The Neighborhood

On this glorious summer day with unusually comfortable temperatures, (79 degrees...in July...in Knoxville, TN. Come on!! That never happens.) I find myself exceptionally thankful to be living this Downtown life.  So, as I went on a casual stroll this afternoon, I caught myself saying a little prayer of thanks - for the very real reminder that I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.  I can say with pretty reasonable certainty that the place I find myself today is nothing like what I imagined when I moved to Knoxville 5 years ago, but - good grief! - it is way better than whatever the 17-year-old version of myself had in mind.

So, here's to you, Monday, July 29.  You've been a day full of little blessings, and I like you.
-JD

Need a laugh?

Today has been one of those days that gives you the sensation you just lost your footing on a treadmill going way too fast.  You know the kind?  When you can't move quite fast enough, no matter how you flail your arms or make ridiculous faces?  I usually look something like this:

It seems like several kind folks that I know have had a day like this, too.  So here is my new, very favorite joke.  I giggle every single time.

So, if your Tuesday was anything as crazy as mine, have a laugh and a grilled cheese.  My night certainly has turned around since I did.

JD

Back in Action

As you can tell, I have taken a little break from the blogging world.  But I'm baaaaaaaack.  So here is a brief update on all things Jenny.

A.  I have started my Master's Degree at the University of Tennessee in Choral Conducting.  It is hard work, but I basically love it.  Rocky Top, you'll always be...

B.  I have an awesome new apartment. Seriously.  Downtown is too cool for school.  Stay tuned for posts about my new neighborhood!

C.  Alex moved to Atlanta and is getting his Master's there.  Many, many letters and Skype dates are in our future.

D.  Still working at Church Street UMC with the unbelievable youth program.  Look at these faces - what's not to love?

E.  I am now an outreach teacher with Joy of Music School which provides free music lessons to at risk kids in the Knoxville area.  It is such an incredible opportunity - I mean, how cool is it to bring music ed to kids who might not get to experience it?

The moral of the story is: life is good.  More to come. :)

Love, love, love, 

-JD

Christmas in July

Happy July 25th!  Only 5 months until my favorite day of the year :)  Here are some of my favorite Christmas ideas for this coming holiday season!

May your days be merry and bright!

-jd

P.S. Check out the rest of my Pinterest Christmas board here.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words - Christmas

With Christmas being a only a matter of days away, here are some of my favorite holiday images and ideas that I have found on [what else] Pinterest.  Enjoy!

Macy's

Sweet treats

Peppermint and Gingerbread - my two favorite things :)

Great Cupcake Idea.

Grinch Cake. On top of Mt. Crumpit.

Home Alone - Woof!

Red and Green mantle.

Retro.

Elf.

Cut off the bottom of your tree each year and make an ornament!

Pine cone elves.

Elf slippers. So cool.

Fear not.

Live with love,

-JD

Hometown Glory

On the very cusp of Thanksgiving break, I find myself achingly homesick.  So, before I turn in for the night, I give you this ode to Johnson City, TN.

The best thing about home is that no matter how long you've been gone, you can always come back.  JC, I've been gone far too long - but don't worry, I'm coming for you.

Live with love,

-JD

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words - Dance

Newest blog segment - A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words, for those days when an image can say so much more than a sentence.


On this very chilly Thursday morning, when winter is knocking at my door, I find myself longing for the days when I would rush to the dance studio after school to practice for The Nutcracker.  I mean I am really, REALLY missing those days right now.  So for all of the dancers at heart out there, these are for you.

Once a dancer, always a dancer.

Live with love,

-JD