Monday, July 12, 2010

With Love, From Germany...

As with any addiction, there is a 12 step program for a full recovery.

As a diagnosed Swapaholic, I am sharing my story with you in hopes that it may help you or someone you love.

Step 1: Admit that I am powerless over swaps, that my life has become unmanageable.

My name is Jodie LeJeune and...

I am having an overseas love affair.

It started when I found her blog and it has not ceased since.

DSC_0043 (3)

Step 2: Come to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity.

We "officially" met in Paris and it was love at first sight. {sigh} It was meant to be  :)

Inside this beautiful dark brown velvet bag that she made just for me, are the priceless memories that we shared of our time in France.

DSC_0048 (2)

Step 3: Make a decision to turn my life over to the Power greater than myself.

I thanked Him for bringing us together as she knows all of my secrets and desires.

Thus she filled this bag with tempting things that would never let me forget her.

DSC_0046 (2)

Step 4: Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself.

We share the same love of vintage laces, luscious trims, romantic histories of the past, and of course...PARIS.

I would travel the world just to be with her.

DSC_0089 (2)

Step 5: Admit to the Power greater than me, also to myself and now to other human beings that can relate to the exact nature of my addiction.

Would you like to peek inside my beautiful bag of unforgettable memories?

(read on...I promise this is NOT x-rated!) haha!

DSC_0049

Let me start by telling you a little bit about her.

Her name is Julia, aka Vintage with Laces and she lives in Germany.

She is a wife...

DSC_0051 (2)

an artist,

DSC_0051 (3)

and Julia is a VERY dear girl friend of mine.

We now share lots of special memories, especially of PARIS.

DSC_0056 (2)

Step 6: Be entirely ready to have the Power above me remove all these defects of character.

  um, What?

Me? Be entirely "ready" to remove WHAT???

 oh Hell no!

I LOVE these "defects of character".

I love me some Julia!

Let me show you why. I think you'll agree with ME too ;)

DSC_0074 (2)

the details...

DSC_0074 (3)

the backside...

DSC_0075 (2)

the details...

DSC_0075 (3)

Step 7: Humbly ask the Power above me to remove all of my shortcomings.

Nope. Can't do that. just cannot do that. Sorry!

I just love love love all things PARIS as they are one of my (many) weaknesses (and Julia knows that!!! )

DSC_0078 (2)

Julia feeds my addiction!!!!   ;)

DSC_0077 (2)

Like really, is all this beauty really considered "shortcomings"?

DSC_0079 (2)

Is me loving  Julia's artistic talent really considered a "defect of my character"?

DSC_0082 (2)

I don't know "WHO" wrote this 12 Step program but um, I'm not buying it. Not for one second ;)

DSC_0080 (2)

Step 8: Make a list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make amends with them.

Nope. I'm not doing that either. uh uh.

I will not responsible for hunting down the person who wrote this 12 step program and I surely don't regret showing all of my goodies "shortcomings" to all of you.

YOU are my friends (even though you may be harmfully jealous right now) and  you know exactly what I'm going through, right? ;)

DSC_0083 (2)

I mean, like don't you love these vintage things too?

DSC_0084 (2)

Is swapping really such a "BAD" thing?

I bet if you try it, you'll love it!  :)

DSC_0085 (2)

Please tell me I'm not the only one!!!

Swapping IS an addiction...BUT...

DSC_0086 (2)

It's the anticipation of the package.

It's the thrill of opening each and every little gift.

It's the rush of feeling your heart flutter with each peek.

DSC_0088 (2)

Step 9: Make direct amends to such people where ever possible, except when doing so may cause harm or injury.

Don't let me catch who wrote this 12-step program. I'm just saying...  

DSC_0090 (2)

Step 10: Continue to take personal inventory and when wrong, personally admit it.

oh I can do this step...

If ANYONE touches my "inventory", refer back to Steps 8 & 9!!!

When they mess with me, they mess with my "extended family" and that's a BIG NO~NO!

DSC_0065 (2)

If you think you are brave enough to do so, there's two tickets here that have your name on them...

DSC_0070 (2)

And again, I won't be responsible for what happens thereafter ;)

DSC_0063

Step 11: Seek prayer and meditation through conscious contact, praying for the knowledge and the power to carry that out.

Even my little Oreo knows not to mess with my swap stash.

DSC_0050 (2)

She of all people dogs knows how much I cherish these swaps and how I hoard everything that gets sent my way.

DSC_0055 (2)

See how scary she looks? She protects her Momma's stash!

(Good Doggie)

DSC_0105

Final Step...Step 12:  Have a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, try to carry the message to all Swapaholics, and practice these principals in all our affairs.

My Spiritual Awakening is...

I can only get through the first 5 steps. Not even half way. Call me a failure if you want but I am still addicted to swaps and probably forever will be.  I am happy in my own skin.

;)

My message to all Swapaholics (or those who've never tried it) is...

If you have a good swap partner, it feels VERY good!  

;)

And lastly, Practice these principals in all our affairs.

