My beautiful (and when I use the adjective "beautiful" here I mean that in every way) friend Jen gave me permission to share her email to me with YOU:
Kim,
I just want to thank you from the very bottom of my heart. When I think back on how the course of my life has changed because of YOU, I am in awe. I never would have started a blog if it hadn't been for your inspiration and encouragement. That has certainly changed my life and given me so much. I also want to thank you for being such a wonderful example of how to follow your heart and for encouraging me this past year and a half to make our move to the Village.
We have a contract on a house that we are so excited about. We move in April. Our lives have changed so much and we are so happy. You knew I could do it even when I didn't know. I will forever be in your debt. If you ever get an urge to ever head up to Indiana, you will always have a place in my home (as well as my heart).
With love and gratitude,
Jen
There are no words to describe HOW HAPPY I am for Jen and her family.
Jen and I go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back to the days that we spent together on a decorating board called Great Impressions.
Jen is the reason why my family and extended family get to devour delicious sweet potato casserole every Thanksgiving. It is HER recipe.
Jen is as authentic as they come. She is sincere and she is a survivor. She is a BRILLIANT writer (something that I hope she pursues) and she is a believer in new beginnings....
And in dreams.
And in life.
Please leave me now and go visit my special friend as she celebrates a moment in her life that she has worked SO HARD to achieve. I am incredibly proud of her and so VERY touched to witness her accomplishment. As you go through her archives you will come to know the Jen that I know.
You will have met a very special soul.
Let's go visit Jen together, shall we?
And Jen....
You know I love you. YOU inspire ME. More than you know.
More than you know.
Love,
Kim
How nice! I will visit the lovely Jen. You encouraged me to blog even though we have never met, Kim. I am not a wordsmith like you and Jen, I am more of a visual artist, but you inspire me to work harder ;P
xoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | February 09, 2011 at 04:58 PM
How WOnderful for her and for you to hear (read)that. It shows you really never know how something you type-post-say can truely effect someone, and mean so much or lift their spirits- change their course or make them simply smile or make a better decision...
Thank God for an inspiring person like you..
I too, recomend a blog to every Woman I meet, such an amzing world to be apart of, so many have no clue it exist..
Thanks for sharing...
Karryann
Posted by: Karryann | February 09, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Thank you Kim! I am touched by your tribute. I love our history! And I swear you looked right into my heart about the writing. I have held that dream dear since I was a child and I WILL make it happen one day! Love you.
Posted by: Jen@thecottagenest | February 09, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Kim ~ again your graciousness and love shine through. I will definitely go to visit the lovely Jen. You have also encouraged me to blog ~ something that I would have NEVER done on my own. It has opened a whole new world of friends for me. I wish to THANK YOU..and thank you for your kind words about Sammy Lynn ((((Hugs))) xo MARIANNE
Posted by: vintagegal | February 09, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Hi Kim,
I have never met Jen but I know the area where she lived and where she is now. She lives in the neatest village around that area. When my DH and I first moved to central Indiana, we looked at a house out that way but weren't able to buy one at that time. I am so happy to see her follow her dream - I know its a big change and one I know she will love.
You have helped me so much to be myself and "decorate' for myself instead of for others.
Thank you,
Connie
Posted by: [email protected] | February 09, 2011 at 06:27 PM
How wonderful to have such a loving friend.
So happens I am going to a tea party and slumber party later that day in Indiana!
I will be thinking of Jen on m y drive there.
Thanks, Kim, for being such a dear to so many.
Hugs.
Posted by: Michele | February 09, 2011 at 06:40 PM
So lovely, so sweet and so beautiful.......My wonderful, talented daughter set my inspiration into motion to create my blogs. Then I found so many wonderful people like you Kim that has given me so much encouragement!
Thank you.....
