Always Remembered ~ Never Forgotten

And then there are orders that break our hearts!

On July 16, 2011 Cpl Raphael R. Arruda died in the line of duty for his county. He was attached to the 416th Theater Engineer Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Ogden, Utah.  He was stationed in Kunar province in Afghanistan when his unit was hit by an improvised bom.

 He was only 21 years old.

 I received an email from a lovely lady by the named of Chelsey. She stated that her husband was deployed with a fallen soldier and wondered if we could make up several of our "I will remember you" wristbands.

Honored to be part of this we agreed. 

Before I started to hand stamp each wristband I said a little prayer to Raphael asking him to guide me... many times I teared up thinking of his family and their great loss.  I explained to my children the sacrific that Cpl Arruda and others like him made for his country and that we were very fortunate.

Above is the wristband me made in honour of him. It will be worn by members in his unit. 

Our hearts were heavy when we thought of his family. Together my husband, John and I decided to design this special commemorative bookmark especially for his mother.

It will never replace him but is a great reminder of his life.

May Raphael R. Arruda, and other fallen soldiers like him, find peace in the presence of God.

Thank you to the men and woman who serve our country

~ Canada and the United States of America . 

God Bless 

Anne & John 

The wonderful people along the way

There have been some wonderful benefits from operating my own business on the Internet. One of these are the people you meet along the way.

Sometimes I am too focused with my own shop that I forget to take a look at what's around me. Morgan Moe of Morgan Chelsey Designs is one such example. She is the owner/operator of a lovely hand-made jewelry shop on Etsy.

It wasn't until recently did I really take notice to the gorgeous earrings and necklaces she makes. I was floored at the low cost of the items as well. She uses semi-precious gem stones, crystals and plated Sterling silver on all her goods.

I consider Morgan a friend of mine. Every time she visits our shop she brightens my day. I have never met such a courteous and ultra polite person as I have with her. She claims these attributes came from dealing with the public all her life. She reports that she refuses to be like some of the people that she has encountered in her life. For this I am greatly appreciative because most of us, if not all, have had our share of difficult patrons.

I bought this beautiful Chalcedony necklace from her shop just recently and can't wait to receive it. Maybe if you ask her she will make you one too! =]

LUCID - Chalcedony Necklace - SOLD

Pictured below are just a few pieces of the gorgeous work she does. Do visit her shop. It is an experience you wouldn't want to miss.

Treasured Earrings - Swarovski and Filigree - $12.00

REGAL Earrings - $15.00

SAFARI Necklace - $18.00

BLOOM Earrings - $12.00

Thanks for dropping by. It is always a pleasure to serve you.

Anne & John

Leather Made Nice - Etsy

Leather Made Nice . com

There's No Place Like Home!!

I have heard the expression, "you don't know what you have until it's gone," many times in my life, but have never really appreciated it until just recently.

My husband, John, has been suffering with severely damaged hip joints for several years and rarely complained about it. It was only after loss of mobility and immense pain that he considered surgery.

I watched my athletic husband rapidly change into an old man. His zeal for life and activity greatly diminished when his hips bothered him. Where he used to love to go grocery shopping, he opted to remain in the vehicle and sat quietly waiting.

His sense of humour never faltered though. If anything he was more optimistic when he knew that the surgery was going to alleviate the pain and give him his mobility back.

On the 4th of September, also John's mothers birthday - Happy 84th birthday, Nan - he underwent the first of two total hip replacements by Dr. Stuart Parker at the Peterborough Civic Hospital. The procedure entailed the removal of the hip ball joint which is replaced by a porcelain type ball that is inserted into the leg bone. The hip socket is then lined with a metal plate and then re-attached to the leg. Yes! that made me somewhat squeamish but my faith in Dr. Parker far surpassed any doubts I had. My heart sank as I watched John walk towards the operating room. I knew he was ready for it but he looked back at me apprehensively. The procedure only took 1 and a half hours - recovery took 2. John chose to have the local anesthetic rather than the general (where the patient is totally under). My imagination ran amok as I waited. Then I had a moment of realization - I truly love this man, which I knew before, but was only now really feeling intensely.

Below is a picture of my dear husband, immediately after returning from recovery.

It was very difficult for me to leave but I knew that John wouldn't sleep until I did.

My three children attended the hospital the next day to visit their dad. To my surprise he was up and walked to the washroom - a feat that has progressed in leaps and bounds since earlier days of hip replacement. My daughter, Amanda taught John and I how to text on her cell. John was like a big kid, as was I, texting back and forth that night and the next.

What I found the most difficult in the entire process were the things that I thought I didn't take for granted. I have always been blessed with John's passion for cooking and cleaning up the kitchen when he was done. But now after 18 years of being spoiled, I had to retrain myself how to work these things back into my schedule. Also knowing that John was going to take some time to regain his mobility, I tackled these obstacles like a champ. My list of things-to-do doubled in length but it was my turn to return all the selfless deeds he has lovingly done for me over the years.

