I love you, Wednesdays.

Because, seriously, Friday is still 2 days away. I love you, Wednesdays is my bloggin' attempt at a.) shutting up about my products and sharing the love of others' with others! and b.) sharing sources of inspiration that often stands behind my jewelry and creative process. As announced yesterday, I've teamed up with Danielle of DesignGirl for a giveaway this week! I allowed Danielle to chose which item she would like to give away, and she chose one of my Silver Ring word necklaces. Danielle had this to say about the product: I love these necklaces. They are so simple, pretty, and affordable. I think they'd make such a perfect gift! I also love that you can choose the word for your necklace. So, if you haven't had the chance to enter yet, make your way over to DesignGirl's blog and try your chances out! Also, if you purchase anything from my Etsy shop this week and mention DesignGirl's blog, I will throw in a free pair of earrings! That said, today's I love you, Wednesdays has to do with my love for one-worded inspirations, much like the necklace in the giveaway! However, I need to warn you, I don't mean to get preachy with this post, but if talking about faith and religion offends you, I suggest you go right to the giveaway and skip my commentary below! Last week I got the super awful news that my grandma died. She was the last of my remaining grandparents and raised my brother and me growing up so both my parents could work. Though I have mentally been preparing myself for her death since my grandpa died 8 years ago, she was in very good health and had just visited me here in LA 3 weeks ago to see the life my husband and I have recently created for ourselves. As soon as I heard the news, I took the first plane to Kentucky to be with my family, help clean up her apartment, and prepare for her memorial service (and ignored my blog, sadly!). Though I was totally heartbroken that she died so unexpectedly (in her sleep), at the same time I took such comfort in all the support we received from friends of hers and our own, both near and far (even some blogging buddies!). Throughout the whole thing I kept thinking: "What would Grandma think of this?" or "What would Grandma say to comfort us?" She was a hilarious woman from Jersey with a great sense of faith and joy. Though there were so many reasons to cry and be angry at her passing, there were and are more reasons to rejoice in the life she shared with us and how she changed my life forever. Both my husband and dad are pastors. I went to seminary. I've only ever known being part of a solid, caring Christian community (though I have lived and studied in Asia and have a fondness for Buddhism). I could not imagine what my last week (and these still somber weeks that follow) without the support I get from not only caring people (both Christian and non-Christian), but also from scriptures. 1 Corinthians 13 (the chapter that includes the wedding-friendly "Love is patient, love is kind...") says,

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

I think this is something my Grandma would remind me of if she saw my grief. Though she is "gone," her greatest aspects are imprinted on my life forever and remain such a part of me - faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these, love, makes it worth the ride. It's amazing how such little words can have such big meanings:

typetypetype, NumericDesign, artsharkdesigns, elenagrace Uturn385, hazelnutcottage, mortiedoodles, PianoBenchDesigns pinkpalmstudio, tiffysart, circlelinestudio, agraceunlimited Don't hesitate to click on the links to the corresponding Etsy shops to see the items in close up - they are all inspiring!

So, what inspires, or even comforts, you today?

Quotable Jewelry

This week marked an important little landmark in my Etsy journey -- I have sold more items than currently have listed (57 sales; 56 items at the time!). It's always funny to see how giddy I get when I get a message on my (new) Blackberry saying that I sold an item on Etsy! Makes me feel alive and reminds me why I have spent so much time and money in this crazy hobby of mine! I finally added some new items to my Etsy site today. Two new pieces with quotes behind them need particular attention: The first one I especially love. I bought these precious little sterling silver rose charms awhile back and have been waiting to figure out how to use them perfectly. When I was thinking of finding a scripture to go with the rose, I was reminded of the passage from the Sermon on the Mount: "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them." ~ Jesus (Matthew 6:27-29; The Message translation). Love 'em. Next on the list - this little sparrow resin charm I have had for MONTHS. When I was in Baltimore I found these really cute Czech orange beads that just screamed "Buy Me!" I am glad they go so well with the charm. Happy is the person who not only sings, but feels God's eye is on the sparrow, and knows God watches over me. To be simply ensconced in God is true joy. ~Alfred A. Montapert Also posted several new items on Etsy today (finally). I have been in a rut and have not found the strength nor the time to make jewelry in over a week (long story short - my parents drove all the way to LA from KY to visit for a few weeks, and on the 3rd day here my dad was admitted to the hospital and had to have emergency surgery. He's thankfully fine now, and yesterday when he returned home I was happy enough to finally get back to the creating table. Funny how the two are correlated!). While I was in Chicago I also found some GREAT cinnabar beads, which I really wanted for a reprise to this bracelet:Glad it turned out as envisioned, and this time with nicer materials (nice glass and beautiful, Chinese textured beads!! On an unrelated note, I discovered "Craft Cult's" Heart-o-matic feature today -- a website that tracks your Etsy store site. Why have I never heard of this place before? Now it's easy to see who "hearts" my store and items without having to click on each one, one at a time! Wahoo! Lastly, I got pictures of the sari that my friend Chrissy is wearing to this wedding (she asked me to make a few sets of earrings and necklaces for the wedding eventS - she's on the right). I am thinking crayon green and yellow crystals and gold wire. Thoughts? As always, thanks for reading! Have a great weekend!