How to Get Rid of The Bead Show Blues!

I used to think that if things weren't going well with our store and at bead shows, then it was due to the ECONOMY!  We've done bead shows for YEARS and starting in 2007, sales dropped every year 'til we were just covering the cost of doing the show.

That sucked!  It took so much energy and manpower to prepare for the show, set-up, staff and break-down, that I dreaded the bead shows.  Until last week.

I changed my attitude going into this.  As we headed into September, I volunteered to do the show (which I have never done willingly and with such excitement).  And then I said, "Michelle, let's go and do make 'n takes!"  Something we've never done before.

In the past, we've always tried to accommodate the customer.  We tried taking stuff that was NEW.  We tried taking stuff at marked down sales.  We tried taking things no one else would have.  We tried taking things that were all $1.  Over 15 years and averaging 2 shows a year.. we tried a LOT!  Tried is the key word, as I always left feeling unsuccessful and disappointed.

This year, I wanted to do what would please me and bring us joy.  So Michelle and I picked projects that WE liked a lot.  We made kits with beads that we thought were energetically pleasing, and that would add to our customer's lives!  We threw together quick video tutorials teaching things that WE thought were important, and we went to the show.

What a difference!  Maybe the economy is better.  Maybe people like make 'n takes.  Maybe is was the shift in my thinking.  This time instead of analyzing it to death, I'm going to stop thinking and just say, "We were busy and having fun!"

I honestly did not care whether people wanted to do our projects or not!  I love them!  I felt no worries about making sales, or if people thought our kits were valuable.  I think they are the BOMB!

Based on past show experiences, I brought my ipad, and 2 crafty books to read during the "slow parts", ended up not even having time for a real lunch!  I didn't even stress about unpleasant customers (yes, this is real life, not a fairy tale, so there are unpleasant beaders out there) and none of them stopped at our booth!

I focused on my recent mantra which is to, "Follow the threads of truth to my own happiness.  Observe and move on."  

I had the loveliest and BEST time ever at this show.  I am writing this to remind my future self that following my joy, listening to my heart and trusting myself = life worthy moments!

Now, to apply this to everyday.  Yes, I will.  And you can too.  Sending you support and positive vibes!   :)

aloha, jamie

Back Breaking Lessons in Life:)

I've been experiencing back problems for the past couple of months as a "by-product" of a minor surgery early this year.  It's been extremely educating and despite the spasms, I have learned quite a bit.

List of Important Things I Learned (& must remember):

1) Resting is very important!  

Your body heals very well with a minimum of 8 hours of sleep.  As I facebooked Cass my excited realization - sleep is probably the most under rated cure for all ailments!  With the help of sleep aids, I slept 8-10 hours a night for 3 days in a row.  That was a FIRST for me in decades! 

Results:

It was amazing - a deep cut under my thumbnail that was bothering me for weeks, disappeared.  

The shooting pains in arthritic finger ceased (too much bead drilling in the past month).  

My blood sugars stayed lower throughout the day, without changing my diet.

I felt less edgy, less frustrated and felt like there was more breath in my body.

My back began to heal and the sharp, pinchy pains gave way to "just" discomfort.

2) Compassion.

Customers and friends have told me about their back pain in the past, and because of their cheerful and loving demeanors, it was easy to forget that they were uncomfortable.   Now, after experiencing my own chronic discomfort, I was illuminated by the understanding that they CHOOSE to be happy!  Thank you Bonnie and Lois for being wonderful teachers!

3) My body is a TEMPLE.

I am so happy to report that business is picking up after 4+ years of sluggish and sometimes anxiety filled days and nights as a store owner!  Yippee!! But why now?  I asked myself this every day!  While thankful for customers, all I wanted to do was lie down!   My awesome physical therapist, Neil Shimabukuro, PRESCRIBED me 2 days of rest and lying down.  NOTHING else.  I was so resistant, and felt that EVERYTHING else was more important than me lying down.  How could I lie down?  We have employees out.. we have custom classes....we have customers and bills.... I must go to work.  I must take care of things...  does this sound familiar?

My back said, NO!, and though spirit was willing, I stayed home.  It ended up being so healing, I even stayed home for a THIRD day AND had a massage therapist come to my home and work on my back!  

I kept saying to myself, I am worthy.  I must honor my body. My spirit needs a body to house it.  No body = nobody.

