Finding Your Path

Since opening my on-line my jewelry assemblage shoppe nearly one year ago, reducing my work schedule in January and subsequently starting this blog, I have been on a new path. Some days, some weeks, are better than others. It has been a journey of growth, trial, error, discovery, and even some success. Recently, I've given much contemplation to the fundamental reasons that I got into all of this in the first place. To earn extra money? Sure. But more importantly, it is to enjoy life more, to embrace its simple pleasures, and stretch my creative boundaries so that I might offer an authentic contribution to the world. For the first time in my life, I feel this is what I was truly meant to do. This path is not always clear or without its bumps and obstacles, but I do believe it's the one I should be walking right now.


I trust that this time of self-doubt, adjustment to a new lifestyle and the mystery of what lies ahead is a necessary rebirth phase that will eventually give way


to the beauty and fulfilment I yearn to know.


It is my hope that each of you finds your own particular path, your voice that is your gift both to and from the universe. May we all experience the abundance each of us deserves.


Have a beautiful day! :)

Are Your Ears Ringing?

Mine are - with earrings that is! I just kind of got on a roll this week and created seven new pairs using some of the sterling silver charms and gemstones I got at last weekend's jewelry show. So lend me your ear, won't you?



















Thank you for listening. :)

Home by Midnight

Last night 60,000 of my closest friends and I had the privilege of seeing U2 in concert at the coliseum in Oakland, California. My favourite band since shoulder pads were in style and still going strong, they did not disappoint the crowd, and rocked the house like no other.

I most definitely did not make it home before midnight, but this lovely lady will, with the help of her reliable sterling silver coach. I designed this necklace today, with a Cinderella theme in mind. I incorporated lots of yummy stones including rubies, zircon, freshwater pearls and citrine. There are also vintage rhinestones, a double strand of mother of pearl rosary beads, and an antique shell cameo link. The back of the necklace is topped off with an elegant sterling hook and tiny top hat charm, surely the one Prince Charming left behind as he fled the ball, hoping to catch Cinderella before her 11:55 departure.





These earrings will also be coming to my Etsy shoppe tonight.




Thank you for stopping by. Bon soir. :)

Over the Rainbow

Despite the fact that it's June, our weather has been very rainy in the bay area, but every cloud has its silver lining as they say, and I was able to spend my Sunday indoors at the local gem show! There, I picked up a rainbow of new stones and some sterling to cheer myself up.

Creamy pearls and shell.



These briolettes are the most brilliant grey!



Amethysts and garnet.



Laboridite and pyrite shown with sterling crown charms.



Yellow and orange zircon accent a bird and cross pendant.



Tiny Eiffel Towers drift in a sea of pink jade.



These are the most elegant sterling hooks I've ever seen!


I'll be featuring new designs soon made with these delicious stones and more. Thank you for stopping by. :)

Friendship

As I've gotten older, wiser, more confident, and less naive, my defnition of true friendship has become more specific. Not one to throw the word around lightly, I like to think that when I finally bestow this title on someone, he or she has earned it through time and loyalty. In turn, I hope that I am equally worthy by offering integrity, support, maybe even a laugh or two. Here are a just some of the key points on my list:

A friend is reliable. You can count her when making plans, and if she must cancel, it is with good reason.

A friend listens and offers gentle suggestions, but does not judge if you don't follow her advice.


A friend inspires you to take on new challenges and strive to do better in life.

A friend makes time for you, but even if you haven't seen each other in a while, you can pick up right where you left off.

A friend not only accepts, but appreciates your quirks.

A friend is someone you can call when you have big news, or text when you just have something silly to share.

A friend buys you jewelry. :)


A friend never puts pressure on you to do something you can't or don't want to do.

A friend may also be your mom, sister or daughter.

A friend can live very far away and still be close.

A friend sends you green tea Kit Kat bars when her husband returns from a business trip to Japan.


What does friendship mean to you?

(Ceramic bird, greeting card, and Kit Kat bar courtesy of my good friend Sharon.)