tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post7327098271001417280..comments2024-03-18T13:55:33.629+10:00Comments on Jenny of ELEFANTZ: A year of gentle domesticity, the beginning...Jenny of Elefantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775654415138120426noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-86863096632446563312016-11-28T08:24:14.069+10:002016-11-28T08:24:14.069+10:00Sorry for ling story, but I was compeled and inspi...Sorry for ling story, but I was compeled and inspired. China Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05389944388928374522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-38237113021540473772016-11-28T08:23:03.903+10:002016-11-28T08:23:03.903+10:00Wow it's already 2016 and I'm just reading...Wow it's already 2016 and I'm just reading this now. November of 2014 change my life not for the better. Before that I had been home maker 4 close to 10 years and I still am. However that November in 2014 I fell down 12 stairs in my basement shattering my left leg 2 years and 5 surgeries later I still struggle. I guess I should be thanking God I'm alive not just from the fall but from the infection that almost cost me my life or my leg, but after that fall for two years I was a body living in my living room hooked up to a central line in a hospital bed. I couldn't be a mom, homemaker,a wife or just a person. My daily routine was laying in that bed nurses in and out of my house,my babies being taken care of by grandparents, dad when he was done working,a horrible summer camp and that ate at me. My son ignored me for about a 1 1/2 yr because it was easier for him to ignore reality.My daughter did her best to show her love and care for me. My husband became a caretaker fir me and it actually cost him his job, our house & ch7.it just was not looking good. He did find a job & then apartment so at least he could put a roof over his family's head. Needless to say it didn't help us or our relationship. So many things happened between November 2014 till now. Yes things have gotten better to a point I can walk, drive, enjoy my children and do things I couldn't, but I still don't feel like I once did. My husband resents me for that fall. Thankfully my children and I are closer than ever and I've always been very involved with them. My two dogs are happy again because unfortunately my husband did not care for them as I did not in a bad way just different. Now it's 2016. But in March I lost my older sister then had to put my mother in a nursing home because where she lived a state away her caretakers were abusing her but now she's here close to me and my twin sister. I also just found out my father highly likey has lung cancer. Relationship with my parents didn't exist I could not allow them to continue to be abusive like always now I was a mom. I broke that cycle I went to college I became social worker then I decided to be a stay-at-home mom when I found out I was pregnant with my first born my son. That was the best decision I ever made in just two years and one week later I added another a little girl. We just celebrated Thanksgiving for 2nd time in our new apartment and it was just like old times just my twin sisters family who now includes my niece who is the younger daughter to my sister that passed away in March. she now is a custodial child to my twin sisters family. So as everybody discusses domesticality and being a woman I have to sit here and now ponder what it means to me because so much has happened from one fall. It even comes down to everyday challages. So I'm often reminded that I'm not the same person on the outside and maybe even on the inside but I'm still a person with a lot of love, but clouded by frustration.I have to agree with some of the women on here finding Jenny was the best thing I could have come across. Yes she's a wonderful artist in her work but she's also a very inspirational, strong, down to earth dedicated woman. So Jenny I thank you and I look forward too many more postings. I love ur stories like these and of course your work.China Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05389944388928374522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-50505177204698029292016-01-27T05:23:18.377+10:002016-01-27T05:23:18.377+10:00Oh how BLessed to have found a sister in heart and...Oh how BLessed to have found a sister in heart and spirit---in the land down under, no less ;). As I read of your journey, Jenny, it was a reflection of my own though I sense that I am up the road from you a bit. I would like to turn back for a time so that we can walk side by side. We home-schooled our four children from 1981 through 1998. I have been married to my Love for 42 years and have been been delighting in the arts of home-making for that long. Now, a gramma of 17 and caring for my Love and our matty-dog, I have time to create and enjoy and be in a different manner than before. I have battled with almost "guilt" at my unique path from so many these days. It brings me Joy to know that I am not alone. Thank you for disclosing your Gentle heart :)<br /><br />carol "song of Joy"<br /><br />Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16089507127314573638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-62235083507586374362016-01-16T03:20:29.575+10:002016-01-16T03:20:29.575+10:00Jenny, Jenny, Jenny! not sure how I found you, but...Jenny, Jenny, Jenny! not sure how I found you, but we are kindred spirits! I was also a stay at home mom and loved it. Now, at 55, I have been granted the luxury of staying home after several years of working. I was taught sewing and embroidery skills at an early age by my dear grandma and my Aunt. Bless their hearts, I never thought then how I would use those skills for the rest of my life (unlike algebra! ha ha) sitting at my sewing machine quilting or sewing is one of my most favorite pastimes and where I feel most comfortable. <br /> I am looking forward to following you this year and hopefully make some things from your lead!