Thank you all so, so, so much for your kind notes and words of encouragement lately. Each one has meant so much to me. :)
It has been hard for me to share everything here, and I don’t think it would have been appropriate at the time, but it’s been a very strange and difficult couple of months for me, filled with a lot of challenges coming from what felt like every which way. I thought I was managing it all okay, but the last couple weeks were when I hit my breaking point (Ha! breaking point!). I guess I didn’t really realize how buried I was getting until the holidays and my broken arm forced me to stop for a second and take an emotional inventory? Everyone goes through low points, and I think it’s healthy and important to be really open with loved ones about these things, which I totally failed at this year. I should have asked for help earlier, but it was like I was too busy to feel or something, so when I switched gears for even just a minute, it all came crashing down hard on me. I’m sure many of you have experienced similar emotions. It’s no fun.
Anyway, the good news is today I feel like the fog is beginning to lift. Things are looking up again. I’m feeling hopeful. I’ve decided I want to keep writing this blog and I’ve got some new plans that I’m truly so excited about. I keep having to remind myself that my arm (and my spirits) are still a bit fragile though, so I’m easing into it. :)
Today I was itching to do something creative (and simple enough to do with one good hand). I had been looking around online for a print with some reds in it to fill one of my gallery wall place-holder frames, and I kept coming back to images like this Rothko print. I almost just bought one, but lately I’ve been wanting an excuse to paint something for myself. I didn’t want to paint anything that required thinking or planning or really any technical skill. I just wanted to throw some colors on a piece of paper. (which is exactly what I did and is exactly the opposite of what Rothko did – just to be clear!)
I used cheap acrylic paint from Michaels (which wiped right off my counters when I was done) and white wrapping paper (!!!!) because it was easy to find in my disorganized construction zone of a house, and it was the perfect size already for my frame. I used a ton of paint on this thing and it took basically all day to dry, but I had a great time layering on different colors, and mixing and blending.
I can’t tell you how therapeutic it was to do this little art project today. It felt good to do a project for me, just because I felt like it. And it felt good to be happy enough with the results that I wanted to share the photos with you all.
Also, I know it’s lame to copy a famous artist, but I really love Mark Rothko’s color study paintings, so it feels like a little ode to him rather than a knock off since this is just for personal use. It will likely just be a place holder until I find something more permanent to put in the frame. In the meantime, I’m loving the jolt of energy these bright colors brought into our living room! And I think when I look at it over the coming weeks, I’ll be reminded of some of the hope and clarity I’m starting to feel today.
Thanks again, friends, for your patience and understanding. Big hugs to you all. xoxo
This is fantastic!.. Such a bright a sunny artwork. I'm so glad your resting up and recovering, continue to do so and doing things that you enjoy just because, and not because there is an 'audience'. While I don't (yet) have my own blog I believe it shouldn't be an added pressure but an outlet for your creativity.
Hi J,
Thanks so much for sharing your human face with us.
You are so generous with your ideas, skills and "projects". Yet, we are voracious in our appetite for all things Jenny.
I can only imagine the pressure it puts you under.
Take care of you & yours .
I thoroughly endorse Meegsyie's thoughts.
Wx
Jenny,
Your blog always cheers me up and brings light and happiness into my day. It was the first blog I ever read and is still my favorite on the crowded blogosphere! I hope you feel some of the warmth and positivity you bring into others' lives radiating back to you from your admiring readers! I've broken a shoulder, wrist, and elbow and know how discouraging the recovery can be. Hang in there!
xo, Melissa
It's not lame to copy a master. It's an essential element of an artist's education and a key step in learning to understand and appreciate highly respected works.
Given that Rothko saw his art as a tool for expressing human emotion, and struggled with serious bouts of depression and angst, I'm sure he would be pleased that his work inspired you at a low point in your own life.
What she said!
