How dreadful! Where have I been?

Almost a month! Whew!

So much has happened... my daughter went to the prom and I meant to post a photo or 2. She was/is beautiful! Not only that, but she'll be 17 next week. Ok, so here's the gorgeous couple:


Lots of medical testing, so far all results are negative. Just have not been feeling well. My husband is doing a "Take Shape For Life" diet and doing great - and now he wants to get a personal trainer... And I finished another painting. Here it is:


It's actually an old painting that I finished in 2006. It was pretty much the black hole with the yellow membrane and red around it, with the same background, called "Embryo of My Grief." Sometime in 2007 I painted the yellow overlay and didn't know how to go from there. Then one day a couple of weeks ago I just was so overwhelmed and so unhappy because I wasn't feeling well and had no time for my creative life with all the rest of life going on that I just went at the painting. I've worked on it here and there, adding to the piece over the original painting, and yesterday I finished it. Again. But it's a different painting now, anyway.

Here's a detail. It's the egg.


It is a visual art lifelong theme for me - fertility, sperm and eggs. My art therapy thesis was entitled "Egg Therapy" - part of it was doing a bunch of drawings of eggs. Now, I've got these cysts on my left ovary and I might have to kiss it goodbye. Plus, I know I'm at a turning point, because I'm not happy with the way things are and the pressure's building. I have to make more room/time/energy for my creative life. And I hope that I find a way to make it coincide with money!!!!!

Sorry for the grumpy post. It's the rumblings of impending change.

And, by the way, happy Mercury retrograde.

What I'm working on...

I started making this for myself... but have been too busy doing other things this week. I did make a rosary (first, and probably last, ever) for a dear friend, but didn't take a photo of it. I may ask her to let me do that, just because.


So this is what I'm working on, in more than one way. I'm not happy with my wire work and anyway, I've changed my mind about darkening the letters. So I'll have to take it all apart - something I almost never do. I'm so excited about new tools and materials! Now all I need is endless time (but I am hesitant to wish for something as dangerous as that!)

Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral

Life has been so full the past couple of weeks - it's that spring/extra light/warmth kind of energy that puts me into overdrive on external things. Family time and work time, and little creative outlet time. This is what we've done this week, a whole crew: Dad, Mom (!), Lara, Lara's boyfriend Matt, Jay and I collaborated to yield this sacred ground. I have to go measure it so I can figure out what we have room for. It's smaller than I'd hoped for, but considering the size and abundance of rocks that we unearthed, it's good enough. In 2 weeks some friends have an organic seedling sale, so that we be the makings of our garden. Oh, and I did get some organic Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce seeds at one of those big chain hardware stores, and have ordered some more seeds from my food co-op (delivery Monday).

These are the biggest rocks we got out. The small rocks on the bottom right are about 3-4 inches in length, so you can see how big they are. You can also see them behind the garden in the top photo.

And here's a visitor in my flower garden this morning:


Shadu got it and so we had turtle rescue to perform. Not easy. But we did manage to liberate the turtle from the dog and set it free in the woods. I wish I knew what kind it is... The top is pretty plain but gets interesting toward the bottom of the shell, and you can see that the turtle's skin has got some color. The bottom of the turtle had beautiful yellow markings. I couldn't get a photo of that because we had to act quickly during the rescue phase.

Photos of my paintings

I've been meaning to do this for a long time... and I finally spent a good chunk of time yesterday getting it done. Here's the link to assorted paintings. Here's one:

Finally the Ocean

We had 3 precious days at the ocean over Easter weekend...

I've been going to the Jersey shore almost every year since I was born; for the last almost 20 years my parents have owned a place that is right on the water. Usually I wait until the summer to go, but there was nothing that could keep me away after all that winter sickness.

As soon as we get off the Parkway (my son calls it the "Garden Stake"), my heart quickens and I feel as though I fly the rest of the way. It's comforting to see all the familiar stores, restaurants and even gas stations on the way, because this is the way HOME. I love the way my children, too, treasure this place; they've known it their whole lives. I can't think of anything more wonderful.

I took the top 2 photos, and my daughter took the 3rd. Enjoy my heaven on earth!

Dawn through the trees

I couldn't resist photographing my view early this morning...

Selling some beads

Happy St. Patrick's Day (though I have not one speck of Irish in me)!

Just posted some beads for sale...

http://tinyurl.com/2pga8z

If you're interested, please contact me. Thanks!