<br />Blessings,<br /><br />Cindy<br />cynthialouphipps@gmail.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-58939783845381491362015-10-30T15:07:33.213+10:002015-10-30T15:07:33.213+10:00I don't know how I came across your beautiful ...I don't know how I came across your beautiful blog but I do know it is a God-sent! I retired a couple years ago after 33 years of nursing full time. I was the main breadwinner and had to work. When I retired, I honestly had a hard time enjoying retirement. I filled my life with so many volunteer activities that I was almost working full time. It was soon evident that my identity was tied up with my job. I honestly did not know who I was or what I was suppose to do with all this time. Fortunately with the help of some counseling and friends, I am very balanced with some volunteer work, bible study, family/friends, projects, exercise and travel. What has helped me most on this discovery of me journey is the introduction of home domesticity. I am learning and enjoying the art of homemaking, sewing, embroidery, decorating, and crafts. You are such an inspiration to me and I look forward to each new posting! Thank you so much! Hugs!!! Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278256196589956281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-38224870030210330762015-08-11T09:55:39.280+10:002015-08-11T09:55:39.280+10:00Wow...you have no idea how much this post has been...Wow...you have no idea how much this post has been a release for this recently retired person to get back to what was terribly missing in my life!! I retired 4 months ago and have been terribly depressed for some unknown reason...and I realize now how "home-sick" I really was but still hadn't taken a step outside the corporate cage--even when the door was opened. You and I are kindred. I have a lot to do...happily. <br />Thanks so much. <br /><br />--ShelleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-26700734737266918972015-08-03T09:50:15.015+10:002015-08-03T09:50:15.015+10:00gostei de todos comentários, temos quatro filhos, ...gostei de todos comentários, temos quatro filhos, dois ,já casados, e cada um,com um filho só. na verdade ,tenho 2 netos, um de nove anos ,e outro de doze anos, dois grandões. nossas filhas,compraram apartamento,e resolveram ,ter suas próprias casas, são independentes. Sobrou,ninho vazio, eu e meu esposo, tive ,muitos problemas de saúde, e agora, vi,você reagir, e começar nova vida, vou seguir, seus planos, apesar,de te visto meio tarde, vou tentar alcançar, pois estou sem objetivos ,na vida, graças á Deus,encontrei,seus comentários, e vou seguí-la. beijos! em 2015 , mesmo que,estamos,já em agosto. Nunca é tarde pra mudar..... grata.<br />Mariza B Pachecohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02096095083096832983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-80396495713938712112015-08-03T09:49:28.093+10:002015-08-03T09:49:28.093+10:00gostei de todos comentários, temos quatro filhos, ...gostei de todos comentários, temos quatro filhos, dois ,já casados, e cada um,com um filho só. na verdade ,tenho 2 netos, um de nove anos ,e outro de doze anos, dois grandões. nossas filhas,compraram apartamento,e resolveram ,ter suas próprias casas, são independentes. Sobrou,ninho vazio, eu e meu esposo, tive ,muitos problemas de saúde, e agora, vi,você reagir, e começar nova vida, vou seguir, seus planos, apesar,de te visto meio tarde, vou tentar alcançar, pois estou sem objetivos ,na vida, graças á Deus,encontrei,seus comentários, e vou seguí-la. beijos! em 2015 , mesmo que,estamos,já em agosto. Nunca é tarde pra mudar..... grata.<br />Mariza B Pachecohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02096095083096832983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-37514634858254895482015-04-26T05:01:01.997+10:002015-04-26T05:01:01.997+10:00Apreciada Sra. Jenny mil gracias por su amable inv...Apreciada Sra. Jenny mil gracias por su amable invitacion para acompa;arla en esta aventuraa.<br />usted siempre ha sido y sera para mi referencia importante para la ejecucion de mis proyectos, los cuales inicie motiva por sus tttttutoriales.<br />gracias nuevamente<br />carmendefernandezfernandezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12793349319936979953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-4622616305991892662015-03-07T06:05:04.710+10:002015-03-07T06:05:04.710+10:00What a wonderful post. I can relate on so many le...What a wonderful post. I can relate on so many levels. I was a stay at home mom, for three great children. Homeschooled them through High School. And now the nest is empty. I always heard that phase but could never relate it to. I listened to some parents saying they could wait for their kids to grow and leave the home. I was never that mom, I loved the kids being home, bit of course the time came when it is their turn. And thank the Lord, they are doing well.