Comfort is the foundation for creativity and creativity is the flower
that gives off the fragrance of service.

Dearest Reader,

During this time of sparkle and snow and sentimentality, I am sending you a wish for the crisp clarity of feeling a part of everything. I am beseeching you to make the list of things you are grateful for at least twice as long as your New Year's Resolutions and five times as long as your holiday to-do list.

Go gently, compassionately, and softly into this time of darkness and light, togetherness and loneliness, truth and illusion. Remember Carl Jung's desire "I'd rather be whole than good" when you see the harshness of some self-trait. Remember the line from Mary Oliver's poem Messenger in her new book Thirst, "Let me keep my mind on what matters,/which is my work,/which is mostly standing still and learning to be/astonished" when you feel bogged and bloated by consumption. Remember my prayer, written by Rilke, "May what I do flow from my like a river,/no forcing and no holding back," when you are sure you must do just one more thing. Let us live from the place of knowing deep, deep down that you and I and we do not need nor require anything to change to you and me and we to be loved and loving, to be beloved on this earth.

May 2007 be a year of unpredictable and lush epiphanies, surprisingly graceful slip-ups, riotously giggly conversations, art that expresses what has never yet been spoken, dog-eyed intimacy and the ability of our nation and world to speak in languages all can hear. I can't wait to share it all with you!

Wishing you immersion in cinnamon hugs, peppermint kisses, and hot chocolate steam facials while fat wet gorgeous snowflakes fall all around you, no matter your geographical home, reminding you of the blessing of your own expression of Spirit.

With love,
JENILICIOUS

Some of Jen's Favorite Things Right Now

A few ideas for late holiday buying or new year renewal or checking out from the library

Ode Magazine -- keep the faith that good arises in the world

Thirst - Poems by Mary Oliver
Giving voice to her grief and her love of God

Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God translated by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy
Essential spiritual food

Pronoia is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings by Rob Brezsny
I gave four copies this holiday season, perfect for the cynic or the optimist in your life

My podcast Episode 0 where I (finally) begin to hit a good podcast stride (Please see Subscribe to Podcast below for new podcast subscription info). You could copy to a CD and give it with one of my books, still on sale 30% off.

Beyond Paper Dolls by Lynne Perrella
Yet another brilliant book from Lynne and I hate dolls!

The Paintings of Joan Mitchell
I can't get enough of this second generation abstract genius. Makes my heart hammer.

Art & Life ezine by Teesha Moore
I eagerly await each issue simply because of Teesha's voice, a pure inspiration.

HeartstoneCeramics.com/
The best gifts ever, and check out Shelby's note cards too. So moving!

The Life Organizer by me – I have one copy in hand and it's simply gorgeous, dense, and poetic. Pre-order now, we are going to be doing a free CD giveaway only from my site. Shipping mid January.

EnergyMuse.com/
Not sure of their claims but their jewelry is beautiful and makes me feel good.

Subscribe to Jennifer's Podcast

We recently had to update the LoudenMouth Podcast feed which caused a change in your subscription if you were subscribed through iTunes. You will need to resubscribe at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=205605158.

You can also do a search on Jennifer Louden or LoudenMouth using iTunes.

Or if you are using an RSS feed to keep up with the Podcast, the new feed is http://www.jenniferlouden.com/loudenmouth.xml.

We are sorry for any inconvenience, but hopefully this will make the interface easier to use.