I just received a text from John that he passed his physio test and is awaiting for the doctors approval to go home. *fingers crossed*

In my prayers, I thanked God for John's speedy recovery and for sending him such a wonderful medical team. This whole ordeal has given me new eyes to see how totally blessed I am.

I want to thank all my friends for their prayers and good wishes - God bless!! <3

Anne ^i^

It's the Love That Comes With It

I was entirely prepared to write a blog about an award a group of 15 people received, myself included. The recipients were to pass on the award to 15 new blogger's, of their choosing. I was to discovered these new blogs and report what was learned about each one. Quite pleased about receiving this award I took on the challenge with enthusiasm. I did my research for countless hours and had written and re-written the blog until my head hurt. I said to myself, "Anne, writing a blog shouldn't be hard work. It should be spontaneous and fun".

I thought it curious that my situation was mimicking my daughters life at this very time. She is a highly intelligent and attractive young lady but recently she has been having a difficult time assimilating with her peers. At home she is quick witted and humorous but at school she is introverted and shy, thus having a difficult time fitting in. She has her usual classmate friends but now she is in a different setting - a stage production with new faces and unfamiliar personalities. As I spoke with her this morning I realized I was trying to do that very thing. I wanted to fit in with a certain group of people that share a common thread - a radio program they follow.

In the latter part of 2008 a group of them participated in a live show and because I couldn't access the live portion of it I felt left out. My business took off leaving me little time if any to follow the show, so again I was distancing myself from this group I wanted to be part of.
As I listened to the advice I gave to my daughter I could hear my inner voice say "take my own advice." So here you have it. I have decided to feature 3 individuals that I have come to appreciate and befriend from the Etsy community and blogging world.

Back in November 2008 a lady by the name Amy of Brandi76662 added my shop to her "Hearts". As a courtesy I sent her back a thank you convo for doing so. Amy responded in kind and we began discussed things quite openly. A bond developed and now we are very good friends. I have never met any one person that has faced so many adversities as she has and remained optimistic and good hearted. Her cavalier approach to everything often lifted me to where I thought my dilemmas were inconsequential in comparison to hers. She has the most genuine an relaxed sense of humour that I can truly identify with. No holds barred and spoken from the heart.
This is one of the items that I like from her shop. If you send her a convo, tell her I said "Hi" :D

Leopard on the loose - $10.00

Pam, of Magdalenejewels is a lady that I have come to meet and like via the chat rooms and other blogs that I follow. She has a classy demeanour and always conveys herself as such. Very unassuming and eloquent are her convos to me. I recall her son opening a shop on Etsy and I "Hearted" it. He was featured in a previous blog (Hollywood Icons). Pam being passionate about her life and family sent me a thank you convo in which I could identified with and appreciated. To my great surprise she purchased two wristbands from my shop. I was thrilled. Thank you again, Pam. When I communicate with her I always feel as though I am chatting with an old friend, welcomed and understood as will any person who visits her shop. This is my favorite piece of jewelry from her shop and it depicts her beautifully.

Juliet - $48.00


The last of the ladies I am featuring is Delina of Glyptic, and yet another New Yorker. She has to be one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever had the privilege of conversing with. Her modesty is refreshing and she has the knack of making one feel important without effort. I made her a custom belt and bag and in appreciation of it (and payment) she sent me two gorgeous bracelets. Simply put she is a lovely and talented young lady and you really must visit her shop.

Topaz Wreath N Dangle Pendant - $64.00

Please do check out these shops and let yourself experience the love that comes with it.

Anne ^i^

Leather Made Nice

And the award goes to...

I received this adorable award from Ruthie of Rose Works Jewelry for super-comments to her blog. I was one of five shops to receive this great award.

This award has No rules so we can do whatever we want. We are going, this time, to thank everyone who takes the time to read our blog and comment on it. Thank you so much and feel free to take this award as a token of our appreciation .

I have chosen to give this award to Michelle of Digs of Vaudeville and her pouch, Toby whom I love to death. Michelle has been a great friend to me. She has walked me through the process of customizing my blog and the resizing of pictures with great patience and understanding. She is a warm and caring person.

Her vintage shop is loaded with fashion goodies in which my daughter is a huge fan and customer of. Do check out her blog at Everything I love is From 59 .

Congratulations Michelle!

Anne ^i^

Big Hearted Crafters

I am one of those people that look in awe at those who dedicate their lives to others (and animals). Yeah, I've donated money to charities from time-to-time but its the go-getter's that continue to work each and every day for the cause that I admire.

Ruthie, of Roseworksjewelry is always contributing to some cause or another. I have followed her blog from day one. Month to month she has supported organizations from the hungry to the cancer stricken. You go girl!!

The item below is from her shop and it is appropriately labeled.

"Set Me Free" - butterfly Free Form Peyote Bracelet $70

The next item comes from the very charitable and talented crafter, BeadTail. She is a huge supporter of animal awareness. You really must visit her shop.

