Black Friday -- There I Said It!

I couldn't help myself -- I have been hearing all about Black Friday since, let's see sometime in July maybe. I've been telling myself that I am not going to get sucked into all the hype so I made a deliberate effort not to refer to it in my blog or on my jewelry site or in my jewelry e-mail -- but today I just had to blurt it out...once! So, I cracked -- maybe weak from too much pumpkin pie or a bit of tryptophan fallout?



Anyhow, this is my idea of what a real Black Friday, or any day for that matter, should look like, Two of my rope designs, one looking very 20s vintage with it's soutache bead and the other being right on trend with it's glowing gray mother-of-pearl and freshwater pearl beads partying with my latest acquisition from Ms. Joan Boyce who sells her beauties on HSN. The cuff shown here is a lovely black enameled number with sparkling and perfectly set crystals dancing all around. Yes, I am wearing all three as I create this post -- wouldn't you do the same? It's a bit sassy, I say. By now you've got me figured out --- well, that's a gross overstatement but I mean figured out when it comes to styling jewelry. (Just a note -- no one, including me will ever have "me" figured out! And, believe me hordes of people have tried...but to no avail.) But back to the jewelry, I love mixing it up, wearing the unexpected and making it a lot of fun. Here's a perfect example of that. But wait...there is more. I can't wait for the latest Joan Boyce to arrive -- a black diamond and pearl set that I am sure will be just as fabulous as the others I have of hers. And, I have a sneaking suspicion that the new pair will be just as excited to play with some new friends from my collection. So much fun...this jewelry stuff. I just wish I had more wrists!!! But I am thankful that I have two with lots of room between wrist and elbow. I say "stack 'em up and have a ball."

In Honor of Disabled Veterans

Today is a day to stop and think about those in our lives who served to help protect our country and our right of freedom. My list is long -- and it starts with my dad who served in the U.S. Navy during WW II stationed on Iwo Jima. The list continues from there with family and friends, both male and female, who did what they could to help support our rights as human beings. When I heard that Diane Musselmann, a lifetime friend and widow of war veteran, Kenny Musselmann, was putting together an awareness and fundraising project in support of the first national memorial dedicated to the disabled veterans from all wars, the American Veteran's Disabled for Life Memorial, I was inspired to help out where and how I could. Diane completed her "Walking for Those Who Can't" venture in October -- walking from the VA Hospital in Long Beach and ending at the VA Hospital in San Diego -- a ninety-mile trek completed in one week all the while pushing Kenny's empty wheelchair. On November 10th, Diane was in Washington, D.C. at the official groundbreaking of the memorial -- something that she and Kenny had envisioned for years.

I created the red, white and blue bracelet, shown layered here with others from my personal collection, as a way of supporting the overall effort. The first bracelet out of the studio is being wrapped and sent to Diane today. I included an "inspire" charm on hers. Why? Kenny and Diane are inspiring people -- their kids and grandkids, I'm sure, would agree. The life they had together and the life that continues is nothing short of inspiring and I want to share that with all of you. In my little way of helping and asking you to join the cause, twenty percent of the retail price of this bracelet will be donated to the American Veteran's Disabled for Life Memorial fund -- and not just for today, or for this month, but for as long as I am able to make them. For more information about the memorial and to read the details of Diane's walk, click here. And, remember to take a bit of time and thank those who served or are serving in order to protect our freedom and not just today, or this month -- they should be remembered and thanked every day of every year. And, when someone asks about the beauty of a bracelet you are wearing, take a few minutes to share the story of the memorial and what it represents. It'll make your heart feel good -- I know it does mine.

The Magic of Music

Sitting in the studio this afternoon, enjoying the sun as it streams in the large window and listening to allclassical.org, the classical station here in the Portland area. First, I have to say, the station is without competition...in my book at least. And, yes, it beats the hell out of the station I listened to for 10 years while living in New York City. Sorry, but it's the truth. The station here is member-sponsored and that means no annoying commercials and the breadth and depth of their playlist never ceases to surprise me.