A Path to Spirit

Remembering Your Roots

2012-01-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

“Never destroy any aspect of personality, for what you think is the

wild branch may be the heart of the tree.”

~Mrs. Henry George~

I took this picture during my last visit home to Georgia. It was a beautiful afternoon, and I snapped this photo while visiting my grandmother's gravesite. As difficult as it is to explain, this picture encompasses how I felt during the trip. Nostalgic, emotional, inquisitive...so many things about my family I'd love to know. I often think about my roots and all the little things to which I can attribute my personality and spirit. I had such a great time, conversing with my cousins, aunts, uncles about the good ole' days and learned some valuable information about my family heritage. My grandmother is of Native American decent, and embraced so much of their spirituality and reverence for nature. Her mother's name (my great Grandmother) was "Nancy Sophronia" - an amazingly beautiful name of Greek origin, which means "wise". I could tell you some funny stories; I could share some sad ones, but I'd rather just share my feelings with you through this picture. I encourage you to dig a little into your roots. Take a small climb up your family tree; you might be pleasantly surprised at what you find, wild branches and all!

Last Project of 2011

2012-01-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

“Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can. I wish you Happy New Year and diary full of best stories ever written in your life".

~Douglas Pagels~

2011 has been a great year. 2012 is already off to an incredible start! I wish you all an amazing year filled with much love, creativity, abundance and peace. Challenge yourself to learn more, do more and be more this year. Don't accept mediocrity; aim for excellence in all areas of your life. Spend time with friends and family who want the best for you and support you in all your endeavors. DO NOT invest time and energy into relationships which drain you rather than fill you with hope and strength. Most of all, remember to be KIND to yourself. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Take a few moments along your journey to relish in your accomplishments and enjoy your successes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Below is my last creation of 2011. A friend commissioned me to create this piece for her boyfriend's mother...she adores horses. Nakota and Nevada (baby and mother) were the subjects. I wanted to capture the essence of horses - worn leather, a little rugged with warm colors. Etched brass mounted on stained glass soldered pendant with antique bronze wire-wrapped beads. I loved working on this project. More to come in 2012!

To Kali...

2011-11-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

"The greatest masterpieces were once only pigments on a palette."

~Henry Hoskins~

I love the creative process. It all begins with an idea. It could be a simple thought or the elaborate daydream of manifesting something only you, the creator, can visualize. For me, creating jewelry is my main artistic medium and thoroughly fulfills my innate creative muse. Recently, when working on the copper pendant below, affectionally named "Kali", after the Goddess of Transformation, I had an epiphany...art, whatever the medium, is so symbolic of life. Okay, I know, it's been said before, but it was the first time I truly embraced this comparison. I worked on Kali, shaping her, bending her. I hammered her, heated her, dowsed her. There were times along her creative path that were ugly and uncomfortable, when I felt like discarding Kali and starting over. But I didn't give up. I continued working on her until she was complete. And in her completion, she is still not perfect, for her slight imperfections and roughness make her completely unique and beautiful.

I am Kali. I have been shaped and formed, yes, I've been hammered, bent and put through the fire. But all these things, even the unpleasant and unsightly experiences in my life have formed and shaped the individual I am today. And I am happy with that. No, I am not perfect and I am a little rough around the edges, but I'm on a continual path of transformation and growth. I encourage you today to embrace the changes that come your way. For it is only through the forging circumstances of life that we become stronger and more unique individuals, contributing to this amazing universe.

To Kali...

Creative Blocks

2011-11-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

"MUSICAL FAIRY"

"Smash creative blocks. Change the problem or sneak up on it from a different direction. Try something fresh - a new way with an old theme, a different point of view, unusual tool".

~Nita Leland~

So what causes them and how does one "overcome" them?? I've been thinking a lot lately about creative blocks and obstacles, primarily because from time to time (more often than I like to admit), they creep into my mind and simply do not want to vacate my right-brain. I've read articles and blogs, all of which offer varying solutions to battling and overcoming blocks. Perhaps the best advice I've received is from my dear friend and talented jewelry artistan Leanne Emory of Triskele Moon Studios. She says, "The best thing to do for myself is to walk away from the studio for however long it takes..typically, that will be the time that I look at other outlets of creativity (looking at other types of art besides jewelry, reading, journaling)". Great advice! And now I'm going to follow it...

