The Memories and Thanks Blog Hop is both in honor of a lovely friend of Lori Anderson's, Marianna, and for those people in our lives who mean a lot to us - you can read more about the hop here.
I'll start at the beginning - why I started making jewelry.
My beautiful niece, Erica, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2008 - that rocked my family's safe, comfortable world - this doesn't happen to our kids!! Erica had been living on her own and making a comfortable life for herself in Myrtle Beach, SC. When she got sick, her Mom made her come back to Merrimack, NH to get the best care they could find. I wanted to be able to do something, anything, for her. Knowing that she liked jewelry, I started taking classes at my local bead shop. During this time, I started calling her Sweet Girl (SG for short) because she had such a sweet little voice - she also had a wicked sense of humor! As time went on, she was in treatment and I was making more jewelry, so I asked her to help me come up with a name for my "shop". She chose Sweet Girl Design which I love, because she's why I got into making jewelry and she continues to inspire me. Erica was beautiful, delicate-graceful, funny and, most definitely, full of love. My niece, Jackie, wrote this wonderful poem about her sister.
This past September was the 3rd Annual Erica's Run which raises money and donates it to local families in the Merrimack area, who are fighting cancer. Three of my sons and I were able to go - there were 436 runners, up from 207 in 2011! The team that puts this run on is a wonderful group of people that have helped lift my sister and her family up from the depths of despair - they're now a part of our family, too. There aren't enough words to say thank you to them, we are eternally grateful!!
I was fortunate to have been able to move my Dad near me, in February 2011, when he had dementia. He lived in a beautiful nursing home about a mile from my house, so I was able to visit every day. My boys would often come with me and play cards and laugh with him - they got to know their grandfather in a whole new way. My parents had divorced over 20 years ago, but any anger or resentment melted away, and Mom would often visit him when she was in town. The love and compassion my Mom showed towards my Dad at the end - she wouldn't leave his side and held his hand as he passed.
In February 2012, my Mom went to stay at my sisters in NH for surgery - she had just found out that she didn't have cancer! She was in such a state of pure joy - the weight of worrying lifted. On Valentine's Day, my sister and her fiance found Mom on the floor in her bedroom, unresponsive. My sister called me as soon as the paramedics left - I said, of course she's going to be ok, it's Mom, the strongest person we know! My other sister, uncle and I flew in immediately, not sure what to expect. The aneurism was so big, that there wasn't a chance for her to come back - our rock, the best person we knew, wasn't coming back to us. The memories we shared in my Moms last couple of days - we laughed..... we cried.... I'm so thankful for my two amazing sisters, the two strongest people I know!
The memories my boys have of their grandparents - priceless! They were able to see the silly side of Grandpa - one I hadn't seen since I was a kid. Nana was always interested in what they were doing even if she didn't understand it (computer anything, video games) and often flew in for their many events.
My oldest sister married her best friend, last summer, in a beautiful wedding in Wilton, NH. I was able to make her a necklace using beads from one of my Moms and Grandmothers necklaces. The dish in the picture is one, of many, that my Grandmother painted - she was a fabulous painter!
I made these necklaces using my Moms clip-on earrings and a crystal drop - I wear them often. I've also made necklaces for my sisters and nieces.
I picked up a crochet hook over the Christmas holiday (it's been years!) and started making scarves. Lori suggested we use the color red in Marianna's honor - I found this Starbella Collegiate yarn - it's now my favorite scarf! I've made several of these scarves because I like the ruffles - or as my nephew used to call them, buffles. I love how soft, fluffy and buffly they are!
I found this key in a local antique store - it's a grandfather clock key that I put on a chain of stringed beads that slips right over your head. I added a blingy crown made with a vintage pearl, bead cap and Swarovski rondelle.
If I could turn back time with this key .....
one more hug .....
one more smile .....
I'm so grateful that I have two amazing sisters to share all of our wonderful memories with, and make new ones - I'm thankful, daily, for their love and constant support!!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post! I hope you'll take some time over the weekend to visit the many participants - I'll be spending the next few days reading all of the inspiring stories.
I'll start at the beginning - why I started making jewelry.
