a wise kat said to me…

I was exchanging conversations with another artist through the etsy messaging system a few weeks ago and she said something to me that keeps coming back into my thoughts.  It was only a single sentence but here it is…

“it does feel really amazing to be able to just be yourself for a living”.

If you take off the “for a living” part of this statement it is an accurate assessment of where I am at present and as I move forward…it IS truly amazing to finally discover that it’s okay to just be myself.  Perhaps the “for a living” part can be added later!  I do hope so for I am very happy creating  these one-of-a-kind necklaces.  Each one is a little mini-journey – a part of my larger journey which is proving to be a joyful one.   I can’t pinpoint why I have not ever allowed myself to just be me – I think I have always thought there was something more that I needed to be doing but there isn’t – to wake up each day and be thankful is enough.   And then the creativity kicks in and I am “being me”.

What an amazing year – a year of discovery, new friends,  new places, a new jewelry company AND a new dog….his name is Steve.   He brings the number up to six!

I am, indeed, feeling an abundance of happiness these days.  Kat – you are so right…it is amazing to just “be yourself”.  Why did it take so long for me to understand  this? Thank you for helping me realize that I am finally there…I am “me” and it is enough.

bunny’s bunny – the end of the story……..

This post is in response to the blog that I posted earlier this month regarding the gift of a bracelet and the story of “Bunny”….I know that those of you that read it will enjoy knowing the end of the story….

” Lettie – It was beautiful. I am so very grateful for the gift and for helping me share. I haven’t let love in for so long. If you ever need a reminder of why you do what you do or doubt that you truly are guided by love please reach out to me and I will help you remember. Thank you for your gifts, Bunny”
This is the message that I received from “Bunny” after I sent her the link to my blog…I was so happy that she liked it.
I mailed her the bracelet and then received the following message…
‘Dear Lettie – It is utter perfection, thank you so much. I really really don’t want to sound cheezy but I put it on and I felt her smiling. It’s wonderful. I attached one of my favorite pics of her and I. She was 8 and I was 26, four years before she left. Thank you again. Much love and light, Bunny”
The photo is just for my eyes but I will tell you this….it is and will always be one of the most beautiful photos anybody has ever sent me…
This entire exchange of messages and the gift of the bracelet has been one of the highlights of my adult life. I will never know “Bunny” but will always hold her very dear to my heart.

a bunny for “Bunny”…

I received a note about the bunny bracelet shown at the bottom of this page. I have included the note just as I received it….  

“I love the bunny. I have wanted it since I first saw it. I was searching to replace a bracelet my daughter had made for me that I wore everyday, however my home was broken into and they took everything. I know it was all just stuff and I know worse things have happened to other people but I was heartbroken. See , I used to wiggle me nose like a bunny for her so she called me bunny and I loved it. She made me  this little bracelet at camp with plastic bunny beads and I lost her 7 months later to cancer. I was told by, well, a professional to replace it with a reminder, something special. I saw your bunny bracelet and I knew it was it. So I have been saving up and now that I know you can make one my size, I am in! Sorry for the long version I really wanted you to know how special I thought it will be to me because I found you once I forgave myself ……. Now I am working to forgive my anger, sadness, loss of friends, a marriage, etc….and live again. Much love, “Bunny”

I wrote her back and told her that I wanted to give it to her. My message follows…

“It means a great deal to me that you shared your story and meaning behind wanting this bracelet. I love that it will have deep meaning for you – that’s why I do my jewelry. I love that it will remind you of your precious daughter whose time with you was so short. We are supposed to have our children to help us end our journey – not the other way around.
And as for the forgiveness – the reason I named myself For Giving Works Jewelry was originally because of a story of forgiveness between two friends but the name has taken on new meaning for me. It has evolved into so much more….I am learning to forgive myself for many things as well…… Forgiveness is a powerful tool. It took me quite some time to understand the power behind it but I now do understand and practice it daily. And I also practice thankfulness…..right now I am thankful for you and your story.”

“Bunny” then responded with the following…..

“I have kept so much inside for so long it’s not good. As I said before, I shared to compliment your work and how important forgiving works, ironically, (it) has allowed me to move forward…hopefully more each day. I love giving gifts but I find it very hard to accept them.”  

Now I really wanted her to have the bracelet!  Here is a woman who clearly needs “gifts” of love and support.  My response was as follows….. 

“My gift to you can be  that you practice receiving daily – each time you look at it (the bracelet)  know that you deserve to receive gifts and welcome them….they will then start coming in many forms and not just material gifts. They will flood in if you are ready to receive. Each time you look at the bracelet think  “I love receiving gifts and welcome all”. They will start coming….it works.  Your gift to me is allowing me to include you (your story) in my blog.  That is a gift, indeed.”  

Her final message to me was as follows…

“Lettie, I really can’t thank you enough for this gift  – it means so much more to me. I have been so reluctant to open myself up, I have wanted to hold so tight to my pain that I lost sight of everything. Thank you so much for you beautiful work, I love it so much. Thank you again, “Bunny”

I often receive messages from people about my jewelry but this exchange of messages between “Bunny” and myself will always be with me.  The joy that I will experience from giving her this bracelet is confirmation that I have, indeed, found my ultimate inspiration.  To know that something I make can touch another person’s life so personally and profoundly is gratifying.

I am thankful for “Bunny’s” story and the many others that I have received from people who have purchased my jewelry for themselves or a loved one.  I hope that these types of stories will continue to be shared with me for they help me move forward with a better understanding of myself.  Each is a little “lesson” for me. 

I love what I do…and I am thankful for the inspiration which comes through me to reach others.  I have had a year of roller coaster riding but when I get a message like this – I know the ride is worth the ups and downs.   

"Bunny"s bracelet