Supernatural Botanicals

We learn so much from our friends.  You gain so much more…more of everything… insight, knowledge, humor, empathy, etc., by connecting to others.  Enter my friend, Jennifer, from across the pond.  Manchester, specifically.  Her story is amazing!  Jennifer has the kind of Eat- Pray-Love courage, the Under-The-Tuscan-Sun type of courage that inspires you and makes you connect to her instantly.  Jennifer writes a wildy successful blog about the trials and tribulations of a girl who loves her life.  So connect to Jennifer through her journey.  Start here.  Let’s meet Jennifer.  

Who she is:   My name is Jennifer Grace Cook and in August of 2010 I launched my personal blog, An American Girl’s Guide to a Noble Manchester. A Noble Manchester is located at www.anoblemanchester.com

Why she started the blog

I am a 44 year-old screenwriter from Los Angeles and after 20 years in the entertainment industry I woke up one morning to discover that not only was I beaten down by the business but that I was heading straight into early onset menopaul.  At this young age I was experiencing all the signs of menopause, the hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycle, heart palpitations, sleep disruption. While surprising to my OBGYN it’s not unheard of for women my age to experience it and my family history suggested a predisposition to early onset, but I was absolutely blindsided. I was just learning to love the idea of being fabulous and 40.

Now, for me it wasn’t just a matter of can I have a baby? It was can I be in a loving relationship? Can I love and be loved by the kind of man I would want to have a baby with?  What I realized was that I had spent my 20s and 30s creating a career and a lifestyle and I was learning how to be in healthy, loving and empowering relationships but I was having trouble navigating between career and personal life. What I understood was, in an effort to get the things I wanted in my career, I couldn’t be vulnerable anymore. I had trained that quality out of myself, I was a cold and inaccessible woman, and so my ambition was counter intuitive to a healthy personal life. I had to find a way to change, to allow myself to be vulnerable to allow myself to be available to love.

I was living a third of the life I was capable of living and I knew I had to change. So I decided to force myself into a vulnerable place. I decided to combine my personal life with my career and I took an enormous 6-month risk and moved from LA to Manchester, England where I am documenting, via blog, my search for noble love and nobility of character. My belief is when Irecognize it in others, kindness, generosity, integrity, inspiration and passion; all the things that make up a noble character, those qualities will also become apparent in me. I endeavor to a lead with an authenticity, a purity, a kind of humanity that will then make me attractive to the kind of man I want to be with, the kind of man I’d want to raise a child with.

The journey across the pond

Living in England feels like something of a miracle. Even though we have similar social structures and so much of American culture, our entertainment etc dominates over here I’m suddenly paying very close attention to the experiences and people I encounter. So the miracle is that I pay attention to everything. People, interactions, and I engage in a very open way, without any kind of preconceived notion. I’m relying solely upon my gut.

It’s forcing a new perspective. I do this thing where, while writing, when I feel stuck, when I know I’m not exploring the whole possibility, what I’ll do is literally get up and stand on the kitchen table, or the desk or wherever I am and just take a look around the room. I feel like you have to constantly invite yourself to look at things from another angle. And so when you ask what it’s like to cross the pond, it 

And being here, well I am different than I thought I would be. England is actually kind of what I thought it would be, not a lot of surprises. But I am different. I’m not as smooth as I thought I would be. I stumble a lot, I’m off balance – quite literally, the cobblestones are hard to walk on and also figuratively, which is exactly what I intended. And my life lessons are happening quickly. I feel like I’m learning at that increased rate that babies learn at.

Americans are a very powerful breed and America became America in just over 200 years. That is impressive, all that has been built; the cities, the culture. Americans are forthright and ambitious and dynamic and we make our presence known. We have no trouble selling ourselves or finding the initiative or gumption to seize the day. So as an American I have that in me, that indomitable vision.

Since I came on this journey I often hear, “You are so brave.” And I don’t feel brave at all. I just feel like it had to be done. I had to change and I wanted to do it in this kind of large way. But I think there is a delicacy that I lack, that Americans lack.  It’s a delicacy that I’ve learned is actually necessary. The truth is, what I see is that America is about ‘result’ and England (and Europe to a large degree) is about ‘process.’ And the process sometimes requires delicacy and finesse. Neither of which are my “go to attributes.” So my largest lessons have been how to communicate with people in an authentic and sensitive way. How to initiate and fortify genuine friendships without expectation. How to just give. How to make a relevant and valued contribution. And all of this can be a little clunky. But I’ve become patient with myself and I’m paying attention, so my growth is quite rapid and I feel like the work I’m doing is so very important.

My writing is growing as well, the blog and journey began as a search for a man and it has evolved into a holistic willingness to see nobility in others. The lessons I’m sharing I think are valuable. And I am lucky that I’ve been able to come and do this, that I have the support and ability to take this time to revolutionize myself in this rather comprehensive and significant way.