Two years ago, I received a beautiful acoustic guitar for Christmas; a lovely and thoughtful gift (which I had placed on my wish list). Guess what? Two years later, this amazing instrument is in my closet; a sad, sad place for music to hide. So to mix up my creative outlets and get some different types of juices flowing, I finally signed up for lessons! This doesn't mean I won't be working on my jewelry; contrarily, I feel confident this new path of self expression will open up my soul to even more unique creative abilities.

Thanks to Leanne for this great advice; it was just what I needed to get out of my rut. I'm already feeling like making something new!

Wishing you all a beautiful week filled with lots of love, magic

and creativity!

(sans any creative blocks!)

Release...

2011-10-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

"Suffering is not holding you. You are holding suffering.

When you become good at the art of letting sufferings go,

then you'll come to realize how unnecessary it was for you

to drag those burdens around with you. You'll see that no

one else other than you was responsible. The truth is that

existence wants your life to become a festival."

~Osho~

Wow...isn't this a beautiful quote? I love the idea of my life becoming a FESTIVAL. Tonight is about releasing the things in my life that are holding me back from achieving my highest goals and potential. I let them go, and affirm that I am open and receptive to all good!

Speaking of good things, I've been working on some new things for Fall. I completed a couple of necklaces this weekend and am working diligently (as time permits) on wire wrapping some of my recently soldered pendants. I tried some new things this time around, and am pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Colors of Autumn

2011-09-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

Rich, deep and warm are the colors of Autumn, my favorite time of the year. Fall ushers in a kaleidoscope of magnificent hues. And not to mention the fun rituals that surround this time of the year.

**Bonfires, and pumpkins and hayrides, oh my**

I really think my love of this season stems from my October birthday. Even though we are losing light each day, there's something magical and ceremonial about this time of the year. Harvest is ending and it is time for reflection and giving thanks. And it's also a time to focus on balance. Symbolic of this is the delicate dance between light and dark now; for we know Winter is fast approaching. So simply enjoy this beautiful time of the year. Embrace the change and have fun decorating with all the colorful bounty Autumn brings. And remember...to always give thanks!

;-)

2011-09-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain".

~Author Unknown~

Greetings, friends! I hope you are all happy, well and enjoying these beautiful early Autumn days. Yes, it's been a while and I love this quote because it is so true! It would seem that I have been stumbling over some small pebbles the last couple of months, and although I have been distracted from my true passions (you all know what those are), I have been busy here and there, creating a little, researching a little, and yes....I even have a new blog design which I'm so excited to share with you! I still need to organize my sidebar, but I'm so pleased with the new layout and artwork. Karen from Valentine Design built me a beautiful and unique design - she was able to take my very elaborate explanation and bring it into fruition. I would highly recommend her services to anyone seeking custom blog design.

Oh, yes, Gallery in the Garden was a magical and wonderful event I'm hopeful to be a part of for years to come. Not only was I able to contribute to an incredible cause, I made some equally magical friends. May I just say, I've admired Leanne Emory's work for several years (Triskele Moon Studios). Her designs are so unique; delicately and precisely detailed. I had the opportunity to meet Leanne and Kelly at Gallery in the Garden, and I feel blessed and honoured to now call them friends. So many positive things about participating in this event; I'll definitely be back in 2012.

Now, for a few things I've been "slowly" working to complete. I've also been working on some custom projects, all of which should be completed soon (fingers crossed). Thank you for visiting my special little place of whimsy. My goal (I always have a few) is to ignore those small, annoying pebbles and GET SOME THINGS ACCOMPLISHED!!! Oh, I miss it so when I'm away...

THE BEST CREATION EVER, BUT I CANNOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS ONE!

Coming Up Soon - Gallery in the Garden!

