Jewelry Designer, Fitness Instructor
by Elizabeth
(New York)
Wire Wrapped Sea Shell Necklace by Elizabeth
To everyone who has had the great opportunity to enjoy Rena's site: I can only say that stories of how jewelry making has been used as a source of inspiration, hope, love, use of the creative child within us, and even a source of revenue: you ALL have inspired me with your words.
I was a personal fitness instructor for twelve years until 2007, when my Rheumatoid Arthritis stopped me in my tracks (a systemic, autoimmune disease which is debilitating, eats away at the joints throughout your body and induces FLARES or indescribable pain).
It halted my career as a personal trainer after foot surgery, where nerve damage resulted in a housebound state.
At that time, I had already been reading Rena's site and her words of positivity just kept me going, where I needed to believe there was a place for me to develop a new skill.
Whatever the reason which binds our love of this art, or even art in general - I started beading from a magazine for beginners two years ago. If anyone who had continued to tell me, "oh what a lovely little hobby you have found" made me feel less than adequate I assure you, I would never have - at that time - believed what I saw in the paper last week:
I exhibited at a prominent Art Gallery and there was a four color photo of myself with my designs. (Hey, it never hurts to call the editor of a newspaper to get your horn tooted a bit louder).
Rena is always right. My husband even knows her last name and quite frankly is sick of hearing......."Rena says", and "Rena wrote"....etc. It has become a private joke in this house.
The largest joke is the junkyard pile of wire I ruined by trying to wire wrap sea shells. A complete disaster from the very beginning! I finally came up with some designs that have special meanings on the back of each shell. Even if I don't want to sell them off of my neck, I rejoice in the spiritual revenue they offer.
It is not a joke however, when we realize that illness is a place where we need people like all of you in the world. All too often we see people lose their art by the seduction of power. I do not know where I left my MBA diploma, and loved what it offered me at the time, but to me - I found no spirit in the corporate world, even though we NEED people who are stimulated by it.
On the other hand, I SMELL joy and a sense of healing from every word I have read about all of you on this site. Happy spirits elude light in the words of a happy creator.
I have read about designers, and the inspiration of those who have become ill, without losing the battle of depression and pain.
I have been there, and I am starting a support group through movement for all of those afflicted by it.
I applaud all of you. Keep up the good work with your gorgeous designs. Keep up the beauty each and every one of you have to offer. We are all unique with our designs, but very much part of a bigger whole.
My love,
Elizabeth
Stones in Harmony
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