Men, Foreign and American Men and Friends

Initially when I launched the blog here in Manchester, which was in January; content from August through December told the story of who I was and how I came to the decision to come to Manchester, but when I launched in January I had some local and regional press so I got a number of e-mails from men who wanted to date me. And I knew that the man I was looking for, the man I would end up with wasn’t going to be one of the men who contacted me straight out of the gate. I knew that I had a kind of spiritual connection to him and I had a journey to go on so finding him would probably happen at the end of it or pretty close to the end because I wasn’t ready for him just yet. I knew he wasn’t going to be the first guy who sent me an e-mail on day one.

And I learned pretty quickly that those men who contacted me had their own set of motives. A couple of them were married, one was interested in the attention I was getting in the press, another was caught up in the novelty of it all. These were not the guys I wanted to be on this journey with. And within a few weeks I decided I wouldn’t meet men who contacted me via the blog. This process is

Now men are men. Which really means they are people first and foremost. They have the same emotional capacity and same emotional needs as women, they just communicate differently. And every man I’ve ever known is different in that way. Some are super mushy and highly articulate when it comes to expressing themselves and some just can’t be bothered or would rather drive a hot poker through their forehead than talk about how they feel. Men are men no matter where you are. There is absolutely an English reserve, but a lot more sex and nudity, by the way, female and male, on TV, which is still a little confusing despite he reserve. I’ve noticed the people in Manchester are far more open than those in London. And also despite the reserve, because I’m so forthcoming people tend to just roll with it. I’ll talk about anything, again learning about delicacy, but I think my openness creates space for others, men and women to maybe abandon that reserve a bit. There are social constructs that are a little different here. Most people only date one person at a time and people tend to get into relationships quickly here. Marriage is not the end game target that it is in America. Often couples have children together and never marry. That is pretty common here in the UK. And they don’t refer to each other as a “girlfriend” or “boyfriend,” it’s “my partner” which was kind of confusing for me at first because in America gay couples make reference to their “partner”. I thought at first everyone was gay. It’s been funny learning those little nuances.

I think men and women can be friends easier here. And when I watch couples, particularly couples in their 20s they seem to be at such ease with one another, it’s a certain kind of respect and maturity, which is hard to explain. Maybe it’s that there’s not so much a tug of war between them. Men are men in the relationship and women are the women in the relationship and there’s not any kind of confusion that I think American men and women have about roles. I’m hoping to take home a few pointers on this particular subject, because I think we, Americans, have some learning to do in this area.

Where do you see yourself in five years

Well, I will be at the tail end of my 40s in five years, which I suppose will be a significant moment I think and I see myself living in a big city. I am a city girl. I see myself in a committed loving relationship that I will feel such gratitude for because it’s taken me some time to get to the place where I really wanted that or could be good at it. I don’t anticipate or desire perfection, because that’s just no fun. I’m excited to learn what the challenges will be in that relationship. I see myself gracefully working through the challenges. I see family. And maybe children, maybe not but family definitely, and family meaning a collaborative, an effort between my husband/partner, my parents, my immediate family, my friends all pursuing and supported in a common goal of living a good life. An inspired life.

Goals/aspirations?

I want to write a book. And then I want to write another book and then I want to write a couple more books after that just for good measure. Just so I know that the first two books weren’t a fluke and a lucky follow up to the fluke. I want to create a home that’s a sanctuary for those people I love, a place filled with lots of laughter and generosity and compassion, and inspiration. I want to read all

What does happiness mean to you

Happiness to me is the freedom to keep growing. No matter the environment, with family, with friends, in business. And to explain this I will tell you, I’m obsessed tulips. I’m not sure why because I grew up in south Florida and tulips won’t grow there, too hot. But I have for as long as I can remember simply adored them. And I am constantly buying tulips for myself. All spring long, tulips, tulips, tulips. They have a certain grace. They are a highly responsive and sensitive flower. When you put them in water, a friend once told me to always put a penny in the water with them and the tulips would straighten right up. There’s some kind of chemical reaction to the copper in the water and they just respond to the stimuli. And tulips actually continue to grow. They get taller and longer after they’re cut. And you can trim their stems, cut them, and they will grow. They are challenged and they stretch, they thrive. The freedom to do that, being in the environment that will encourage that; that makes me happy, that makes me grateful.

Don’t rule out your outdoor living space just because the temperatures are dropping.  Some of my best parties were held outdoors in the Fall.  It seems to make parties cozier, in fact.  An essential for a Fall party is a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for warmth and light.  Keep the fire stoked all night…you’ll need it for s’mores after dinner.  Adding lanterns with small candles to tree branches around the entire perimeter makes it glow, and again, lends extra warmth.  Serve heartier eats, such as spicy chili, tacos, or a beef brisket.  Learn how to make some delicious after dinner hot drinks that warm you up, and get you in the mood for a party (see below.)  Add a great smooth jazz CD music mix to the background and decorate the the entire area with fall colors.  It’s a guaranteed magic night! 

