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JLynn has been in the Art, Craft & Jewelry industry for over 30 years ~ promoting creativity through Education and Media. As a published designer, JLynn is known for her colorful Art, Artisan Jewelry, Altered ART Wood Tiles. Online since 2004, a former eBay Power Seller, on Etsy, and Amazon. Family, Art, Nature and Kaleidoscopes are some of her inspirations

Friday, September 16, 2011

Through the Looking Glass...


Today is the first day where I officially feel like Fall is finally "here"...
Although the leaves are still green, the Dahlias and other annuals still blooming with summer colors...Fall is definitely in the air.  It's always amazing how fast the time and seasons go by each year.  In just four short weeks or so...the view "through my looking glass" (aka...sidelight of my front door) will change drastically with an expolosion and flash of those glorious fall colors (photo on the right is from October of 2010).  I absolutely LOVE the changes Mother Nature brings to us this time of year - and although I am just a tad sad to retire my flipflops...I love the thought of bringing out my warm, fuzzy, black slippers - they are very squishy and make me feel like I'm walking on air - hence the dreamy like state of my below photo...in my humble opinion they are the perfect work shoe...

Yes...they just came out of hibernation so are in need of a grooming...

Each year, the seasons come and go...in a blink of an eye.  But no matter what time of the year it is...one thing is certain - the seasons are very consistent - like a faithful, loving, old friend.  For our family, each season contains certain family traditions, special recipes and treats, decorations - and typically a flash back of the year before, where we can reflect upon all that has changed and all the new people that have entered our lives and found a special place in our hearts.  Fall is also a time when I look back on my long history of sharing, the memories and meaningful projects, shared tutorials and classes - and ponder what I might do to inspire others in their creative endeavors.

Speaking of fall and creative things...over a decade ago, I painted a fairly large Watercolor entitled "Fall Reflections" - which was inspired by a visit and photo I took from a lake in Massachusetts during the early-80s.  Watercolor is something I've been doing for many years - and although I've sold paintings and taught classes - to me, I'm more of a Watercolor hobbyist since it's not something I do everyday.  However, like many other hobby-goers...there is something special and refreshing about creating when the mood strikes.  For me and painting - this year it's been a real treat to incorporate them into ART tiles for my jewelry and craft projects...here's the original painting and ART tiles that I created from it.

Fall Reflections - 1999 painting of a Lake in Massachusetts
Fall Reflections painting digitized/miniaturized for my ART tile creations (available in our Etsy store)

So my thought with all this Fall weather...is you've got to love Mother Nature...she provides us with so much beauty - and yet never ceases to surprise us.  If you look at the past nine months here in the NorthEast...we've had beautiful blue skies, perfect sunrises/sunsets, welcome rains and breezes...but there have also been a few "surprises", such as:  record snowfalls ~ record temperatures ~ too much rain/to little rain ~ floods ~ and most recently...an earthquake and hurricane.  

This if course makes me relate the seasons and raw power of Mother Nature...to real life.  I know that many of you (like me) have had your share of challenges, frustrations, and feelings of disbelief in your life.  However, if you think about the consistency of the seasons that continue to move forward...we too have the strength and capability of weathering the storms and can take comfort in focusing on the positive things. This year I have been blessed with so many things...opportunities that have enabled me to share all that is dear to my heart, the mindset to let go of things and forgive, and most importantly the new people that have entered my life who are incredibly supportive and caring.  Amazingly positive things that keep me moving forward like the Seasons with a quiet strength and unwavering faith in all that's good. 

That's all for now...
FYI...this weekend I'm finishing up a couple creative Tutorials and DIY projects to share with you (hopefully one this Sunday)...plus look for updates and new products coming to the Artfire & Etsy stores this weekend (I know finally...)!

Have a super weekend everyone!
~JLynn

12 comments:

  1. I just love your pictures of the summer and fall tree through your window. We have a big pear tree in our front yard that is just gorgeous in the fall. I think I'll copy your idea and take a picture of it now and in a few weeks, through our big window. Found you on usa proud shoutouts...new follower from http://www.mama-press.com

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  2. Hi Tracy! So happy that you joined us. Would love to see your pictures through the seasons - so when you complete a collage or grouping - feel free to post on our FB J-Lynn Jewels page or post a link to your album. I have a photo with snow and ice too - so hoping to complete the collage this coming Spring (wouldn't you know I missed this past Spring as the leaves were just starting to bud...) - thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  3. Gorgeous photos. Thanks for the reflections. That is one thing fall always means to me. I think because my birthday comes this time of year but it is a good time to take stock of where I am in reaching personal goals for the year. I love everything about fall. Even all of the leaves!

    Cathy Obbema

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  4. Well Happy Birthday a little early - it's a fabulous time of year - one of my all-time favorites :). As Celine Dion said "I'm in competition with no-one but myself" - so am definitely on the same wave length with personal goals. Oh - and I call all the falling leaves on the ground....Leaf Confetti ;)

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  5. That first picture is the neatest idea and so beautiful!

    Following you back! =)

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  6. Love your watercolor! Fall is my favorite time of the year, I love the color weather, the leaves turning and most of all the smells! I love cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, it's yummy! Thanks for following my blog, following you back. Have a great weekend!

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  7. Beautiful and inspiring! I love your looking glass, what a neat idea to take photos of that beautiful tree as the leaves change colors :) Very nice watercolor also :) <3 you!

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  8. I love your little story. It is a perfect reflection of what is to come. We love fall too. We don't get the cooler weather until a little later and we do not have the wonderful color like you do but all the same it is our favorite time of year. We always try to hit the Napa valley on at the right time. The vineyards can be amazing. I will try to get some tiles this year of Mikes work there.

    Thank you for being you and always having the perfect words and thoughts. It is nice to know we have these little reminders in our day to help us move along with our life and dreams.

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  9. I love all these inspiring beginning of Fall posts! Really puts me in the mood for Autumn. The painting is gorgeous and I love the miniature versions on the tiles. Love promoting handmade goods like yours!
    Sarah @ made in usa challenge

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  10. Awww - thanks for all the beautiful words and feedback - I very much appreciate it :) <3

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  11. I love that picture of your tree! Amazing!!!

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  12. Thank you Stephanie and Courtney :)!

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