Day 16,793 Gratitude

When I decided to wire-wrap 60 pendants in 60 days, I knew that I had about enough sterling silver wire in my inventory to cover the first ten pendants. This wire had been ordered many years ago, so I had completely fallen out of touch with the escalating price of silver. When I perused the six-month-old catalog to gather information to order wire for the next ten pendants, I was flabbergasted at the exponential increase. When I mustered the courage to finally enter the order into the system, I discovered that those prices had doubled from what had been published. For better or worse, I placed the order anyway because for me, a deal's a deal.

I'm now looking at this fresh delivery of new wire that costs 30 cents, 50 cents and close to 75 cents per inch. Most pendants will require anywhere from 1.5 feet to 3 feet of it. For a moment or two, I wondered if I'd shot myself in the foot ... with this order ... with this project. Wallowing ensured. But still. The heart of the matter never waivered. A deal's a deal.

Call me crazy, but I made a promise to wire-wrap 60 pendants, my entire crystal and gemstone inventory in the queue, within 60 days. Years before that promise, I vowed to use my knowledge and gifts to be of service. A mineralogical matchmaker, of sorts. Again, a deal's a deal.

I trust that those who need these pendants will not only find me and them, but also recognize the love that is poured into each one. Precious metals prices are what they are. Thus the price of the pendants will be what they will be. I will continue to show up and do my part. The rest I will put into hands much bigger than mine with faith that all is and will continue to be well.

For all of this and so much more, I am so grateful ...

Day 7 of 60: White Howlite -- SOLD

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White Howlite can be used to calm communication, facilitate awareness and encourage emotional expression. It combines the power of reasoning with observation and patience. It also encourages a sense of ambition to reach ones goals and, in the process, helps to eliminate hesitation when taking action is required. This is a nice stress reliever and is said to be especially good for supporting the 6th and 7th chakras. This is one of my oldest stones in my queue to be wrapped ... I brought it back from Sedona, Arizona in April 2005!

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in sterling silver wire. It is about 1.75" in length and .75" wide and it has been charged with Reiki. Both sides are suitably embellished so that either can be worn as the front. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $12 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Day 6 of 60: Quartz Wand -- SOLD

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Quartz crystals can be used to amplify both body energy and thoughts. They can assist in the creation of power and can provide clarity of thinking. Whether the crystal is worn, carried or placed in ones environment, the force, warmth and brilliance remain attuned to the energy of the one to whom it is connected. This particular crystal is one of only a few that I purchased in Taos, New Mexico this year.

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in sterling silver wire. It is about 2.25" in length and .25" wide and it has been charged with Reiki. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $19 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Day 16,791 Gratitude

The heart-mending comes in the form of two steps forward and one step back. Just when I think I am doing better, a trigger or memory levels me. Today was my first work day at home since Fred's passing. I was home by myself most of yesterday, but it wasn't the same ... wasn't as hard. Sole responsibility for his care was woven into my weekday routine. Today I longed for his wet nose and warm breath by my side as I worked. I felt lost not having him here to check on ... his bed to fluff.

But then there lay Phoebe and Garrett, sharing the sun-soaked loveseat, ironing out the terms of their newfound friendship.

And then there was the orb weaver spider that I discovered ... expertly weaving her web outside of the back door. (Spider is good medicine to me.)

And, last but not the least, the celebration of my daughter's arrival in this world 18 years ago today. Time to reflect on another anniversary of the pivotal transition from maiden to mother. The requirements of that role certainly change over time and yet at its core is always and in all ways love.

How can my hurting heart be anything but grateful?

Day 5 of 60: Mookaite

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This variety of jasper is a stone of "the here-and-now." It can bring balance between the internal and external. It has protective qualities -- in particular for the emotions. It also supports the acceptance of change.

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in sterling silver wire. It is about 2.00" in length and .75" wide and it has been charged with Reiki. Both sides are suitably embellished so that either can be worn as the front. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $35 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Day 16,789 Gratitude

Last night, with heavy hearts, we said goodbye to our 12-year-old greyhound, Fred. He spent his first two years of life being trained to race as Sign Man Fred at a track in West Memphis. Despite his impressive pedigree and a couple of promising races, he was sacked. We were so fortunate that the stars aligned in such a way that he came to live out his retirement with us ... ten joyful years.

