Happy Birthday, Michele!

August Birthday-palooza ends with one of my very best friends, Michele. We have been friends since 7th grade. Call me crazy, but I LOVED middle school and that is due, in large part, to my friendship with Michele. We have so many great memories ... but a few not-so-great ones too. She still plays a very large part in my life today, three decades beyond those tumultuous teenage years. We don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, but we unfailingly pickup right where we left off. She is another dear one who I know I can call on, no matter what, night or day. Even more important is knowing that my daughter has this same assurance.

Michele is one of the most generous people I know, be it of her time or her resources. And she is one of those special people in this world who makes service to others her livelihood. Her gentle care has touched many, many lives in the process. It is an honor to be her soul sister.

Show-and-Tell Saturday

Just one I-AMulet to share on this Show-and-Tell Saturday. Specifically, #10-0827, Wonderstone ... lovingly wrapped in sterling silver wire. It is about 2.50" long from the top of the bail to its base and approximately .75" at its widest point. This stone is new to me and I love the creamy swirlyness of it. Be assured that it's super lightweight.

The affirmations, which correspond with the metaphysical aspects, are as follows:

I AM appreciating my overall sense of well-being.
I AM celebrating the enhancement of my creativity.
I AM noticing that tranquility is increasing in my life.

This I-AMulet will be tucked in a wee zip-top bag and nestled in a 3x2" white jewel box. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready to wear, but the bail is sized such that any chain will fit. I will also send along the affirmations as well.

For the next week, this I-AMulet is available for $37 with free shipping via first class mail. If this pendant speaks to you, please comment below or contact me directly as soon as possible. I welcome your questions as well.

If no one adopts this beauty by Saturday, September 4, it will be made available for $42 plus shipping in my Etsy shop.

Happy Birthday, Sandi!

Sandi's birthday was five days ago on August 22. I really wanted to write a birthday post for her that day, but lamented the lack of a photo. Slow but sure, I finally had the bright idea of swiping this one of her (and her dear husband) from her Facebook profile. Sure do hope that she forgives me.

Sandi and I were co-workers before we were friends. We job-shared at a local law firm in the late 90s. She left the firm first and I followed a couple of years later. Despite this busy world and our hectic lives within it, we managed to stay in touch over the years and have forged a deeply cherished friendship. We meet on a monthly basis for what we lovingly call church. You'll find us conducting services at Whole Foods, over tuna melts and sparkling water. We dish about our lives and dissect any dilemma on our plates. We leave there feeling full ... of nourishment and love. Acknowledged and uplifted.

Sandi was a Reiki practitioner long before I had even heard of it. She explained the weird out of it for me and played a big part in my decision to follow the same path. She continues to serve as my teacher in this practice and in life as a whole. Few people in this world listen more deeply. She is a healer to her very core. It is an honor to have her has my soul sister.

Happy birthday, Sandi!

Dear Lomo Kompact LC-A

Dear Lomo Kompact LC-A:

You came into my life in 2004 and things haven't been the same since. You've been my trusty travel companion to Sedona (twice), Florida (lost count), San Francisco, and now Chicago. You teach me so much along the way and make me fall more in love with you each trip. When I am forgetful about the distance setting, you are forgiving. You teach me that mistakes are nothing to be afraid of ... that they can bear unforeseen gifts ... and that sometimes the things that seem blurry at first glance can ultimately provide the greatest clarity when embraced rather than resisted. Thank you for capturing the magic in my journeys, near and far.

Love
Julie/Jules/jakk

Part 1 of Show-and-Tell Saturday

Saturdays at Jakk's Magic Beans Life are hereby christened Show-and-Tell Saturday, for the showing and telling of wire-wrapped pendants (aka I-AMulets) made the previous week. (On this particular Saturday, make that previous weeks.) The best part of Show-and-Tell Saturdays is that you get first dibs here with a bit of discount to sweeten the deal. If no one claims them, they will be posted on Etsy the following Saturday at full price.




Part 1 of Show-and-Tell Saturday presents I-AMulet #10-0726, Epidote in Prehnite lovingly wrapped in sterling silver wire. You have to see this one in the sun! It is a little less than 2" long from the top of the bail to its base and approximately .75" at its widest point. Either side can easily be considered the front.

It's affirmations, which correspond with the metaphysical aspects, are as follows:

I AM keenly perceptive.
I AM welcoming the increase of my personal power.
I AM calm and protected.
I AM always prepared.

This I-AMulet will be tucked in a wee zip-top bag and nestled in a 3x2" white jewel box. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready to wear, but the bail is sized such that any chain will fit. I will also send along the affirmations as well.

For the next week, this I-AMulet is available for $39 (shipping via first class mail included). If this pendant speaks to you, please comment below or contact me directly as soon as possible. I welcome your questions as well.

If no one adopts this beauty by Saturday, August 28, it will be made available for $44 in my Etsy shop.

Part 2 of Show-and-Tell Saturday (SOLD)

Part 2 of Show-and-Tell Saturday presents I-AMulet #10-0426, Micalated Quartz Crystal lovingly wrapped in Argentium (tarnish resistant) sterling silver wire, accented with sweet Argentium beads. Try as I may, I can't predesign the I-AMulets. They take shape on their own as I let the wire lead the way. It warms my heart when they materialize as little angels. This is a perfect example.

This beauty is approximately 2.25" long from the top of the bail to its base and a little more than 1" at its widest point.

The corresponding affirmations are:

I AM heart-centered.
I AM experiencing ever increasing clarity.
I AM flexible.