Case in Point...Julia!

She sent me ANOTHER BOX to feed my addiction!

(address have been erased to protect the innocent)

DSC_0107 (3)

Being the confessed swap addict that I am, I asked sweet Julia to send me some little "extra" items from Germany in addition to the swap and she so sweetly obliged.

I just can't get enough.

I AM ADDICTED!

see step #8...

I'm apologizing in advance for making you become addicted to swapping AND addicted to Julia too!   :)

DSC_0108 (2)

yum yum

see how fun?

DSC_0110 (2)

don't be shy.

you're gonna love swapping!

DSC_0114 (2)

Let's not forget to mention the people you'll fall in love with...

DSC_0117 (2)

and the places you will go!!!!

DSC_0118 (2)

You'll NEVER forget the one's who have touched your heart with all of the little details...

DSC_0124 (2)

and especially the one's that are worth having a love affair with, over and over again :)

DSC_0122 (2)

Thank you Julia...I love you!

Even when all is gone, we will still have PARIS!!!

DSC_0057 (2)

(above is the inside of the brown velvet bag that Julia made for me. She spared NO detail!!!!) 

DSC_0121 (2)

I thank all of you for sharing in my swap with Julia and sharing my sense of humor about "addiction" in general.

I hope I didn't offend anyone as no intentions to do so were portrayed here.

I only share positive thoughts (as always) and try to spread  love and humor throughout blogland :)))

I hope you have a wonderful week!!!

:)

38 comments:

Honey Lamb and I said...

I am so jealous of your Julia! I will go check out her link. It is wonderful that you can admit that you DO have a problem!! lol!

Are you headed to CA for the Sirens event? I feel like I am the only one not going:(

I love all your new pretties from Julia! Especially all the great laces.....

~Shelley O.

zandra said...

Wow! Really that is all I can say. Love, Paris, too.
Hugz, Z

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Who would want to give up such a fun and fantastic addiction. I say swap away! Your Julia is a treasure as are you Jodie!

The French Bear said...

Okay Jodie, I can help you with your addiction....oh wait, no I can't.... I am addicted too!!! Wow, wow, and wow again...you are one lucky chick!!!! Fabulous gifts, OMG you have the most gorgeous stuff....I am so envious, well not really cause it's you, and I love you, but really, all of that? Ha ha, this is quite the haul!!!!
I love the brown velvet bag, did she make it? Beautiful!!!! What are you going to do with all that goodness!!!
I can't wait to see what you gave in the swap....you rock in that department!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Geralyn Gray said...

You are so funny.........I am a swapaholic also......this one I am putting together this week is the best.....I haven't actually swapped anything yet. But, she came all the way from New York City and met me at my store----total surprise!!!!!! Luckily there is no cure....but your points were pretty close to 20 steps to good karma which I read last night!!!!

Anonymous said...

I need a paper towel...D.R.O.O.L.

love that stuff...love your blog :D

~victoria~

Janet Ghio said...

I want to play!!! Love your blog! It is always so fun!

Karen said...

Be still my heart. Very fun. Love it all. There will never be such a thing as "too many swaps". Course, getting both you and Julia together - that was just perfect!
Thanks again for everything!
Love you tons. karen

Sheila Rumney said...

Thanks for sharing Julia with us. Still drooling over all your beautiful things she sent!

Claudia said...

Truly scrumptious! I am gasping, sighing and drooling....I have to go back and look at everything again. That heart is making me weak in the knees!

xo
Claudia

Olive said...

Swooning. My hubs chuckles at my addiction to pretty things...haha. You are so fortunate to have your Julia. ♥olive

katilady said...

what a lucky duck you are, everything is gorgeous!

Kelly said...

WOW! Lots and lots of good thing there....lucky girl! :)

Sue said...

Sweet Jodie,

Love your goodies! Julia sounds like a real treasure, and I have to admit that I am rather partial to Germany! I love the creative way you share your swaps - the 12 steps was a hoot!

Hugs,

Sue E.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Jodie girl, This is such a cute, funny and crazy post! THANK YOU, sweetie!!! Besides all your other amazing talents, you are the most talented story teller and photographer!

I don't think your swapping addiction needs to be cured :-). Just go ahead and swap, swap, swap!

I LOVE you too, my dear friend!!!

Lots of hugs :-),
Julia

Tina said...

OMG Jodie - what a georgeous swap with Julia. SOOOO many goodies. oh you lucky gal you. addicted to swaps is just the greatest.
I do wish we lived closer Jodie - wouldn´t it be so much fun.
Wishing you a wonderful day and thank you for a wonderful post too sweet friend
xoxo Tina

NanE said...

Wow, looks like she sent you the Mother Load! How wonderful to have an overseas friend that you share so much in common with. I can honestly say I am NOT a swap-a-holic! Of course... that might have to do with the fact that I am new to blogging and have never participated in a swap, but I'm sure I would NEVER get addicted! ;)

Beth A. @ Songbird Hill said...

