Putting Things In Order (Part One)
I’m starting to feel energized about the idea of closing this chapter of my life, putting things in order and finishing some of the work we started here together, so something new can unfold.
One thing that feels complete right now is my art. I have used this particular style of art to pull me through to a new place over and over again. Each message I’ve painted is one I desperately needed to know down to my bones. I’ve held on tight to my art over the years, feeling anxious about letting it go, wondering if it could mean as much to someone else as it means to me. I know now that all that doesn’t matter as much as being willing to let it go, so I’m preparing this week for an online sale of over 30 original paintings. I’m not sure exactly how I’ll sell those pieces (in an auction? by donation? by drawing? for a fixed price? feel free to leave your thoughts on that) but I’m trusting that solution will come to me, along with a cohort to help me pack and ship in a super timely manner. (Please God.)
Hand in hand with that goes this overwhelming thankfulness I feel for every single person who has ever encouraged me about my art–either by reading this blog or buying something or leaving me a comment or writing a handwritten note. I’m wondering how I can say thank you or what tangible thing I could do to express how deeply I carry around all that kindness. I’m convinced there needs to be something specific and tangible, and am musing on that often right now, waiting for a spark of ingenuity.
For Putting Things in Order (Part Two), I want to let you know what’s up with Odette, the girls and things in Rwanda, because it looks like some of the dreams we shared in that story are about to come true, too.
May 17th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Order is happening. Change has already come. All shall be well. I await with anticipation the next chapter of your story. Can’t wait to see what you and Andrea are preparing to bring to new life.
May 17th, 2009 at 9:28 am
How exciting! I know it will be scary, but the new will be so good, too!
Keep us posted about your art sale decisions - I want the chance to purchase some!
May 17th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I want to buy one! Seriously xx
May 17th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I like this message. I need to hear it too.
One thing I have learned about the beloved things that I have put away or left behind to take other paths, though, is that they don’t disappear. Those beloveds follow me. When they are ready to be taken up again, they are there, waiting. And not only are they there, but they are richer, fuller and more meaningful because of the detours taken.
Just because you close this chapter doesn’t mean it is gone forever.
May 17th, 2009 at 10:43 am
i just wanted to say how much i have loved reading your blog and seeing your pictures. i have been wondering about odette, as you have not written about her lately. i hope she is ok. i can’t afford to buy one of your paintings but i would love it if you would post one that was ok to download. you are inspirational to so many of us.
May 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I’m excited for you!!!
Is Esteria’s house finished?
May 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
I love reading about the putting in order part of this transformation - there is something deeply satisfying in it.
I think an auction could really surprise you, there are a lot of people who get a lot of joy and encouragement from your art.
x
May 17th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Jen, do you still have any candles or postcards or those altar pieces or other printed artwork that you would also want to sell? Those would be a good option for your friends and fans who cannot enter high offers in an auction. It’s a thought.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:10 am
your artistry (via paintings and stories) has been a tremendous source of inspiration…thank you for sharing it with me/us. i also wish i could thank you in a tangible way for your creative/soulful encouragement. perhaps “the screen will have to do” right now. gracias. thrilled for you as your new path reveals itself.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Such an inspired way to move forward! Kudos to you!
May 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Jen,
Short Stack and I will help you pack things, if you like, or just me, since I’m free daytimes now.
X
Supa
May 18th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Etsy or E bay would be on-line places to sell your art, I understand the fees are quite low.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:19 am
i’ve wandered over to your blog on and off through the past couple of years and never cease to go away strengthened, encouraged, and/or thoughtful about what live holds. i wonder if you were to sell your paintings on etsy how fast they would be spirited away. i think many of us love your paintings and are looking forward to what you are getting ready to show the world. i can’t wait to hear your next adventure(s)!
~jennie
May 20th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
So I really appreciate this blog. Thanks for putting yourself out there - your joys, your struggles, your art, etc. It has been really nice for me to be able to stop by and check in with someone else who is just trying to figure it all out. Plus, half your art speaks directly to me, lol. I’m almost to the point where I don’t want to look! But I can’t NOT look. = ). Anyway, thanks!
May 20th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I just had a miscarriage last week and this piece of art represents everything I am feeling and hoping. Just seeing this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your talent.
May 21st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Jen, please, may I have permission to put this graphic on my blog with loving attribution?
Like Melissa I had a recent miscarriage, and this graphic just sings to me of hope and healing. I would love to share it with the group of folks who check in with me– please let me know if it is ok. Thanks so much and thank you for all of your beautiful words and work, and I love for an auction with a set minimum price– but be sure you are ready to let them go. I find that if I am not sure, I grieve. It is worth waiting for certainty sometimes, and sometimes you just need to leap. Thank you! Kate
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:37 am
Thanks for updating us - look forward to seeing where your story unfolds next. I keep a little bundle of your “trust” cards in my bag and love to pull one if I’m in need of a push. ( Funnily enough I bought a pack for a friend more or less on the same day as she bought a pack for me - and I LOVED how you wrote the envelope
) Best wishes,
Rhiannon
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
getting your artwork out of your hands and into ours would be such a gift to all of us. love the idea of spreading your beauty and wisdom with the world. 30 original paintings via Jen Lemen?? wow! what a treat!
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Jen, I would love to have another piece of your art in my house. I bought one of the down-loadable pictures, but my printer is less than perfect, so it doesn’t look as good as it could. Regardless, it hangs on my wall for all to see.
Just keep us posted on what you decide! I would be interested no matter what!
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
you’ll come to your answer with thruth and love and it will be the right one becasue it will be the one you choose : )
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
We feel your gratitude, Jen! And I hope you feel ours for you have given SO MUCH MORE than you will ever know… So inspiring = all of it!
May 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Thanks Jen…for touching all of our lives. Take good care.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:42 am
i think the truly amazing thing is that you have healed, you have never been static and you have always been on the path of learning and growth and re-discovery. i have learned many important lessons here. i have cherished the words in your art. and i feel my heart swell open thinking of the life you are now moving to, embracing wholly. i do not comment much, but i wanted you to know that your impact through your sharing here has been great. and whenever it is that you share next will be ten fold that greatness. thank you.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 am
I heart you
thank you for sharing your heart with so many for so long…and for giving us glimpses of the next buddings 
grateful for you and for the gift of knowing you 
something’s been nudgin me to be in touch. then you tweeted re: the vote last night and now i’m here reading this post.
lemme simply offer this: for learning to listen to that inner nudge, for then not only hearting but following it, you continue to be a treasured example and online friend of the heart
June 9th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Wow, amazing. You speak my heart, language, thoughts. I am so glad a mutual friend told me to stop by. See you tomorrow evening.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Hi Jen,
Did you know you are nominated for Most Inspiring Blog at http://www.socialluxelounge... ??
June 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Hi Jen,
What honesty in this post - how open and sharing it is. And I think it shows your soul, and your heart. And the artwork up above is wonderfully positive and encouraging for me - thank you…
June 15th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Hey Jen….I will surely miss you. You’ve been inspiring. xo Kelly
June 16th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Love you Jen Lemen… May God guide your every step and show you what wonderful things lie ahead for you… SO excited for you. May those closest to you receive overflowing blessings in their lives because of your existence. Thanking God for your heart… everyday. Keep creating… your giftedness is a blessing to me.