Wonderful living near a Jenny

When Ben and I moved to Nottingham Road in 1986, one of my first

impressions of our new neighborhood came in the form of a 12-year-old

girl. She was cute as a button: blond, blue-eyed and quite a good

businesswoman for her age. She came unsolicited to our front door to

ask if we needed a baby-sitter. She knew a young family had moved

into the neighborhood and she wanted first crack at baby-sitting

duties. I was impressed.

Three years later, we moved to Somerset Lane, and found that this

young, budding entrepreneur was our across-the-street neighbor. Her

bedroom window was in full view of our front door, which meant we had

the chance to literally see her coming and going. Thus began our love

affair with Jenny.

We watched Jenny grow up. She was the most fun baby-sitter our

kids had. She would make cupcakes with the kids, she would play with

all the goofy toys and she would even don a bathing suit and get in

the tub with them.

Every December, when Jenny’s dad would hang their Christmas

lights, he would always place the lighted star above Jenny’s bedroom

window. Somehow, that seemed just right.

Jenny played sports. Jenny was a cheerleader. Jenny had cute dates

to high school dances.

Jenny grew up and went to college. We missed her day-to-day

activities, but by that time my children were growing up and

beginning to do “Jenny things” of their own. The circle of life in

the neighborhood was repeating itself once again.

When darling Jenny moved back to Newport, we welcomed the influx

of activity. And even though her stay at home was brief, we took full

advantage of her exuberance. Life with a “Jenny” across the street is

a lively life indeed.

So, Jenny got a place of her own, not far from the folks, which

also meant she was not far from us. We checked out Jenny’s new “pad,”

we queried about the jobs, the young men, and life as a 20-something

with the world at her feet.

In our eyes, whatever Jenny does is fabulous. She has played the

part of my kids’ big sister. She has played the part of my little

sister. And now she replays the part of entrepreneur.

Jenny designs jewelry. Very cool jewelry. She also scours the

continent for vintage jewelry and purses. She has recently added

furniture to her list of funky offerings. So many wonderful items has

she that Jenny recently opened a little treasure of a store called

Patina.

In keeping with the theme “off the beaten path,” so is Patina.

Which means you won’t find it unless you’re looking for it. It’s on

17th Street, behind the car wash near Orange Avenue. The address is

187 17th St., Costa Mesa, to be exact. And yes, you will need to look

twice to find it.

Jenny sells her own jewelry line, of course, but she also has

antiques, baby blankets and interesting artwork. When I stopped by

last week, there were one-of-a-kind mirrors, plant stands and a

really witty antique owl lantern that I might have to go back and

purchase.

Jenny’s jewels are worn by such “notables” as my daughters, my

sister, my sister-in-law, my mother and me. Her key chain designs

sport antique glass beads and vintage charms -- a big hit with the

new-to-driving set. And if you need a necklace with special colors,

lengths or themes, now you’ll know where to go. Just ask Jenny.

Patina is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday except

from Fridays when it’s open from noon to 5 p.m. If you can’t find it,

call the store (949) 548-7060.

So, now you too have the chance to watch Jenny blossom. But be

warned, her personality is as addicting as her joyous jewelry.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs

Saturdays.