I think the most amazing part of 435 is my Grandpa is making something real special for some of your kiddos. We’ll see how many he gets done. I was so shocked when my mom told me my Grandpa wanted to know if I wanted him to make some. Oh, man..I remember being young. My Grandparents lived across the street, still do and I’d go into their basement and always come up with some sort of little craft thing. I think my last thing I made down there was a pair of earrings out of my wisdom teeth for my dear college pal, Ali. She had better hope she still has them.
On Thursday night David, Joe and I were invited to be the guest speakers at Turnstone’s (the place Joe received much of his therapy when he was younger) big fundraiser. I was a nervous wreck, emphasis NERVOUS. I think I pulled it off. David was great as usual and Joe looked so dang handsome. Well, thanks to all you folks at the end of our speech we were able to surprise everyone and donate just under $11,000. HUGE, right? As the speech ended I went on to add that Joe got 2 bucks for each bag he made and wanted to use it to by drums. I ended with the fact I told Joe he had to put his money in the bank. Well, a little while later I saw a man talking to Joe and showing him a picture of a drumset on his phone. Then I realized Joe was beaming, like glowing. Well, the gentleman had asked Joe if he liked the drumset on his phone and said to call him next week and he would hook him up. Unbeliveable. OMG. I was in tears. Joe was in tears. Chris and Tim (who came with us) were freaking out. And David was confused cuz I wasn’t explaining the story correctly for he didn’t hear what was going on.
435 is changing everyday. All the girls have been cleaning, packing orders, ironing, sewing buttons and what not. I have been trying to get my house in shape and hoping some of the 435 crew will come help this week. I must tell you the truth. I am so excited for this art fair. I love getting to meet you all. I love the part where we get to just have normal conversation. I hate the part when someone ask to take my picture. The girls at 435 know I do not like my picture taken and usually will cover for me one way or another. I wasn’t gonna say anything but thought, heck it’s the truth. I hate it. It makes me completely uncomfortable and puts me on edge. Sp please do not think I am rude when I say I don’t want my photo taken. It really is one thing that makes me uncomfortable. You are probably wondering why I am so weird about it…well, truth is I just hate it. I hate seeing myself. I have the worst vision of myself and when I see a photo it makes it all the worse. So I avoid having photos taken or looking in the mirror too much. I know, I know. I am crazy. But the truth is, I am me and I may be a little crazy!!
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sounds like it all went well! good for joe!
love the sneak peeks, keep em coming!
Also, about preparty, one of my friends has a ticket and cant go now do to family stuff. Someone else i know doesnt have one, and is flying in. i dont want to go by myself either, so what can we do with the extra ticket(s) since i know many have changed their minds. thanks! jenn
Everything looks so wonderful! Can’t wait!!
That’s awesome about Turnstone and the drums. Yay!
Can I just say that yes, you hate having your photo taken, I can testify to that! Too many years have gone by since I tried though! We need to just give you a glass of wine and play in the studio sometime! Just for fun. I promise you, you will find one that you love!
I hate I can’t come. ALL the cuteness is killing me. I need a shopper. Kylee has mono so we are going NO WHERE. I understand about the pictures but I’ve met you and you are gorgeous. No lie. No butt kiss… just the truth. GORGEOUS.
Girl I UNDERSTAND!!! I’m the same way, I HATE having my picture taken, if my hubby manages to snap one, I go out of my way to delete it. I hate that I have no pics of me and my kiddo’s, but I’d rather have it that way then have a horrible pic of myself! However, you are beautiful and I’m sure make FAB pics….not me…lol
I hate having my photo taken, too. I haven’t been in a photo for at least 9 years (age of my oldest son). Everyone always seems to look so happy and spirited in photos… I can never see that in photos of myself. I think we as women can be warm and loving towards others and then hyper-critical of ourselves. At Easter, we finally got a family photo. I don’t like it (as usual) but I am so glad we did it. One day, my kids and my grandchildren and their children will look back at that photo and cherish it the way I cherish photos of my mother and grandmother. The photos become a snapshot of a moment in time, pretty or not, for those that come after us. Denise, crazy is good! It’s fun and it’s life! Enjoy your parties and your weekend and don’t worry about what you think you look like – life is precious and short. Have fun!
My husband gets so upset with me because I am ALWAYS the one behind the camera. Rarely do I get a pic of myself taken–and in that rare instance that I do–I almost ALWAYS delete it. So, I can totally relate. Can not wait until Friday–so looking forward to putting a face to all those names we have come to know!
That’s awesome that Joe will get his drums! My husband doesn’t like to have his picture taken either so you are not alone in that respect
Totally understand the picture taking. There are so few of me and my daughter…mainly her or with my husband. LOL
The sneak peeks look incredible! Can not wait to meet you and everyone that is the force behind Matilda Jane. I think it is amazing I finally get to see the people and place that I have been buying from for over 3 years!
