Miracles of Growth
Out of difficulties grow miracles. Jean de la Bruyere
The holidays of Easter and Passover take place in Spring, a time of rebirth and the renewing of hope after the long, confines of Winter.
I was reflecting this week on not only the significance of these holidays, but how my own journey as an artist came to where it is today after a challenging and difficult period of my life.
If you had asked me 7 years ago, what I would be doing today, I would have answered teaching. I loved what I did, and thought I would retire only when I had to go. But life throws curveballs, and mine came with a new administrator to my school where I had taught for 19 years and loved. I was an award winning teacher, with strong beliefs in the power of quality education. Within two years, the culture of our school completely changed and the programs pushed, were against my philosophical beliefs. The stress on many levels was incredible, literally impacting my health. I chose to take a year sabbatical and make some decisions on what the next chapter of my life was going to look like. At the end of that year, the decision was made. I chose to pursue the artistry of jewelry. It was a scary decision, but one I have never regretted.
I love creating, meet wonderful people and share this passion of jewelry design with my husband Ron. My joy of working with children has never left me, and I have made time to offer programs about Nature and the Arts to elementary school children at our local library.
Upon reflection, the difficulties of those days were like the roots of a waterlily mired in muck, ones I would not wish upon anyone, yet I am truly thankful for those times for they have brought me where I to today.