4) I am the most important person in the world.  To ME!!

It's humbling to realize that life is perfect, with and without me.  The only person I can count on, who will stick up for me whenever I need her,  that will be with me for my entire life, that I can trust completely and always count on for feeling loved and understood, is ME.   

Love yourself completely and fully.  You are worth it, and you are perfect as you are.  And if you find yourself complaining, whining, being impatient, focusing only on what's WRONG in your life, or talking about someone else without love in your heart... Take a NAP!  

love and aloha!  jamie

mini macrame with crystals

My Bracelet Rack!

Well, this is one of my bracelet racks...  This is my Holy Grail (as you-tubers refer to it as "H.G") of bracelets.  I wear almost ALL of them, which is why you see me with anywhere from 3-8 bracelets daily!  They are gifts from friends, things I've made, and a lot of gemstone healing/energizing bracelets that "speak" to me when I get ready.

Sometimes, I am disappointed when the ones that I NEED to wear don't match my outfit, but fascinatingly, they match ME!  

• When I'm teaching a class to a bunch of new people, I'll wear rose quartz and black tourmaline for love and protection.  

• When I know it's going to be a busy day, I'll reach for the amazonite, turquoise, rutilated quartz combo:  for energy, strength and to power thru the day!

•  If I'm feeling unsure or just not "with it", I'll take my standby combo of rose quartz, black spinel and citrine.... hoooo-yah!  Powered up and ready to go :)

I have all kinds of gem combos that appeal to me... and I love sharing what I know with all my customers so it's truly a blessing to have a bead store!

see you soon!

love love, jamie


p.s. email me or post pics of YOUR bracelet rack to our facebook page!! 

Polls are Fun!

Thank you to everyone who took  my "bead treat" poll!  Michelle and I spend a lot of time thinking about what you want to make, but since we are not "mind-readers", (just heart-readers),  it's nice to get real-life feedback!

We are working on some new bead treats, and here's a peek at an oldie-but a goodie.  It's something we had as a potential class years ago, when macrame was NOT so popular, but we hung onto it!

Yay, because now that it's super popular.... we are bringing it back!

look for it on our website, and on our facebook page when we pick dates to teach it!

I am welcome to your ideas and suggestions, so if there is anything you are interested in, lmk!  We'll see if we can do it as a bead treat!  Comment here or email me directly!

aloha, jamie

Mother's Day Charity Fair 2012

Please come to our Charity Fair this Sunday, May 6th from 10am -2pm!  

This fair started about 13 years ago, in my first attempt to raise money to support a local organization called Kapiolani Breast Health Center.  They had supported my friend, Brenda, through her breast cancer, surgery and recovery and I wanted to do something "REAL" to show my gratitude for Brenda's survival and thankfulness for the loving care she received.

Our very first fair was held at my mom's house, and we invited a small group of friends raised a couple thousand dollars by selling store samples and donating 100% of our proceeds, and asking our participating friends to donate a portion of their sales as well.

As our customer base grew, so did our fair, AND the number of organizations we were able to support!     We increased it to twice a year, and I was so lucky to have Anna and Michelle really take over the reins in the past couple of years, so that I could do the "marketing" and social invitations!

We've raised over $100,000 since our very first fair, and extended YOUR support to so many places that flourish with your donations, so Thank YOU, thank YOU, mahalo!  Hey, click here to see a list!

Just like the little plant below (that will be at the fair!).. it's so wonderful so see growth, to feel the extension of our energy in tangible and helpful ways, and to know that we can stand by ourselves, but we are STRONG as a community!

Love love and more love to you, jamie
btw: contact me if you should want to participate, donate or get involved in future fairs!

This cute lil plant is just one of the many things we'll have for sale!

pocket plantie.. just last week

and look at her now!!

p.s. thank you gayle for your love, time and donation, AND for "rooting" these babies, giving them a sturdy foundation so that they can continue to grow after they are adopted into their new homes!

My Sun Sign Rules!