Welcome Back
Here's to you, Jenny. Your post reminds me of when you said that you were struggling with your move from New York, because the time you spent away from your family was hard and therefore had a special quality to it (paraphrasing here), I'm guessing in part because overcoming the hard times makes us all feel like warriors. I think Michael told you that the times ahead would be hard too. And just like before, overcoming them will be just as special – in fact, there is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment when you dust yourself off and move forward. I echo some of the previous commenters – your audience will always be voracious for your talent. That must be exhausting, so I hope you can tune that part of us out somehow (:-/) and focus on this happy place you created for yourself so long ago (when Gracie and Claire were still babies! Wow!).
I am so pleased you have decided to continue your blog, but please get yourself back to good health first. Our families and health are the most important things we have. Good luck with your recovery.
I am so pleased you have decided to continue your blog, but please get yourself back to good health first. Our families and health are the most important things we have. Good luck with your recovery.
I'm happy you're starting to feel like yourself again. It's so true that we often need breaks to recharge and renew and I completely understand how difficult asking for help can be. I feel like "I took on this blogging thing" "I took on this project" "It's my fault I'm this busy, not theirs" and really struggle to show that I need or ask for help. You're not alone in this! Glad you're taking some time to do some things just for you, not because you have a deadline or need something to blog about. :) Hope you're healing well!
Hi. I have been following your blog for about a year now (all the way from Cape Town in South Africa). Absolutely love your style and you are such an inspiring woman!
How do you decide on the layout of an artwall? Is it according to the shapes/colours of the frames or the actual artwork? I want to try this, but don't know where to start.
Those tough times are hard. I'm happy your feeling a bit better. Just remember most things are temporary and what isn't gets better with time. :)
Jenny, about a year ago you also took some time to think about the blog and resolved to post even the smallest projects so you wouldnt always have to feel that you needed to post something "big" to please your readers.
Lately, you've only posted huge accomplished projects, which as a reader has been amazing, but i wonder if that was too much pressure for you? To first accomplish the project, organize all the pictures and post while still doing very large other projects at the same time.
I hope that you take the time you need to fill yourself again with positive energy and creative light , taking care of yourself first, then your readers.
We've all been in dark places, but thank Gd for the people who can lift us out of it.
Good luck!
I'm so sorry you've been going through a rough time. I hope you've had a chance to get the repose you need and will be gentle with yourself as you get going again.
The art project is totally fun and adds a nice splash of colour to your gallery wall.
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
I know I am certainly voracious in my appetite for new posts from Jenny – your blog is awe-inspiring! I am so sorry to hear of this rough patch and am rooting for your speedy and full emotional and physical recovery. All the best xx Kim
Hang in there and take care of yourself. We all definitely have times like these in our lives, but that shouldn't downplay their significance. There must needs be opposition in all things… without the bad and gloomy times we wouldn't be as grateful for the happy and bright times in our lives.
Welcome back! I certainly hope you keep up the blog which has become a daily source of inspiration for me – and has inspired many bold DIY projects in my own home. Most recently, I painted all of the doors in my upstairs hallway a shade of black – which I have no doubt was subliminally inspired by your style. May 2014 bring good tidings to you and yours!
PS your talent is beyond compare. In a totally selfish way I want you to keep posting so I can continue to glean inspiration from your creativity and incredible talent. ;) But I think I definitely speak for all your readers and followers when I say that your first priority is taking care of yourself and your family. We'll still be here anxiously waiting and supporting you while you take care of those things… regardless of how long it takes. Hugs!
Love and prayers from Nashville. Been there but so much growth came out of it. Hoping for the same for you. On a lighter note, I complimented a friends nail polish at a party last week and she said it's the same color Little Green Notebook girl wears. We had a little "I love Jenny Komenda. How bout that new house. I bet Arizona is hot but it's close to her parents. Blah blah blah" moment. Kinda funny how we all think we know you.
