L.J. Kaelms (pronounced kaylms)
A few years ago I decided to give my handbags names that had some sort of significance to me; such as a place, person or an event. I usually put off naming a design until I absolutely have to. Last week the time had come. The new bag needed a name. I started thinking about the past year, the time over which the bag had been going through the design process. I asked myself, what was the most significant thing that happened these past several months? What was your greatest blessing?
The answer is these four beautiful women; Lisa, Laura, Amanda and Michelle. Some of us had known one another for a bit, but last September we all came together in a weekly Bible study group. We began hanging out more and more, to the point that if four days had gone by without seeing each other, we felt as if a lifetime had passed. One day I looked around and realized how very blessed I am to have these women in my life. They are true friends; not the kind that are there just for the laughter that turns to tears (although there’s plenty of that), but the kind that are there to truly share in your life, the struggles, the highs and the lows.
L.J. Kaelms is a name I created from the first initials of Lisa, Laura, Amanda and Michelle’s first and last names. L.J. Kaelms is named in honor of girlfriends. Although you don’t know my girlfriends, you can probably fill in this story with the names of your own. I feel like I may have just written a toast, so I’m going go with it. Raise your glass…to girlfriends!
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Tags: best friends, girfriends, knitting bag, l.j. kaelms, name meaning
There is nothing like girlfriends!! I don’t know where I would be without mine. We’re scattered around the world (Rome, Pakistan, Seattle, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Boston, Washington D.C. and Texas) but our bond just keeps getting stronger as we experience more and more of life’s highs and lows together. I love that you named your bag as a tribute to yours!
Cheers to Bible studies and girlfriends!! Thank you for sharing the inspiration for your new bag!
Yes, to all of the foregoing: Bible studies & girl friends & especially tributes & names that mean something & having the “stuff” inside you to share such a touching story with us “out here”! You have never failed to amaze me, Jordana, though this is the first time I’ve “come out & said something” about my admiration for your company & your works. I purchased my first bag from you, your very self (!) at the Stitches West the year you were taking preorders for the messenger bag. You seemed like such a “sweet young thing” (I know that’s ghastly, but I’d just turned 50, & was seeking retail therapy @ Stitches!). Then I got the bag – a hunk! I began to think of you as maybe (!) a bit more substantial than I’d originally guessed. Many blog posts, patterns and another bag (the one that reminds me of Mary Poppins’ carpet bag – my very favorite bag for everything!) down the road, & I’m moved – in my core, my heart, my soul, I guess – by the things you’ve done: The bail-out for Haiti sale of “imperfect” bags from the warehouse put you way up there on the Respect Scale for me! And this little bit of knowing how & why you named this (WOW!) new bag just…touched me! Thank you for that glimpse into your life (brave) and for just sticking it out there, in a lovely tribute to female friendships everywhere, that your friends are important enough to you to put a bit of each one on your latest creation! It’s not just a great gesture. So, thanks, thank you so much!
What an amazing way to honor your friends! Two of my best friends (they are sisters) were driving in a car two months ago and hit a moose. The vehicle that they were driving basically saved their lives although it was a complete write off! I am so thankful that they walked away without a scratch.
Cheers to best friends!!!