Why do I love beading and why do I love to teach?  Probably because I'm a Sagittarius and these are major elements of my sign.  Freedom... the freedom to express myself creatively and to allow my jewelry to say what I mean, and show how I feel.  I put a lot of thought, love and my spirit into all of my pieces, and I  do my best to teach that to my customers and friends.  Truth... I can allow my jewelry to express my honesty, beyond my words of the present moment, because I can speak my truth once, but the adornment is a talisman, and a lasting reminder of my expression of love, caring, and healing.  Learning... I am interested in everyone and everything.. if I weren't a bead store owner, I'd be a questioner (that's a job that I just made up).  I'd ask people questions all day so that I could see new ideas, new perspectives and see the world with new eyes, every day!

I love teaching and sharing because it's a wonderful way to express my joy in all the things that I've learned that expand my perspective, my mind, spirit and heart.  There is a sense of community being built when I can show someone how to access their creativity, and it's a wonderful feeling to share in their happy moment when the spark is lit!

After 20 years of beading, I've adapted to new styles, trends, techniques and have discovered so many things along the way!
I learned to be accepting when things don't turn out the way I expected.
I learned to be creative with limited supplies.
I learned patience by doing things repeatedly until I reached the end.
I learned to adapt by changing my mindset and expectations when things broke, ran out or didn't fit.
I learned problem-solving when faced with great ideas but not yet having the skills to execute it.
I learned that success is personal, ever changing, and involves loving what I'm doing and staying true to that focus.

I've practiced these skills in my craft, and then extended it to my life and my relationships.

In truth, it's not just my astrological sign that has determined my love for beading and teaching. :)  I've learned so much about myself, how to access joy, and how to love my life through this process we call "beading".  The relationships that I've created and sustained through sharing my love for creating and healing has come together, and I plan on continuing this practice, one bead at at time... one person at a time.

2012 - Happy New Year!

Dear Jamie,

This year, I resolve to listen to my heart and love with ALL my heart.  I will stop and be in the moment, especially when I am tempted to react in fear.  I know that I fear many things:  fear of disappointing others, fear of not being liked, fear of being left behind, fear of not being included, fear of looking foolish, ... and the list goes on.   You may find we have a lot in common. :)

Because I fear those things, I tend to react too quickly in situations where I feel vulnerable.  I used to quickly cover up with rejection before I get rejected, anger: before I could get yelled at, dislike: before I could be disliked...  and again the list goes on.  again.   It's amazing how we protect ourselves, and the very thing that protected me was also the same thing that didn't allow the love to flow.

In the past couple of years, I learned a lot by putting myself in "risky" situations.  By being myself, being TRUE to myself and listening to my heart.  I stopped writing here because I had nothing new to share.  I stopped posting because it stopped pleasing me.  Today it pleases me to write and though I still have nothing NEW to share, I'm ready to heal a lot more of the old.  This year is about coming to terms with a LOT of stuff that has brought me here, and I'm ready to move forward mindfully and I'm willing to push past my fear.

So if you are reading this.. know that you are LOVED, understood and cared for.  Not just by me, but by the universe, and if you are willing to accept that love, then the flood gates will open and you WILL feel the love flow.  Stop saying, "no", unless someone is hurting you.  Stop saying "later", unless you are talking about dying.  Stop saying "I can't", unless you REALLY cannot.  e.g. "i can't hear you," because I'm truly deaf in my left ear :) wink!

Include more Yes's, I'd love to's, I can's, I will's, and I love myself's!!!  We are truly valuable and we MUST must MUST practice and believe this.  and if you need a helping hand, come see me.  I have some different things we can think about, do, believe, and create together.  I've been blessed with many helping hands and helping hearts around me, and I extend the same to you :)

with love and aloha!  jamie
ps.  you can FLY!!!

last day of the bead gallery on ward

Good Bye Bead Gallery on Ward!

i've spent the last 12 years of my life in the same building, going up and down those stairs, and meeting thousands of wonderful people.  it's been the best part of my adult life, and i'm sitting here in awe of what was created.  i'm not thinking just about the jewelry, the projects, the emails, the website, and all the creative ideas...  i'm feeling full of spirit, love and gratitude.  

the best life lessons of hurt and healing, rejection and acceptance, miscommunications and understanding, conflict and resolution, loss and gratitude, ... ALL have occurred under this particular roof.   and all of the energy that was poured into my life, my environment, and in the familiarity of the PLACE around me is now recognizable only within me.  i thought it was in the things around me, in the comfort of the location, and the everyday sameness of familiarity - but amazingly... it's not!