How I spent my Sunday

At my friend Cathryn's open house/vendor sale, Golden Circle Preschool. Here's her blog: http://www.cathrynscreations.blogspot.com. Not a huge crowd, but I had a great time and did sell a few things. Cathryn was my daughter's kindergarten teacher 11 years ago!

stonetotem: How to Know if it's Right For You, Part 2

For part 1, click on this link: stonetotem: How to Know if it's Right For You, Part 1

Whew, it's been a while! So, how do we really know? For each person, it will be different. The most important aspect, though, is that it will not be a rational decision - we don't want to come from a mental process when we choose stones. First of all, stones have different qualities and energies just like people do. There are wonderful works on the properties of stones, and I've read and cherished many of them, but I have found that just like all Italians don't have dark hair (my grandfather was blonde, and a friend in high school was a red-head), all rose quartz are not going to help you out with your self-love issues. Probably most of them will to some degree or another... but it's not written in stone (pardon the pun). If this is your issue, when you look at the stone (or if you're lucky enough to be able to hold the stone), do you feel it in your heart? Do you feel a reaction to it in any part of your body? Try to become aware of this - you may be one of those people who have a "gut reaction" to something: your gut may be telling you yes or no to this stone. Does the stone make you feel dizzy? It may be too much for you at this point in time. Bigger/stronger/more powerful energy is not necessarily better! The body knows!

Another way to choose a stone is to notice which colors you are attracted to - colors in nature, colors of clothing, colors in artwork, etc. I always feel that when I'm pulled to a particular color, that's the color that I need in that moment and I try to bring it into myself. Stones are a great way to focus this kind of work because you can carry them around in your pockets and you can also wear them. But just as bigger is not necessarily better, more is not necessarily better. My dad has a favorite saying, "Too good is no good" - meaning that you can blow it by trying too hard or by going for too much at one time. He's a Virgo, so he must know this from experience.

Another point that I'd like to make about choosing a stone is that healing is not always as straightforward and simple as it my seem. I learned this many years ago at my very first visit to a health kinesiologist, whom I consulted because it was taking longer than I wanted to get pregnant. What did she work on? My ear. My ear? Why? Because it was the first level of healing that my body needed before it could get to the deeper issues. At this visit I also found out that though I had been eating Brazil nuts because of some medicinal property, I needed to stop eating them because they were actually bad for me - another case of something supposed to be doing one thing, and in reality doing something else. So, even though we think we need rose quartz because we are filled with self-loathing, we may first need some red coral for vitality and for grounding, we may need some amber to focus our will and help us move or act, some pearl or moonstone to feel more connected to our feminine nature. Do you feel attracted to a stone, even though you don't think that it has anything that you need? More than likely, it does have something that you need! This is why I feel that it's so important to listen to whatever intuitive ways you have of knowing. The more you trust and follow your intuition, the more "accurate" and trustworthy it will be.

Newest etsy.com items and Weekend Special

My two newest items in my etsy.com shop, where I've posted a weekend special: 10% off your purchase, and free shipping within the US and Canada. Good through 5pm Sunday, eastern time. Check it out!

Last Ebay Auction Ending Tonight

Hard to believe, but what a relief. I'm going to have to make my fortune elsewhere... I'm so grateful to the wonderful customers I had there.

Our Winter

The view from where I make jewelry: (I paint at different windows in this studio.)



And here are some photos outside:



We are so blessed to be dwelling among such beauty. We first saw the land February 13, 2000; we moved into our new house February 11, 2002. And then my son turned 5 five days later - we had his birthday party among the boxes, and friends from near and far came to celebrate. Leaving our old house was very hard but it was time. And now we are forever surrounded by beauty and all manner of creatures... and, I have my very own studio. Blessings abound!

Sickness Abounds but Happy Birthday, Jay!

To anyone wandering in ... thanks for stopping by. I've been neglecting this blog because my family and I have been sick most of this new year, one thing after another. We've each been sick at least twice; my daughter 3 times. Yuck! All respiratory stuff... flu, strep, bronchitis, assorted viruses - and we are not/never have been smokers, if you're wondering. Aren't you glad you started reading?

Tomorrow is my son's 11th birthday. Aquarian love all around!

Layin' Low...

I've got the flu. Hope you don't...

Joseph Campbell Quote

A friend sent this to me a couple of weeks ago:

We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Please add a comment if this speaks to you.

The Morning After

Well, we're even beyond morning, now, but I'm not changing it! I was up so late last night due to Etsy forums... but so many folks visited my blog and that was so nice. Got some good help and advice... I have found etsians to be so generous with their help and support. The thing is, as great as it was, I don't want to spend so much time on the computer! I'm going to have to learn to use my time better.
This is a custom piece that I did around Christmastime for a very dear customer. Awesome piece of lapis! I am so addicted to putting borders on my photos...

