jules and juniper

There are no words to fully convey the convergence of art, music, place, time, people, humor and warm sentiments that was last night for me.

Michael Harris’s goodbye party for his space at King’s Court, SE was host to the Child Ballads, art by Chandi Kelley (Project Dispatch) and performance art by James Magnum.

The Child Ballads performance last night was nothing short of historic and magical. Poetry and charm, and music good enough to be called great. Stewart Lupton entertained as much with his banter and the curious demeanor of a genius as he did with his singing and playing. Running into him later at an unrelated house party he spoke of a special show on January 2nd which would mark and end of sorts to the perfection (not his words) that is the Childballads, at least in it’s current manifestation. I’ll post details if I should be lucky enough to come across them. My friend and I felt very much a part of the events of last night resulting in such gems as “jazz cigarettes” and a spur of the moment reference to me as “the girl with the white carnation.”

The performance art combined a glossy red mannequin with duct tape, gummy bears and a strikingly realistic dildo. The performance was interesting and though I have limited knowledge of such things (yoko ono) I found it compelling, entertaining and bizarre – in other words, good. If he’s doing a performance again somewhere, sometime, I’d like to be there.

All of this was complimented by excellent company. A house party with similarly awesome serendipity followed and then delightful conversation at a diner in boys town. Sometimes life is like a movie, a really good movie, and last night was that for me.

Listening to the Child Ballads EP today (which I got in a trade with Stewart) and pondering warm memories of yesterday…

Friends are the family that we choose…

I see many of you often, and some of you less than I would like, but hopefully, you know who you are and you know how much you mean to me. If I could have anything, I would wish to have all of you together in the woods for a picnic! (just like this Time LIFE photo…)

Let’s take this week to focus on the things in my life that I am thankful for…

My CrossFit community provides so much more than health and fitness. We truly are a community and our coaches care about us as people, not just as athletes. My teammates and coaches are also my friends and because we share values with regards to fitness and wellbeing, they understand me in ways that no one else can. CrossFit is one of those magical things in my life that I couldn’t imagine living without.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends at 1469 Church St.

Big chest! 3-2-1 GO! etc etc….

from the Time LIFE archives

It’s no secret that my heart has seen better days. What music do you listen to for a broken heart? I’ve been trying lots of new (old) music over the past few weeks. The idea being that I can mark this transition in my life and hopefully provide myself a little comfort. My goal this time around is bittersweet and life-affirming, in other words, happy break up songs. Well, Dion sir, you are just the prescription for me today.

I want these sooooo bad. Not $252 bad, but pretty gosh darn bad… *hint, hint*

Celebrating tonight with family and friends. If you can’t make the opening, the Exhibition runs through Dec 13.

<3,

jennifer

1905 9th ST NW

I’ve had plenty to be sad about over the past couple of weeks. All the adjusting has left me drained – lately I’d rather stay in bed and watch 30 Rock (thank god for 30 Rock) than be out socializing with people who all seem so much happier than me…

by lindsay <3

So,  it’s extra nice when I get to take a break from my mildly disastrous personal life to dwell in the warm glow of my successes and those of my friends. Eventually my mind wanders back to my broken heart, but always with that extra bit of energy and faith that I need to work my way back to being the happy, confident, positive and productive person I used to be.

On that note, see Lindsay’s photos from the opening at SOVA, here. The photo above is a soon to be classic “Jenn taking over the world” pose/outfit/expression.

Meet me (and hug me and high-five me) at the opening for the Corcoran CE 2009 Juried Exhibition this Thursday night (6-8 pm).  Or see the works on display from Nov 18 through Dec 13 at Gallery 31.

Then, come out to SOVA on Friday for Matt’s cd release show. Elizabeth will be doing live illustrations. I’ll be selling jewelry. We’ll  be drinking red wine and talking about how we have the same heart and will always be there for each other. All this with Matt and other musicians so talented they’ll make you want to cry, hug your best friend, call your 8th grade crush… etc. If you’re lucky, a little of the creative love will rub off on you and make you want to start that project you’re always talking about but never actually doing.

Thank you to my friends and family, for listening and encouraging and supporting me and for just plain showing up to all of my events because you know how much it means to me to have you there.