when i looked at the empty, broken-down store before leaving tonight.. i thought i'd be sad.  or something to that effect, especially after so many customers asked me.. "aren't you going to miss this place?"   i wasn't sad.  i felt nothing... just ready to go home with my husband, like the last 4000 days we've done so.

everything i am, everyone that i love is already in my heart.   i carry the best of me, the best that i can do, the best of everything that i have ever done- inside of ME, and i only realized that today.  i've never been more tired, more irritable, more emotional (hello period, thanks for visiting me NOW), more in physical pain, than the past 3 weeks, and with all that going on - I cried twice today, both times because i was so grateful.  i finally understand that dedicating the past 14 years of my life to tbg was not a waste, i have no regrets, and that this whole journey has been about bringing love into my life.  Today was a clear message, that i am successful. 

once in my office in the middle of the move - i started to tear up.  I had to stop and ask myself, "am i sad? why am i crying?"  only to discover that chasing that emotion led me to think about anna and gale holding down the fort at the new bg, while ali, amanda and my other girls were packing like crazy in the main showroom - and i felt so grateful, my heart felt so full.  to follow a dream, live the opportunity and be a part of a community that shares in that love, there is nothing better.

after getting home and pulling up in the driveway at 11pm, i cried again.  because i was so thankful for my husband, and we had just had a late dinner prepped by my supportive mom.  everything i do has been 100% supported by them, and i will always be striving to share that gift with as many others as i can.  it is a gift that i honor and will serve for as long as i am able, and that i am able to unreservedly receive love and support from those around me, and share that openly is a culmination of the work in progress that is ME!

thankfulness doesn't always show up in the middle of chaos, in the middle of total non-stop action.  and i am writing this message and sending it out in the universe, so that i can REMEMBER that it should.  and i can make it so.

living with gratitude and appreciating the love that i receive and am blessed to share, jamie

mahalo ke akua, mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!

Everything Jamie Loves is In Here!

The Bead Gallery - Part 3

It's our 14th year in business and I can't believe it's time to move for the 3rd time.  Change is haaaaaaaard!!  Can you hear me grumbling as I say this?  Maybe it's cause my body hurts, my brain is in overdrive and I wonder where the past 14 years disappeared to, and what I have to SHOW for it.

It's been too easy for me to look for quantifiable proof that the last 14 years were productive, worthwhile, purposeful.  Maybe if I had a million dollars in the bank, I'd feel terrific!  No.  Even as I type that, I roll my eyes.  Maybe if we had children, I'd feel like I had something to show.. that I added to humanity and created a life.  Hmmm..  still not sure bout that.  But as I bring home boxes and boxes of  &*(^ that have accumulated over the past decade+, I wonder.... what was I saving?  What is this stuff?  Is this what I have to show for my adult life?

So as my anxiety continues about the business being "successful", I continue to dissect, re-evaluate and reflect upon my meaning.  What am I here for?  What am I here to do?  What is success?  Whose idea of success am I determining my current state by?

Last month, I asked Michelle and Jason, "if we didn't do all the things we did, like classes, dvds, kits, displays, packaging, offers, emails, website, new products...." would we still be here today, in this exact place?  When they both answered to the effect of "most likely/yes/probably" I couldn't stop laughing at the irony.  I saw myself as a little mouse on a wheel, pedaling as fast as I can, and going nowhere!  I was so busy being busy, I didn't even think about the VALUE of my life.  I was putting so much effort into keeping the business alive, I didn't even consider WHY that was important to ME.

I never once questioned, "is this worth it?"  I just put my head down and bulldozed forward for the past 5000 days, saying the bead gallery was the most important thing.  work was most important.  making money was primary to taking care of all of us.  But I never thought it through, to WHY was that important to me.

When we realized that we couldn't continue the business at its current rate of decline in this economy, I had to choose: move or close.  Maybe at the time it was pride, fear, ego that spurred me to reject closing, and finding a new, cheaper space with lots of parking and on the first floor  was way too easy and convenient.  So I chose move.  BUT I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT WHY I wanted to continue.  Loving beads is NOT enough of a reason to have a bead store.  trust me!

