Some Southern Sparkle...

SOME VINTAGE JEWELS FROM RECENT TREASURE HUNT

Yes M'aam, I'm a Southern Girl!  Born and raised.  Can you ever imagine then, where I get my LOVE for sparkling, shiny and decadent jewelry?  I have such fond memories of my Grandmother, and, of course, her jewelry box.  I would spend what seemed liked hours, trying on her "aurora borealis ear bobs",  and playing with her rhinestone chains. I will hold the magic of those moments in my most treasured memories forever.  

My love for this era has translated into modern and rich jewelry that can be worn today, and for years to come.  By integrating a piece of the past, a moment of history, into my designs, my fondest memories are captured within each special piece I create.  Each time I design something new with vintage elements, I'm instantly transported back to Georgia, and once again, I'm that little girl mesmerized by my Grandmother's shiny, sparkling jewels that, in my mind, are as priceless as diamonds...and so are these memories.

May your days be filled with Southern Sparkle!

Here are some new items in the works!  I've been busy, working on the "business" side of Liby Lula, but please stay tuned!  There are so many new and exciting things on the way, I can hardly wait to share them with y'all! 

The Voice of Spirit

Sometimes, when Spirit speaks, it's very quiet and soft, like a gentle breeze.  Other times, it nudges you, a wee bit firmer, yet never rude or bothersome.  And sometimes, more often that we realize, the voice of Spirt speaks SO clearly to our hearts that it simply cannot and will not be ignored.  This is when we MUST, without hesitation, open our minds and our hearts to its call.  We know the voice, yet oftentimes, we get so busy in our daily routines that we ignore it.  But lately, I've been listening, and I must tell you, my heart is leaping!  A purpose, a calling, a reason...it's all coming together, piece by piece, bit by bit.  The ideas, the people, the "cause and effect" actions that have lifted me up recently, so much so that I've felt joy that is difficult to express.  

I urge you, this week, listen to your heart, with the intention of hearing the voice of Spirit.  What things, even seemingly insignificant, make you happy?  Is it giving someone a genuine compliment?  Is it paying for a cup of coffee for the person behind you?  Perhaps it's listening to a friend, truly listening, and walking away from the conversation knowing you've helped that person through a very difficult time.  These things...giving...without expectation of anything in return...this is when Spirit is most present.  And I promise, when you GIVE...you will RECEIVE, gifts so abundant and magical, you'll be in a state of awe and wonder.  Do things that make your heart leap, for Spirit wouldn't want it any other way!

Happy Spring!

HAPPY SPRING AND BLESSED OSTARA!

Today marks a beautiful time of the year as the Light and Dark are equal, but going forward, the Light will surpass the Dark.  Soon, flowers will bloom and birds will sing.  I always feel so energized and excited this time of the year.  My creativity  is renewed, and ideas, which have been dormant, blossom into fruition.  For this cycle, this beautiful bringing of the light, is part of the magical wheel which always comes back around, not a moment too soon (especially for those of us here in the Midwest :-)

Enjoy this time, as your days grow longer, 

and the sweet magic of Spring visits us once again.

The Music We Are

by RUMI

Did you hear that winter is over? The basil

and the carnations cannot control their

laughter. The nightingale, back from his

wandering, has been made singing master

over the birds. The trees reach out their

congratulations. The soul goes dancing

through the king's doorway. Anemones blush

because they have seen the rose naked.

Spring, the only fair judge, walks in the

courtroom, and several December thieves steal

away. Last year's miracles will soon be

forgotten. New creatures whirl in from non-

existence, galaxies scattered around their

feet. Have you met them? Do you hear the

bud of Jesus crooning in the cradle? A single

narcissus flower has been appointed Inspector 

of Kingdoms. A feast is set. Listen: the

wind is pouring wine! Love used to hide

inside images: no more! The orchard hangs

out its lanterns. The dead come stumbling by

in shrouds. Nothing can stay bound or be

imprisoned. You say, "End this poem here,

and wait for what's next." I will. Poems

are rough notations for the music we are.

Cosmic Confirmation

I did not begin this year with a lofty list of resolutions; rather, I decided to go into 2013 with an open heart and mind. A goal to be mindful of small miracles that occur each day, and thoroughly enjoying those moments of magic, no matter how large or small.  Despite being mindful of these intentions and a having a grateful heart, the end of the holidays always brings with it a feeling of sadness for me.  Dismantling all the beautiful decorations, shoving them into boxes until 11 months later, and missing the overall "lack of light", both inside and outside, brings to visit a certain melancholy that can sometimes feel daunting.  But these are the moments when unexpected gifts sometimes arrive, reminding us that all is well and reiterating the need for us to focus on our gifts, our creativity and what we have to share with others.  I call these reminders "cosmic confirmations".  

I'm honored, once again, for the privilege of being published by Stampington & Company, in the 2013 January edition of Belle Amoire (The Artistry of Clothing and Accessories).  A very exciting and encouraging way to begin the new year!  My seasonal melancholy was beginning to get the best of me, and then I received my gift...my beautiful artist copy of Belle Amoire.  Once again, it was just the miracle I needed to help me shift my perception from feeling grey and blue, to realizing that sometimes, I have to create my own sunshine.  I know that they days are getting lighter and longer, the cold will soon give way to warmth, and in the meantime, I'll surround myself with the comfort of friends, family and the magical gift of creativity!  A sneak peak as some new items for 2013...

Bidding Adieu...

