Thank you for this, Simon. I’m glad you are liking my songs. Windmill (Blue patchwork sky) is on my double live album with Jeni & Billy (Sweet Song Coming ‘Round) though I never recorded it in the studio. I definitely have enough new and unreleased songs for a new studio album. It’s just a matter of deciding when and where to record and thinking about the budget. I used to make albums in between touring and that way I’d have a new album for the CD table. But I’m unsure about returning to full-time touring again. Anyhow, I appreciate your asking. I would like very much to collect my new songs together into an album.
Your teaberry teddy is simply adorable. Something about your writing about reincarnating thrift store and flea market finds into new and magical things makes me think of Robin Wall Kimmerer's term "good medicine". There is something immensely healing on both a personal and planetary scale about saving something destined for landfill and transforming it into a beautiful new thing, or restoring it to a new phase of glory (like your rescued dolls). That quilt that you made with your Mawmaw is spectacular! It looks like sunshine ❤️
I love how you connect saving things from landfill and making things with repurposed materials with Kimmerer’s good medicine. What a wonderful thought. The other day I was watching a reel by one of my favourite makers on Instagram who repurposes lots of textiles (she’s named Sarah and goes by didyoumakeityourself) and she was speaking about how being engrossed in making can be deeply healing. She had experienced severe trauma and the meditation of making was essential to her mental health. I definitely think this is true for me. I feel so much more myself when I’m making something. I sense you feel this, too!
I loved this whole post so much. That photo of you and Mawmaw sewing at the kitchen table is glorious. And I'm like you--I have to take a bit of stitching or knitting with me when I travel. I'm actually off to your side of the pond in just a few minutes!
Thank you so much. Aww. Safe travels to Britain!! I saw that you were coming. Are you bringing your teddy bear or perhaps he's too fragile to travel? I hope you have a beautiful visit and that you find some time to knit or stitch. I highly recommend a visit to Loop in Camden and Beautiful Knitters in Pimlico, both in London. Also, MacCulloch and Wallis which is just off Oxford Street. If you want to meet up or you'd like any fabric/yarn shopping tips or anything, just message me on Instagram. No pressure at all though because I know what it's like trying to see things, see people, catch up on sleep, and write all at the same time. Everything is waking up in May, it seems. I wish you a joyful journey! Hugs!
Funny story--I bought a couple books from Loop and when I saw how much shipping was going to be to the states I asked if they would hold them for me until I came. They said yes, so now I get to go there. And yes--I would love to try to meet up. I'll be in London from Thursday the 23rd, leaving on Sunday the 25th. So not a huge amount of time, but I'd love to try to see you! And sadly, Chester the bear had to stay home. No room in my over-stuffed suitcase. But I'm hoping my husband is taking good care of him!
Thanks for sharing these lovely reflections, Jeni! One of my most precious childhood memories is watching my Mammaw make me a dress. I stood next to her at her blocky Singer machine and was fascinated. The dress was white with red polka dots and I absolutely loved it! Mom finally had to give it to a younger cousin on the sly because I kept trying to wear it long after it was too small for me.
Oh, I love this memory so much. I often think about how devastated I was when I grew out of my favourite clothes. But a polka dot dress made by Mawmaw is extra hard to hand down. I love that we share so much heritage. Hugs to you.
Love this song. Do you have enough material for an album? I'm listening to Power in the Blood too. Love these songs.
Thank you for this, Simon. I’m glad you are liking my songs. Windmill (Blue patchwork sky) is on my double live album with Jeni & Billy (Sweet Song Coming ‘Round) though I never recorded it in the studio. I definitely have enough new and unreleased songs for a new studio album. It’s just a matter of deciding when and where to record and thinking about the budget. I used to make albums in between touring and that way I’d have a new album for the CD table. But I’m unsure about returning to full-time touring again. Anyhow, I appreciate your asking. I would like very much to collect my new songs together into an album.
Here are my others:
https://jenihankins.bandcamp.com
Thanks!
Your teaberry teddy is simply adorable. Something about your writing about reincarnating thrift store and flea market finds into new and magical things makes me think of Robin Wall Kimmerer's term "good medicine". There is something immensely healing on both a personal and planetary scale about saving something destined for landfill and transforming it into a beautiful new thing, or restoring it to a new phase of glory (like your rescued dolls). That quilt that you made with your Mawmaw is spectacular! It looks like sunshine ❤️
I love how you connect saving things from landfill and making things with repurposed materials with Kimmerer’s good medicine. What a wonderful thought. The other day I was watching a reel by one of my favourite makers on Instagram who repurposes lots of textiles (she’s named Sarah and goes by didyoumakeityourself) and she was speaking about how being engrossed in making can be deeply healing. She had experienced severe trauma and the meditation of making was essential to her mental health. I definitely think this is true for me. I feel so much more myself when I’m making something. I sense you feel this, too!
I loved this whole post so much. That photo of you and Mawmaw sewing at the kitchen table is glorious. And I'm like you--I have to take a bit of stitching or knitting with me when I travel. I'm actually off to your side of the pond in just a few minutes!
Thank you so much. Aww. Safe travels to Britain!! I saw that you were coming. Are you bringing your teddy bear or perhaps he's too fragile to travel? I hope you have a beautiful visit and that you find some time to knit or stitch. I highly recommend a visit to Loop in Camden and Beautiful Knitters in Pimlico, both in London. Also, MacCulloch and Wallis which is just off Oxford Street. If you want to meet up or you'd like any fabric/yarn shopping tips or anything, just message me on Instagram. No pressure at all though because I know what it's like trying to see things, see people, catch up on sleep, and write all at the same time. Everything is waking up in May, it seems. I wish you a joyful journey! Hugs!
Funny story--I bought a couple books from Loop and when I saw how much shipping was going to be to the states I asked if they would hold them for me until I came. They said yes, so now I get to go there. And yes--I would love to try to meet up. I'll be in London from Thursday the 23rd, leaving on Sunday the 25th. So not a huge amount of time, but I'd love to try to see you! And sadly, Chester the bear had to stay home. No room in my over-stuffed suitcase. But I'm hoping my husband is taking good care of him!
Thanks for sharing these lovely reflections, Jeni! One of my most precious childhood memories is watching my Mammaw make me a dress. I stood next to her at her blocky Singer machine and was fascinated. The dress was white with red polka dots and I absolutely loved it! Mom finally had to give it to a younger cousin on the sly because I kept trying to wear it long after it was too small for me.
Oh, I love this memory so much. I often think about how devastated I was when I grew out of my favourite clothes. But a polka dot dress made by Mawmaw is extra hard to hand down. I love that we share so much heritage. Hugs to you.
Happy Birthday Mawmaw! You sure raised a good one! Loved it all Jeni! The picture of you two sewing, perfect! Harmonies were sweet.
x Pete
Aww, thank you, Pete! And thank you for the gift, too! Paw fives and cyber hugs. xx
you’re all very welcome. thx for sharing!