"Dzenana. It rhymes with banana. Or, you can just call me Jenny..."
Jenny!!!!!
This girl is a breath of fresh air. Never will you meet anyone so optimistic, energetic, upbeat, stylish, courageous or beautiful. I met "Jenny" in August of 2012 and we only had the pleasure of working together for one year. In the year that has passed since, I have missed her. Jenny is a friend who you cannot help but smile when you are around her as she has a contagious personality. Jenny grew up in war-ravaged Bosnia but immigrated to Canada a few years back. Probably because of her experiences as a girl (I can't even imagine, when I hear her stories...) she truly demonstrates an appreciation of every day and expresses genuine care towards every person lucky enough to spend time with her. Last week, I was one of the lucky ones as we met over coffee at the kitschy diner, Cadence, in Bowness.
Jenny has spent the last two years as a Kindergarten teacher (next year, Grade One) and these little ones are so fortunate to be starting their school careers with "Mrs. T." (Did I mention her last name is Tahmiscic?) To say that Jenny oozes love for each of her students would be an understatement. She is creative and innovative, reflective and adaptable in her classroom. She shares and collaborates but also isn't afraid to forge her own path where it fits her students' and her style.
I've mentioned her style twice now.....One time, in reference to her Reggio classroom but one cannot help but also notice and comment on her fashion sense and unending collection of dresses, shoes, scarves, jewellery, bags, tunics and many other beautiful items. She dresses herself in an eclectic, fun, colourful way and turns many heads in doing so. I look for similar items when I go shopping (as IF I could pull it off...) but Reitmans doesn't seem to carry the same things that Jenny finds in Italy or Spain or China!.
Jenny is adventurous and spontaneous. It is not uncommon for her to be dashing off to the other side of the world for even just a week (or less!). Her travel photos suggest she seizes every moment and appreciates every detail. The photos that she graces capture her expressions of fun, love and awe. I live vicariously....
Dzenana is a gift and is generous in giving gifts. Simply because I had expressed interest in her weekend plans once, I was soon the recipient of a "How to Host a Murder Mystery" and my friends were the beneficiaries of her thoughtfulness. She and her students also gave me treats on my birthday and I received lovely silver earrings after one trip to Italy. Why she thought to include me in her shopping trip I do not know but was so pleased!
I hope everyone has a Jenny in their life. Of course, not because of her generosity in what she might wrap in a box, but because of what she gives in spirit.
Love,
Andrea
PS - Everyone also really likes her husband, Omar. He is similarly kind and fun....but mostly he is as beautiful as she is! (Evidence left!)
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