Wow! Julia has really fed that addiction! My goodness, such beautiful things and I can only imagine what pretties you'll make with them. I love the clothespins!

Unknown said...

Oh My! What wonderful goodies. She does Love you! Thank you for shareing with us.. I had a lot of fun listening to your 12 step program.. Hugs, Linda

Home and Heart said...

WOW! This leaves me virtually speechless!!! (Amazing to those who know me!) Just gorgeous!

alveen said...

You are beyond redemption you wicked wicked girl!!!
Go to the naughty corner, yes the one where all the goodies are stashed, and stay there until...........

I am GREEN

Lisa said...

Jodie,
The first thing I thought while reading this was 'OH NO, Julia has given away all of her stuff!, She'll never be able to swap again'!
The second thing I thought was, 'I would love to have 5 minutes alone in her studio with a big empty bag'.
The third thing is, I am having Thad & Oreo participate in an intervention on you because you have WAY too much lace & velvet. Next....short comings. Don't get me started Missy, LOL Don't you change one little thing, I love you & all your short comings!
I love that Julia too, I guess I'm a little powerless too, but I wanna wallow in my addiction.
Oh yes, the last thing, please tell Thad that if anything ever happens to you (like you run off to Paris with the waiter in Wax) I get your stuff! Love you my crazy lil sis. Lisa Marie

virginiasvignettes said...

Hi Jodie!...First I have to say I just saw what you sent to Julia,(and you said 2 months late?)I would WILLINGLY wait 2 yrs for all those goodies!...and now to see what Julia sent you,sighghhghgh,Your love affair has definitly shown through....such beautiful talent Girls!!~~smiles to you~~~~virginia

Kateyed said...

You are so funny...I am ready to join your group. Wecan just keep repeating Steps One through Five.

Those are beautiful treats! Just some of the pretties, most thoughtful I have ever seen. And the details almost making me cry...yes I can get emotional about such things.

i was on her site the other night...some sleepless middle of the night thing...and just fell in love, too.

What a beautiful world!

Hugs and thanks. You are a gift to us all!
Suz

Alison Gibbs said...

Oh my goodness Julia is the swap partner from heaven.
Wow, WOW..... so many beautiful gifts.
Alison

Ruth said...

Absolutely Gorgeous... Thanks for sharing. It's inspired me to be a better swap partner!

Thanks so much Jodie for this post. It truly is a delightful "addiction" that I recommend to all. I think that makes me a enabler ;)

(((Hugs))) Ruth

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Wow Jodie...you are so lucky! Thanks for showing us your beautiful gifts! I am now green with envy ~ even my word to verify is green!!

Hope said...

I just love your Julia.....and I am a swap addict. I only in the last few years learned about them. I hope this finds you well.
XO~Hope

Linda said...

It's always amusing and fun when I visit your blog. I'm left always wondering - girl, how do you find the time for all of this??! :P

I love all of the pretties you received from Julia and yes, such a lovely friendship to behold.

The French Bear said...

Seriously Jodie, I am starting a box of goodies for you..... I don't know if it will cure you though!!! I fear it may lead to other things!!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Jodie, all I can say is wow! So many talented ladies out there. I don't know how ya'll do it all. My brain just doesn't function in that fashion. So much swap goodness from both ladies. Best wishes, Tammy

Rebecca said...

Hey Jodie Girl... that is just way too much goodness for one little addicted girl to handle... I think I might have to fly down there and help you out. Now don't go hiding anything in the back of the toilet, I promise I will leave you some lace but it is only for your own good that I do this :)
You are one lucky little lady...
Blessings
Rebecca
PS I mailed your package today.

Boxwood Cottage said...

I admit that I was here already Jodie and drooled over that utterly gorgeous velvet brown bag with lace she sewed for you and all the yummy trinkets and treasures that Julia sent you and was all in awe!
My how she spoiled you, she did such an awesome job!!!
I'm trying to be not jealous and it helps a bit that my next private swap is with Julia too he he
Loved the story you invented, I asked Julia if she has really met you in Paris lol
Sending you a big hug from Germany
xoxo~ Carola

Alexandra said...

ok now I understand why she got so a wonderful package from you ;) You have a wonderful blog. Have a nice weekend. Greetings Alexandra

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jodie,

My what a fabulous lot of treasures you got from the beautiful Julia.
Did you feel like you had gone to heaven?
I love everything! and no wonder you are addicted to all these wonderful things.

Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Debby said...

You are a total spoiled brat!!! LOL...I love all your beautiful goodies and I don't think you need any help with your swap addiction at all. It is so fun to read your posts and see how much you enjoy playing in your swaps. Julia is so very talented and has sent you so many gorgeous treats. Hugs,
Debby

HonestNiceWoman said...

I just adore those vintage clothes pins! I think this would be a great project to make to use in displays.

You have lots of beautiful little treasures here and it's obvious how much you adore each and every one!

Jennifer said...

very sweet, though I am not a lover of everything French, all that lace just makes my nose itch.

Is there some international list of swappers somewhere?