How are you though, really? July 15, 2024

Hey friend

How are you? Things feel really heavy in the world right now, and I hope you're taking care of yourself.

Today I put myself down for a nap.  Those of you who know you well will know that is something that I never EVER do.  I have never liked naps, and I don't take them.  But today I just felt like I needed to lay down.  I didn't even fall asleep, but I laid in bed for about an hour.

I'm not sure if I was trying to sleep off the heat of the day or the weight of my mood. 

Vermont experienced another major flooding event on July 10th, a year to the day (and nearly to the hour) of last year's catastrophic flooding.  Our immediate area wasn't affected this time, but neighboring towns and cities were (and some of the same areas affected by last July's flood and then the one we had in December)

Vermont isn't really known for flooding.  We're a land locked state, albeit covered with streams, rivers and lakes.  But climate change, coupled with our geogrpahy, is making these flooding events more frequent and extreme. Seeing the images of flood ravaged homes, roads and businesses is the worst kind of deja vu, and it's giving me the same drained, helpless feelings I had last year.

Meanwhile, while we've experience overly wet conditions, wildfires burn in the west.

Political unrest in our country and in the world.  I'm still processing the shooting in Pennsylvania last week and the future of our country.

It's easy to let the snowball gather girth.  It's easy to want to crawl under the covers and try to sleep away.

It feels heavy and...hopeless.

But this email isn't intended to be a downer. It's a reminder to look for hope, beauty, and as Mr Rogers famously said, "Look for the helpers".  

This is when making jewelry feels the most important to me, the most pressing. It's a way for me to deal with swirling emotions, and I hope it connects with you in a way that brings you hope and uplifts you during difficult times.

To overcome the feeling of helpless ness, I'm going to try to help those affected by the floods.  I'm going to try to boost moods with scent and flowers.  I'm going to do what I do best, which is make meaningful jewelry.

My sincerest wish is that you are finding things to be hopeful about right now. And if you're feeling the urge to crawl under the covers- reach out!  To me, to a friend, to a counselor.  We need connection, now more than ever, so keep connecting.

Love you all!  Please read on for more details (and pretty pictures)

❤️ erin

Support for Vermont

First up are Vermont pendants.  I made these after last year's flood, and raised over $500 dollars to donate to local flood relief. 

This year, I'm offering something a little different. I understand you may not have a close association with Vermont (except for knowing me!) so I am offering to do the state outline of your choice with a single flower where you choose- (i.e. if you're from Northampton MA, I will cut out the state of MA with a flower in the position of Northampton.) Since these items will be made-to-order, simply check out with the support for Vermont pendant, and then email me to let me know your state and flower location.  I will still donate 40% of the sale to area flood relief charities, but you will be able to have the state of your choice.

Aromatherapy Pendants

Secondly, I find scent to be incredibly soothing (my favorite calming blend consists of Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Lemongrass but you can't go wrong with plain old lavender for a soothing scent). I'm re-releasing Aromatherapy pendants (scent-imental vessels) in silver and brass.  They come with 5 removable felt pads so you can switch out the essential oils or blends you may want to use.  These will be sold as pre-orders, so please allow 4-5 weeks for me to fulfill these orders.

Vases Loaded

And finally, I'm releasing a sweet little collection I've been calling Vases Loaded.  These pendants feature vintage elements and floral designs.  They will go live on the site tonight (Monday July 15)  at 6:30 EST

(You will be able to take a peek at these prior to 6:30 pm EST, but they will say SOLD OUT. Check back at 6:30pm EST.  If it says sold out AFTER 6:30 EST, then it has, in fact, sold)

Flowers always cheer me up. 

And in the words of Ladybird Johnson

"Where flowers bloom, so does hope".