Happy Mother's Day

My little girl became a mother the day before Easter. She gave birth to my beautiful new grandson (and the first!), London Anthony Simpson. As Mother's Day approaches each year I often find myself thinking of my mother. Memories of her sweet smile and infectious laugh, gentle caring and wondrous cooking all make me smile. Wish I had paid better attention to how she made those pies with the fluffy crusts! Also, there are the memories of a rebellious teenager, fighting her mother for her own identity and freedom, believing she knew all she needed to know, ignoring the advice her mother so gently tried to give.

My mind then wanders to my own journey of motherhood, and I pander the joys and tribulations of raising my daughter. Not the same, yet not so different. I see her as the light of my life. Did my mom see me the same way? I believe so.

I have watched my daughter the last two weeks grow into motherhood. Tears have often come to my eyes as I watch her caress her newborn son, worry over his slightest cry and hear her delightful laugh as he makes a face or wiggles in protest of the 1,000 kiss she has placed on his forehead that day. A little giggle wells up as I think of the many times she will wonder if it is all worth it. You know those days when your little angel is not such an angel, struggling to be their own unique self, even when mom says no.

I sigh as I confirm to myself that the journey has been a great one of learning and growing for me, as well as my mother and my daughter. Motherhood is the greatest journey of all! Happy Mother's Day to all!

So Much to Learn . . .

And so many great places on the web to learn! I have set off to learn how to use this wonderous social networking and I find there is no end to the education and tips you can find on the web. I have been so busy learning I have neglected posting (and must admit making jewelry for my shop has stalled). My Dad used to say that you can learn anything by reading. He was a book worm to say the least. I smile as I realize, years later I must agree with him (this rebel child did not want to read).
A sight I have been engrossed in today is Handmademarketing.org. It has a wealth tips on blogging, twitter, web marketing and more. Those of you learning this social networking and marketing might want to check it out, but beware.....you will get lost in time! Another site that has become a favorite of mine is Handmadeology.biz. Timothy Adam is quite a guru to many who want to sell their handmade items online.
My only warning about all this internet research is beware, there is an addictive side to it. Many a night I have looked up at the clock only to find it is morning!

Charmony Designs Artisan Jewelry

Hi! My name is Char. This is the first post of what I hope to be many enjoyable hours posting and sharing thoughts on the harmony of being in the moment of creating something beautiful. I am excited to document my journey through setting up of my etsy shop, learning about marketing, building a jewelry studio in my basement and just living life. Along the way I look forward to meeting new people.

I have always enjoyed creating things as long as I can remember. As a curious and active child of 5 my mother taught me to embroider (to keep me still, and out of trouble). She would trace pictures from my coloring books onto muslin blocks and I would embroider the outlines with bright colors of string. Years later my grandmother sent me a beautiful handmade quilt. Imagine my suprise when I recognized all the little blocks of fabric with cute little pictures hand embroidered...by me! Realizing I had helped in creating that beautiful quilt filled me with such joy. I still cherish that quilt and the lesson of pride I learned that year. May I pass it forward...

So, here is to a new journey.