Love and prayers from Nashville. Been there but so much growth came out of it. Hoping for the same for you. On a lighter note, I complimented a friends nail polish at a party last week and she said it's the same color Little Green Notebook girl wears. We had a little "I love Jenny Komenda. How bout that new house. I bet Arizona is hot but it's close to her parents. Blah blah blah" moment. Kinda funny how we all think we know you.
I kept checking your blog to see if you posted anything new, but really not (only) for the "Yay, more awesome ideas and executions!" factor, but to see how you were feeling. So it was a huge relief to see that you are feeling better!
I don't think it's lame to copy a classic, especially since you're very clear about why you wanted a Rothko-esque painting and how it differs from what he did (even though, as some people already pointed out, there are more similarities in reasons than maybe you realized when you did it).
I love the painting you did, and you are so right that it will always have such a special meaning to you. Hang in there, and I hope your creativity and the support of your loved ones can get you back into the sunshine.
Be good to yourself!
I'm so glad to hear that you want to keep blogging. I love reading your posts and always appreciate the great project tips.
Glad you're feeling better. I am a huge fan of yours. Everybody needs a little time to re-charge their batteries. Love your new art project. Guess I'll be busting out the paints today….
Glad you're feeling better. I am a huge fan of yours. Everybody needs a little time to re-charge their batteries. Love your new art project. Guess I'll be busting out the paints today….
I am so sorry you are going through a tough time, but so incredibly happy you will continue writing your blog. You are an inspiration and your blog bring so much joy. Take it easy and feel better.
Your projects are the BEST! Please don't push yourself. We are all loyal to your blog and will be here when you get around to posting something new. Praying for you and your recovery!
This is so gorgeous!
And I'm so glad that the fog is starting to lift for you!
You are hands down probably one of the most talented DIY bloggers out there and I have loved your blog for years now, but regardless of how much we all love you and the talent you share with us what matters the most is your health and your happiness and those pretty girls of yours! I'd keep coming to your blog if you only posted once a month! I'm happy to hear you're feeling better!
I'm so sorry you were having such a struggle, but so glad you are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. As a long-time reader I can assure you that even the "smallest" projects according to you, are always inspiring to us. Don't let us drive you to burnout, we love pretty much anything you do! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
I happen to think it's brilliant and that you're brilliant. I'm so glad I get to keep reading. Thank you!
Ah Jenny,
This made me cry a little. You're such a kind, talented person. Please get better in every way. You continue to inspire with even your words. Sharing your struggles reminds me that you're human…thank you for sharing your honesty and talents with us and I hope you are resting and doing things you love with the people you love. xxoo
Jenny,
Thank you for sharing such a trying personal time with your readers. I love reading your blog every day. Simply put, you're amazing. Your drive, your character, your passion and your incredibly beautiful work gives us all hope to be able to accomplish so much. A little word of advice from a fellow blogger. Your readers don't care so much about how large or small the scope of work for the day is. We don't care if you reveal an entire project at once or in smaller bits along the way. We just love hearing your voice… it encourages us to keep tackling our own projects that have us in a slump. Keep up the amazing work, and if you're able to check in with little updates along the way, your readers are happily here to listen. Best of luck getting through this foggy time!
Moving, renovations, children (three, no less) and a husband, all to be scheduled, unpacked, tended to… no wonder you crashed and burned. But it is cathartic to acknowledge and address it–so you can move on and be there for your family and for us, the eager students on the side lines. Take good care of yourself because if Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy. Now I've got to get in my pile of thrift store frames and do something creative so I don't feel guilty about hoarding them! Thanks for the inspiration.
Welcome back! Missed your posts in your absence. Hope things continue to look up for you.
I feel some of the things you talk about in this post so intensely right now. Yay for bright spots and clarity in the midst of the crush. Also, please do continue to be gentle with yourself right now. It's the best thing you can do [she says in the hope that she'll take her own advice].