2011-07-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

A new adventure; a new endeavor. I have been accepted to participate this year in a wonderful art event, "Gallery in the Garden", located at 600 Lawndale Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois. Now in its sixth year, all artists who participate in this event donate a portion of all their proceeds to "CASA" (Court Appointed Special Advocates of McHenry Country). CASA, founded in 2005, provides trained volunteers to advocate for child victims of abuse and neglect in Juvenile Court and in the foster care system. I am so excited to be part of this very special event. I've been working diligently on some new items, specifically for the Gallery festivities (July 30th and 31st). I'd especially like to thank Patricia Lynn Eagle, an incredible jewelry artisan and instructor at The Constant Muse Art Studio in Crystal Lake, IL. She recommended my pursuit of this particular show, and I truly appreciate her encouragement.


My first decoupage dress form! I really wanted one for display. She took a long time to make!


Stained Glass Pendant - I really love this color!

Etched Metal, Riveted Cherub, Soldered Stained Glass

Another Etched Metal Pendant - My Favorite, I Think!

Hope to see you there!

Bridal Party jewelry - Part II

2011-06-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, and double wow! I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post! So busy with what seems like everything except my creative outlets. I also miss visits to AND visits from my regular blog subscribers. Sometimes, being away from your play time makes you realize just how important it is to set aside time for creative and fun endeavors.

So, Bridal Party Jewelry - Part II (bet you forgot about Part I :-)

I firmly believe the final packaging for such special gifts is just as important as the gift itself. How exciting is it to receive a special, unique beautifully wrapped present! I love the unveiling process - the anticipation of what is inside, the aesthetic of a lovely box, carefully wrapped and adorned with such love. That's why when I'm commissioned for custom jewelry pieces, whether it is for a wedding or special keepsake, I completely get involved in creating the packaging just as much I do making the jewelry. For brides, I custom match to the colors of the wedding party, provided that is acceptable to the special lady. My most recent commission opportunity allowed me to play with pink and silver.

So, how shall I transport these little pretties? Stay tuned for Part III! Miss you all!

Bridal Party Jewelry - Part I

2011-05-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

I am so appreciative when I am commissioned for custom jewelry projects, especially when they are associated with happy and memorable events. Aside from keepsake jewelry, which is very popular for newborns or even pets, I create specialty wedding jewelry for brides and bridesmaids. This is "Part I" of a journey; for it's not just about the jewelry. It's about making the bride feel proud to present her special gifts to her special girls; it's about details, large and small. I take into consideration each bridesmaid's personality and overall style to create for her a unique, one-of-a-kind statement piece she can wear again and again. Similar, yet different, each piece captures the essence of the special day.

Part I...The Creations

Necklace and Earrings

Maid of Honor Piece

Simple, Sweet Earrings

My Favorite! Vintage Incorporated

Precious

Stay tuned for Part II...to be continued...

Mr. Buttons!

P.S. This is a pic of my Mom's dog, Mr. Buttons! I had a wonderful time visiting warm Georgia for Mother's Day and a family reunion. More to come once I get all my pics downloaded.

I miss you terribly Mom and love you so very much!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER FROM GUINNESS!

Wishing you all a beautiful celebration of life today and always. Spring (although very slow to arrive here in the Midwest) is making its entrance. The earth is waking up from her long winter's nap and color, YES, color is finally peeking through the remaining grayness of winter. Welcome, small buds, daffodils and the sweet melody of early morning birds singing. I love you all.

I've been so busy, with not much time to work on my "passion" as much as I would like, however, I've slowly been creating some new pieces as time permits. Here's a sneak peak at some of my favorite new pieces, still works in progress. I'm also including a pic of my very first METAL CLAY piece! I had the pleasure of taking some classes at a new jewelry art studio located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, The Constant Muse. I'll post separately about this incredible experience, but I at least wanted to share the piece I'm affectionately calling "Clio", mythical name of the muse of poetry and history.


"CLIO"

I learned how to rivet! My first assemblage cuff made with a vintage shoe clip!

I LOVE her...

STAINED GLASS PIECES

ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES!


TILE...YES...TILE FROM HOME DEPOT. AN EXPERIMENT!