<br />I on the other hand, am alittle lost. <br />My dear old bear retired three years ago and we had big plans to travel. But we find ourselves in a slump. <br />Before his retirement, I had started a pattern company for quilting, was working part time, and had energy and I felt creative.<br />Unfortunately, some health changes made big impacts on our lives, but not drastic ones. Just changes.<br />I am no longer creating and I am in that sump.<br />I bless the Lord that you are so creative and so happy and pursuing your dreams. Bless your home and you. Thank you for the inspirationA Bear Mountain Patternhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06641304827212387575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-29130613178786109692015-02-28T07:42:42.085+10:002015-02-28T07:42:42.085+10:00Yes, Frankie Ann, one of little granddaughters is ...Yes, Frankie Ann, one of little granddaughters is named Frankie Juliette. :-)<br /><br />Be blessed on your journey to design...ask God to guide you. He is ever so generous.Jenny of Elefantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02775654415138120426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-68230801160156342212015-02-28T00:20:46.942+10:002015-02-28T00:20:46.942+10:00I homeschooled my boys as well. When they left ho...I homeschooled my boys as well. When they left home I felt a little lost. I love being a wife, mom and a Nana to 7 little ones, who are also being homeschooled. My 5 granddaughters live close by and so I help with their schooling from time to time to give their Mama a little break. What a blessing that is!!<br />We seem to have much in common, even my name. Didn't you tell me you have a granddaughter named Frankie? (via facebook)<br />I am a wanna be designer and have many things sketched out in my notebook, but just haven't been able to put them onto fabric, yet....<br />I am so thankful to be able to stay home. I love everything about being a homemaker. <br />I really enjoy your blog. You are a blessing and an inspiration!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-17882823293212485012015-01-17T02:35:04.922+10:002015-01-17T02:35:04.922+10:00I've loved being a homemaker but realize that ...I've loved being a homemaker but realize that as the years of hubby's retirement have gone by, I've lost my focus and let things slide. This is challenging me to refocus on things that bring me joy and a sense of accomplishment. I've gotten Jane's books from the library again - my home blessing inspiration. Thanks for the reminder and companionship on this journey.Elainehttp://elaineweger.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-82844144144825177772015-01-12T16:00:50.042+10:002015-01-12T16:00:50.042+10:00What a lovely new year resolution! I am kind of in...What a lovely new year resolution! I am kind of in the opposite place I think. I have always had a joy and quite loved the simplicity of being a mommy at home, and indulged myself in all kinds of things. Decorating, baking, cooking, all that fun stuff. Then I developed a pretty severe OCD that prevents me from doing most things in my house, I can barely enter my kitchen! I think what you are doing is wonderful.paperdollmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14315900640385889481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-73349720127117348092015-01-09T11:43:36.914+10:002015-01-09T11:43:36.914+10:00Love yiur blog! I have been retired for 15 years ...Love yiur blog! I have been retired for 15 years (retired at 60). I seem to be bored with my house and look for excuses to go out. You are motivating me to put more effort in to the little things. I wrote down the tiles of your books and I have been able to get 4 of them from mt local library! This way far north in Canada. I am enjoying perusing them.<br />Love your tea towels!Verna Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09154139469494193701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-82623855758677757332015-01-06T05:00:09.331+10:002015-01-06T05:00:09.331+10:00Traced out my first block of the new kitchen desig...Traced out my first block of the new kitchen design today. I actually traced out 2 of them....Thinking about making another fro a gift and one for me to keep. Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10572900779018937820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-14952153827565364112015-01-03T17:43:19.942+10:002015-01-03T17:43:19.942+10:00What a beautiful post Jenny. My Nanna always wore ...What a beautiful post Jenny. My Nanna always wore an apron too - brings back happy memories. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy following your journey xxPinnylea Creationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05933941521015455866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-58432418029478953672015-01-03T14:10:47.010+10:002015-01-03T14:10:47.010+10:00What a lovely, lovely post. It gave me so many th...What a lovely, lovely post. It gave me so many things to think about. I had a feeling of calm and serenity in your plans, whereas in my plans, there's often a sense of rushing ... not a bad, frenetic kind of rushing or the hurry that leaves things undone or badly done, but a sort of happily tumbling into things maybe not completely thought through. I need to go a little slower! =) I love that pincushion Blossom made.