This is my dear friend, Jennifer. She is a kindred spirit.
It always does my soul good just to be with her. I met her 10 1/2 years ago. We were going to get professional photographs of Greyley at 6 months and had a photographer all lined up. We went to go buy her an outfit for the pictures the next day, when we saw a photograph Jennifer had taken.
I was completely taken with it~ the whole look of the picture, the style, the obvious artistic approach…so completely different, but everything I wanted.
We promptly canceled our other appointment and called Jennifer. I remember her being a little hesitant since Greyley couldn’t really sit up very well yet, but I convinced her that Greyley was ready.
And so our journey began. It has been a beautiful one.
Jennifer and Greyley fell in love that very first meeting.
Someday, I will just devote a post to showing you some of the pictures over the years. For now, take a look here: http://www.jenniferbongfoto.com/. That’s my girl in the middle.
For several years, we went once a year to get Greyley’s pictures made. Greyley and Jennifer have so many things in common. They love pink. They love to twirl. They have a passionate love for all things Hello Kitty and angels.
But then, we began meeting for lunch…or Jennifer would come to the house and hang out…or I’d hang out all afternoon when going to pick up pictures. So fun.
Ken is Jennifer’s partner at the studio. He is also one of my favorite people in the world. I couldn’t take his picture because he wouldn’t show up in the photograph. He’s too angelic. Seriously.
So yesterday, I needed a Jen&Ken; fix and went for a visit.
Sorry, Jennifer. I know this wasn’t your favorite picture, but I love it. I’ve decided I’m going to take her picture every time we’re together, because, well…she always takes mine and I feel there aren’t enough pictures of HER in my house…so there you have it.
She has a new studio. It is in the Northrup King Building. Check it out: http://www.northrupkingbuilding.com/. The Northrup is devoted to artists of every sort. It’s a fabulous place. You just take a breath there and want to create.
Every first Thursday of the month (that’s this week!), you can go through all the studios from 5-9 PM and shop, meet the artists, meander through, even learn a technique or two…it’s appropriately called “First Thursdays.”
All the details are on the website. I highly recommend going. AND, next month, I will have my own little display in Jennifer & Ken’s studio. How exciting is that?!
OK, so…while I was there…Ken mentions that his grandfather made jewelry as a hobby 50+ years ago…and how he was given all the stones and settings, ETC., and come on, let’s go see it.
I should have gotten a picture of the chest, but I was shaking too much.
It. Was. Amazing.
Inside a two-tiered metal chest (I lusted after that chest on its own!), all in little organized compartments, were gems of every description. I can’t even tell you how beautiful it was.
And Ken tried to send it home with me.
Not only tried, but got quite determined about it. I should tell you he is not a pushy one! Think gentle soul; mellow heart. I just couldn’t do it. I wanted to weep and play with the box all day, but couldn’t bring myself to take something so precious. Just the thought…oh my, what a sweet man.
But I DID bring home a little box of treasures. I will be working on some ideas for the next little while. When I get them ready, I’ll have them photographed to show you. BWildered made my things look so nice last time. I’ve vastly improved since then, been learning lots…need to learn way more…
Goodness. My heart was full when I left. I was overwhelmed by the love and the generosity and the kindness.
There are some wonderful people in this world. And you just never know where you will find them.
Love you, Jen&Ken.; You have made our life so rich.