Judy Hogan "This River" book at the Joyful Jewel 8-11-15

"This River"
by Judy Hogan
book

Wise heart words from Judy Hogan, bravely spoken about an international love affair. "The River" features poetry from one river - The Haw - and another - in Russia.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Judy-Hogan.html

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Kathleen Hannan & Friends "Seen & Unseen" cd at the Joyful Jewel 7-17-15

"Seen & Unseen: Songs from the Light of Midlife"
by Kathleen Hannan & Friends
cd

A favorite cd of many Joyful Jewel patrons -- and includes some of them singing with Kathleen Hannan as in "& Friends"!  Kathleen's voice and the power of these timeless lyrics illuminate more than the title "Songs from the Light of Midlife" might describe.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kathleen-Hannan.html

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Jennifer Hendrix & Laura Schmitt "Oscar" book at the Joyful Jewel 7-8-15

"Oscar"
by Jennifer Hendrix and Laura Schmitt

We each write a piece as it flows out from inspiration, and pass it back and forth. However, Oscar reads as one voice. We don't know how each story will unfold and what Oscar will be getting into until we write it. Bill Colt, the illustrator for Oscar, is an amazing artist who uses mixed media to create these beautiful illustrations with texture and depth. You have to see for yourself!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jennifer-Hendrix.html

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Donna Cassidy "Leaf Shawl" at the Joyful Jewel 6-27-15

"Leaf Shawl"
Donna Cassidy
Crochet

Floating through the day, this is how I would feel wearing this leafy, airy, colorful shawl by Donna Cassidy.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Donna-Cassidy.html

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Marcia E. Herman "Sipping My Garden" book at the Joyful Jewel 6-26-15

  

                    

"Sipping My Garden"
by Marcia E. Herman

Sweet scene that Marcia E. Herman set up at the Joyful Jewel to show her book, "Sipping My Garden" being used.  The jar is lemon balm and the tea pot represents the tea Marcia made from herbs and plants in her garden!  There are many such recipes and tidbits of lore and helpful information in this book.  DIY at it's best!

Marcia puts it this way, "Writing the book was a love affair with everyday plants that can be used to make teas and a celebration of the joys and goodness of the simple, yet magical process of putting leaves and hot water together.  Encouraging participation in the local food movement was another reward."

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Marcia-Herman.html

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Margaret Harrelll "Keep This Quiet! a Memoir" at the Joyful Jewel 6-23-15

"Keep This Quiet! A Memoir
by Margaret A. Harrell
book

Did you ever wonder what it would have been like to know Hunter S. Thompson?  Well author Margaret Harrell knew it well and tells all!

Volume I - Keep This Quiet: My Relationship with Hunter S. Thompson, Milton Klonsky, and Jan Mensaert:

 “Margaret Harrell’s Keep This Quiet! offers an illuminating look at Hunter S. Thompson in full throttle trying to make it as a Top Notch prose-stylist. Harrell fills in many important biographical gaps. A welcome addition to what is becoming the HST cottage industry. Read it”—Douglas Brinkley, editor of The Proud Highway and Fear and Loathing in America

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Margaret-Harrell.html

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Kim Hawks "Yucca" at the Joyful Jewel 6-20-15

"Yucca"
Kim Hawks
Photography

I will never look at a yucca the same again after seeing this stunning photograph by Kim Hawks.  The image is as if I could just reach out my hand and feel the cool drops, rub my fingers along the serrated fronds, linger my gaze on the hint of purple.  What a fount!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kim-Hawks.html

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Anora McGaha/When Women Waken "Grief" journal at the Joyful Jewel 6-19-15

"Grief: When Women Waken"
Anora McGaha, Editor
A Journal of Poetry, Prose & Images
$10, black & white version

I have been perusing the "hard copy" versions of the Journals of "When Women Waken" and have been especially struck by this journal devoted to Grief.  This book contains 171 entries submitted by writers and visual artists from all over the world on this very sensitive topic.  The cover art is by Susan Fulton, a photographer and graphic artist: chosen for the cover "because it symbolized many aspects of grief: the darkness surrounding us; the rough and unsteady ground below us, dizzying; off in the far distance a clearing, a light, some color; but still some layers of purple clouds to walk under." (Anora McGaha, the editor's words).  If you are grieving, come in to peruse through this journal and be understood, be heart-opened, be comforted.  I don't know if any of the submitters to this issue are coming to read tomorrow, but I hope so.  Timely, and we really need each other. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Anora-McGaha.html

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Forrest Greenslade - 2 Dog sketches at the Joyful Jewel 6-18-15

2 Dog Sketches
Forrest Greenslade
Ink with touches of watercolor

Forrest Greenslade calls this series of ink & water color sketches "Doggie Doodles."  The top one is a Basset Hound showing every bit of soulful pleading eyes and floppy ears that make this breed so adorable.  The second one is a Siberian Husky that belongs to his daughter.  She is waiting for you to say ok, ready to lick the freckles right off of you!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Forrest-Greenslade.html

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Nora Gaskin "Until Proven" a mystery at the Joyful Jewel 6-17-15

"Until Proven: A Mystery in 2 Parts"
by Nora Gaskin
book

Nora Gaskin is a Pittsboro writer who conceived a mystery novel that took place in a town very similar to our own.  There is even a picture of a court house on the front that looks suspiciously familiar!  It is an intriguing read that recalls history of race relations, and old murder and also a contemporary murder in the same town.  And as Nora says "an exploration of what changes over time--and what does not."