Last week, as I painted the new store with JoAnn, we discussed grieving, being in the moment and just being present with our feelings.  This was the first time I spoke aloud of my feelings toward the store, so it was a surprise to ME, to hear why I'm doing this.   I told her that for the past year, I've been pledging my service to ke akua, to doing whatever it is that I am called to do.  That I will have a willing heart and open mind to god/the divine spirit/the universe, and that I am here to serve whatever is needed.  That I have been blessed with a most loving mom, and a most loving husband that have supported me and loved me and showed me that with unconditional love, you can do ANYTHING!  I am so grateful and so thankful, that I am committed to sharing that which I have received, with as many people as I can in my lifetime.

I am not continuing the bead store for money, success or to provide people with employment.  I am not moving the store just so that Jason and I can work in non-traffic times.  I'm not even doing it because it's the only thing I know how to do at this time, and I understand that the job market is challenging.  

I truly love the people that I work with.  I love the people that come through the door.  I love the interaction, sharing our lives, stories, opinions and perspectives with each other.  I love the healing work that we do through the bead store.  I love that we have invested 14 years in creating a community, a place of fellowship, trust and equal energetic exchange.  I love that there are people that will always challenge me, and give me situations to practice patience, kindness and understanding.  This is not just a bead store to me.  It's a place of healing, love, creativity and growth.  It just happens to be a bead store.  If I wanted to re-name it, I would change it to "everything jamie loves is in here".  And that's a perfect reminder that I do carry everything I love with me all the time.. in my heart.  The store is a convenient meeting place where YOU + me = Us

This move is meaningful. I am deliberate in using this change to reflect my inner changes as well.  I plan on doing what I know is right.  I want to move forward with honesty, balanced with compassion for myself, and others.  I want to experience abundance of spirit, love, and energy.  I will do my best to listen and follow through with my heart's messages, knowing that I am loved and supported in all that I do.

It is given.  It is free.  Amene.

1. 
   

Blogging.. what happened?

Question: So when did blogging turn from being a joy to a chore?  

Answer: Perhaps when I realized that I wasn't doing it for myself.

Journaling is intimate, focused inwards to my heart.  It allows me to be reflective and aware.  A blog is similar, but I found that I held back on some truths.  Many of those truths unveil a part of me that I am not used to sharing with the general public.

In the store, I'd like to think that I am being my TRUE SELF at all times.  But I know that I don't serve my highest good at all times.  I hold back.  I bite my tongue.  I shut up (even though it doesn't seem that way, huh Anna!!).  People hurt my feelings and I allow it.  People energetically help themselves without returning the love, and I allow it.   People bring their baggage and attempt to leave it.  And I allow it.

At what point do I say, NO THANKS!  I love you.  Please love me.

So, with that reflection, I say, goodbye blogging for entertainment.  Unless I want to be entertained.  Goodbye to blogging for information sharing.. Unless I want to share.  Goodbye to blogging, without being aware of my soul's purpose.  

THEN, when I do write something... it will be for my good, my evolution and my awareness.   And if I change my mind, then HELLO to balance, hello to acceptance, hello to equanimity.

don't you just love a win-win?

* * * * * * * * *

Here's a quote to inspire me:

Don't worry about what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come ALIVE and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

- howard thurman

aaaaaand......

here's a pic of jason's favorite bracelet.  knotted imperial topaz with all different religious symbols.  

he's added a couple more since this shoot...

i so admire my husband. he has such an open mind and acceptance about belief systems and his interest in the divine and his openness about each individual's personal journey with their god or gods... i'm fascinated by that!  mahalo, mahalo, mahalo ke akua!  i am grateful for the people that are in my life.  lessons abound!

Happy New Year- come get blessed!

Happy New Year my friends! So many exciting things coming up... sooner than I ever imagined too!  We've been in business for 13 years, and in our Ward space for over 10 years now, and our lease comes up this year, so we plan on moving!   Keep updated, and we'll let you  know what happens :)

On that note, I've been breathing in, and breathing out a LOT!  Keeping calm and staying present in my body.. it's so tempting to jump forward to questions like "where are we going?"  "how will we get all that stuff over there?"  "what if business continues to decline?"  YIKES!!  so i just keep breathing and focusing on this very moment - where I am okay!  I am perfect as I am.   Mostly I write this to remind myself, in case you are wondering.

My beloved kumu is coming to The Bead Gallery to bless my friends and family!  Read below and email me if you want to come!!

Ho'omaka Blessing for the New Year!

