No One Else
professionally printed on high quality paper, ready for framing. arrives with protective backing inside a clear sleeve. finished size is 5×7″. available for a limited time, ships domestic first class mail in 10-14 days. $10
Tomorrow I’ll board a plane and travel all the way back to Rwanda, the place that completely turned my life upside down just over a year ago. I’ll go to deliver important papers for Odette’s girls. I’ll go to visit the children of another woman who’s been separated from her kids for five years. I’ll go to see how much Bella’s grown and to help Esteria move into the little house that love built. I’ll go for all these reasons, but above all I’ll go to make peace, to surrender, to stand in my field and say yes to all the things that have been growing in my heart for so, so long.
I wished hard many times this year to be somebody else. Somebody who was more easy going, less complicated, more reasonable, less dramatic, but in the end none of my efforts mattered. At the end of the day, there’s no one to be really, but your own dear self, however happy or haunted, and so I painted this for me–and for you.
My new lovely website and my well-intentioned art sale and all my other delightful projects are on their way, but today, before I go, this seemed like the most honest thing to share. Your presence (and mine) matter in this world, and we are most alive when we are brave enough to live our lives fully, believing as best we can that it’s true.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:08 am
This is one of the benefits of being an incurable nightowl: Being up late enough to see your post and leave the first comment. I’m sending prayers and wishes and whatever other magic works that you have safe and easy travels, and that you keep on being you, wherever you are in the world.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:43 am
Jen, if you need contacts for Israel and Palestine, let me know. I’ve just been there, and there’s lots to see and even more people to talk to. Safe travels, Christiane
June 25th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Safe Journey Jen…I can’t wait to hear what happens next for you and those you love.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:19 am
boy voyage, Jen. lots of love xx
June 25th, 2009 at 7:10 am
I’ve been seeing this message everywhere this week~ I think the universe is telling me something…. or trying to in any case. I love the print and can’t wait to read about the trip. -e
June 25th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I just met you (through Andrea’s blog?) and I can already tell that only you can be you, and you are pretty amazing.
love.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Have a wonderfully safe journey.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Thanks for providing me with so much inspiration to be myself, after all these years. Of all people, you deserve this freedom too. I’m so glad you’re seeing your place in this world! It needs you.
Have a fantastic trip!!
X
Supa
June 25th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Thank you for this…brought a lump to my throat. Bon voyage…and let us know about it when you come back.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:06 am
This post brought tears to my eyes, a lump in my throat, and a swelling up in my chest.
Thank you for your bravery and honesty.
Thank you for your encouragement.
I love YOU! We love YOU!
Our hopes and dreams and spirits go with YOU!
Traveling mercies and miracles, dear Jen.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:47 am
I hope you understand that when you share yourself you give me such a gift.
Safe travels. Can’t wait to hear about your trip upon your return.
xoxo, amie
June 25th, 2009 at 11:47 am
so happy for your heart and soul. it’s just what you need.
June 25th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
My heart is so happy for you!! You’re so full of wisdom & love. Thank you for all you do!! xoxo, ~ M.
June 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Hi Jen. I’m that “easy going, less complicated, reasonable,less dramatic” person that you talked about. I’ve never wished to be someone different (I love my life & wouldn’t trade it for the world), but I’ve often wished to be a little *more*…a little more outgoing, more creative, and more expressive. Thanks for your post today…it’s a great reminder that we’re all special in our own way!
Safe travels…you are doing a wonderful thing!
June 25th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Bravo, Jen! Bless you and your big open heart. Safe travels. xo
June 25th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
“I wished hard many times this year to be somebody else. Somebody who was more easy going, less complicated, more reasonable, less dramatic, but in the end none of my efforts mattered. At the end of the day, there’s no one to be really, but your own dear self, however happy or haunted…”
So beautifully put Jen. I too have wished for this many times in my life. And really, I am still learning to fully accept my own complexity and show it.
Have a wonderful trip! Strength and love.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
LOVE this, wishing you the very best on your trip + thank YOU for being your amazing self!
June 25th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Hugs and best wishes to you! The light surrounds you, always.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Oh yes, dear Jen, go there and say yes over and over again. Stand in that field and in that house and look into that face and all those other faces, and say YES. Shout it. Weep it. Say it. Whisper it. Yes, yes, yes.
You be you, here and there. Be your complicated, involved, strong, beautiful, loving, loveable self.
Yes!!! You do matter, so very much.
Traveling mercies to you, Jen - and peace.
June 25th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Beautiful travels Jen
Assalamu alaikum -peace be with you
look forward to hearing of your grand adventures
June 25th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
God speed and safe travels Jen. Don’t change a thing about you as I read …and hardly post…oh my your so special just be who you are!!
June 25th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Have a safe and wonderful trip. I look forward to getting together with our girls when you get home! xo
June 26th, 2009 at 12:24 am
This is really beautiful.
You are really beautiful.
Safe travels my friend.
xo
June 26th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Warm wishes for yourself and your family as you embark on an amazing journey. This trip is not the journey itself, but rather a small sliver. I wish you the best. Safe travels my dear.
June 27th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
i’ve recently come across your blog and am happy i did.
safe travels and i can’t wait to read more of your adventures.
June 27th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Have a marvelous and safe trip!
June 27th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
God Speed - beloved
June 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
AHHH!!!! So exciting I am ready to BURST for you!
xo,
Michelle
June 30th, 2009 at 9:10 am
yay jen! looking forward to more from you…an irish blessing for you on your journey…
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
stay safe, be well. xo
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Be Well.
xo
July 4th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Thanks for this. When I first read the poster a couple times I thought about showing it to my kids, for them to learn from. Then I read the rest of your post and realized it was for me. I am far too critical of myself and need to get where you are in accepting & celebrating what I am. Totally.
Best wishes on your journey. Blessings & joy to you. Thank you so much for sharing it all with us.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
safe travels to you.
thank you for all you do and for inspiring us to do the same.
your words move me. your actions speak even louder.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:49 am
yes. ashe. and traveling mercies.
August 20th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
so much you have just given me with that second to the last paragraph. thank you. and thank you for all the blessings you give to so many.