Letting go of a beloved pet is never an easy decision, regardless of how much the evidence may support it. Thanks to Tammy, Fred made his transition peacefully from home in his own bed. The pet hospice service that she provides is an incredible blessing to the Greater Cincinnati area and made a difficult experience so much easier on us as a family.

Our other greyhound, Phoebe, stayed right by Fred's side throughout the process. Right before Tammy confirmed that he had passed, Phoebe left the room. Since then, she has been laying on Fred's bed. There is no mistake that she is in mourning. I think we all want and need our turn in the middle of Fred's bed.

Although we've had to keep our cat, Garrett, separated from the hounds because of his tendency to intimidate Fred, we've now given him complete freedom in the hope that he will be of support to Phoebe. He has risen to the occasion this morning and exceeded it. This is the closest that they've ever slept together. Garrett has been so gentle with and respectful of her. He even spent some time cleaning her ears which surprised her as well as us.

Animals have so much to teach us and for this I am so deeply grateful.

P.S.
My commitment to wrapping 60 pendants in 60 days continues, but it may mean two pendants in one day as catching up is necessary. Thanks so much for your understanding.

Day 4 of 60: Turquoise

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Turquoise melds together the blue of the heavens and the green/brown of the earth. It strengthens and aligns all chakras and meridians. Native Americans considered it to be a protective stone and a bestower of goodness. There is a myth that turquoise will change color to warn of danger! It is a master healer with its purifying energy. It can be grounding and yet support the meditative state of "no mind." Its soothing energy can bring peace of mind. It's an excellent anti-negativity stone.

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in sterling silver wire. It is about 1.75" in length and 1.00" wide and it has been charged with Reiki. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $38 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Day 3 of 60: Chiastolite -- SOLD

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Chiastolite is also known as Cross-Stone and is a variety of Andalusite. The natural celtic cross that runs through the middle of this stone helps to balance all directions, elements, locations and people as well. This stone helps to bring peace and healing and is ideal as an offering at sacred sites. In yesteryear, it was associated with deflecting the "evil eye." It opposes and thwarts negativity by transmuting dissension into harmony. It can be helpful during change and for getting a foothold in the new. It can also assist when creativity and practicality are needed.

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in sterling silver wire. It is a wee one at a little more than 1.50" in length and .75" wide. The back side of this pendant is nearly identical to the front (hence, only one photo), so that you can wear it either way. And, of course, it has been charged with Reiki. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $32 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Day 16,786 Gratitude

Although I have been diligent about sharing what I've wrapped each day, I am a couple of days behind with sharing my gratitude. Let's catch up ...

Ah wrapping. It never ceases to amaze me how it's like riding a bike. Once I break through the thick cobwebs of resistance (which unfailingly regenerate each day), I'm not only fine but fantastic. My hands, the wire, the pliers ... they each know what to do and when to do it without me getting all thoughty-thought-thought about it. All the more evidence that the designs come through me, not from me. I'm simply (and gratefully) bringing into form that which has been waiting to be born.

I'm grateful for miso soup ... a new love of mine. I like the Kikkomon packets of miso soup just fine. But I recently discovered South River Miso and look forward to basking in the benefits from the love and care that goes into their handcrafted miso. I have much to learn.

Last, but not least, I am grateful for the healthtastic elixir that is cabernet. Bavarian Princess that I am and living in Cincinnati as I do, my adult beverage of choice is usually (or used to be) a good beer. A dear friend introduced to red wine this year and after the initial shock to my taste buds wore off, I discovered that I like it. Dr. Oz advises that one glass of red wine per day can be good for the heart and skin, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Praise to the grape! So, at long last, I decided to gratefully uncork this bottle of Ken Griffey, Jr. cabernet last night. It had been gathering dust for years after I won it in a fundraiser raffle. Okay, so it was less of a choice than it was the only option on hand. But thank goodness for it and all of the goodness that it offers (especially the good laugh), just the same.

Tell me what you're loving these days ...

