mjd 2014 fragile strength talisman - connect

'earth is what we all have in common.'

wendell berry 

fertile earth

& things that grow

precious stones

salty seas

and warm sunshine

all this we know.

if you are feeling disharmonious,

let the natural world

help to bring it back.

if you are in harmony,

share it

and return it to the source.

small stash of metal bits discovered

karma - 2013

'actions send out ripples.

karma brings it back,'

so said a wise woman to me.

turquoise, amethyst and lapis

stones associated with karma 

 be still - 2013

in stillness,

one feels

both floatingly heady 

and deeply rooted.

our world, 

our lives

are fiercely beautiful

and command our attention.

are you present?

sparkling iolite and earthy vesuvianite 

joy - 2013

'smile, breathe and go slowly.'

thich nhat hanh

embrace joy.

turquoise and carnelian

'strange is our situation here upon earth.  each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why,  yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose.  from the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of others... for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.  many times a day, i realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly i must exert myself to give in return as much as i have received.'

- albert einstein

elemental

earth and sky

 fire and water

winding

'winding'

'may your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.

may your mountains rise into and above the clouds.'

~ edward abbey

whether you agree with wishing this upon someone or not - the first part at least, i think we can agree that the most rewarding achievements and periods of growth come from times of difficulty... marsha neal's shard (this time) made me think of winding and movement... the subtle color changes on top of the chocolate clay flowed right into barbara lewis' enameled connector - both pieces had played with fire and come through it with great strength and beauty ... the ceramic and the metal, both with soft color, asked me to be joined... and so i acquiesced, because it really was such a great request! 

after manipulating a little metal myself, i had some etched copper rounds and findings... beautiful glass beads from mary ann at linden avenue designs and marie at bleu verre...

it became a bit elemental, greens, blues, ivory & browns... air, water, earth & fire all playing their role in the creation of each part... things that live & grow in the greens and spirals... masculine and feminine... 

all united in moving towards the most amazing view... 

you are the key

there is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire,
which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity,
but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.'
- washington irving

search the phrase 'the key to...' on google and you will find an almost infinite number of results... the key to happiness, love, success, freedom, etc... everyone has something to say on the matter... but truly, it all comes down to you, that beautiful woman who is one of a kind, has so much to offer the world & who often doubts herself... everyone's situation is different, adversities vary, but we all face challenges and our own personal demons... having love and support is critical, but we need to realize that even if it comes in baby steps, we can find our way...

'continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key
to unlocking our potential.'
- winston churchill

this double vintaj bracelet is adorned with reminders of your inner power... i found a gorgeous pewter green girl studios naked lady bead at beadlady and fell in love with her... she holds herself gently, looking out into the world... the vintaj key is for obvious reasons! ... glass beads by pinocean in earthy colors of sky blue, green & brown & in different shapes and sizes - like our obstacles... when faced with something unexpected, i try to bring myself up quickly with the assessment - inconvenience or problem? a vintaj 'inspire' tag keeps you aware of the fact that your tenacity, your loving attitude and gentle spirit may be inspiring others... a single lapis lazuli bead (given to me by a treasured friend) encourages taking charge of life & self-awareness... it is also a protective stone...

'no man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience.'
- john locke

so when your world feels like it is crumbling or when you feel unfathomable joy, know that you can now push forward further than you could have before... wear this bracelet to keep you conscious of all that is great within you...