SOLDERED CRYSTAL

Stay tuned for completed pieces...it might be Christmas, but they will ultimately be finished :-) Have a positive, happy and magic-filled week.

Published in the Spring!

2011-04-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

I'm SO excited...the Spring issue of Jewelry Affaire is now available and I'm even more excited because two of my necklaces are featured! I'm actually published and what better time to have this occur than in Spring. I took a leap of faith and submitted my jewelry early last year. I was hopeful to make the Winter edition, but on the same day I received an email that my jewelry had been accepted for publication, but that it would be Spring instead of Winter, my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital. She would pass 3 days later. This very sad and emotional event required my complete attention. I could not and did not think about jewelry or much else during this time. Being there for my husband and family was my complete focus. I actually almost forgot about my submission...until I received the confirmation and proof of my article that would land in the April 1st issue! Springtime - a time for awakening, renewal and restoration. A time for celebrating life and remembering those who gave so much of it. I believe everything happens for a reason; had I been published in the Winter, I would not have embraced the incredible accomplishment of such a wonderful honor. But the Universe knew the perfect time to present this gift. I dedicate this post to my dear mother-in-law, Agnes Correia. Thank you, Agnes, for always embracing life, fully and completely!

Happy Spring!

Custom Gift Boxes for Custom Projects

2011-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Custom projects are always fun and truly require focus, consistency and attention to detail. When I create custom work, I really want the recipients of these gifts to feel special and unique. One way I enhance my one-of-a-kind pieces is to create pretty and one-of-a-kind custom gift boxes! This extra little step isn't necessary; however, it adds that little "something" that makes receiving the gift a little more exciting. The box can also serve as a keepsake for years to come. For bridesmaid gifts, I coordinate the box designs to that of the wedding colors. So much fun and allows the creativity to flow on a project from start to finish.

Bridesmaid Custom Gift Box


Colors are customized to wedding colors!

In case you need a smile!

Wishing everyone a wonderful week! Happy St. Patty's Day!

Some New Things for Spring!

2011-03-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little like Spring these days

(or at least trying to despite the last lingering days of old man Winter).

beads, Beads, BEADS...

2011-03-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

I love BEADS.

BEADS make me happy!

Beads of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

I love new BEADS,

but my favorite BEADS are colorful, old vintage BEADS.

You can create so many beautiful and interesting things with them.

Imagine the possibilities...so much fun!

Some pearl beads from my last antique shopping adventure!

Look at the intricate flower beads! I also like the odd shaped sizes


Such pretty iridescent colors

Spring colors!

Enjoy the small things that make you happy!

Unusual Finds in Usual Places

2011-02-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me, understand and accept that I'm somewhat addicted to shopping, especially antique shopping. I have my usual favorite places, and I become absolutely giddy when I find unusual and unique treasures during my excursions. I'm SO excited to show you one of the most beautiful items I've ever had the pleasure of discovering. I collect rosaries; I adore them. I love the symbolism, the beauty and sentiment associated with them. So you can imagine my complete amazement when I found this...

The Rosary beads are detailed flower buds...delicate and sweet.

Look at the unbelievable detail!

So sweet!

The mirror to the right is 4 feet tall!

It's an enormous rosary...for scale, I photographed it by my 4 foot mirror (on the right) so you can judge size. Isn't this just an amazing, incredible and timeless? I knew you would agree :-) Stay tuned for more fabulous finds.

Custom Projects

2011-02-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

Custom projects are always fun. Yes, they can be challenging, but always rewarding. I love taking ideas and bringing them into fruition. I've just completed a couple of unique, one-of-a-kind orders and I had such a great time creating them. I'm also honored to currently be working on a bridal party. The pieces for that special project are turning out to be a new concept for me all together! I LOVE when that happens!

The Beautiful Abby, my girlfriend's sweet daughter!

Every Abby needs a bear with a pink nose!

Custom earrings for a stained glass pendant I recently created

Where Do You Create?