Peppermint Patty Hot Drink:

1 Shot of Peppermint Schnapps

Hot Chocolate to fill glass

Top with Whipped Cream and an Andes Chocolate Mint.

Tired of taking the same old bottle of wine when you and friends get together on the weekends?  Mix it up and take a basket of muffins.  Muffins are always a hit.  Every.  Single.  Time.  Muffins are quick and easy to make when you get home from work on Friday, and will be amazingly delicious when your friends are nibbling on them that night.  One caveat…make plenty.  Make at least 3 to 4 muffins per person.  Trust my experience on this one. 

One of the wonderful things about blogs is that it connects you with people you normally wouldn’t have known otherwise.  Take, for instance, The Vintage Kitten.  She lives in the English countryside and loves all things vintage.  Cocktails are her specialty.

This cocktail, a Cloud Nine, will be perfect for entertaining my friends tonight.  Thanks, VK!

Visit my girl across the pond, The Vintage Kitten and her husband, Mr. Kitten, and explore her style and recipes.  She has the best cocktail recipes…ever!  You’ll love her vintage style.

Recipe courtesy of The Vintage Kitten.

RECIPE:

1 Shot Disaronno Amaretto
2 Shots Amarula Cream
1 Shot Raspberry Liqueur
3 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

Blend all the ingredients together with lots of ice until slushy.

Dip the rim of the glass in chocolate shavings and carefully pour the drink without touching the chocolate. Float lightly whipped cream on the top of the cocktail and decorate with raspberries.

I’m always excited to network with other women in business.  There’s so much to be learned from each and every one of them.  I recently interviewed my friend, Kristy Abner, owner of Kristy’s Kreations.  She makes gorgeous handmade jewelry that’s as pretty as Kristy is!  Read Kristy’s blog interview below, then visit her website, www.KristysKreations.com, to see her entire line of jewelry.

*What made you decide to start a jewelry business?
I noticed that I started getting compliments on my jewelry from strangers when I was out shopping or running errands so I thought, Hmm…why not try to sell it and see what happens?

*Why did you start making jewelry?
I bought a beautiful cross pendant with peridots and amethysts and I didn’t want to just put it on a silver chain, so I looked everywhere trying to find a beaded necklace to go with it and then after a long and exhaustive search I thought to myself, why not try to make what I want myself? I’m so glad I did.

* How did you learn to make jewelry?
I’m basically self taught. I took several beginners classes at Union Bead Boutique to get the basic ideas and concepts down. I also have a good friend, Lynn, who makes jewelry and we share our knowledge with each other.

* What are your favorite materials to work with?
Copper, Sterling Silver, Glass Beads (made by my husband) and beads in shades of blue and green.

* Where do you draw inspiration from?
Everything! Mainly bead magazines, but sometimes I just see a color combination that I love and I just go with it.

* What are your favorite pieces to make? (rings, necklaces, bracelets?)
I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite! I do enjoy making pieces using the lampwork (glass) beads that my husband makes. I love showing him what I’ve done with his beads.

* Do you and your husband share a workshop? No, he has his workshop out in our garage and I have a room in our house that holds most of my tools and supplies. I usually end up stringing beads while sitting on my bed, even though I have a room where I could do that! My husband is currently working on his own website but you can find his information on mine.

* What have been your biggest challenges in business? That would have to be promoting my business. I do the most business by word of mouth, although every once in awhile I get a customer who just happens upon my site.

* What are some of your favorite websites?
http://www.firemountaingems.com/
http://www.theearthbazaar.com/EarthBazaar/EarthBazaar.aspx
http://www.agrainofsand.com/

* Any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
If you are going to sell something that is handmade, then start first with a site like artfire.com and etsy.com where you can test the waters by having a store that doesn’t cost much and sell a few things to see how it goes before jumping in with both feet.

*Any additional information you might want readers to know?
I am going to be published in a bead magazine called BeadTrends. I will be in their July issue and their September issue.
I’m on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/kristysjewelrydesigns

And on face book at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/pages/Kristys-Kreations-Jewelry/56891326209?sid=9205dd9f534a7c00f42f77dccff59dce&ref=search

My website is
http://www.kristyskreations.com/

   Don’t you absolutely hate when you miss someones birthday or anniversary?  I found a really cool tool that helps you never forget an important date.  Birthday Alarm will send you several emails the week before and the week of the birthday you need to remember.   It’s a great way to (A) always remember your loved ones and (B) always seem fabulous!   And who doesn’t want to be fabulous?  Go to www.BirthdayAlarm.com, program in your family and friends’ birthday’s, and you’ll never miss an important date again.