Here is a description of the book:
     Two young women murdered in their homes, one of them in 1963 and the other in 2003.  
     The same families are connected to each crime. The Vances are the old money white family in Piedmont, North Carolina. Could one of their own be a killer? 
     The Mintons are an African American family, respected and hardworking. What does the young cousin who represents their greatest hopes know about the crime? 
     Some people may believe that forty years was long enough for families and a town to heal from one "it can't happen here" crime, but the second murder rips open the old wounds. 
     Until Proven is a mystery, a family saga, and an exploration of what changes over time--and what does not.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Nora-Gaskin.html

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Patrick Hitesman "Fruitini" at the Joyful Jewel 6-13-15

"Fruitini"
Patrick Hitesman
Oil on Canvas, Original

Looks good enough to drink -- and eat -"Fruitini" indeed! Patrick Hitesman has painted a pure delight. This durable painting, with an an oil-painted surface that could be washed off if need be, would be nice reminder to relax in the kitchen or on the patio. I hope the painter has time to imbibe this Summer while off from his teaching job.  And, lots of time to paint.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Patrick-Hitesman.html

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Gerald Dukes "Chickadee" at the Joyful Jewel 6-12-15

"Chickadee"
Gerald O. Dukes
Photograph

Yummm, a grub!  Gerald Dukes has photographed this chickadee in action. I love the softly pink faded out background and the razor sharp bird image.  Shows each of the many shades of black, gray and white and even the blackest eye against black feathers.  Nice shot!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Gerald-Dukes.html

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Bonnie Franklin "Goatsmilk Cream" at the Joyful Jewel 6-9-15

Goatsmilk Cream
Face & Body Cream
Bonnie Franklin
4 oz. jar $12.00

If you've never tried Bonnie Franklin's creams and soaps you are missing out on a sensual luxury. Bonnie uses natural healthy ingredients and leaves out the things we don't want on our skin or in our waterways.  This cream includes purified water, goat milk, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, steric acid, and emulsiphying wax as a preservative.  From the minute you put it on your finger, the sensation is soft absorbancy and you just know you are doing something that is good!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Bonnie-Franklin.html

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Ches Stewart "Kitchen Pot Hanger" at the Joyful Jewel 5-21-15

Kitchen Pot Hanger
Ches Stewart
Cast Iron and Steel
$225

Among the various coat rack and single hooks, is this exceptional hand-forged hanger for pots in the kitchen made by blacksmith Ches Stewart.  I envision the glint of copper bottomed pans but any pot would look great hanging from this Renaissance-style rack.  A pot at the ready and calling for your chicken & dumplings or stir fry vegetables fit for a Knight in Shining Armor or Lady Heroine.  Let the games begin!  

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Ches-Stewart.html

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Sharon Blessum "Sage Incense" at the Joyful Jewel 3-13-15

Sage Incense
Sharon Blessum
$12

Did you know that we now have incense at the Joyful Jewel?  Sharon Blessum has purchased two types and packaged them beautifully with her beads and many of them have handmade holders.  This box has leaves of Sage and includes a feather to direct the smoke.  The rectangle boxes have stick incense of various natural fragrances, such as sandalwood. Sharon says, "Light a Leaf of Sage.  Blow out the flame, fan the smoke over you.  Welcome the clearing,"

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Beth Bale "On Point" at the Joyful Jewel 3-12-15

"On Point"
Beth Bale
Watercolor on Paper, 14 1/2" x 19" framed to 22" x 28"
$230, Original

It is fun to think of lions, especially to envision their expansive yawning and stretching in the sun on a day such as this.  Beth Bale has painted them in their opposite role -- being ultra vigilant and aware of the slightest movement or sound.  Like lions, I want to perfect each of these skills -- utter abandon to warmth and sunlight - with an eye alert to the rest of the world's goings on and my place in it.  It's a both/and kind of day.  This is an exceptional original painting, watercolor on paper, matted and framed beautifully.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Bale.html

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Emma Skurnick "Pink Flowers" at the Joyful Jewel 3-10-15

Pink Flowers
Emma Skurnick
Set of Cards
$12

Here is the last of the flower paintings I planned to post in hopes of coaxing Spring!  I think they did their job and this one of Emma Skurnick's  has the variety we really look forward to.  It's as if these beauties who bloom at the same time of year have a lot to say to each other.  And a lot to celebrate!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Emma-Skurnick.html

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Sharon Blessum "Grandmother" Photograph of Stone at the Joyful Jewel 3-8-15

"Grandmother"
Sharon Blessum
Photograph, of Hand-carved Agate
Framed

In honor of International Women's Day, here is inspiration for us all.  It is "Grandmother", a stone photographed by Sharon Blessum from a most elegant and powerful figure.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Kate Ladd "Pink Bouquet" at the Joyful Jewel 3-6-15

"Pink Bouquet"
Kate Ladd
Acrylic with attached Flowers, 12" x 12"
$75, Original

Pink, cottony, plush, velvety, some words for a "Pink Bouquet" by Kate Ladd.  Nicely arranged, most likely by Kate from flowers she grew last Summer.  I'm wondering if Kate's daffodils have burst open yet.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kate-Ladd.html

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John Makowski "Sewl Train 1" at the Joyful Jewel 3-4-15

 "Sewl Train 1"

John Makowski
Musical Assemblage, Mixed Media Sculpture
$1500

Letting go of posting flower pictures on this warm day, just had to tell you about this amazing sculpture that John Makowski just brought in.  Included are pieces of musical instruments, a guitar (see the front of the base), a soprano sax, a clarinet, and more more + of course the Singer Sewing machine, hood ornaments from an old car, even an apple peeler.  This has to be seen to really get the magnificance of it but here are several viewpoints and details.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/John-Makowski.html

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