Taking Time for Loss

Cemetery Rose

Death gives us pause. 

Two weeks ago I suddenly lost a very dear family member, my Uncle Bob.  Since then I’ve been taking everything a little more slowly, being gentle with myself, and grieving.  The hardest part is knowing I’ll never see him again. 

This has been a time of reflecting on our relationship, the reality of death, and my own life.  I have found comfort in family and friends, chai tea at Open Secret Bookstore in San Rafael, feeling the life force in nature, classical music, and knowing that part of him lives on in me. 

My uncle was a charming, grounded, generous, hard-working, creative, loving soul.  He accepted me for who I am, honored and respected me for my endeavors and abilities, and always made me feel like the guest of honor in his presence.  He had a big smile, sparkling blue eyes, and gave big hugs.  I adored him.

In remembering Uncle Bob I am inspired to continue doing what I love, pushing it as far as I can take it, and living in the present, fully savoring every moment.  How lucky I am to have known such a person.  He didn’t know I opened my Etsy shop a few weeks ago, but I know he would be proud and excited for me.

With a sniffle and a tear, I boldly push forward and surrender to the spirit that moves through and unites all things. 

Aho.

Christmas Jewelry

I’ve been wearing a variety of Christmas jewelry since I was a kid.  And since I don’t throw anything away, I enjoy those pieces year after year. 

The present above is a pin.  I remember begging my mom to buy it for me at the 5 and Dime.  As a 6 year old, a sparkly gold present was the perfect symbol of Christmas.   The funny thing is that I still love this pin and wear it every year.  It still holds an exotic allure for me, and it is made out of plastic!

My 3rd grade room mother gave this Santa pin to me!  Every student in class got one.  I think this was the same year we also received crocheted ghosts and pumpkins.  So cute!  I love explaining where it came from.  I don’t remember who made it, and wish I could thank them for all these years of enjoyment.  

The item above came from Cost Plus over 30 years go.  It’s a pretty cute little item.  It is a Christmas tree box; the lid is a pin, inside is a tree necklace and there are two earrings attached to the pin/lid.  I don’t wear it so much but love the novelty.  How come I don’t see these everywhere?

I make these snowman and snowflake pins.  When I was a classroom teacher I’d have the kids make an ornament out of Wonder Bread dough every year (Wonder Bread mixed with Elmer’s Glue).  One year I had a lot of leftover white dough, so I got crafty and made these pieces.  On occasion I wear them, but I don’t’ like being poked by those stick arms!

I made the snowmen and tree earrings about 12 years ago when I just started to get into making jewelry.  The snowmen are lamp worked glass, and the trees are made from Swarovwski crystal beads.  I love the trees, small, light, playful and sparkly.

This is the rest of my holiday stuff; a necklace of tree lights that glow with the help of a battery, other non-glowing tree lights, and more.  Wearing these makes me feel like a kid again.  What I love most about Christmas is the lights, and feeling connected to family through following old traditions.