2011-02-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite indulgences when I'm afforded the luxury of time to read is "Where Women Create" by Stampington Publications. "Where Women Create invites you into the creative spaces of the most extraordinary women of our time. Through stunning photography and inspirational stories, each issue of this quarterly magazine will nourish souls and motivate creative processes". I have a small but comfortable creative space where I have the opportunity to disconnect from all distractions and pour over my magazines, brainstorm and create. To others, my little space might seem odd or crowded or they might find it interesting or eclectic. To me, it's a special little place that houses my interesting and unique finds and truly embraces my inner spirit. And the funny thing is is wasn't until a few years ago that I really started cultivating my creative corner. It's almost as if I have the opportunity to be a child again and fill my toy box with all kinds of glittering and sparkling treasures.

Where do you create? What is one thing that lives in your space you simply adore and could not do without? Other than my wonderful dog, I fell in love with a worn vintage dress form. It serves many purposes - it's excellent for pics, it is a great "holder" for my footage chain and it just adds a bit of whimsy to my room. I also keep my dried wedding bouquet as a reminder of that day. I love my little creative nook!

A small section of my desk

Some of my vintage chain for unique creations

This little fairy just makes me smile!

This was my wedding bouquet...it's 11 years old now!

And my favorite...fun vintage dress form!

And Now...May I Present

2011-02-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

www.mylibylula.com

A new name for my creations!

It had to be 

magical and  memorable 

and meaningful.

I ADORE dragonflies...

they are all magical and memorable and meaningful

to me.

So why not incorporate them into my company name and logo?

Here's the finished product, designed by the

wonderfully talented

Catherine Haugland of Avalon Rose Designs.

I love it; I hope you do as well.

Check out how it looks on my website

www.mylibylula.com

(you can still reach my website via Artisticadornments.com

for a limited amount of time).

More changes to come - stay tuned!

Continue Creating

2011-01-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

For those of you who enjoy the creative process, you know that it never really ends. It may feel as if your creative juices are sometimes blocked or you may even feel a little burned out at times. But eventually, you will see something that sparks a little flame that ultimately turns into this passion that is uncontrollable. You seek out resources. You read and absorb every little bit of information you can dig up on your new found object of affection. You consult and drive your friends and significant others crazy with your renewed obsession (yes, I'm speaking of my husband :-). However, this beautiful path of creativity is one that leads to intrinsic design and the process that is closest to spirit.

For me, I'm constantly looking for news ways to enhance my jewelry designs. I want to become better, more unique. I have all these ideas, all these beautiful things in my mind that haven't manifested into reality yet. For they are only a thought at this point, but given the appropriate mediums and tools, I have no doubts that my creations can and will become reality. Soldering is my first love and has enabled me to make some truly unique pieces. But I want more...and my next endeavor is to master working with precious metal clay (PMC). This medium is absolutely incredible and rather than go into detail of exactly how it works, I'll just share a few pics of some incredible PMC artists who inspire me. You can then let me know what you think!

Artist Lorena Angulo

Her work is absolutely incredible!

Artist Nancy L T Hamilton

Stunning...need I say more?!?

Now you know why I'm so excited to begin this particular journey! I'll keep you updated. Wishing you all a wonderful day. It's snowing here in Algonquin, so I'm enjoying a cozy day at home with my dog and a cup of tea. Hope you can do the same.

Rhinestones and Bling and Rings, Oh My!

2010-12-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

Rings are so fun and festive! I love jewelry and I simply adore rings. Given their unique historical significance and symbolism, you can convey many things with rings without saying a word. Rings became most popular during Medieval times, and the material from which the ring was made typically indicated the class of the wearer. Placement of rings is also important. Did you know that wearing a ring on your "ring" finger represents connection to the heart? This is why the wedding ring is traditionally placed on this finger.

Some of my favorite rings, including a couple of Christmas Gifts from my hubby!

Michal Negrin, my very favorite designer!

Now I hope you all "ring" in the New Year with fun, safe and festive celebrations!

Keep The Magic With You...

2010-12-26T18:21:00.000-08:00

The excitement of the Holiday season is now slowly coming to an end. All the thoughtful planning, fun and festive parties and special times spent with friends and family for Christmas - it's now over and we must once again begin thinking about packing up all the glitter and glitz until next year.