Happy New Year! Let 's welcome the new year with love, gratitude and blessings! Join us for our Ho'omaka (new beginnings) mini sessions with my lomilomi and spiritual teacher, Kumu Karen Carroll!

She will be here doing blessings and energy clearings from head to toe! Perfect to start off the new year. We will also gift you with this sterling silver charm stamped with our very own angel wing/ho'omaka design!

Gina and I designed this charm for our family and friends, so that it would carry our love and intentions - to remind you that YOU are loved and cared for.
The angel wing - for protection and blessings, is combined with a tiny spiral to remind us that we are always able to experience NEW BEGINNINGS!

Saturday, January 22: 10:30 - 3:30pm and Wednesday, January 26: 1:0o - 6:00pm
We are scheduling appointments every 15 minutes, so contact us for your time! $35

Call (589–2600) or email for an appointment!

*We will have other ho'omaka shell pendants that have been blessed by kumu at the healing pools, and will also be doing custom stamping on-site as well, so if you want additional charms to be made with meaningful words, (like below) please let us know!

doing what i love....

dear bloggy:

where have i been?  following my heart.... i decided to write only when inspired.  not to entertain, and jeez... that left me without much to say in the recent months.

i've been busy doing spiritual readings at the store, and giving gemstone recommendations to people looking to enhance and become more aware of their being, and of their wellness.  that's been quite amazing.

yesterday, my mom said that she's going to write down EVERYTIME something serendipitous, "coincidental", or wish-come-true happens.   she already had one by 2pm yesterday.  now that's some awesome manifestation!  i really love her a lot. she's my inspiration and idol - she was cooking healthy and threw away her msg far before it became "popular" to cook without... she was recycling, reusing and renewing - sewing, and making things by hand when it was for those who "couldn't afford".  I'm amazed how she told me not to take too many medicines and adjusted her own heart medication decades ago, because she trusted her own body vs. the application of straight up western medicine.  I remember being HORRIFIED that she would over ride the doctor.  Now I'm just amazed at her intuition.  way to go mom!

So with that reflection, I realize that I  can trust myself.  I've seen enough, experienced it and need to believe.  NO wonder that's such a popular word: believe.

so bloggy.. i'll be back.  i'm busy being 4 decades old.  that's a lot of experiences to live with, things to reconsider, and constant evolving.

my first consideration is to follow my heart.  i'll start with that.. every day.. every minute and go from there.

With love and light, jamie

here's a cute candied box i made while i was sick at home this week:

 and here is a cute vintage lucite pink buddha that i brought home from the store, just because!

what's the SALE?

i used to like sales.   until i realized that it was stuff that didn't sell.  that's ironic, that it's called a sale, huh!  anyhow, i've finally come to a point in my life where i have a LOT of beads.  and they are all mine!!  and i had the amazing realization that i will NEVER EVER use them all in my lifetime!

maybe this is what happens when 40 is coming.  at least for me.   i'm excited, and it seems so significant, and i feel like whatever i've been delaying or postponing... well, I'M GOING TO DO!

and so this leads to our exploding SALE table.  i've been putting a lot of stuff on SALE.  some of which i've outgrown in taste, style or interest, and others that i just have to let go of cause there is NO ROOM!  it's hard.  letting go is hard.

but here's what i've learned, especially in the last 13 years of beadstore owning:  material things come and go, but all the people that i've met and loved along the way are in my heart and that's something way more valuable than beads.  the store is an avenue for us to meet, greet, welcome, share, create and BE with other people- participating in LIFE with other spirits, and a place to experience love.  it could very well be boiled eggs, t-shirts or cups.  it just happens to be beads.

so goodbye little beads... bye bye freshwater pearls.  sayonara vintage glass.  SIDENOTE:  thanks to my marm for bagging them, tagging them and labeling them for sale!!  my idol :)

* * * * * * * 

here's just a scattering of photos of friends we've made along the journey - see the light that shines, the genuine connections that are made!  thank you to everyone - your picture may not be on this blog, but your spirit shines in my heart.

g-blog in da house!

my friend, geralyn/g-blog, was kicking it in the store with me today, and brought her canon 5d to visit me (an awesome camera with video capabilities).  She captured me in the moment of making her a wellness necklace, and we want to share it with you!