This is one of my favorite items from her shop.

Panther- Black Lamp Work Glass Cat Bead Charm Pendant Sterling Silver,- $14.00

I am not entirely familiar with the next artist but she comes highly acclaimed by her fellow artisans. She is a lover of animals and has adopted of few of her own. I have visited her shop and her products are animal friendly.

Casbahkitten - Fatberb Cat Toy, The Robin - $7.00

There is no better way, other than direct donations, to support your favorite charity or organization than by buying a piece of handmade jewelry or work of art from the people that are passionate and dedicated to the cause.
Check it out..., you never know what you might find.

God Bless!!

Anne ^i^

He Sent Us Two Angels

After three arduous months of worry the end of misfortune has come!!!

We, John and I, were down to my last thread of hope that we would ever get out of this mess, that seemed to be snowballing, until my dear friend, Gisele offered to lend us her car (mostly to take our teenage children to their respective jobs) while she took a well deserved vacation in the sun.

The night she picked me up with her car (I had to take her to her gentleman friends home prior to their trip) I was in tears..., normally a very composed person, I reliquished all my emotion on her..., God bless her. Like the true friend that she is, she cried along with me.

She was the first angel that He sent!!

Key chain like this available from our shop

She held my hand and re-affirmed to me what I already knew..., that everything will work out in the end. I was so thankfull for her kindness. I wanted to give to her something special and to me something made from the heart is always special to me. Yes!! I do make a lot of these but they are practical and people do like them. :P But hers was different. I stamped something on the back - "My Angel"

The story gets better! Just when John and I thought that there was no way for us to get a vehicle the assistant to the sales manager of KIA , Alison called us to tell us that Mario had appoved a lease-to-own on a trade-in he had received. It was perfect. We had the money but the banks wouldn't touch us. As the old saying goes, They won't lend you money unless you can show them you don't need it..., well Mario came through for us. He actually went to another dealership to obtain a lease agreement form so we could have the van.

He is the second angel.

So, the happy ending to this story is that prayers can and always are answered.

Thanks again to Gisele, Mario and Alison you are truly angels in our book!!

Anne ^i^ & John

A Test of Faith

To test a dye that we may use on our products I made this wristband. The test was a failure but I fell in love with the wristband regardless. I wear it often, especially when I need to remind myself to have faith in God and that things will work out.

Yes, it may be a ostentatious bracelet but if I am going to ask for help I might as well ask for it loudly. On the other side of it, which you don't see, are the words, "Thank you, God." I am Christian and I do believe in the power of prayer and as a spiritualist I know He hears us.

In mid-November we had problems with our '97 SUV. Unexpectedly, "Jimmy needed major repairs to pass the emissions test. Thus taking a huge bite out of our Christmas money. With cool heads John and I presevered having faith that the money would magically show up. The magic of prayer and positive thinking brought us a rush of sales from our Etsy site at Christmas and continues to this day.

Sadly, it has been reported that our area (near Toronto, Canada) has a recorded high amount of snow fall in over 75 years. That translates to - yes - you have it, "Jimmy" lost his reverse gear. Parking for the last two months has been a challenge..., sigh!! Again, John and I remained calm and put our faith in God that we would get through this. The sales continued to come in and we thank Him for every blessing. At one point we believed the crisis was over...., until of course one afternoon, while taking our son to work in the next town, the transmission ceased to work. Jimmy would not go beyond second gear. Thirty-five kilometers an hour was all it could do. I never thought I would look forward to stopping for red lights or travelling behind slow moving vehicles. In fact, John and I would laugh when a garbage truck sped off leaving us trailing behind.

Since we have invested all our savings in getting our business off the ground, cash flow is sparce. At least the interact machines haven't laughed at us yet - that's a good sign.
As I look down at my wristband I sent out another request to the universe - any color vehicle will do - God -thank you!! Patience is our lesson at this time.

When I start to feel sorry for myself and downtrodden I think of the ladies that I have met on etsy. All of them in their own way have faced great adversities. One of my most recent friends is, Nancy. In one of our first conversations she candidely shared some life experiences with me. Hers dwarfed mine by a longshot. An error occurred during a transaction and I wanted to re-imburse her for it. She nonchalantly told me to send it along stating, they are just things! She was referring to objects in our lives that most of us (me) consider(d) important. She in her own way reminded me of what is important in our short lives. It is something I give thanks for everyday - my family. When I feel like I am drowning in circumstance I close my eyes for a second and imagine them gone. Everything else pales in comparison.

Pat is another such friend. She and Nancy have helped me open my eyes. Their kindness and candor is refreshing and welcome.

This is a chakra necklace which I use in meditation

To the wonderful people that chat with me on our Etsy site and my good friends, Kim and Deb, at the post office, their friendly smile and kind words get me through these hard times. Thank you!!!

Smiles!!! ^i^