There's such a wonderful magic and mystery that surrounds this time of the year. Could it be that for a season, we are given the gift of thinking of others?

What they like; what they need; what makes them happy?

More than any other time of the year, Christmas is an opportunity to truly invest in your loved ones. And you know what always amazes me? There's no better feeling to me than being able to give. It really is a magical feeling.

Rather than wrapping the magic and splendor that surrounds this glorious season in with all the ornaments and glittering tinsel,

I encourage each of you to

keep the magic with you all year.

Save it, share it and spread it with everyone throughout the coming year.

Who says we can't have Christmas January through December?

May God Bless You All!

Spread Light and Love

Give Freely

Pray For Others

Share The Magic!

And Always Laugh!

Some New Creations

2010-12-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

Most of these new pendants are still "in progress" but I couldn't resist a few pics today (since the sun was actually shining). I've been busy, and have been a little behind with my blog posts, but I'd like to wish you all a wonderful Holiday celebration. Merry Christmas and may the beauty and magic of the season surround you and your family!

From my home to yours...

Small Indulgences

2010-12-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

Small Indulgences...

Gift ideas for a special friend, OR for yourself.

Some of my very favorite things to give and to receive!

www.hillhousenaturals.com

This 23 year old company is a family owned business in Kentucky.

All items are made in the USA; they use local, natural ingredients whenever possible.

What I adore most about this wonderful company: they started at a craft fair!

My favorite scent is the Woods Collection.

"Adventurous days spent hunting and gathering in the forest are evoked with every whiff of this woody and masculine scent".

It reminds me of leather-bound books, hot tea and warm fires.

I adore their candles and specifically, their diffusers.

They last for months and months.

ONE of my small indulgences.

www.caldrea.com

Small Indulgence # TWO

Caldrea...Earthy friendly products, natural plant derived ingredients and essential oils to make cleaning and freshening your home an enjoyable experience.

Guess what else?

This product contains no harsh ingredients.

One of my favorite scents in the world?
Caldrea Blue Basil & Sage.

"Reminiscent of an herb garden in the South of France, this collection blends essential oils of Basil, Blue Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Spearmint, and Cinnamon Leaf to create a clean and clarifying fragrance. This innovative culinary composition possesses broad appeal by using familiar ingredients orchestrated in a new and sophisticated way".

Sage is clarifying and has spiritual properties.

Held sacred by many Native American Indians, because of its effective purifying energies, sage heals by bringing the you back into balance and cleanses the body and mind of negative spirits and impurities.

I use sage essential oils in my bathwater and constantly spritz the Blue Basil & Sage fragrance around my home to cleanse the space.

I LOVE THE SCENT OF PINE!

How warm and comforting is the cleansing and aromatic scent of pine?

Cedar and Balsam Fir.

I would love to utilize this fragrance year round; it's associated most closely with the holidays, but the crisp and clean aroma is almost intoxicating to me.

www.yankeecandle.com

Huge selection of pine scented favorites. Always a perfect small indulgence.

You didn't think I'd post about my small indulgences without mentioning jewelry, did you?

Unbelievably detailed, beyond romantic and feminine, the designs created by

**Michal Negrin**

are products of a true artist.

Even the company website is breathtaking. LOVE her creations.

Small Indulgence number FOUR

Last but certainly NOT least...

Small Indulgence FIVE

Vosges Chocolat

Their mission statement:

"The Vosges Haut-Chocolat mission is to create a luxury chocolate experience rooted in a sensory journey of bringing about awareness to indigenous cultures through the exploration of spices, herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, nuts, chocolate and the obscure".

Need I say more?

Share with me, please! I want to know some of your favorite small indulgences.

This is a great way to share gift ideas.

2010-11-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis
it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.

This poem is engraved on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta.

This is one of my very favorite poems; it consistently reminds me of what is important. My perception always shifts when I read these beautiful and touching words. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. We've just returned from vacation, so I've been catching up with my blog friends and although I will have some beautiful pics to post soon, I just wanted to touch base with those of you who stop by to visit. Have a wonderful weekend!