I am always behind the camera for a reason *wink, wink*. I always tell my girls that you are blessed when you pay it forward.. that is what happened to Joe – AMAZING! Can’t wait to see you guys this week!!
I love these posts- your family is so generous and its truly inspiring. I so wish I could have come to the art fair this year but its just too close to baby number two- hopefully next year as I would love to have a reunion with the Mentorshop girls
XOXO
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yay! Joe is getting his drums! and I completely understand about getting your picture taken, I hate it…especially if it shows up on FB later, ugh!
Oh Grandpa is making crafts for the kids—that is amazing and so special. SOOOOO proud of you, Joe! And happy that my gal scored two of your bags so it feels really good that in a small way, we were a part of your evening. And I want to a tee that says, “I’m with the band….JOE and Matilda Jane!”…one for all of us! So, Denise, I feel what you’re saying about pics…but my daughter asked me if she could get a pic with you way back when we made plans for Art Fair!!! I have a solution! A life-like pic of you that we can all stand with and have our pic made….not my original idea…saw it at Michael Buble’s concert couple wks ago. Just sayin…its a win win for everyone. See ya Friday…. xo
I still have your TEETH. I use them to freak the little 2nd graders out after reading, “Rotten Teeth”. Cutest story about a little girl who sneaks into her father’s dental lab and takes the jar of pulled teeth to school for Show n Tell.
They never tire of hearing about my friend gifting me with her wisdom… TEETH. Excellent!
GOd work through people in amazing ways and he is truely blesses thoughs who do his work. Your business is amazing and you all doing amazing things for people. So happy for your family! Keep up the great work!
About the picture thing you are beautiful and a picture can only capture so much of it. When I say beautiful i mean inside and out for all you do!
Great for Joe and for Turnstone! IL. has cut so much funding for these places that the families took over the therapy center here. That money will make a huge difference and glad we were able to help too! He just needs to make more now!!!!
I can totally relate to not wanting your picture taken! but I have to say that this past year has really opened my eyes to how precious time is and how important is it to document it. Last year at this time I was bald and over weight – but to my delight Betsy offered to take family pics for us and even now as I look at them, I see the beauty in myself. not because I think that highly of myself but because you can see the strength that it took to take the photo in the first place. So I say embrace the beauty of all you have accomplished and let the flashbulbs go off! you will look amazing and twenty years from now you will look back and say “man I looked good!” and “wow – look at how happy we are!”
OOOOOH. Loved this post. Love the surprise donation (YES THAT IS HUGE!) and the truth about pictures. I am the same way. I feel you. I wish I was there so we could avoid cameras together.
Oh the clothes!!!! And…the frogs, the ribbons, all of the color. I could come on Friday if you decide to open up any more early shopping passes! Nephews graduation on Saturday. I love the sneak peaks!!!!
Oh my goodness, the cuteness is unbelievable! The colors, the fabrics, the frogs! I just want to dive into that first photo. I have to keep pinching myself because I can’t believe I’m actually GOING to Art Fair! Thank you for sharing all of your amazing creativity and your wonderful inspiration!
How neat to hear what a family production Art Fair is! You’re all pulling together to rock out the details & the atmosphere, you’re opening your home & your home away from home to all of your “friends” that adore Matilda Jane & you will be sending “goodies” home with so many at the end of the day. Why am I not attending 435 this year??? Your sneak peaks of those goodies are making me gitty! Joe should feel so proud of himself!…Definately want to see a picture of him with the new drum set too!!
i’m the same way about pictures of myself! glad to know i’m not the only crazy one out there, somehow finding out someone as cool as yourself is self conscious about pictures too makes me feel cool…well, a little bit cooler than i was anyway.
wish i was coming to art fair so we could not get our pictures taken together lol
I always love seeing your mint green doll chest! The first time I went to 435 and seen it I knew how much I would adore you being that I have the same exact one from when I was a little girl! Gotta love the 70′s!!
Just now reading the blog from a few days. So happy for Turnstone and everyone that will benefit from the generous spirit of MJC. The drum part of that is wonderful!!!!
Chelsea, I remember those pictures and thinking of how very beautiful you are. Sounds like you are doing well.
Denise, your boys will need pictures to show their grandchildren so it’s okay if you don’t have pics made at 435 but make lots of pics with David and those super special boys.
Have a wonderful 435 event(s). I know everyone will!!!!!
Wow, Denise, sounds like you did great at the fundraiser and so did Joe! How cool! Hope to be able to hear the wonderful music that Joe makes some day. He is such an awesome boy! You should be very proud. And I cannot believe that you hate having your picture taken! You are such a beautiful person. Me, I truly have a reason for hating to have mine taken
Hope to see you tomorrow. Sam will be so excited for Joe when I tell him about the possibility of drums for Joe.
What a wonderful story. You truly amaze me. This is such a perfect example of what goes around, comes around. I so wish I could do something like you where you touch so many and do what you love. You are such a fabulous example of life and love. Keep on doing what you are doing…you are wonderful the way you are! Smiles!