Ode to a Friend

You may find my One World One Heart post here:

http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-world.html

Shadow's Song

I'm not gone...not really.

I haven't gone away...I've only gotten bigger.

My eyes, so bright, now shine among the stars.

My voice sings with the wind in winter, as I leap

And dance among the tree tops.

I stalk the blown leaves in autumn, and brush the

Flowers gently in the spring.

I come to you in dreaming, on feet grown dreamtime soft,

And lay my cheek against yours, and whisper:

"Peace Be With You."

Someday we will play again together, you and I, among the stars.

'Til then, fear not to love, for your love gave my life meaning.

And I return that love to you...a hundredfold...a thousandfold...

Forever.

Greetings, friends~both old and new.  It is with great sorrow the news that I share with you today.  Of our loving cat, Jazz, who passed into shadows yesterday.  Jazzy~as we affectionately called her~was a very special kitty.  We adopted her many moons ago at our local Humane Society.  There were many sweet kitties there, but Jazzy stood out among them all.  Not just her coloring, but there was something about her that told us she was not there by choice.  We believe she had come from a loving home prior, perhaps an elderly person who had passed owned this adorable feline.  We held Jazzy in our arms and vowed to return the next day to ensure that we were making the right decision.  

We did indeed return to the Humane Society the very next day, and there she was.  When she saw us, she meowed and literally LEAPED into my arms.  The pact was sealed, and Jazzy was brought to live with us that very day.  Jazzy was not a standoffish cat; she CRAVED human companionship.  Although she never did allow us to pick up her anymore.   It was merely her ruse for us to bring her home, we think!  Jazzy lived a life full of love and adventure with all our dogs.  But she developed a special relationship with our young pup, Neo.  Neo and Jazzy would sit together atop of the couch quite often each night, with Neo giving Jazzy's ears quite the loving tongue bath.  They were the best of friends.

Jazz was a very elderly kitty, and she had taken a turn for the worse so suddenly just a few days prior.  We knew in our hearts it was time but it is never easy to deal with what it truly inevitable.  She passed quietly and was finally at peace.  I am sure she is now somewhere special, playing in a field of gloriously colored flowers, bathing in the bright warm sunlight; and watching and listening to the birds singing their sweet lullabies to her heart's content.

When I am feeling sad, I dream of the ocean and its quiet beauty.  There is much solace to be found there.  Listening to the quiet ripple of the waters and the plaintive cry of the seagulls as they circle about.  It is always so very hard when animal friends leave you.  You try to say goodbye the best way you know how and hope that they in turn understand that they were well loved.   Jazzy will always be a part of our lives, and we shall create an everlasting memorial to her life come springtime.

Work is keeping my mind occupied and keeping in touch with all my lovely friends is helping as well.  Music has always helped me get through painful times, so I'd like to leave you now with the words of this beautiful song.  The words comforts me and truly do make me "Smile":

Smile though your heart is aching 

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Til next time,

Theresa

One World One Heart Event and Giveaway

http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/one-world-one-heart.html

Greetings, everyone and "Welcome to My World!"

If you have not visited here before, I welcome you with a warm smile and open arms.  Feel free to take a peek through my realm, where everyone the world over is happily invited! I am so pleased that your Magic Carpet has brought you here, and I hope you enjoy your stay...

I have often thought of where a Magic Carpet might take me~should I be fortunate to come across one.  Would it be someplace real ~ perhaps to Ireland or Australia or India?  Maybe it would take me instead to Neverland or Narnia or Hogwarts?  Hmmmm...the sky's the limit, and the possibilities are endless!  I'd like to invite you all now on a fanciful trip atop my Magic Carpet (since traveling alone is never any fun!) to a fantastic land...deep into the heart of faerie...

Within this land exists an enchanted castle, where the benevolent rulers of this most peaceful realm welcome weary travelers from all over the world to rest and enjoy a bit of sugared crumb cake and spiced tea...

From the very top of the castle towers, one can see for miles and miles...such a serene and glorious harmonious land...

Where deep within the forests reside magical deer with jeweled eyes and splendorous floating flowers...

And brightly colored toadstools made of candy!

Butterflies flitting serendipitously amidst eternally blooming, sweetly-scented flowers...

And the most courteous of bunnies who act as good-will ambassadors as you explore the vast depths of their faerie lands!

In the evenings, there is much merriment to be had, with plentiful food and drink, and majestic trees which come to life so they may dance with all maidens fair til the wee hours have passed...

