The Latest in my Collection

“Heaven’s Rainbow – The Little Nut” Is a beautiful 18.25 inch necklace that I created in honor of the “The Acorn.” For those who are not familiar with this saying it goes like this: “The might oak was the little nut that held its ground and believed!”

On this one of a kind necklace you will find 3 fine silver charms. The first is of a small tree beginning to bud, the second larger circle charm is the tree is bloom and the final charm is my believe tag. The tree images I carved.Also included in this necklace are numerous gemstones and pearls such as 3 kinds of quartz, citrine, peridot, amethyst, carnelian, amber, and American mined “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise. Along with this colorful parade of gemstones and pearls I have placed 8 handmade glass beads by another American artist. Last but not least aside from the above and the Greek leather I have used a 1937 indian head nickle for the clasp.

This necklace looks great with many color schemes and will certainly become a treasure and reminder that if we believe we can do anything!

Check out the other items recently added to my etsy website. www.nicholsforpennies.etsy.com
Namaste.

Irish Prayer

Irish Prayer
(Author Unknown)

Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret to perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and to be loved, it is the privilege of God.
Take time to share, life is to be short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, laughter truly is the music of the soul!

I found this and another poem that my mom had written to me for my high school graduation. Mom forgot to give them to me that day. I found them years later when I was going through her things after she died. The words on these pages rang so true to me that I was glad I received them when I did. I believe I appreciate them more today than I would have back in 1984!
Namaste.

Thanksgiving…What Does it All Mean?

I have been pondering the meaning of Thanksgiving trying to come up with something fresh and clever to say for my blog and I have been stuck. I know it all started with the Indians and pilgrims. But in this day and age when so much is taken for granted, and that we are so busy we can’t even think straight, let alone ponder about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Then I had a thought. I would do the unthinkable – slow down, pour myself a cup of tea and list what I am thankful for and be open to where it takes me.

Here is the result of my thinking. I am thankful for the following. My family, starting with my parents – I hit the jackpot with them and my life has been beautiful as a result – note that I didn’t say perfect! Continuing with my family – my husband, who after 15 years of marriage still makes me laugh and gets my heart racing. I am thankful for my sons, who have made me a better person and put a smile on my face just thinking of them. This has been great because my wrinkles are going in the right direction! I am thankful for our extended family for their support, love and that they always make life interesting!

I am grateful for my dog Charlie who is crazy and lovable and greets me like I am a queen every time I walk in the door!

My health! I look around and think thank you God for all the gifts you have given me. The gift of getting up and out of bed with ease each morning. The gift of smelling and tasting, seeing and hearing and touching, of walking and running. The list goes on and on. Really when was the last time you took a moment to think about it?

I am grateful for my creativity. It brings me unbelievable pleasure and takes me to places I can only imagine!

My yoga practice which helps me get through each day gracefully. I am grateful for the ability to teach yoga, and for the friends I have made along the way. Each person has been a blessing one way or another.

I am grateful for my friends both old and new for they truly are the spice of life. I am grateful for my home and other necessities.

Above all I am grateful that I have faith in God which brings me full circle to my parents, who were my first teachers and introduced the idea to me beautifully. I hope I am doing that for my family too!

Now for your homework. You will need paper, pen or pencil, a cup or glass of your favorite beverage and begin to write. Start by finishing this sentence… I am grateful for….

Happy Thanksgiving!
Namaste.

How True This Is!

100 years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the type of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

I love this poem/saying and believe it is very true. When you have the opportunity to encourage a child take it and put a smile on their face. Here are some ideas:

That’s incredible * Clever * Outstanding * Wonderful * Amazing effort * You’ve got it * Excellent * You tried hard * I am proud of you * Cool * How artistic * Keep up the good work * You made it happen * You are a good sport * You are a great example to others * Your help really counts * Thank you * Way to go * Awesome!

Special directions: When saying any of the above, get down on their level and look them in the eye and smile!

Have a great evening!
Namaste.

I Love November - A New Beginning!

I found this photo this morning and it fit my mood perfectly - warm and cheerful.

My day started off very early as I went to cycling class at 6am. During the first 15 minutes of class I was asked to sub the yoga class since the instructor could not be there. I was bummed since I really needed to do my own work out this morning, however I did teach.

As yoga teaches us, flexibility is not only in the asanas (postures) but in life. The people that showed up this morning for class were so grateful that I was there and would teach them that my "being bummed" went out the window and my attitude changed quickly. I felt awesome that I was given another opportunity to teach yoga.

As the morning progressed, I got the kids off to school and walked Charlie and began to reflect on the beginning of a new month and what it could mean for me. In my head I put together a short list of improvements that are meaningful to me, physically, mentally and spiritually (about two for each category) now I will write them down and begin my work on accomplishing them. It feels great to have a few goals and I am being smart not to over load myself as I have done in the past.

Here is to new beginnings - Love November!
Namaste.

PS My husband and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary on November 6th!