As 2012 comes to a close, I'd like to thank each of you who have enriched my life in countless ways.  I'm grateful for your encouragement, support and most of all, the gift of your friendships.  I feel exceptionally positive about this upcoming year...there are major changes on the horizon, and I welcome you along to share in my experiences.  I do not have any "resolutions", rather I am "resolute" to begin doing more things that are really best for me in all areas of my life.  I'm ready to expand beyond my comfort zone, and indulge in new and exciting life experiences.  It is time for growth and change, and I move forward, embracing these changes fully.  

I felt compelled to share this amazing quote.  Sometimes, we feel powerless over our situations; however, when we embrace the knowledge that we do possess the power to change the endings to our stories, we become so much more.  So much more passionate, more fulfilled and more alive.  

I bid farewell to 2012, and graciously welcome in 2013.  I wish for each of you happiness, abundance, peace and many positive changes as we move into a new year.  Remember that you are the author of your story.  So go forward, and write a new chapter; even begin a whole new book.  For it is your turn...and mine as well!  

Happy New Year!

It Is Your Turn Now

By Rumi

It is your turn now, you waited, you were patient.

The time has come, for us to polish you.

We will transform your inner pearl into a house of fire.

You're a gold mine.

Did you know that, hidden in the dirt of the earth?

It is your turn now, to be placed in fire.

Let us cremate your impurities.

RELEASE THE OLD; EMBRACE THE NEW!

Blessings,

Raffle Winners Announced!

“For it is in giving that we receive.” 

~St. Francis of Assisi~ 

First of all, I'd sincerely like to thank everyone, again, for taking part in the November 15, 2012 Pre-Holiday Art Show!  To the wonderful artists, Leanne Emery from Triskele Moon Studios, Alexis Davis Swanson from LexieLouCreations and Diane Schreiner and Debbie Cushing, your participation and support mean more than words can express.  To Kelly Brown Madsen and Ivan Ewert, we couldn't have successfully conducted the "Home of the Sparrow" raffle without your kind assistance.  And...to all the wonderful customers who came out to support local artists and a fantastic cause, WOW is the word that comes to mind.  We had an amazing turn out; your generosity was overwhelming!

And now...the raffle winners!

• Amazing earrings donated by Triskele Moon Studios:  Winner, Tina Hauri
• Beautiful scarf, donated by Diane Schreiner and Deb Cushing:  Winner, Kim Holmes
• Exquisite artisan journal, donated by LexieLouCreations:  Winner, Jesse Caple
• Sparrow pendant, donated by Liby Lula:  Winner, Alison Walwark

CONGRATULATIONS!  And again, a most sincere thank you for your participation.  All raffle ticket contributions will be donated to "Home of the Sparrow",  a non-profit organization that was established in 1986. Home of the Sparrow serves the community as a transitional shelter program providing housing and supportive services for homeless women and their children in McHenry County and Northern Illinois. Many times, these women and children are victims of domestic abuse.  I urge you all to raise awareness about this very real problem.  There are countless organizations that assist women and children in such circumstance.  Also, November 25th has been designated as "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women".  You all have made a difference by attending the Pre-Holiday Art Show.  And truly, it IS in giving that we receive...

Warmest regards for a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving

A Shift...

“No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the beginning of a new book! That first book is already closed, ended, and tossed into the seas; this new book is newly opened, has just begun! Look, it is the first page! And it is a beautiful one!” 

~ C. JoyBell C.~

WOW!  Has it REALLY this long since I've posted to my blog???  Wherever did the time go?  The Summer simply disappeared, and I find myself in awe that we are now in the middle of glorious Autumn (my favorite season).  Although I've been absent from my blog, I've been tremendously busy and am looking forward to some hibernation time (yes, even a little snow) so that I can buckle down, and focus on some really exciting things that are coming soon.  Before I let you in on some fun things in store for Fall and Winter, I'd like to share a magical story with you about perspective and new beginnings.  

A few days ago, I was driving into work and found myself lost in a song.  The song, although beautiful and melodic, took me to a place of dark memories from the past; a place I really shouldn't be. A few moments from work, I made a turn onto Portwine road, which runs through a beautifully wooded and lush forest preserve, just bursting with amazing Fall colors.  Still lost in my song, something caught my eye...a small deer, simply standing close to the edge of the road.  I slowed to a stop, and rolled down my window.  Amazingly, the deer did not run or even flinch...she just continued to stand there, staring, and for those of you who are animal lovers, like me, we "shared a few moments".  After a while, she simply turned and walked slowly away.  "Wow" I thought, "how beautiful and sweet and magical".  But wait...what happened to all those bad memories?  What?  I was completely so lost in this experience, that my perspective shifted, immediately, from something negative and draining, to something so beautiful and positive, uplifting and inspiring. A continued call and an overwhelming reminder for me to turn my challenging and negative experiences into something empowering and motivating, especially for women.  

"The Deer teaches us to be gentle, to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings who are in our lives. When a Deer totem enters your world, a new innocence and freshness in about to be awakened. New adventures are just around the corner and there will be an opportunity to express the gentle love that will open new doors for you". 

New adventures, new journeys, new friends, and new experiences....the opportunity to volunteer, to contribute, to share and inspire.  It's coming...wait...it's already here!  It was just quietly waiting, like the deer, for me to embrace the moment, and move forward with an unwavering vision.  Please stay tuned, as I'll be sharing more information throughout the coming months.  AND...I will be posting some new jewelry creations very soon!  More to come on an exciting "pre-holiday" art show in the works!  

Have a beautiful and magical day!