Alas, however, all great journeys must come to an end.  But not before this wise and beautiful creature bids us a safe trip home and reminds us that life is one big, heartfelt journey ~ one to be savored and shared with others.  After all, essentially we share the same hopes and dreams...to be loved and be well and live in a world of peace and harmony.   To share our great world with each other ~as one~through our imagination and creativity and spirit!

Thank you so very much for joining me along this Magic Carpet ride!  I hope you had fun and that you will continue to join me on my journeys ~ both real and imagined!

As a special remembrance of our travels together, I shall gift one lucky Magic Carpet friend with both sets of these beautiful earrings (handcrafted personally for this occasion by the faeries of the realm!  One for the winner to keep and one for the winner to give to a dear friend as they journey together on their own Magic Carpet ride through life!

JANUARY 28 NOTE:  The faeries were SO overwhelmed with JOY at all the delightfully lovely visitors that a SECOND GIFT was added.  Some lovely faerie-inspired necklaces for a second winner and a special friend to share!

Faerie Realm Rules:  To be gifted with these lovelies, please do the following:  Leave only ONE lovely comment (if you wish) telling me where your Magic Carpet would take you.  You must include within your comment the following VITAL information:  a link to your own active BLOG, your name, and your email address!  All participants shall have until the clock strikes midnight on February 15th to enter.   The two winners shall then be randomly selected via number generator from all entries posted and contacted via email.  

I shall now look forward to journeying around the world and beyond with all of you on your Magic Carpet Rides~as I'm sure they will be the most exciting of ventures!  Please click the link underneath the photo at the top of this post to learn more about Lisa, this event's creator, and how you may create your own One World One Heart Magic Carpet Ride to share with friends worldwide; and whilst there, do pay a visit to many other travelers and welcome them with open arms!

PS  (02/04/10)  The faeries are besides themselves with joy and have included yet a THIRD prize for another lucky magic carpet traveler and a friend to share!  These bracelets feature cute little dragonfly and heart-shaped key charms.  Perfect for your magic carpet journeys...

Til next time, I bid you all adieu!
Theresa (#263)

A Look at Who Has Won and Things to Come!

Hello everyone!  Hope you are all doing well on this late January morning.  Wow - I must say that the response to my January Jubilee Giveaway was quite lovely.  I do believe this was my most successful giveaway yet!  Thank you so much for all your many entries - I very much enjoyed reading about your favorite winter memories.  They all "warmed" my heart.

One winner was randomly (via random.org) selected among the grand total of entries, and I am happy to announce that the lucky recipient of all the goodies featured above is Heather!  By way of introduction, Heather is a very talented artist; her folk art is charming, whimsical and absolutely lovely.  She also authors an amazing blog and posts about one of my favorite illustrators ~ Tasha Tudor ~ every Tuesday!   I encourage you all to pay a visit to Heather's blog and shop very soon.  Congratulations, Heather - I hope you enjoy these goodies!

By way of shop news, we've added some lovely new necklaces to our Valentine Shop!  This first one is my favorite.  Called "Victoria in Love," this necklace reminds me so very much of Queen Victoria in her youth.  And yes, I was very much influenced by the new film starring Emily Blunt which documents Victoria's early reign and her love for Albert.  The beautiful gold key pendant looked so regal, and then we adorned it with beautiful gold filigree spacer beads, bright red glass beads, and assorted pearlescent beads.  I do believe this necklace is fit for a queen!

We have named many of our new Valentine lovelies after songs!  This next necklace also ranks among my favorites.  We called it "Put a Little Love in Your Heart!"   For this pretty piece, we used a lovely bronze colored heart pendant and placed the cutest little red glass flower bead in its center.  Again, we decorated the necklace with lovely pearlescent and glass beads.  It's a very dramatic look!

I must depart now, but I will be back with a special post on Monday ~ one of which I am most excited about.  I hope you will all join me then.

Til next time,
Theresa

Treasuries and Other Things That Make Me Smile

Greetings everyone!

I hope this day finds you all in fine spirits and good health.  We've been very busy at Faerie Moon Creations, parceling out pretties to their happy new owners!  We feel most fortunate and grateful for everyone's support.   The faeries and I are currently dreaming up new designs for all of you to enjoy ~ please stay tuned.