<br /><br />I don't have plans to learn a new skill, but I do have plans to practice some of the ones I have, to do more things, such as baking cookies, which I enjoy. When I bought my house in 2011, an Aussie friend sent me a lovely apron that will do very nicely. It's a little like the one in your picture. I still need that old piece of linen - or to make one ... hmmm, I have a plan! Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-1157759620057290752015-01-03T08:33:47.764+10:002015-01-03T08:33:47.764+10:00I love your blog banner! It is precious! Everythi...I love your blog banner! It is precious! Everything is precious on here. I'm all in for the new year of gentle domesticity. XOXO<br />Happy New year!<br />gibbygoo56https://www.blogger.com/profile/11819289481555298353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-64036382846301310482015-01-03T07:01:40.006+10:002015-01-03T07:01:40.006+10:00Jenny, such a lovely post. I will watch with inte...Jenny, such a lovely post. I will watch with interest and vicariously (maybe even enviously) enjoy your year of gentle domesticity right along with you.prsd4tim2https://www.blogger.com/profile/03897401557607479786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-24397720685207954432015-01-03T05:53:56.754+10:002015-01-03T05:53:56.754+10:00I too home schooled our two daughters, and when th...I too home schooled our two daughters, and when the first one left for a college 600 miles away, I grieved! I've always loved to be creative and love to bless others with home made quilts, knitted items, paintings, etc. This last year was a lean one for my husband's business and so in 2015 I've decided that I'm going to try to make all gifts I have to give from fabrics and items I already have. It is such a fun challenge for me! Now maybe my fabric stash will start to dwindle as I use it up and don't buy more! I was cleaning up a while ago and lo and behold, my daughter had checked out The Gentle Art of Domesticity from the library! I can't wait to sit down with a cup of tea and read it! Thank you for your lovely blog full of lovely things and lovely thoughts.May God bless you! ElaineSewing Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09423122073238588567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-76749958283917462552015-01-03T04:32:44.919+10:002015-01-03T04:32:44.919+10:00Jenny I just wanted to add that I did request and ...Jenny I just wanted to add that I did request and receive permission from Amy Barickman to use her book on my blog including photo's. That is how the line of communication opened that resulted in the Book Giveaway. celkaleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00641540970773683454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-61122850525687380202015-01-03T04:29:12.381+10:002015-01-03T04:29:12.381+10:00Happy New Year to you and yours. Such an interesti...Happy New Year to you and yours. Such an interesting post and plan. In 2006 I retired from Nursing (a 44 year career) and returned to my home to do all the amazing domestic activities that I missed. Of course, in bits and spurts I was able to continue to pursue my sewing, quilting, embroidery, gardening, cooking etc. but it was always a rush. Long story short, it was the journey of a lifetime, a journey that kept me sane when my dear young son died in my arms unexpectedly. Through several more losses over the next couple years it is my domestic routines that kept me focused and centered. My deep abiding faith guided my journey. You will be in love with life again. You will find a peace in simple pleasures that you might not have ever known. I wish you well. The 'Vintage Notions' book was one of the favorites during this time and I used it for a full year for posts and information. Amy actually donated one of these books to be given away on my blog. It was sent to a dear new e-friend in the Netherlands. I will follow closely, inspiration is always welcome!celkaleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00641540970773683454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-52693002324163518382015-01-03T03:57:53.254+10:002015-01-03T03:57:53.254+10:00Maravilhoso, tudo me encanta .
Queria muito um bor...Maravilhoso, tudo me encanta .<br />Queria muito um bordado para mim é muito lindo.<br />Parabéns, Feliz Ano Novo e que Deus abençoe toda sua familia.<br />Bjsss<br />Nilce<br />(SP - Brazil)Nilce Rejanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04737034789054087981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738183327129723042.post-79065581677182702282015-01-03T01:50:56.187+10:002015-01-03T01:50:56.187+10:00I have been a mostly stay at home wife and mom for...I have been a mostly stay at home wife and mom for close to 30 years and I must say that there is no greater satisfaction in the world than the gentle art of domesticity. I love it. I'm looking forward to following your blog this year. I too brought out a new diary that is fresh and clean and ready for the year ahead. I love quilting, reading, and I have taken a stab at embroidery. I have always loved vintage linens and look forward to making some of my own. I have gardened and have really enjoyed the feel of the dirt and the joy of watching something grow. Here's to a year of wonderful domesticity!Marie Atkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08071211879465347782noreply@blogger.com