Up and running...

Creating jewellery has been my passion for as long as I can remember. My cousin and I even had our own 'company' in our younger years :)

I've slowly been able to get back into making my own pieces and have loved revisiting this creative side of myself. I am thrilled to be able to display the pieces I've made and would be even more thrilled if you'd take the time to check them out and share my site with any jewellery lovers you know out there.

Keep checking back... I'm working on some great new concepts and ideas to expand my new business!

Yesterday I caught the last 15 or so minutes of 20/20. It was about a model from London who had her face literally burnt off after having sulfuric acid thrown on her. It gives me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it.

And just that morning I was complaining about the tiny zit I woke up with... Sure puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Years ago, I remember watching an Oprah show about gratitude. The jist was that if you write down the things you're grateful for, you'll become a happier and more positive person. I think I started a journal, but after countless moves and years past, I misplaced it. Maybe I never realized how much it could impact my life. Maybe I was just too lazy to continue with something I started. Or maybe I just didn't really believe I had all that much to be thankful for. Whatever the case, I will be accountable now and not put off something that can bring back the focus to all that I do have, rather than the little that I do not yet have.

And in a brief moment, I immediately think of:

...the way my son's eyes light up when he sees me. He calls out 'mom-mom-mom-mom-mom' over and over and smiles a smile that makes me melt everytime I see it.

...Chris. He is truly the love of my life and has the kindest heart of any man I have ever met. No wonder I am marrying him.

...the warm clean home I live in; the clothes I have to wear; the food I have to keep me strong and healthy.

...the relief in knowing that if I ever need to just talk, I have someone I can call who will always be there to support me or just listen. My mom.

I can't say I'll never complain about another blemish again. Too often we get swept up in all the small things that it's so easy to lose sight of that all-important b-i-g-p-i-c-t-u-r-e constantly getting drilled into our heads by well-intentioned wise ones. Our focus should be on the grand picture, not on the tiny bits and pieces that may or may not fall into place perfectly at any given moment.

For all I have, and all I will have, I am blessed. And truly grateful.