Fall Break

It's never too early to take a break from the hustle and bustle of work, school, family, pets, etc...
And that's just what I did. One thing I didn't take a break from, however is creating. My hands still found time to make a necklace or two. Pictures will be part of my next post.

Happ autumn everyone!

Good Monday Morning

Good Morning world. It's Monday morning, and hopefully you are saying, "Thank the Lord it's Monday." I know, I know, that's not what's usually said about Monday mornings, but how about you trying it today?.

Perhaps you are headed off to a job that you are not crazy about, but what are you crazy about ? I am sure there are some things you are grateful for in this very day - this Monday. Is there a single person you love? Are you going to have something to eat that you really, really like? Did you wake up out of a comfortable (or not) bed? Can you see? Hear? Walk?

If we were to think about how much we have been freely given, perhaps we would be thankful for every day. Even in the midst of terrible pains, turmoils and circumstances we may be facing, there is probably something - even if it's only one thing - that can put a smile on our faces. Thank you Lord for this day. Thank you God that for a reason that only You know, You have chosen to wake me for yet another day, another Monday - and I am grateful. May I do something today that shows Your love to someone else. May you be glorified today and every day.

Autumn's A Comin'

It's that time of year. Kids are back in school...

Fall is peeking around the corner, and with him, he's bringing the holidays. The scenery everywhere is changing right before our eyes.

Browns, oranges, reds and yellows are beginning to captivate us with their presence. They're appearing everywhere - in food, along roadsides, in treetops and on runways.

Don't miss the joy of the changing seasons.

There will never be another September, October or November 2009. Enjoy each and every one of its offerings. Smell the aromas. Feast on the luscious fall hues. Listen to nature's new songs.

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. " Henry David Thorea

Ok. So here's a quick update on the standoff I had with courage last month.

The poetry reading went excellently. One of my poems was about a Katrina soldier. Notice I didn't call her a victim. Her life was an amazing testament to staying in the fight - determined to WIN! After I read my poem, a lady in the audience who survived Katrina came to me in tears. My heart melted. Just the thought that something which gave me heart palpitations (the thought of expressing my innermost emotions) - brought someone to tears, was more than my heart could bear. It was a wonderful moment. It was also proof that when we know we have been tapped to do something - that we MUST do it. No chickening out. Easy for me to say today - I know, I sure wasn't this brave a month ago (sheepish smile).

Yet, everyone loved both poems. I saw a couple yesterday and the woman said to me, hey, are you the poetry lady? You did a great job! People I do not know refer to me as the poetry lady. Unbelievable. I've NEVER thought of myself as a poet or an artist - but I have come to realize that that is exactly who I am. Wow - to wake up at the age of...well, the age is not too important here, but to understand who you are is an amazing epiphany. My comfort is in knowing that words and creativity are the ways specifically given to me, as a way to honor and glorify God - the One whom if I were without, would be nothing.

I do many things, but I am a poet and an artist. Ha, ha, ha. I have to laugh. I have discovered who I have always been. I sincerely hope you do the same. No matter how old or young you are, I pray that you are able to say who you are. The keys and the clues are all around you. Put the puzzle pieces of your life together and discover who God made you. It will be the best find you'll ever make.

Blessings to you...

Hot Fun in the SummerTime

I made this necklace to display Friday evening at a dance performance vending event. Even through the heat, a full day's work and dinner, the inspiration for this piece stayed with me until I put it together.

There's just something about swirls. Summertime copper swirls are the best. These are light. They swing in the summber breeze and are so light you hardly notice you are wearing them. Pretty and feminine. They were the last pair of earrings I made for Friday's event.

If anyone has not been able to tell yet, I love the safari scene. This necklace is my homage to the graceful elegance of African animals.
I love blue. Light blue. Dark Blue. Sky Blue. Crystal Blue. Blue makes everything better. I sat making these earrings with hot summer time colors, but just couldn't resist adding some blue.

The music's playing, and my hands are starting to tap to the beat. Stay tuned to see the new songs they sing...

'Tis Better to Give Than Receive

I am quite aware that Christmas is not for another few months. And even though it is as hot as anything in this wonderful southern city I live in, I'm in a giving mood. So, for the months of July through October, I will be giving away a selected piece of jewelry.

If you think you are deserving (and I hope you believe you are, because if you don't, we need to talk), of a beautiful hands that sing creation, let me know why. Post your funny, sad, outrageous (but true), reason why I should send the jewelry piece to you - and sign up for the monthly newsletter (see the sidepost). You will be entered into the monthly drawing, and maybe, just maybe - you will be the one selected to receive the giveaway.

It took me quite some time to understand the joy inherent in being able to give something of myself - no matter the size. I may never know the recipients of the earrings, necklaces or rings, to be given away. But whoever you may be, I sincerely hope that you too, through receiving your winnings, will in turn, find an opportunity to give a special gift to another, just because.

Dare to be amazing.........

Courage Knows My Name

I am not quite sure when courage learned my name, but at times i wish we were still strangers. For the past nine days, ever since I accepted the request to write and read two poems for a Jazz night concert, I have been a nervous wreck.

I enjoy having opportunitites to speak, but the thought of putting my innermost emotions (via poems), thoughts and passions on stage in front of hundreds of people I don't know, is rather frightening. It's days like these that make me wonder why in the world I constantly make myself so vulnerable. Obviously there's no backing out now. I just hope I can keep my nerves calm during the day. Once I am up on that stage, the jitters should subside, but until then I am going to have to keep myself occupied so I do not become overwhelmed with thoughts of no one liking my poetry.

Despite the temporary unease circulating through my veins right now, I am determined to enjoy the beautiful music, great singing, and laughs with friends. The calls I receive from courage are not always welcomed, but I am appreciative of his persistence. It is through this trying relationship I have learned to not hide from, but actively participate in the experiences life brings my way.

May you dare to do the same...