2010... Wrapped Up In A Pretty Bow :)

2010: Can't say I am going to miss you (please let 2011 be a better year..pretty please) but on that same note  I/ we had some good times in 2010! ;) So lets focus on that!

#1: I started My Sarah In The City Blog...Yay! I am having so much fun with it, and I appreciate all the great feedback..Thank you! I look forward to doing even more with it and 2011! Thank you to all the great people who let me interview them this year..it so much fun getting to know people and what they LOVE to do! There are so many inspiring, creative, hard working, fun, and fabulous people doing extraordinary, special, and wonderful things here locally. We are a lucky city to be filled with such talented, giving, and interesting people. I also appreciate you reading my own personal ramblings with such positive feedback...Thank You- Thank You- Thank You! xo

#2 I learned about "True Strength": I have had many friends including myself who went through some major surgeries this year! We have all been very lucky with the amazing love and support we have gotten from our friends and family and each other. I also learned we all have the ability to be quite strong even when it's the hardest to be. I hope 2011 is a very healthy year for all my friends who have struggled this year with their health as well as for everyone else. With that said though the number one story of strength and survival I have learned from this year is my grandfather's story! At 89 years

old my grandfather's appendix ruptured (not quite a common situation for someone that age). An appendix rupturing in someone my age is quite dangerous let alone in someone who is 89. My grandfather made it through a very long surgery, he made it through a long hospitalization, he made it through an infection that hit his whole body and in turn ended him up on life support. We were told he would probably not get off life support..but he did..then he couldn't talk or eat, and then he started to. A few weeks ago the "miracle man" celebrated his 90th birthday at home with his friends and family. My grandfather is a fighter, he wanted to live, he didn't give up when his body was trying to. He showed me what true strength was. When I was at the hospital saying what I thought were my last goodbye's to him I kept thinking I wish I could have told him all this ONE more time while he was awake; how much I love him, how much he means to me, how much he has impacted my life in such positive ways, and to thank him for being an amazing grandfather. I was VERY fortunate enough on his 90th birthday to retell him those things face to face. Not only did my grandfather teach me strength he taught me to never put off what you want to say to someone! Always tell people you love how much they mean to you...you don't realize how important it is for you until it is to late. I love you Grampy!!!! xoxoxo

#3 You can always reinvent your life/ You are never to old to start over or to start something new!:  Since I have had some time on my hands during my recovery from my 3rd hip surgery I realized that life is short and you should do what you love. I got a new camera from D (Thank you so much for my dream gift), I have been writing my two blogs, practicing my guitar again and doing more creative things in general. Which is what I feel I am am truly meant to do in this world. I am not sure where all this is going to take me, but I am not going to let something like a 36th birthday for example make me believe that I don't have the capability for great change and to follow my passions to see where they take me...AGE SHOULD NOT MATTER..only what is in your heart! That is a lesson I have definitely learned this year and I am still currently bringing that lesson and mindset into 2011! There is a lot out there in this world..even for a chick with a "difficult" hip ;)

#4 Love At First Site: I became and Auntie to a BEAUTIFUL (and I am not being biased) niece, and I became a "mama" to a feisty, fun, and cute puppy name Sky. Both in their own way have expose me to the world of unconditional LOVE. From the moment I met my niece I knew that she will be one of the most important people in my life...for the rest of my life!  It is a feeling that even I did not understand until the day my sister gave birth. I can't wait to see all that Lil L will become as she gets older. She is the BEST!  My puppy Sky has already become a very important part of my family, and she has also presented D and I with are own little family. I felt like she was part of my family from the moment D surprised me with her, and the bond between us gets stronger every day as I care for my little "baby". Sometimes life gives you lemons, but it also gives you babies and puppies too :) So in that case in the end my world was somewhat balanced out this year ;)

#5 A Weekend Away...is always needed! Bethel NY (The site of Woodstock), Stowe Vermont, NYC, York Maine. All small jaunts away from my city..the longest was a 5 hour drive, but they all gave me a burst of new energy and a better outlook on life. I think we all need to sometimes get away just so we can appreciate what we have here at home. Long far away vacations take planning and more money (they are also needed too, but I can't personally do them as frequently ), but short little jaunts are good rejuvenators for your soul. With all that happened this year those mini trips really help me mentally during my recovery from surgery. ..made me feel like I was still living life and doing new things..we all need that feeling..so I say..don't put off life's little adventures.. just go for it!