My beautiful niece, Erica, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2008 - that rocked my family's safe, comfortable world - this doesn't happen to our kids!! Erica had been living on her own and making a comfortable life for herself in Myrtle Beach, SC. When she got sick, her Mom made her come back to Merrimack, NH to get the best care they could find. I wanted to be able to do something, anything, for her. Knowing that she liked jewelry, I started taking classes at my local bead shop. During this time, I started calling her Sweet Girl (SG for short) because she had such a sweet little voice - she also had a wicked sense of humor! As time went on, she was in treatment and I was making more jewelry, so I asked her to help me come up with a name for my "shop". She chose Sweet Girl Design which I love, because she's why I got into making jewelry and she continues to inspire me. Erica was beautiful, delicate-graceful, funny and, most definitely, full of love. My niece, Jackie, wrote this wonderful poem about her sister.
This past September was the 3rd Annual Erica's Run which raises money and donates it to local families in the Merrimack area, who are fighting cancer. Three of my sons and I were able to go - there were 436 runners, up from 207 in 2011! The team that puts this run on is a wonderful group of people that have helped lift my sister and her family up from the depths of despair - they're now a part of our family, too. There aren't enough words to say thank you to them, we are eternally grateful!!
I was fortunate to have been able to move my Dad near me, in February 2011, when he had dementia. He lived in a beautiful nursing home about a mile from my house, so I was able to visit every day. My boys would often come with me and play cards and laugh with him - they got to know their grandfather in a whole new way. My parents had divorced over 20 years ago, but any anger or resentment melted away, and Mom would often visit him when she was in town. The love and compassion my Mom showed towards my Dad at the end - she wouldn't leave his side and held his hand as he passed.
In February 2012, my Mom went to stay at my sisters in NH for surgery - she had just found out that she didn't have cancer! She was in such a state of pure joy - the weight of worrying lifted. On Valentine's Day, my sister and her fiance found Mom on the floor in her bedroom, unresponsive. My sister called me as soon as the paramedics left - I said, of course she's going to be ok, it's Mom, the strongest person we know! My other sister, uncle and I flew in immediately, not sure what to expect. The aneurism was so big, that there wasn't a chance for her to come back - our rock, the best person we knew, wasn't coming back to us. The memories we shared in my Moms last couple of days - we laughed..... we cried.... I'm so thankful for my two amazing sisters, the two strongest people I know!
The memories my boys have of their grandparents - priceless! They were able to see the silly side of Grandpa - one I hadn't seen since I was a kid. Nana was always interested in what they were doing even if she didn't understand it (computer anything, video games) and often flew in for their many events.
My oldest sister married her best friend, last summer, in a beautiful wedding in Wilton, NH. I was able to make her a necklace using beads from one of my Moms and Grandmothers necklaces. The dish in the picture is one, of many, that my Grandmother painted - she was a fabulous painter!
I made these necklaces using my Moms clip-on earrings and a crystal drop - I wear them often. I've also made necklaces for my sisters and nieces.
I picked up a crochet hook over the Christmas holiday (it's been years!) and started making scarves. Lori suggested we use the color red in Marianna's honor - I found this Starbella Collegiate yarn - it's now my favorite scarf! I've made several of these scarves because I like the ruffles - or as my nephew used to call them, buffles. I love how soft, fluffy and buffly they are!
I found this key in a local antique store - it's a grandfather clock key that I put on a chain of stringed beads that slips right over your head. I added a blingy crown made with a vintage pearl, bead cap and Swarovski rondelle.
If I could turn back time with this key .....
one more hug .....
one more smile .....
I'm so grateful that I have two amazing sisters to share all of our wonderful memories with, and make new ones - I'm thankful, daily, for their love and constant support!!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post! I hope you'll take some time over the weekend to visit the many participants - I'll be spending the next few days reading all of the inspiring stories.
Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things
Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs
Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Lena Adams (Mari's daughter) -- TBA
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Pam Farren re-maker
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets
What a beautiful tribute to your entire family! I love the necklace you made for your sister's wedding...so simple and striking
ReplyDeleteYou have had a lot of loss in your family, but I can also tell that you have a lot of love. These wonderful people will live on in your memory. I love the idea of making the special wedding jewelry out of treasures from the past. Thank you for sharing! Enjoy the day! Erin
ReplyDeleteA beautiful story of love and loss and more love in your family. The jewelry sends a beautiful message too. I've joined your blog, anxious to read and see more. Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteI love the pendants made with your Mom's clip-on earrings, priceless!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the story of your beautiful neice and how she inspired you to make jewelry. Such a gift.