Day 2 of 60: Citrine

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Citrine is a variety of quartz and one of only two minerals on Earth which does not hold or accumulate negative energy. It dissipates and transmutes it instead, therefore it never needs clearing or cleaning. It is known as the Merchant's Stone and can assist in acquiring and maintaining wealth. It is also good for the stomach and can help to balance personal power for better health and wealth.

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in Argentium sterling silver and regular sterling silver wire. (Argentium is tarnish-resistant). It is approximately 2.75" in length and about 1" at its widest point and has been charged with Reiki. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $38 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Day 1 of 60: Serafina

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Serafina is also known as Seraphinite and Chlinochlore. It is a beautiful green Chlorite from Russia with fern-like accents in silvery-white. It is a powerful stone for growth and ascension and considered to be a light bringer. It can be helpful with matters involving spiritual growth and money. It can assist the wearer with seeing and understanding the stages of life and may provide insight to changes required to promote peace and happiness within it.

This pendant is lovingly hand-wrapped in Argentium sterling silver wire, so that it is tarnish-resistant. It is accented with Argentium sterling silver beads. It is approximately 2" in length and less than 1" at its widest point and has been charged with Reiki. It will include an 18" black satin cord necklace so that it is ready-to-wear and will be sent in a 2"x3" white box for gift-giving.

It is available for $58 plus $3 shipping via first-class mail, but if you "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop page on Facebook, shipping is free. E-mail me to purchase.

Magic Beans 60 in 60

Yesterday, I mentioned how, at long last, I sat at my workbench and took inventory of how many gemstones and crystals I had collected for wire-wrapping. Honestly, I was stunned. Some of them have been in the queue since as far back as 2004. No kidding! Some crystals were procured locally ... others in Sedona ... a few others in Taos. It's time for all of them to be where and with whom they can work their magic in order to make room for a new inventory in 2012.

That said, I have committed to wire-wrapping my entire inventory -- all 60 stones -- in 60 days. Today is Day 1. By adopting one of these 60 pendants, you will help to send me to the Animal Reiki Source Reiki III class at the C.A.R.E. Foundation in Apopka, Florida, February 23-25, 2012. This is an exciting opportunity and I'm delighted that 25% of my tuition will be donated to support this wonderful exotic animal rescue and wildlife education facility.

So how does "60 in 60" work?

Everyday there will be a new pendant wrapped and a post on this blog with details about it. Consider it first dibs. If you are interested in making it yours, contact me via e-mail and we will work out the payment details between us. It's that easy. Want to make it even easier? "Like" the Magic Beans Workshop Facebook page and first-class shipping is free!

Be advised that, at some point, unclaimed pendants will be added to my Etsy store. And if the logistics can be arranged and enough unclaimed pendants warrant it, there may be an open house on the horizon for local folks. I will keep you posted if/as these next steps unfold.

Please spread the word to those who may be interested. The Day 1 pendant will be posting soon and it's a beauty!

Day 16,783: Coming Back Around

I was shocked after I blew away the layer of dust and cobwebs that had covered this blog. My last post was August 25th? Really? How is that possible?

It's possible because I've been focused on caring for our elderly greyhound, Fred, as he approaches the end of his journey. Caregiving not only takes your full attention, but it takes your whole heart too. All the while, my daughter has been settling into her senior year of high school, my husband has been traveling for work, and day-to-day life in general goes on. There just hasn't been much of me left over for words.

In perusing previous entries, the one thing I have noticed is the one thing that I have missed the most lately. The gratitude. It's time for me to come back around to a regular practice of it. Because it makes a difference. Because it matters. Maybe to me only. Maybe that's enough. When I check in here with you, I really check in with me. At the end of a long day (or night), when it feels like I've lost the last glimmer of perspective, it can be like pressing reset.

So today I am so grateful ...

That my husband is back home and eager to take his turn on sofa duty and Fred's night-time assistance, so that I can try to catch up on my sleep.

That I mustered the motivation to sit down at my workbench and assess my inventory of gemstones and crystals that await wrapping. (Sixty!) Never underestimate the profound impact of taking one small step.

That every single day affords us with multiple opportunities to start over, see things from a fresh angle, and open up to the help and support that is always at the ready.