"Find Your Happy Place"

I have several projects in the works, but I recently finished this painting. It all started as a sketch. I wasn't sure that it would even become a finished painting. Then last week I was looking through my sketches, and I decided to give it a chance to become something more. This time I would take on the painting with gouache on watercolor paper. It took me awhile for the color palette to come to me. I wanted something that conveyed a place you might be happy. I know for myself that my trailer is my escape and it makes me incredibly happy. So the above image is my final painting. Prints, cards, and postcards will soon be available on my website (www.everythingjenni.com). I'm also trying to incorporate the trailer in a necklace. My hope is that when you see this little trailer you think of your happy place.

Hugs,
Jenni

Campfire Silliness

Do you ever find yourself in a moment where you want to just be silly? Campfires lend themselves to silliness. You can have a group of people sitting around the campfire or just two people and the silliness tends to find its way in. I have sat at too many campfires to count and had some very deep heart to heart discussions, but I've also shared in the crazy, silly, belly laughing fun.

From the time I was a little girl until now, I have silly campfire memories. On our family vacation each year my mom and her friends would get up and sing the song, "Peanut Butter and Jelly." It left everyone in stitches. Jokes are another common silly campfire topic. It lightens the mood and brings out the people you had no idea were comedians.

On our last camping trip we sat around the fire quiet and contemplative. Of course I couldn't let that last. I asked everyone to make a silly face as I snapped a photo. We shared a few laughs over the photos and then I shared with everyone that I would be posting it to my blog. That brought even more laughs and then I told them I was serious. Shocked faces all around (except for Christopher who knew that I absolutely would share it with all of you). Here are our silly campfire faces.

Me - "That had onions!"

Christopher - "I'm still hungry."

Yvonne - "I think I heard lions and tigers and bears... oh my."

Cat - "Watch me roll my tongue. Oops, not quite."

Me and Biscuit - "Mommy, please stop embarrassing me."

What fun campfire things do you do? Do you sing songs, tell stories, make jokes, or sit quietly? I'd love to hear all about your campfire adventures. And the next time you are sitting around a campfire, be sure to pull out your camera and catch the silliness.

Hugs,
Jenni

Our 2014 Summer in Photographs

Life has gotten busy again, but let me show you what has been going on. Here is a review of our summer in photographs:

Angel Game with my nephew, Anakin

Red Line Subway in Downtown Los Angeles

Repairing wood siding on our bungalow

Beach Day at Bolsa Chica State Beach

Our new trailer - Lil' Jessie

Biscuit has already claimed his spot in the new trailer.

Fried Zucchini from fresh zucchini in our garden

This is just a quick glimpse into our crazy, busy lives. I'll be back next week with a new update of my thrifty finds and maybe even some inside pictures of my kitchen.

Hugs,
Jenni

Thrifty Thursday

Welcome to another "Thrifty Thursday." Today I stopped by my local thrift shop and found this incredible deal. Some of you may know that I like to collect pretty Noritake China. It all started when I got married and inherited the China that my daddy purchased for my grandma. He was in the Air Force, and while stationed in Okinawa he bought my grandma a full 12 place setting of China. Since then I keep my eyes open for other patterns that I like and pick up pieces here and there. It was my lucky day today. I found the China you see below for a great deal. I'm thinking of putting some of these pieces in my trailer.

What thrifty finds have you come into lately? I'd love to hear all about them. Sometimes our thrifty shopping is an adventure in itself, so be sure to share your latest story here in the comments.

Hugs,
Jenni

Camping Gadget

I saw this "breakfast station" online today and decided I had to have one for camping. It's small and perfect for 1-2 people. On my next camping adventure I will share photos.

Hugs,
Jenni

Taking SoCal Gal Out

I just returned from my trip with Sisters on the Fly. I've been working on SoCal Gal (1983 Palomino Tent Trailer), but she is definitely not done. Although I've got plenty of work left to do on her, I thought it would be fun to take her on her maiden "sister only" voyage. She's been out once before on a "sister/mister" trip that I took my dad on.

I went to Lake Skinner for "Springtime in Temecula" with my "sisters." A little socializing, wine, and shopping are all great ingredients for a good time.

Here are a few images of my girl:

My cozy corner...



Food prep/clean up station...



Dinette/storage...



Outside table...



The whole look...



My set up is not complete by any means, but I'm on my way.

Do you have any special must haves when you are camping? Please share with me. I'm always looking for new tips.

Hugs,
Jenni