This I-AMulet will be tucked in a wee zip-top bag and nestled in a 3x2" white jewel box. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready to wear, but the bail is sized such that any chain will fit. I will also send along the affirmations as well.

For the next week, this I-AMulet is available for $33 (shipping via first class mail included). If this pendant speaks to you, please comment below or contact me directly as soon as possible. I welcome your questions as well.

If no one adopts her by Saturday, August 28, it will be made available for $38 in my Etsy shop.

Part 3 of Show-and-Tell Saturday

Part 3 of Show-and-Tell Saturday presents I-AMulet #10-0503, Ruby in Fuchsite lovingly wrapped in twisted sterling silver wire. The colors are so rich ... deep green with pinkish-red accents. A powerful piece in delicate wrapping. It is a little less than 2.25" long from the top of the bail to its base and a little less than 1" at its widest point.

The corresponding affirmations are:

I AM loving and nurturing with myself and others.
I AM following my bliss.
I AM able to see the innate perfection in and of everyone.
I AM taking the right actions at the right time.

This I-AMulet will be tucked in a wee zip-top bag and nestled in a 3x2" white jewel box. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready to wear, but the bail is sized such that any chain will fit. I will also send along the affirmations as well.

For the next week, this I-AMulet is available for $39 (shipping via first class mail included). If this pendant speaks to you, please comment below or contact me directly as soon as possible. I welcome your questions as well.

If no one adopts this gem by Saturday, August 28, it will be made available for $44 in my Etsy shop.

Part 4 of Show-and-Tell Saturday

Last for this week, but definitely not least, is I-AMulet #10-0727 Singing Laser Wand lovingly wrapped in Argentium sterling silver wire. It is a little more than 2" long from the top of the bail to its base and .50" at its widest point. I love how the design took swirly shape ... a serpentine embrace.

The corresponding affirmations are:

I AM welcoming more joy into my life.
I AM willing to embrace my unique path.

This I-AMulet will be tucked in a wee zip-top bag and nestled in a 3x2" white jewel box. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready to wear, but the bail is sized such that any chain will fit. I will also send along the affirmations as well.

For the next week, this I-AMulet is available for $23 (shipping via first class mail included). If this pendant speaks to you, please comment below or contact me directly as soon as possible. I welcome your questions as well.

If no one adopts this beauty by Saturday, August 28, it will be made available for $28 in my Etsy shop.

Transformation Tree

The giant sycamore tree that lovingly guards our home has midwifed the transformation of dozens of cicadas in recent days and weeks. Every summer, they bore their way upward from their earthly beds, awakened by the warmth and beckoned by the light. Instinctively, they climb up the tree trunk toward eventual rest and release of the container that no longer serves them. Transformation complete, they fly away and sing their summer song.

I've been talking with a lot of soul sisters lately who are on a similar journey of transformation these days. They are waking up and digging through the darkness. They are climbing toward their rebirth. Inch by ever-loving inch.

I honor and celebrate all that you have been and all that you are becoming.

Happy Birthday, Kathy

Today I celebrate the birth of my friend, Kathy.

Kathy and I lived in little ranch houses on Northport Drive. If I looked out my bedroom window real hard to the right, I could watch her leaving her house down the street to walk over to mine. We became friends in 4th grade when I moved to Summit Estates, which was, in my humble opinion, a pretty sweet neighborhood for a kid to grow up.

When I think of Kathy, I remember the best parts of my childhood. We were the best of friends on our first adventures in this world. Walking to the convenience store for candy and Icees. Trudging through the woods to McAlpin’s and Burger Chef. And being dropped off by our parents for an afternoon at Beechmont Mall, the way that it used to be in my memory before they broke my heart and tore it down. We would spend our hard-earned babysitting loot on Tiger Beat (and later, Seventeen) magazine, Love’s Baby Soft perfume, and Bonne Bell Lipsmackers. We'd go to Woolworth for 45s to add to our collection.

Kathy was an honorary member of my family, as I was of hers. Our houses were small, but our dreams were big. She lives in Texas now, which is a long way from Northport Drive. We catch up when we can, but we know that the sisterly bond is always strong between us regardless of how much time should pass.

Happy birthday to you, Kathy! LYLASA!

Happy Birthday, Beth

This is my dear friend, Beth.
We met as freshman in high school.
We've been friends for twice as long as we were years old when we met.
You do the math.
A long time.
I can count on one hand the people I can call on day or night, no matter what.
Beth is on that hand.
Always has been.
Always will be.
Just like family to me.
She knows me and my history in a way that few people do.
She makes me laugh.
She holds me accountable.
And she's played a big part in shaping the woman I've grown up to be.
Happy birthday to you, my soul sister friend.
I rejoice that you were born!

Hello, August

Hello August, we meet again. This year you bring with you big changes and the promise of more to come. But we both know that change has always been your way. You are the month of fading flowers and school supplies. You are the heavy-hearted countdown to summer's end in a year when I hardly got to know summer at all. So you will have to pardon my mixed feelings that you've arrived so soon. In just a few weeks, you will give way to cooler breezes, turning leaves. I'll welcome the relief when it gets here, yes, but there's no need for you to rush off. I like the cicada song. And I am enchanted by the way that you bathe my workshop in the golden light of evening time. Best of all, I like that you hold the birthdays for so many of my favorite people in this world. So, I welcome you, August. I really am glad that you are back and look forward to the stories you'll tell.

Your Pal,

Julie