How to Know if it's Right For You, Part 1

Buying jewelry on the internet is a fairly risky process - you can't pick it up or hold it, you don't know if the colors are accurate, and there's no trying anything on. How can you trust that it's well made? And beyond the practical, is the metaphysical - if you're shopping for spiritually oriented jewelry, how do you know if it's really right for you?

Whatever level we're talking about, instinct/intuition is your best friend. On the physical level, you really can't know for sure - you have to depend on photographs and feedback. Here's my ebay seller feedback.

The metaphysical or spiritual level is a bit more challenging. We want to get the exact right piece, the most powerful, the one that's going to single-handedly and instantaneously going to change our lives, right? Sure, I used to be that way! I'd buy crystal after crystal, hoping for the magic one... I love 'em all, but the truth that I finally learned is that what I deep down love about them is what they hold of me inside them. What? You know, how you have everything you possibly need to grow and evolve already within you? The crystal helps by focusing a particular kind of energy; lots of times, it's energy that we don't believe that we really have but we sure do want. But we do have this energy-- we are just not ready to own it. When we are attracted to a stone, we are resonating with it because we also carry that energy. Our unconscious mind recognizes it and gives us all kinds of signals to prompt us to get it. When we do get it, a partnership can be developed: with your conscious intention and focus, the energies work together (yours and the crystal's) to support your inner work. Stones can be amazing and powerful tools, but -- they absolutely need your love, respect, and commitment to growth.

First Etsy SNS

I haven't posted in a while because I just haven't had any visitors... but, now that I've just announced a SNS (15% off all store inventory at etsy), I'm hoping someone may stop by.

Please feel free to email or convo through etsy with any questions. Have a delightful weekend!

Drat, it didn't sell!

Ok, that means everyone gets another chance on it - I just relisted it on ebay. I wasn't going to... but I'm feeling lucky, I guess. Two customers from the old ebay days just bid on the same piece - so, so nice to hear from them again after my long absence there.

You know, it's really, really weird to do this, because it's like talking out loud to yourself in public. There are a few people checking me out here, but not crowds. And I don't know who you are... please say hello!

Had a busy but wonderful day - and tomorrow I plant our Christmas tree. Our cat of 12 years, Midnight Moon, passed in December; we are going to plant this tree on top of him in the yard. We love you and miss you, Moonie Moon.




Shadu and Moonie

Pendant on ebay I love...

Here's one of my favorite pieces that I've made; it's on ebay right now. Here's a link to the page: http://tinyurl.com/2jrczl. Fantastic crystal and fashioned a bit differently; also an affirmation piece. Green tourmaline, mixed color tourmaline, pink tourmaline, and of course, the quartz crystal.

This photo does not capture how amazing the crystal is... but it does give you a view of the whole piece.

Hello, it's Sunday

I know it's a weird thought... but just had to say it. I'm in and out of the studio today, and trying to catch up with my house and laundry (boo). More listings on both etsy and ebay tonight, if all goes well.

Love!

Maiden Blog Post

Hello and Happy New Year! I have to say that this is such a weird thing for me... In spite of being a Leo, I shun the spotlight and like to hide in the shadows. But shadows are not a good place to see the beauty of stones as they try to find their way to new homes and new keepers: they need light. So here we are. Promotion is the hard part of this job, but that's ok because the making is pure bliss. Balance is good!

In this acting-brave-but-feeling-terrified moment, I'm thinking of my beloved LBBeings, my Learning Field embodied (http://www.aloveoflearning.org/trainings-leading.php). I'm thinking of the exercise you brought, Donato: "Now, look at me." And, I'm thinking about all the people who love me and have faith in me, and going purely on that love and faith. AAAAAAAAAAAAh!

All right, enough already.

So, I do want to say that I have such good feelings about this year. This was the first time in 47 years, 5 months (my whole life to date, exactly) that I remember being excited about the newness and possibility. Perhaps it's the finishing of my Pluto/Ascendant opposition that has lightened my spirits and allowed joy to glide through... or maybe it's just all the hard personal work I've been doing... or something else that I'm not yet aware of. In spite of how hard the last 3 years have been, and in spite of what may be lurking, I am delighted to be alive in this moment and supremely grateful for the unending blessings in my life. So this is the place in which this blog is conceived and birthed (instant gestation!).

All right, enough already.

So, down to business. On the left side of this page, there are links to my etsy.com listings and to my ebay.com listings. Please take a look! And I'm sure you can't miss my little storefront at the top of the page. Please let me know if there are additional photos needed. Descriptions can be found if you click on the "i" that goes with the photo (not the one all the way up top).

Sending lots of love and light in every direction; may peace and love prevail on earth!

Jackie