Creativity, Faith, and My Uncle Frank

For ages, a new jewelry creation for myself has been dancing around my head and heart. In it, I wanted to feature all or part of my favorite prayer, The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. It's a long prayer; but it moves me every time I hear it or read it.

Well life can be busy, and sometimes I'm too busy for my own good. As a result, this piece had been moved to my personal back burner on more occasions than I care to admit. Then last month my Godfather, my Uncle Frank, passed away.

I was surprised when I discovered that my favorite prayer was featured on his prayer cards at the funeral home. Was it his favorite prayer too? I'm not sure; but I'd like to believe that it was. My Uncle Frank was a man who lived his faith; I admired him for it; and I think that this prayer embodies that spirit. He was also a man who loved God, life, his family, art, and music. He played an influential role in shaping my life and my career choice, and I miss him more than I can say.

After a very long incubation period, this piece virtually created itself, and I am so pleased with the results. When I wear it I'll think of him, and it will remind me to make time for those things in life that matter most.

Months ago....(Many months ago!)...I bent the handle of a spoon that I'd been moving from place to place around my studio for quite some time. The sharply curved metal and the feel of this piece in my hand pleased me; but I had no idea as to what else I would do with it. This unknowing is a part of the creative process for me. I have faith that inspiration will strike in its own time, and I've developed infinite patience as a result.

After bending this piece, I relocated it periodically and clipped it to a variety of temporary homes around my studio. I'd play with it when it caught my attention; but I was never moved to do anything else with it...until today. Today, while I was midway through a variety of other projects in my studio, an image of the finished piece popped into my head. I dropped what I was doing, retrieved my bent little spoon, and the creating was easy.

I'm thrilled with the results! This piece is all mine. Its substantial and interesting; it feels good to wear it; , and as I embarq on my quest for healthier living in 2010, I hope that it will remind me to breathe before I reach for another spoon... unless of course it's to add to this collection! :-)

Soon, I'll be debuting these creations in my store on 1000 Markets. This is a new venue for me, and I'm really excited about it. In the mean time, please feel free to contact me here if your need for a spoon of your own is more urgent.

"Remember to Remember"

Three little words. (Technically two if you consider that one is used twice!) It's a simple enough saying on the surface; but the meaning is near and dear to my heart.

Just before Christmas, I created twenty-one "Remember to Remember" neckaces for a customer. Their purpose in her life remains a mystery to me; but my mind was filled with the possibilities, and the significance of these three little words, as I created them.

In 2010, I'll Remember to Remember ...

• to enjoy real conversations with my family on a daily basis. (Not just the routine communication that we squeeze in while we're doing ten other things; but meaningful, "I'm really paying attention to you" kinds of conversations.)
• to reach out to my friends and family when I think of them
• to say, "I Love You.
• to send a few of the handwritten greeting cards or notes that are constantly rolling around in my mind.
• that everyone I encounter is facing their own personal challenges.
• to make good choices where my own health is concerned. Healthy food and moderate exercise are definitely a part of this plan.
• to proactively accomplish the tasks that I tend to procrastinate.
• to clebrate my accomplishments instead of focusing on what remains to be accomplished.
• to create for the sheer joy of it.
• to find peaceful time for myself on a daily basis, even if it's only for a few minutes.

And finally, I'll Remember to Remember to be greatful for all of the blessings that fill my life.

What will you Remember to Remember in 2010?