05/29/2026
*** Warning: Emotionally Triggering Post ***
For the past 2 years, other than remaking some of my regular items, along with 2 or 3 new pieces that didn't require much thought, I have not been in the studio. I have not been doing the things that bring me joy. I have been merely existing. My motivation, creative spirit, and inner spark all seemed to die. Depression can do that; it can rob you of your joy, peace, sleep, and even the will to go on living. After my husband died, I struggled with spells of sadness and grief. I went to counseling, I joined a church group, I journaled, and I pushed myself to make the business thrive. I sold at local art shops, vendor shows, and pew pew shows. I loved making new things, taking photos, posting them on my site, and sharing them on social media. The business really did begin to thrive! Then, just before the 2nd anniversary of his death, my daughter moved out. It wasn't sudden, and it was even planned far in advance. But although I anticipated the future of living alone (aka "an empty nester), I didn't anticipate the reality of what that felt like. After having cared for her, my late husband, my parents, my stepson, and many people in my life since I was 18, I felt lost. I didn't feel like I had purpose anymore. That feeling left me drowning in a pool of confusion, sorrow, and so many other mixed emotions. A little more than a year ago, I started to resurface from it. Then, a few months ago, a good friend, my fantastic boyfriend, and my daughter all encouraged me to move my studio to a larger room in the house. They helped me to repurpose my daughter's old room, and it's been a game changer! Suddenly, I am dreaming up ideas in my head about new jewelry pieces and new paintings that I want to create, and I almost feel like myself again. These 3 necklaces are just the beginning, and I have so many more ideas! To those of you who have checked in on me, who have sent me links to vendor shows, and who have continued liking my [rare] posts - Thank You!!! Depression can lead to even darker places than I've been without the support of friends and loved ones. Please know that I am forever grateful for that support! 🙏💙