Last week I created my first etsy treasury!  I have always wanted to create one but never seemed to be able to find an opportunity.  A treasury allows an etsy user to curate their own mini-shop of sorts highlighting treasures from many talented etsy artisans.  My theme (photo courtesy of Tracie from Dean Designs) was whimsical and white...here in this magical land resides many a snowy white creature where flowers and mushrooms can still blossom in the cold wintry forest.  However, you must take care and wear a lovely knit cap or silken glittery shawl to protect yourself from the chilly winds.  A noble and gentle queen rules this land; she is seldom seen but oftentimes you can hear the jingle and see a faint glimmer from the lovely jewels she wears as she walks through the woods, ensuring that all is well and peaceful within her realm.

I was also most delighted last week to discover that I had been bestowed an award from the lovely Silke!   I offer her many thanks for this gift.  Silke is a talented painter and knitwear designer!  Please do visit her ~ you will not be disappointed.  I think that I am to now list 10 things in my life that make me smile.  And so, my list begins (please note that they are in no particular order!):

The man of my dreams...my heart, my soul mate, my best friend, my partner in all things. I love you to pieces!

Baking!  Oh how I adore baking.  I can spend hours in the kitchen.  Sometimes I wish there were many more people in the house, so I could fill their mouths constantly with delicious yummies - like these blueberry scones!

Dragonflies!  And butterflies, too, of course.  This beauty was resting on the floors of our deck (before we replaced them).  Moments later, he flitted away!  I look forward to summer when our yard is visited by them.  We even saw fireflies last year!

I adore flowers so very much!  I am allergic to pollen, however.  So I often admire flowers from a safe distance.  Tulips are my springtime favorite.  Here are a few along the front wall of our home!

Maine!  Oh be still my heart!  What you see here is one of the most photographed lighthouses in all the world ~ and my favorite place to be in all the world.  The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  I can sit on the rocks for hours and just stare at the waters.  It's so tranquil here and quite beautiful, as you can see.

Nature!  I love being outside and communing with this great earth.  I love drinking in all its beauty and savoring the trees, the waters, the animals.  It's the little things that truly matter the most...

My princess, Willow.  She's the most intelligent dog I've ever known.  She's my defender and protector ~ even though she looks like a sweet woolly bear!

My sweet baby boy, Neo!  He is joy to be around ~ especially each morning when I am showered with sloppy wet doggy kisses.

Owls!  I love them so very much.  One of my two favorites is pictured here ~ the snowy owl.  Doesn't this lovely remind you of Hedwig (Harry Potter reference)?

And who could forget friends?  They always make me smile, and they're always there for me when I need them.  Here we all are at Halloween (with me in my witch outfit, complete with the ruby slippers I stole from Dorothy!).  And so, I have decided ~ in the spirit of friendship ~ that I am bestowing my award upon ALL of YOU!  Feel free to pass this award along and share with others.  If you blog, please share with all of us what makes YOU smile.  


Til next time,
Theresa

A Heart for Haiti

My husband and I created these little necklaces - called A Heart for Haiti - to assist Doctors without Borders in their efforts to assist the children of Haiti who have been affected by the devastating earthquake.

There is four three two one necklace still available in the Hearts for Haiti collaborative etsy shop.  All the bead work differs slightly among the necklaces.  The colors of the beads represent the colors found in the Haitian flag.  They measure 11 1/2" in length.

As part of the collaborative, Faerie Moon Creations is donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these necklaces directly to Doctors Without Borders.  As a thank you for purchasing the necklace, it will be shipped to you free of charge.

For more information on what you can do personally to help in the Haitian relief efforts, visit Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, the Red Cross, or Yele.

{01/23/10  Footnote:  All of these necklaces have been sold, for which I am most grateful.  I do still encourage you to visit the Hearts for Haiti etsy shop, which is still going strong, and is offering the most lovely creations from a great number of artisans!}

Til next time,
Theresa

My Craft Corner!

Hello everyone!
It seems like forever since I've shared a post with all of you!  I have been so very busy with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, as well as working diligently with all my sweet faerie friends to create special little lovelies in my shop just for you!

I would like to welcome all new friends to my blog and thank everyone who has entered my January Jubilee Giveaway.  I have so enjoyed reading your posts about favorite winter memories.  Please forgive me if I haven't responded personally to all of you but do know that I have appreciated receiving each and every post.  There is still time to enter if you haven't done so already.  Please don't be shy - I'd really love to hear from you!

Today, I'd like to write to you about a very special place in my heart - a lovely little online community called My Craft Corner.  My Craft Corner was created by a most wonderful person by the name of Reggie.  Reggie's primary goal for My Craft Corner is to build a thriving online community which encourages and supports crafters whether they craft for fun or for profit.  And the best part?  It's free!!!

