gratitude

I've always been a gift giver. Before I understood money or had any of my own, I (surreptitiously), would take single socks and fill them with pennies from my parents' coin jar. Once they were complete with a red bow around the top, I would stack them under the tree and wait eagerly for Christmas. (Things I've learned since then: my notion that money can be gifted was spot on and how to better conceal a gift).

This year was a throwback to the year of sock change: I was entirely more excited to gift then to get. And that, my friends, is more than maturity (only took me until a quarter of a century to get back here): it's gratitude. Most of my sales the past few months were through custom orders and house parties, and I am so thankful for all the business. Moreover, I am grateful for the fact that most pieces were gifted within one degree of separation because it meant that I was able to hear the stories and see people wearing their new bling over the holidays!

I wanted to share a few of the pieces that had particularly heart-warming stories involved.

First boy ring designed for Paul North, a man fitting of both name and accessory. This baby made it to Texas on Christmas Eve upon Paul and Lynn's epic road trip arrival from Oregon.

A pelican pendant designed for Sandy Suarez, upon the request of Derek. Pelicans are a long time love of hers, as she would remark to Derek as a little boy: "they can fit more in their beaks than in their stomachs!" Derek was a grinning fool for days after this. He knew we nailed it. I attached it to a lovely brass chain, and saw her wearing it one evening in Atlanta.