Monday, October 15, 2012

Why I Love Where I Live

I never EVER thought I would say I like living in New Jersey.  I was a New York City kid.  Born and bred in Brooklyn, New York.  I went to high school in Manhattan (to the High School of Performing Arts, or the "Fame" school), and then lived in Manhattan through college and law school.  When I got married at 28 and moved to New Jersey, I didn't even have a driver's license!  For months I rode around on a bicycle like Elmira Gulch in the Wizard of Oz.  But then, winter came, it snowed, and I had to learn how to drive!

But I've come to love where I live, and here's why:
  • I'm only 15 miles from New York - so I can go "home" anytime I want to.;
  • Glen Ridge is small -- only around 6000 people.  Everyone knows everyone's business, which is sometimes what I don't like.  However when something bad happens, everyone comes together;
  •  the town is very pretty -- many different styles of homes, wide sidewalks, pretty gardens;
  • both of my daughters were born here;
  • my block is great -- wonderful families and I love my house and garden;
  • it's only one hour to our lake community, Pine Lake;
  • we're only 20 minutes from Newark International Airport so traveling is very easy;
  • we're 1 hour from the beach -- the Jersey Shore!;
  • I'm less than one hour from all of my immediate family;
  • the neighboring towns have great restaurants;
  • I've made wonderful friends here.
  • great parks, nearby hiking; fun town events, lots of trees, and my town is famous for its gas lamps!
An example of the town banding together - sadly:  Last Tuesday, a high school senior died of an accident.  The town has come together for his family and peers in the most loving, supportive way.  I did not know him, but I knew his stepsister and many of his classmates.  I created this artwork for his family:
The text uses lyrics by Linkin Park, which I found through Scrapping the Music's current challenge. 

Thank you for visiting! If you are so moved, please leave a comment. Hearing from you means the world to me.

Linking up to List it Tuesday at Artsyville.  
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25 comments:

  1. Sharon FritchmanOctober 16, 2012 at 4:44 AM

    Jessica! I really love both of these, so much! The first one is so whimsical and fabulous - great journaling! I love your lamp post. And the second one is so moving. Just perfect for the song Linda picked!

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  2. AliOctober 16, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    Love that gaslamp image. I have a friend who lives in Chatham not so far away from you and I love to visit there, it's gorgeous. So sad for the boy's family, but love the tribute you did.

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  3. Cheryl GeeOctober 16, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    Loving the Zentangled lamp post. Also loving the multi-colored glowing sky. You're so creative!

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  4. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 7:02 AM

    Jessica, such amazing art with your awesome list! Sounds like a great place to live.

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  5. dentheOctober 16, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    Such a beautiful tribute you made for that boy's family. I'm sure they'll find comfort in it. Love your colourful journalpage too!

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  6. aimeeOctober 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM

    beautiful pages!! we have many of the same reasons for enjoying NJ!

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    1. UnknownOctober 18, 2012 at 9:58 AM

      yes we do! We should really meet in person some time. We're so close!

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  7. NicoleNROctober 16, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    Beautiful page & love the colors! I've heard so many good things about Glen Ridge just from various bloggers I read!

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  8. amyOctober 16, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Beautiful pages, and a lovely tribute.

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  9. S.E.MinegarOctober 16, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    What a gorgeous tribute to new jersey. He neighbor, I live in Summit. Love this list!

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  10. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    I love your artwork - so vibrant!

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  11. UnknownOctober 16, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    Thank you for sharing about your community. I love the color background on the Glen Ridge piece and adore the lamp post. I don't know why, but I like towns with lamp posts. Adds a certain charm to a streetscape, even if it's quaint. Yours with all the doodles is whimsical.

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  12. Marjie KemperOctober 16, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    What a beautiful gift for that family. Lovely work.

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  13. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    Lovely piece you made for the family. It's always a heartbreak when those accidents happen, too often....I love your list about where you live. WE should all think about the good things we take for granted. I love where I live too! xox

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  14. TerrieOctober 16, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    Great list, great journal page and some excellent reasons to like NJ - between you and Aimee, I might have to revise my stereotypical impression of it!

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  15. Carolyn DubeOctober 16, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    What a touching way to offer support to a family going through such a horrible tragedy.

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  16. 35jupeOctober 16, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    Okay, so weird, I was talking with a woman who went to the High School for the Performing Arts today at the coffee shop! Small world.

    I love small towns and I love lakes. I've become convinced small towns are really good for us ... (well, the exception being NYC, but it's neighborhoods there, which are a similar thing.) Your art is lovely.

    And while tragedy is horrible, people coming together helps a bit. I miss that.

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  17. Tracey FKOctober 17, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    Loved haring about your town and seeing your illustration to go with it... the colours are just perfect...and there must be great comfort in a town coming together when a tragedy strikes... I am it helps the family...xx

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  18. Linda KunsmanOctober 17, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Thanks for sharing your town with us -love the happy colors you used! And what a kind gesture to make a special piece of art for his family-beautiful choice of a lyric too.

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  19. laurieOctober 18, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    you are so lucky to live in such a wonderful place and be so close to family! your list and the tribute you created are beautiful.

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  20. Tara HolmesOctober 18, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    I LOVE the vibrant illustrations with your entry! The east coast is where it's at :)Thanks for sharing!

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  21. FallingladiesOctober 18, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    I still love my valley but being closer to the ocean would be great!

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  22. MollyOctober 21, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    what a wonderful list. and it sounds like a marvelous community. so sorry to hear about the loss of such a young, vital member. i'm sure his family with treasure the piece you created in his memory.

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