Linda @ Nothin But Country Living
Posted by: Linda | February 09, 2011 at 07:04 PM
hi kim: i read jen's blog today before i worked my way to yours. i'm sure i found her from your blog as yours was one of the first i read as a new follower, not a blogger, yet... what a beautiful tribute. jen expressed so articulately what i believe all of us who enjoy inspiring words and gorgeous photography feel. you inspire! and i thank you. hugs, pam in texas
Posted by: Pam Mikel | February 09, 2011 at 07:30 PM
as the saying goes - "once in awhile you meet a friend that will be a friend forever. you both are truly blessed with forever friendships. :) linda
Posted by: linda moczan | February 09, 2011 at 07:34 PM
What a nice note she wrote to you. I am on my way to visit her! She sounds like a real sweetie, just like you!
XO,
Janie
Posted by: Jane | February 09, 2011 at 07:36 PM
hi kim,
happy february!
when i saw the title of this post i had a hunch it might be about jen. i am also so excited for her. she is really a special gal and her posts are always full of eloquence and real inspiration.
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | February 09, 2011 at 08:34 PM
Surprised to hear your friend is moving to Indiana. Indiana is where I am at also! Where abouts is she moving?
Posted by: Shelly Virtue | February 10, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Hi Kim, isn't it wonderful when you witness something like this. You are a great encourager and sometimes thats all that people need, a pat on the back and a you can do it mate I know you can. It's amazing what people can achieve when they have someone that believes in them and willing to give them a little time and encouragement. Bless you!!!! have a great day xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | February 10, 2011 at 05:22 AM
How sweet! I look forward to popping over to meet Jen and wish her well.
You know, when you put yourself, your heart, and your soul out into the world, you never know how far your positive message will go. what hope it will give, what corner it will brighten up for someone, and perhaps how much good karma you spread around. Just imagine, Kim!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | February 10, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Awww...what a wonderful world the blogging world is. I'm so happy for Jent that she followed her heart and has found a wonderful New Place to fix up all cottage in Jen's special way.
Posted by: ellie | February 10, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Oh Jen, I am also in Indiana. Would welcome any of Kim's friends and would share my very affectionate Smokey with you
if you like loving little dogs. I love to sew and cook and I love Kim. It's because of her I have red and yellow fiestaware. She is a treasure for sure!
Posted by: Peg | February 10, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Following ones dreams! How exciting, love Jen's house too. Will have to follow along! You are an inspiration, Kim! One of my dream projects is to do something with my dull, sterile laundry room this year, inspired by yours! Can see why you and Jen are friends too. Love from Okla, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | February 10, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Oh my, Kim..
I thought that Jen's house looked quite familiar to me!
I'm also here in IN and don't live far from this wonderful Village!
In fact, I've gone to a dentist there for over 30 years and have enjoyed strolls thru the streets and shops many times!
It's a lovely idyllic place!
So you have at least 2 readers/friends here in Hoosier land!!
I love her blog! So nice that she had encouragement from you!!
Isn't that the reason we are here on earth, to encourage and lift ea other up?!
Hugs!
Carol
Posted by: Carol Adams | February 10, 2011 at 02:58 PM
oh how funny Kim!! I just found Jen's web site for the first time today... read her story on the house and about "Dreams" and then to my amazement ... her applause to YOU!! Amazing to me because you encouraged me thru an email to do the same last year ( not to give up on a dream)..... I am in Jax and live in a brick rancher. My dream is to someday have that cottage that I have pictured in my heart!! Your email to me was sooooo encouraging!!!! Do you know that you are an "Encourager"??!! THANK YOU
Terri
Posted by: Terri | February 10, 2011 at 04:52 PM
I found YOU through her!
Posted by: Tanya Murray | February 10, 2011 at 05:34 PM
I've been a follower of Jen for awhile now and its been incredible to watch this all happen for her, I don't know her except for her blog but her writing is so authentic I feel like I do know her. So I should thank you for suggesting she start her blog!!
Posted by: Laurie at House to your Home | February 11, 2011 at 05:43 PM
I am so happy for Jen as well!! She SOOOO deserves this! Isn't it fantastic! I can't wait to see her touch on this beauty! :)
Posted by: Kristi | February 14, 2011 at 09:16 AM