Friday, October 10

Aurora Borealis


In recent days we are seeing many reports of the beautiful aurora borealis that surrounds our northern regions.  What breath taking images to behold in the night sky!

Translating that into jewelry was a most popular phenomena in the mid 20th century.  Around 1955 the Swarovski company created a process for their crystal beads and named it after these amazing Northern Lists: Aurora Borealis.  The process involved coating the bead with a thin, metallic coating to produce an iridescent effect.  The result was sparkling colors that illuminated from the wearer and her fashions.   Glimmering ice crystal beads give forth a special glow!  It didn't take long for other jewelry bead makers to copy these most popular beads.  The department store counters quickly filled with all kinds of gems.  All styles of costume jewelry and even fashion accessories were created and they remain popular to this day!


Here is a beautiful spiritual tribute to the glowing Northern Lights - this passage comes from The Daily Word which is for Friday, October 10:
I set my spirit free.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most spectacular nighttime displays. Green and red ribbons of light dance gracefully across the sky. Such phenomena remind me of the infinite grandeur of Spirit and the expansiveness of my own spiritual nature.
Spirit in me is daring and dazzling. I allow my inner radiance to express easily and naturally in creative, brilliant, and beautiful ways.
I liberate my Spirit. I set it free! And Spirit in me weaves itself gracefully through even the darkest times of my life, like a ribbon of holy light consecrating everything and everyone it touches.

Wednesday, October 8

Can't Resist!

My brain is saying:  you are "working" to let go of your goods and move full-blown into that mode called retirement.  My heart was saying:  GO! to the annual rummage sale for Ronald McDonald House!    So of course you know who won!

Once a year in our area of Rochester is an absolutely fantastic fundraising event for The Ronald McDonald House which houses families here in Rochester when they have seriously ill children in the hospital.  It is a pleasure to support this cause both with donations of goods and then of course shopping at the sale.  Now thru Oct 11 you can shop for an amazing treasure trove of goodies!  Honestly - I've never seen anything like it ~ anywhere!

So yesterday afternoon I went with no expectations, no urgency and 3 cloth tote bags I was hoping I could fill.  What a great way to shop!  Well, with one short trip to the Crafts Section, The Linens Section and the Boutique - bags were full and I was exhausted.   
"Yes sir Yes sir, 3 bags full....."
If I still had the walk-in store in Caledonia I'd go back today ...with a partner and a truck .... and continue on.  But alas, my heart is content with a few "new" laces, linens, sheets, a fantastic challis shawl and even a Shirley Temple 1930s little girl's dress.   Can't wait to fuss them all up and get them listed.  Stay tuned!

And if you are near Rochester NY - get in that car and head out to the old Kodak building on Elmgrove Rd.  You'll be glad you did.