"Joy is always worth it." ~The Bloggess

You know how it feels when you have all these ideas but instead of working on them you spend your free time surfing Pinterest and reading blogs about what everyone else is doing? Then you become so inspired that you're paralyzed into doing nothing but watch Housewives of Atlanta? That's how I've been feeling for months. And last week, after inspiration overload at Alt, followed by days behind the computer, I felt the desperate need to get away from the internet and just make something. Anything.

So I texted Jenny to see if she wanted to keep me company while I decoupaged a wall in my office. Which now that I think about it, is pretty much the same as asking someone if they want to watch paint dry. But that's the kind of friend she is. Not only will she watch paint dry with you, she'll find a way to make it fun. Like the time I was talking about how much I hate exercise and she introduced me to adult-sized hula hoops. Or when we went to lunch and ended up taking frogs to a movie.

Which was nothing compared to the time she wore a wolf to Twilight. Basically Jenny is a magical spice that you can sprinkle on any ordinary day to make it taste better. I love her. And so does the whole world. So much that they're always sending her presents in the mail. Things like fake anthrax and monkey hands and Big Foot costumes. So it's fun to be with her when she's going through it. And last week while I was trying to get the bubbles out of my Mod Podge, she pulled out a red dress that someone had sent for her Traveling Red Dress project. Which by the way, was featured on FORBES ... (y'all she is changing the world).

She went to try on the dress and we both knew that I was done decoupaging. And let me just say that I can't remember the last time I stopped to take pictures for fun. I've tried to schedule it, and end up canceling because of work or life or whatever. It always seems unjustified because of more "important" things. And actually, as I'm writing this I'm reminded of this quote by Brian Andreas:

"There are things you do because they feel right & they may make no sense & they may make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to eat each other’s cooking & to say that it was good.”

I think I would add on as the reason we're here, "to play impromptu dress up with your friend on a random Wednesday."

I know this one's blurry, but I love her expression. Her eyes are so light, she kind of looks like a happy vampire. 

My FAVORITES. ...Jenny you are so gorgeous!

If you haven't seen them already, Jenny posted more here. 

My favorite part of her post was when she said "Joy is always worth it." That's what this whole session felt like. A time out. A reminder that you don't always need a "reason". Sometimes having fun is reason enough. 

Comments

[Karen from Chookooloonks]

Dude. THIS is what happens when two stunning souls -- one who is the most talented, generous photographer I know, the other who is the kindest spirit I know -- get together.

It's like beauty NAPALM, man.

K.

[Deanna]

What Karen said...and then some. Jenny is stunning. You are magic. Life is way too short to not be joyful.

[Roberta]

Oh wow. Wow. Just...wow. I got chills and tears looking at those photos. Because of what the Traveling Red Dresses mean. Because of Jenny and what she struggles with, and all the awesome crazy fun that she still gives back to the world. And because they are simply stunning. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[kristen howerton]

I love everything about this post. Beautiful in every way.

[Sherry Carr-Smith]

When I see these photos I think two things: (1) These women are real friends, and (2) Hailey is going to be so incredibly proud of her amazingly strong mother.

I'm so glad you took some photos just for you.

[Jenna / liveformemories]

Ditto on what Karen said! These are absolutely stunning. I adore Jenny's blog, have for years, and was so thrilled to see these pop up. We forget to let ourselves be free, and this is like taking a deep breath of love and laughter. Stunning.

[tea_austen]

Oh Maile, I need this tonight--needed to be reminded of joy and silliness and beauty and red dresses. Thank you so much. You are crazy talented and have such a sweet soul. xox

[Savvy in San Francisco]

Gorgeous pictures M, as usual! I feel like I am in the same place as you, slightly spinning out of control with things I need to do and get done, but find myself doing everything (blogs, twitter, facebook, tv) that I am not supposed to be doing instead! ALT just escalated the spinning and added more things for me to add to that list! Ha!

[rachel]

10X over ditto to what Karen said.. because just YES.

Love you. Love Jenny.

Just. YES.

[brandi]

Yep! I know how you feel...been MIA from my blog for a few months now and that's why I'm here at yours...killing time and looking for inspiration. I always love how you write from your heart and describe everything your going through perfectly...and humorously! I'm glad your back and hope you'll stick around b/c you and your successful business is what I'm striving to be!

[Lori Krieger]

Reading this made my heart feel good. It was an afternoon smile that was much- needed. Thanks for sharing!

[Karen Maeby]

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!