We’ve all heard “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” And believe me, I’m not anti-diamond. But I’ve also found it’s not always the most expensive jewelry that means the most to us.
Originally, I wasn’t planning to post on Brain Candy today because we’re about to take Pharaoh, our Canine Companions for Independence pup, back for advanced training after he’s lived in our home since October 2012. And honestly, I just haven’t had much energy this week. But as I showered and began packing for our trip, I carefully picked out a few choice pieces of jewelry to take.
And I thought you might be interested to see a few of the pieces I’m sentimental about and hear the story behind them.
These bracelets were a gift from Tech Guy on Valentine’s Day last year. I always wear them together and in this order. One says “We believe” with little paw prints stamped beside the words. The other says “Our live is amazing.” Pretty much sums up my world, even on the days I should be WAY more grateful for all the amazing things in my life.
This necklace was a gift from my critique partners, Adrienne Giordano and Tracey Devlyn, when I signed my four-book contract for the Texas Nights series. We each have one–Tracey first because she sold first, then Adrienne, and then me. It’s our physical proof that if you work hard enough and believe enough, publication is absolutely possible.
I made this ring in a jewelry class while living in Qatar. As you can imagine, at first I was very disappointed that I’d stamped the “H” sideways. Then it became the ultimate symbol of how everything in this world is just a little sideways. And you can either be pissed about it or laugh and accept it. I wear this ring often because it’s my go-to piece of jewelry when I’m facing a stressful day.
This pendant was a gift to myself when I attended the Romantic Times conference with Nancy Naigle in 2011. The symbol means “fortune.” Something about it simply drew me and I indulged. That weekend, Nancy and I began talking about writing The Granny Series. Coincidence? I think not.
And the final piece is a cloisonné ring made by an artist from Dripping Springs, Texas. Strangely, we were at a July 4th festival in Denver, Colorado, when Tech Guy bought it for me. That was the first time we were ever introduced to the Canine Companions for Independence organization. I absolutely fell in love with the puppy raiser concept and those dogs that day. Six years later, Pharaoh came into our lives.
We all have jewelry that’s special to our hearts. Tell me a story about a piece in your jewelry box.
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Not sure what today’s holiday is. Let’s just name it Celebrate Endings and Beginnings Day because although this weekend may be the ending of our time with Pharaoh, we’re hoping he has an amazing new beginning with someone who needs him and will love him as much as we do.
