry…I haven't even uploaded the photos.  Serious. You are probably waiting to see a little sneak peek of my new line coming on MONDAY:-) Sorry…that would require me being ahead of schedule and that doesn't usually happen. As you can imagine […]

listening: the music from my blog eating: nothing drinking: hours old latte from Starbucks wearing: pajama pants, tank and a sweatshirt…hot! feeling: content weather: cool fall evening wanting: all my Brave Girl sisters around me needing: to finish my winter collection thinking: about the women I know that are hurting and wishing I could carry […]

My love story began like so many….in a bar:-) OK…it was a restaurant too…which my mom always likes to remind people. I was sitting at the bar with some girlfriends. The most handsome of boys walked in with a group of people. I leaned over to my friends and whispered, "I would like you to […]

  If you live in the Chicago area I encourage you to take a drive this weekend and enjoy the prettiest of barn sales. My friend Anne Marie will be having her annual barn sale with talented vendors from around the area. Everything Anne Marie does is so full of detail that I know you […]