* * * * * *

and here's a fun pic of me and my friend, mary k.

i met her at at craft fair over 14 years ago, and learned how to do many MANY beading techniques from her.  that's where my love of wire, vintage beads, and peyote stitching started!!

 thanks mary, for your continued love and support!  and stop hiding behind me!!

very cute photo, thanks to g-blog of hokulii images

inspire me and win a prize!

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okay, i love 2 things a LOT.  Contests and being inspired.  SO, here's my contest.  Inspire me in any way you like to make a piece of jewelry for you... and the winner will get..... a piece of jewelry from me!

The "prize" may be simple (honestly, cause i haven't been beading much lately), but I've been feeling a surge of creative energies as I turned the calendar page and began the countdown to Christmas!  i just need some help getting focused and basically something out of the ordinary to entertain myself with!

Comment on the post, and I will read them.  I promise.  And yes, Michelle and Anna, you can enter ;) wink!

Be creative.  So will I!  

me 'n cissy desperately in need of something to motivate us!!

good nite! luv jamie

my present is my present!

september was overwhelmingly busy - 1 expo, 1 bead show, 4 birthdays, website renovation, 1 anniversary,  1 1st birthday party, 1 surprise birthday (yay gina!), my first acupuncture...... on top of our regular stuff.  OOOH, and my kindle, and my new video camera to do HD beading videos, hoooray!  no wonder i'm pooped out!

all this busy-ness got me to wondering.  am i happy doing all this stuff.  if i did absolutely NONE of it, would i be sitting here tonight feeling exactly the same?  do all of my paths converge into the same future, which is now my present?  is the present, called a present, because it's a gift?

so many questions.   here's some answers from the past 20 days that fill my heart with laughter and joy:

our 11th anniversary

me 'n stephen meditating with my massage equipment

cissy paddling with my rice paddle in my cooler boat

30 scoops of ice cream with my trainer, randy

all dressed up for the beadshow- fancy!

soul intentions at the bead gallery

7 years or so ago:

somewhere along the way of having a bead business, i realized that i wanted to work with my friends forever!  it's so much fun, i love it, and there's always laughter, support and sharing.

i used to WISH we could have a jewelry business together, and simply make stuff and sell it.  years passed and i talked about it, and pondered.  as i moved forward into expressing my love and spiritual guidance through healing with gems, the plan solidified.

last year:

the plan: i would make jewelry and sell it with my friends!!   so funny to hear the same idea over so many years, and finally having the courage to move forward.  after much thought and sharing with the girls, we agreed that we wanted to have fun, and to share our love and best intentions with others.  we would not take into consideration fear based questions like, "will people like it?" "is is too expensive?"  "should we use cheaper materials" "do those colors look good together?" and so on!

all we focused on was transporting healing energies through our thoughts, designs, execution, and sharing. it was an amazing process because i felt no fear, anxiety or self-doubt about pursuing this plan. 

fast forward to our unveiling of the soul intention jewelry tonight:

after our first night at the women's expo, we sold absolutely NO jewelry.  we left in high spirits, laughing, enjoying each other's company, our hearts filled with love, and looking forward to tomorrow.

we are successful, we are true to our mission and we loving our lives.  there is nothing more i can ask for.  i know that we are serving a higher purpose, and i will hold that in my heart.   the mind is a funny thing - it wants to convince us that we are not deserving, not good enough, or that our dreams can't come true.  the heart and soul send messages of trust, support and knowingness that everything is unfolding JUST as it should.

kahe wale, baby!  let it flow!

thanks especially to michelle, gina, amanda, jana, cass, bonnie, jo ann, anna, jason- for the extra help these last few weeks - making it possible to fuse everything and everyone i love into one wonderful experience called LIFE!

vacations are fun!!!

jason and i went to boulder for my friend's (since 7th grade) wedding!  to relax after all the wedding activites, we chilled out in san diego with the animals.  so amazing to see them up close.  here's some highlights from our trip last month.

crazy guy at orchid farm - choosing centerpieces for jen's wedding

shy panda in San Diego!   the highlight of my trip!!

sleepy panda baby

cutest koala!!  so tired.....

happy beignets about to be eaten in Boulder!

crazy guy at celestial seasonings factory - he keeps popping up in my photos!

at kumu's house

kumu and i creatively brainstormed today, about all the things we love! yippee!