Jenny, welcome back, and I am glad to hear the sun is starting to peek through. Also, for what it's worth, your painting is my favorite on your gallery wall. :-) I've missed your posts … your blog is my favorite! (I'm sure you hate the pressure, but I want you to know how very much you're appreciated.)
welcome back, jenny! i'm sorry to hear you've been feeling a bit down. we all get that way sometimes, i think. there's nothing wrong with giving yourself a real break every so often. i'm so glad to hear you're not giving up on this blog just yet – you've been one of my favorite reads for years. give yourself a hug, and take the time when you need it.
I would have understood if you quit blogging. It must be a huge commitment. I would have been devastated. I love love love your blog.
So, thank you! for continuing to share with me your projects, your ideas, your adorable girls. Your posts almost always make me smile. I hope you continue to feel better in every way.
Hi! I never comment but had to say PLEASE DON'T replace that art with something more "permanent"! That is a beautiful painting in its own right. I'm an artist and textile designer and I think it's perfectly acceptable to do a take off of a famous artist. It's not like you copied an existing Rothko. It's an original expression of youself and it looks so fabulous in that frame and on your gallery wall.
I agree that "copying" fine art is sometimes a great way to learn as an artist, and relax. I've been doing it a lot since I had kids and don't have the time or energy to be more creative in my painting. You have also inspired me to paint more. Thank you!! Glad to see a post on here, and hear you had a good day.
This is beautiful Jenny. You have literally changed the way I decorate my home. I admire your talent so much and I really hope you feel better and know how amazing you are.
This is beautiful and creative. Moving cross country from a place that was very far from family yet filled with eclectic opportunities for your design career to a smaller city w/ family, but less "design at your fingertips" availability has got to take some adjusting to!
Family, career, career family… thank goodness there is ( hopefully) enough time in our lives to explore everything the world has to offer.
I think I speak for the masses when I say "We've missed you!" Seriously, your ingenuity, ideas and authentic kindness are all such inspiration. I would be so sad if Little Green Notebook ever went away. You've had to have felt incredible pressure for the past year. I cannot begin to imagine doing all that you've done and continue to do. Be good to yourself and keep looking up :)
The most important thing is to take care of yourself. You are one talented woman and I so enjoy reading your blog.
Jenny, You do too much! You need to rest more and take more time for yourself and your family. I so enjoy your blog and understand when you need some downtime. Raising 3 small kids is exhausting and working from home is difficult because there are no barriers so work continues all day/every day. Glad you will be continuing the blog. Rita
I've missed your posts so much! I'm glad that you're feeling better and just wanted to let you know that I'll read whatever you write (and love it!) so please don't let us blog readers stress you out. We'd miss you too much if you left us :)
Hi! I am not much of a comment poster but I wanted to let you know I really enjoy your blog and very much appreciate the hard work you put into it! Your blog is where I go to first every morning when I get on the internet and it has been that way for over a year from when I first stumbled onto it. Thank you so much for all that you put into and for being so open and willing to share! I love all of your stories, projects, pictures, and the details you provide. It really is a treat first thing in the morning!
I don't think it should be a place holder at all! I think you should leave it up! I love it!
Also, I've missed your posts. It was great to hear from you again.
It is not only beautiful, but it is Art unto itself. I hope you signed it because it is an original Jenny Komenda. All artists are inspired by, and use techniques of the greats. It doesn't diminish them at all. Valuing your work is important for you, and inspiration for others, especially your girls.
So sorry about your arm. I've followed you since the beginning and am in awe of the pace with which you have ideas and then create and complete your projects. Everyone needs a break now and then.. Take some much needed time to rest and heal. Your readers will always be here.
Jenny, you never cease to amaze me! Hang in there!
My heart skipped a beat when you mentioned you were still interested in continuing with your blog. Please please continue to share all of your great projects. Your blog is absolutely on my short list of favorite design reading (including magazines). Remember when Friends and Sex in the City went off the air? Awful! Oprah's show is no longer. Terrible! Do what you need to do to make you happy. We will take what we can get :)