.....and last but not least I am happy to be living back in Salem (moved back here in 2010). I love this city and I have been having a blast getting to know it, and the people in it even better this year!!! Cheers to 2011..may it be a good year for us all!!!!! xoxo

ps. Stayed tuned for some really refreshing, fun, educational ,compelling, and of course FABULOUS interviews coming at you in 2011 (maybe one will be with YOU!!!)

Peace, Love and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

GREENleaf

         

I met my friend Jodi Greenleaf 13 years ago.  Till this day she is the most creative person I know. Jodi just recently graduated from New England School of Art and Design with a degree in Interior Design.

Jodi is an artist in every sense of the word. She draws. paints, and sews. She also has a passion for cooking and her food always looks likes beautiful edible art. She is a creator.  She truly has a fire in her for hands on activities and creating beautiful and useful items.  She makes Halloween costumes that are  much cooler than any you would find at any costume shop. I have seen her many times whip up curtains and pillows for many of our friends in a blink of an eye. It always impresses me to see her natural talent at work.

 Jodi always makes hanging out a fun and creative time. On many a cold winter's day we have made purses out of random fabrics, reupholstered chairs, cooked yummy dinners and desserts, we have made designer stools to put our feet up on plus many many more items (way to much to list here). Jodi also taught me how to paint with oil paints as well as sketch different objects with just some drawing pencils and a eraser. Each time we hang out not only do we always laugh a lot and have a good time, but I become a tad more creative myself.  I wanted to interview Jodi, because it's always fun to tap a creative brain plus Jodi has started her own business Greenleaf Home. I am so proud of her and I am also happy she is finally going to be able to share her talents with the public:)

So now it's time to let me "draw" you into Jodi's "colorful" world.......here is my interview with Jodi Greenleaf:

S:What was the first product you ever made?

J: I was in third grade and I made a bed for my barbie out of flannel fabric. I also crochet a skirt for my barbie.

S:What made you decide to do more "Green" designs?

J: I love the concept of giving a new life to an old item. To look at this item in a new light instead of just throwing something "old" away. I think it is such a consumer based world, sometimes we throw away things without thinking twice about it. We don't realize all the potential our products we buy have.

S:What is your favorite way to express yourself creatively?

J: Anything with my hands! Paint, draw, sew, crochet,quilt, and cook are a few ways :)

S.Why did you start Greenleaf Home?

J: I always treated my art as a hobby, but I would really like to be able to support myself doing something I love...live the American dream.

S: Can you share an easy GREENleaf project with my readers that they could do at home?

J: An easy gift wrap for a wine bottle.  You can use an old sweater, long sleeve tshirt, or a men's long sleeve dress shirt.  Place bottle next to sleeve, adjust to leave a little overlap at the top and cut 2 inches below bottle bottom.  Stitch the bottom all the way around.  Gather the threads by gently pulling and then stitch a couple times through the gathered fabric.  Tie off and slide the cozy on.  Top off by putting on a cute bow!

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S: What is your favorite thing you ever created and why?

J:I loved doing watercolor paintings! I love the way colors mix on the paper and the translucent properties of the overall look. 


S: Where do you see the future of Greenleaf Home?
J: I am hoping to see Greenleaf Home products in gift shops everywhere. I would love to sell my products in the Mass General Hospital gift shop, because I love the idea of someone buying my product to cheer up someone who is sick. 

S.Any tips for people to help refine their skills with
A. Drawing: Drawing is like any skill. Practice, practice, and practice is the key to mastering any skill.
B. Painting: As for painting, paint from the heart and don't worry about making mistakes. Sometimes mistakes turn out to make the piece better. 
C. Sewing: Sewing is tricky. I would suggest reading a pattern and then following exactly what it says. It helps to understand construction.

Picture to the right is me wearing one of "Greenleaf Home" purple Neck Loop (Neck Loop made from 100% cotton using recycled material. 

Comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Super soft and cozy. It can be twisted for a solid look or half of it can be looped to create a look of two different lengths.)

You can see Jodi's products on Facebook: Greenleaf Home  

You can also contact her at : greenleafhome@hotmail.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/greenleafhome?ref=ls_profile

(Photo's of Jodi taken by Sarah In The City)