This hop is so touching and thank you for sharing your sadness and joys with us. Such beautiful and thoughtful creations...the one with the key resonated with me...If I could turn back time with this key, one more hug, one more smile .....
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the hop
Hugs
Terri G.
What a beautiful tribute for your family. Thank you so much for sharing your family along with the joy and sadness.
ReplyDeleteVery touching story. Thank you for sharing it with us. I love all your creations ~
ReplyDeletePeace and Love.
What a touching and sweet story and the jewelry is amazing. I love the idea of using the vintage earrings in a necklace.
ReplyDeleteYou are strong, you are talented, and you have an amazing attitude--it's all about love, isn't it? I am honored to know you. Beautiful tributes.
ReplyDeletelove, jean
What an amazing family you have the way you stuck together through all of life's travails. I am sure creating all of these beautiful pieces were cathartic for you. I too began jewelry making during a difficult time of my life. I hope your life is blessed this year. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou have had such a wonderful family life, that really came through in your post. Loved your creations!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a beautiful story of your mom and sisters, making memories and your loss of your mother. Family is such an important part of life, yet sometimes so temporary! I am happy to hear your niece is doing well! Gorgeous jewelry and scarf too!!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful tributes to your loved ones: full of life and love. Your jewelry is gorgeous too - thank you for sharing your memories!
ReplyDeleteChristine, your life is so full of these loving tributes and remembrances! Thank you so much for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteWOW - Beautiful... and the jewelry is nice too :) Be well ~~T
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing pieces, what a special tribute.
ReplyDeleteLovely pieces and wonderful memories...you are blessed!
ReplyDeleteLove the use of old earrings to make keepsake necklaces. And the "buffles" scarf is darling.
ReplyDeleteChristine, Thanks for sharing your life story. You have wonderful, strong people in your family and that is why you are such a kindred person too. Enjoy the people around you who are so special.
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful.
Lovely items to go with the memories.
ReplyDeleteA great name for your bead business.
~cryssT
I'm deeply grieved - so many losses in your family..... Your tributes to them touches my heart! Sending you a smile from the other side of the continent - you're a strong person!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had some of your mom's and grandmom's jewelry to make memory pieces from. That's one thing I regret about my Mimi's passing, I didn't think to ask my uncle for some of her old "junk" jewelry to keep, or recycle, for memories. What beautiful mementos.
ReplyDeleteThe necklace you made you sister is gorgious. It's even more meeningful because it is part of your Mom & Grandma. Thanx for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm truly sorry for all your losses, but so glad that you and your children were able to make many happy memories with your parents. And to come up with the Erica Run amidst your pain is amazing. I'm in complete agreement with the sentiment of the lovely necklace you created. If only we could turn back time for a few more cherished moments with our loved ones. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your kids have those good memories. And for you to be close to your sisters- that has made a huge difference in my life as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely tributes you have made! I have some random vintage jewelry from my great-aunts, and you have helped me figure out some ideas for how to use them.
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am touched that in your sharing of your losses, there is so much beauty in the memories you were able to create with your boys and your loved ones. Your creations are so beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I'm enjoying each piece of this blog hop so much! Each piece is a new story - new design - unique to each creator!
ReplyDeleteFamilies are so very important and you have a wonderful one! Thanks for sharing your lovely pieces and your heartwarming story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing so much of your family's story. The pieces you have made are beautiful tributes. I really enjoy looking at the scarf,,,,,so wish that was something I knew how to make!!
ReplyDeleteWow! All your pieces are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHaving a hard time getting through this amazing blog hop, but will get there. So sorry tohear about so many loses, in such a short time. You are a strong lady yourself, and your pieces are beautiful tributes.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your losses Christine. You've made some lovely pieces in remembrance though. My parents have recently given me my grandmother's jewelry box and I'm working on ornaments for my kids, niece and nephew. Such a wonderful way to remember. Peace.
ReplyDeleteChristine, thanks so much for dropping by my blog and commenting on my Talisman necklace. I absolutely loved your touching memories post. I'm sorry for all the loss of loved ones you have experienced, and so touched by how positive and loving you are about them. Thank you so much for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteLovely! And the photos are beautiful.
ReplyDelete