Monday, December 13, 2010
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Today, I have the honor and I do mean, honor of guest posting at my friend Cheryl's blog. Cheryl has a blog called Mommypants where she writes so eloquently of all the big and little moments that come along, once you slide on those certain pants dotted with bits of Play-Doh and dried up Cheerios and claim the noble title of mommy-hood. Cheryl is a journalist who now stays home with her three beautiful children. Her take on motherhood makes me laugh, sometimes makes me cry and always takes my breath away.
Cheryl asked if I could write about one of my own Mommypants moments. And after much thought, I told the tale of my girls and a summer evening just a short time ago. It's a spin on a former post and you might recognize it, but I would love it if you'd go over and say hello to Cheryl and take a look around her blog.
Cheryl is just splendid in every way and it's worth the big effort of clicking right here.
And one more thing:
One of my blog friends, Erin Prais-Hintz, is an artisan jewelry designer. And I really feel like the title, jewelry designer, doesn't do justice to Erin's work. The first time I took a peek at her treasures at Tesori Trovati, I fell in love. Her jewelry is so much more than a necklace or a bracelet or a pair of earrings. Each one-of-a-kind piece, is its own story, crafted by Erin's hand, filled with unique gemstones, beads and charms and just so beautifully made.
I ordered a bracelet from Erin's Etsy shop for my sister's birthday.
It was here in just a few short days, a miracle in the chaos of the Christmas shipping season. And it was delicately wrapped up in a beautiful bronze box along with several handwritten notes. There was one from Erin, detailing the story behind her inspiration for the piece. And not only was there a personalized note to my sister, but there was a note for me, too.
And as usual, Erin's note was filled with the loveliness that makes up Erin. My sister was so touched, she shed a tear and then declared the bracelet as one of the prettiest gifts she's ever received.
My picture does not even compare to the beautiful photos on Erin's blog, but trust me when I tell you, this bracelet is an incredible work of art, one of those pieces that will certainly have people grabbing my sister's wrist and exclaiming, "Where did you get THIS?"
Erin, thank you so much for all your thought and care. The bracelet truly is a treasure.
If you're looking for a gift that will have them gasping at its splendor, check out Erin's trove of treasures at Tesori Trovati.
And don't forget to go see Cheryl at Mommypants, too. Be prepared to fall in love with both of them.
Man, I have great friends.
Today's Definite Download: I've said it before, but it's worth repeating because it's one of my favorite Christmas songs, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" Judy Garland's version. It's rather a melancholy song but so sweet and beautiful when sung by the extraordinary Judy Garland. She just had a way of pouring her sad, little heart into all of her songs that made them luminescent.
And because, I've almost caught up to the runaway train that is Getting Ready For Christmas. I've been overwhelmed with illness and writing and vacations and company, company that I love having by the way, but all of those things combined put me so far behind in life this month.
Yesterday, I ordered Christmas cards. I haven't sent out Christmas cards in 4 years. But this year, I am on it. And my house is finally cleaned and decorated. The only thing left is the Christmas shopping and I'm working on that this week. Now, if I could only catch up with all of you fabulous bloggers.
It's all in the baby steps.
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The Christmas Spirit is in the house.
Labels:
blog friends,
company,
family,
Lovely Daughters,
my imperfect blog,
shopping,
whiny illnesses,
writing
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26 comments:
That bracelet is beautiful. I'll have to check out the post later today when I'm not going to be late for work. Good luck with your shopping!!
I want to be your best friend. Kay?
Wow! That bracelet is something! going over to read your guest post now.
Oh, so pretty!
Off to check out your mommypants moment.
I haven't sent out Christmas cards in years...and I don't think this year will be any better.
Thank you, my friend, for your kind words. I'm so honored to share you - and my favorite post - at my space. Love you!
The bracelet is fantastic! I love bracelets!!!!
Mommypants sounds wonderful. I shall click and transport....
oh OH! Miss Joann! You make me blush so pink that I think I might explode! You are so incredibly sweet to say such nice things about me, when I feel a deep sense of camaraderie with you. Whatever star led me to your blog I consider very lucky indeed! I am just tickled that your dear sister loves her bracelet and I am so honored that you chose me to help you honor her and your special relationship with her. Thank you!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
P.S. Off to Mommypants!
I hear you completely.
17inches of snow, Sarah is sick and we had 2 showings. Emily's birthday is this week and then there is Christmas.
Do not get me started on the cards.
I am glad you are having fun!!!!
Oh, that Etsy site. Etsy can be a very dangerous thing for me. Not that I spend too much money there, because what money? It's because it's all so beautiful and it's the only time I feel myself going MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE.
Anyway, glad you blogged to say hello.
Ooooooh, pretty!
Your post on Mommy Pants? So inspirational. I have struggled with mine since I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and those posts make me feel so much better. One day, Ill feel good in them ;)
PS. That bracelet is awesome!
PPS. Thanks for the tune. If I hear one more Gosh Groban song, I may stab my eardrums ;)
I am headed over to Mommypants now.
I am really digging that bracelet!
Love that bracelet.
You are my hero in the Christmas department. I am SOOOOOOO behind!
Joanne, lovely bracelet! Don"t overdo it girl! Congrats on getting Christmas cards out though! Going to read guest blog! Traci
I love the bracelet! I'll have to see her shop.
That bracelet is gorgeous. So gorgeous I'm going to try and stop myself from going over there. 'Cause I've already bought all my female gifts, and I need to stop buying stuff for myself. At least, that's what I try and tell myself.
Very pretty bracelet!
If it helps, I'm all done with my Christmas *stuff* so am in the wings, cheering you on!
Beautiful bracelet! Actually I was going to give you one exactly like that, but since you already have one, I am just keeping it for myself. Maybe next year....
so you're saying that Erin beats the pants off of Zazzle any day? :)
Oh, Yes, Erin, and her magical creative mind.
I've said it before, and she knows it, "her work is tangible poetry."
Love the Tesori website! Thanks for sharing the jewelry love with us!
Lovely bracelet. Simply gorgeous.
I am sending out cards this year as well! It's been quite a few years since I've sent any.
If I actually sit down and do it. Hmm . . .
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I will head over to Mommypants in a minute. I have seen her on Twitter but I don't think I have ever visited her blog. Also, thanks for bringing up that Judy Garland song. I love her! I know I'll love that song, too.
I haven't sent out Christmas cards in four years either. And I'm not doing it this year. Feel better?
My wife is not a big jewelry wearer (meaning at all) but I just showed her this and she said, "it's okay" so maybe I might have something, just maybe to buy her for Christmas?
I better stick with the iPad touch. It's a slam dunk.
Look at you all organized, cleaning house, buying Christmas cards, guest blogging. I have a word for people like you: over-achiever!
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