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...