INSPIRATION
Every Summer, thoughts of soothing ocean waters, soft white sand, and the sound of the tides hitting the shores fill my mind. I dream of the salty ocean air and naps under the shade from the warm hypnotic sun. Driftwood and seashells wash ashore, with my toes in the sand, grounding my soul.
But this year, there was something different that inspired my watery summer collection.
During the pandemic, when all business went online or out the window, there were a few loyal customers that continued to shop online and support my small business. It meant the world to me. It gave me the opportunity to continue doing what I love, creating beautiful stories told with gemstones and silver.
One of those customers was Judy. Judy had shopped from me in person and then online when the world shut down. At the end of 2022, I received a message from Judy’s daughter, Megan, telling me that her mom had tragically passed away. It was heartbreaking news. Judy would bring her daughters and niece to my pop-up shops and make a date out of it. They would look forward to those days, cherishing the memories made. Judy was a lovely woman, kind and thoughtful and meeting her was a gift.
Megan asked how I chose the names for my pieces and if I would consider naming one after her mom. To say that I was taken aback by the request would be an understatement. To think that someone would feel my jewelry special enough to warrant such a tribute was very humbling. I knew I had to create something truly fitting of such a lovely lady.
Judy had a simple, understated style. Her favorite color was blue and she was a florist. She owned a cottage on Brackley Beach in PEI and loved her time there, walking along the beach, collecting shells, red rocks, and sea glass. I kept all of these things in mind when deciding on styles for this collection and I hope that Judy would love them as much as I do.
CHOOSING A STARFISH
THE STARFISH STORY
An old man was walking on the beach the morning after a storm. In the distance, he could see someone moving like a dancer. As he came closer, he saw that it was a young woman picking up starfish and throwing them into the ocean. “Young lady, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?” “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I do not throw them in, they will die.” she said.
“But young lady, do you not realize that there are many miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You cannot possibly make a difference.”
The young woman listened politely, then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea. “It made a difference to that one.”
BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR ONE
Judy was proof that one person can make a difference. Just like the little girl on the beach throwing starfish back into the water, she made a difference to me, she gave me life when I needed a hand. I can only imagine how many others she made a difference to.
The pieces in this collection are a reminder that not all stars belong in the sky and that we all can make a difference in someone’s life.
Thank you, Judy. Fly high, dance in the tide, wear ribbons of flowers and know that you are thought of so warmly and missed so dearly.