Lunar Eclipse

Last night...or rather early this morning 12/21/10 was a lunar eclipse.  For months I've been excited about seeing this eclipse...the last time there was a full moon eclipse on the winter solstice was in 1638.  I don't know about you...but I was not here to see it & likely won't be here to see it when it happens again in 2094. 

So last night I went to bed disappointed by the cloud covered skies.  In the middle of the night (I don't have a sense of time as the clock was not set in our room) I awoke and went to a window determined to see the eclipse.  As I looked out, the clouds glowed with the fullness of the moon.  Completely surprised by what I was seeing I woke my husband to join me.  He came the window and looked out.  As the earth passed in front of the sun we saw the moons light begin to be covered.  It was amazing! 

Just as clearly and vibrant as the moon were two orbs...nearly the size of the moon.  They were lighting the sky as the moon became dark.  It was as though they were providing a beacon of light...holding space for the sky to become light again, for the moon to return to its fullness. 

In complete awe of whae we were seeing and experiencing we returned to bed and returned to sleep in the darkness of our room.  As I lay in bed I thought to myself how magnificent it was that the moon, the eclipse, and the orbs were all positioned right out my bedroom window...and even more magnificent how clearly we were able to watch this event...and now as I type I wonder to myself...was it real or was it a dream?  My answer is that I truly do not know.  But I do know that I was fully present for this event and for that I am deeply grateful!

Welcome winter!  Welcome the return of the Sun!  Welcome the beautiful beings of light holding space for our evolution and reawakening to the light!

Keep On Dancing!

When do you feel the most free? … the most in tune with your authentic nature?  For me it’s when I’m dancing. All I need is a little music…a good rhythm and language that makes me smile. My body starts to move, my face lights with a smile, and my soul soars!

As I get lost in the movement, every fear, anxiety, and distraction melts away and I am Free! I'm just moving with me, exploring all of my questions, what if's and then almost without pause I discover exactly what I'm looking for...it's been there all along...and it's Magnificient!

I invite you to open your Heart and & Groove with me...Keep on Dancing!

Listen to Keep on Dancing

Become the Radiant Warrior

"I do one thing every day that scares me" I recently heard someone say.

"One thing every day, huh?" I arrogantly thought to myself..."that's how I live my life...on the edge of every fear I ever held...always pushing my own boundaries."

Oh yes...and my little inflated ego was feeling really good there for a minute...

But then I began to question myself further with a not so gentle "Really?...do you really?"

Ugh...I hate it when I ask myself that question...but none the less I did...and I realized I wasn't doing things that scare me now.  Yes, they are things that scared me in the past, and yes, I am now living a life that once frightened me...but I wasn't really taking on new risks.

Wow!  That is really exciting!...But that also means that it is time for me to push my boundary a little further.

"Really?  Oh Sh!t" I thought to myself..."There are so many things I still avoid doing because I am scared...and it is TIME to START doing them!"

So I did.  Today, I did something that scared me...& tomorrow I will too...and I know that soon I will be embracing them as a part of who I am.

What is it that scares you?  Make a choice today to take that risk...make the phone call, send the email, say "hi," go for a run (with a crazy hill), go to a coffee shop alone, dance with your children or your husband.  Find your Radiant Warrior...open your heart to her nudges...and Be Fearless!

Yoga Journal Conference

Welcomed by an amazing rainbow...we arrived in Estes Park early this morning.  I have to say it's been an amazing trip so far...& when I say amazing I'm referring to a first class upgrade on our direct flight from green bay to denver, a free checked bag, and meeting many wonderful people.

I am just thrilled to be here.  The facility is beautiful and each view is more breathtaking than the one before.  Travel went wonderful thanks to the new display items my dad helped me with (the entire display fit into one suitcase).

Here's a little look at our booth.  We have great natural light & and amazing mountain view :-)  The new displays are so much fun....especially paired with a the Peruvian alter cloth.  Peru has been a wonderful theme this weekend....and I'll add more about that later...but the little tease is stones & amazing woven belts & bags.

Easy Travel Display

In a few short weeks I'm traveling to Estes Park, CO for the Yoga Journal Conference.  I'm thrilled to be sharing Journey Jewels at the this event...to spend a little time in the mountains...and of course do yoga with some amazing yogis.  However, traveling (with jewelry) to this event has brought about some interesting challenges...it's a little further from home & that means flying...and luggage limitations (and some restrictions on what I bring with me for a display).  So I've been dreaming about creative displays and finally had an opportunity to create them with my dad.

My dad can work wonders with a piece of wood...my home is filled with beautiful pieces of furniture demonstrating his talent...and my little displays are far from reflecting these wonders.  Oh...& I forgot to say he likes to keep boards & scrap wood for "just in case" times like this.  Our day began with a trip to the wood loft in search of just the right pieces.  

I think these will work perfect...recycled wood from his old workshop

Cleaning up the rough edges...with all the right tools

Dad looking cute in his headphones

My brother Ted grilling corn for lunch

Dad suggested putting a design on the top...the Journey Jewels logo is what we decided on 

I love the way this necklace stand turned out....poplar wood for the base, a willow branch with cup hooks across the top...and even the Journey Jewels logo is painted on top. 

This earring display also has poplar wood for the base, a placemat with paperclips to hold earring cards...and again the Journey Jewels logo on top. 

My Intern Rocks...

...Not only is she good with a Power Drill, but she's an organizational genius!  The inventory has been growing...changing...and my cozy studio has begun to feel a bit cluttered and disorganized. 
Unfortunately I didn't take any before pictures...but here are some "in process" pics. 

It's looking great...& I'll keep you posted as it all comes together....ahh....an organized creative space...so exciting!  Thank you Lisa!