Reggie initially contacted me via Twitter, when Faerie Moon Creations had just barely come into being last August!  She befriended me and made me feel so welcome when I was still feeling quite unsure of myself.   She has encouraged me, helped me build confidence, and provided me with sage advice and assurance.  Her support has meant the world to me.  I am happy to say that I am now a proud member of the My Craft Corner Crew!  In this role, I help welcome new members and engage them in conversation and discussions.  It's so much fun, and I have met the most wonderful new friends and amazing artisans!

What can you do at My Craft Corner?  Each artisan (or crafting enthusiast!) gets her/his own "page," where she/he can post photos of artwork and crafts (along with descriptions), post blogs, provide status updates (including links), create etsy or artfire or other online shop minis, join great discussion groups and forums, promote special events and sales, find new friends, post on each other's pages, and send updates to all your contacts.  Each month My Craft Corner highlights a featured artisan.  There are also live chats each Wednesday, and right now there is a lovely giveaway where the prize is a Cricut Machine!

It's truly a wonderful little place to be!  If you so wish, I do highly encourage you to visit and perhaps even join!  It's completely free and you'll meet the greatest people!  :)  Feel free to tell Reggie I sent you.

In shop news, our new Valentine line is doing rather well!   We have been creating new pieces made from copper - like the one pictured here - which has been meticulously hammered by hand.  The spiraled copper connectors were also hand-crafted.  This particular necklace, A Groovy Kind of Love, is quite popular.  We shall definitely be creating more copper jewelry!  There is one other copper piece available in the shop - it hangs rather low and is very haute couture!

My twitter contest was a smashing success!   I was actually able to keep tally of all the 600 retweeted messages.  The giveaway lasted several days, with the lucky winner in Georgia planning on gifting the sweet earrings to her mom as a Valentine's Day surprise!  The necklace featured in the photo above is a special gift I plan on treating someone to on Facebook!  My short-term goal is to reach 300 fans (or as I prefer to call them - friends!) and then gift someone with a cute Valentine treat!  This necklace reminds me of that string candy I so loved when I was a child.  I remember I used to wear it around my neck, grab a hold of one end, and then bite away the candy piece-by-piece until there was nothing left but the string.  Hopefully, no one will do that with this necklace!   If you haven't visited me on Facebook, please do so and let me know that you stopped by.

I must depart now, for there are more photographs to take and then scan for inclusion in my shop.  Have a most lovely winter day!

Til next time,
Theresa

It's Time for the...January Jubilee Giveaway!

Greetings everyone!

You might not think of the month of January as being jubilant, but I always think the New Year brings potential and promise.  Thus, the name I have chosen for my new giveaway for you this month.

You might be looking at the goodies and thinking "This is an odd melange of stuff!"  But really, it is all interconnected.  My theme is winter.  I adore white during this time of year...

Like with this first item!  One lucky winner will be receiving this lovely little neck warmer I knit with an extra bulky yarn in a gorgeous cream color.   Believe me, this will keep you warm from the bitter winter wind!   I sewed some super-cute little buttons onto this neck warmer, which allows you to wear it in a variety of ways. You can nestle it up to your chin (as represented in the above photo) or loosen up a button or two and wear it folded over.   I think I shall knit up a red one for the shop!

One beverage I love dearly is coffee.  However, the next best thing to coffee is definitely hot chocolate!  And what better drink is there in wintertime?  Yum!  I made a special hot chocolate mix just for the lucky winner.  You can spy the recipe right here, if you like, just to make sure it's something you'd drink!  I dolled up the jar with a cute snowman lid topper and carefully typed up the recipe so that you can whip up a batch of some delectable, hot chocolatey goodness!  Unfortunately, marshmallows are not included (I feared they would not travel well!).

The last item you will spy in the photo is one of the most adorable little mugs ever!  It comes from Anthropologie.  I have a funny little story about this mug, and why I am parting with it.   I had ordered a most beautiful tea set from one of our Anthropologie stores in the state (unfortunately, there isn't an actual brick and mortar shop nearby - so I had to call across the state to find these lovelies which were no longer available online).    I received the package quite quickly, but this sweet little mug came broken!  The store manager was kind enough to send me TWO replacements.  So, I thought - why not share it with a friend?  And isn't it absolutely perfect to sip hot chocolate from?

Ok, now you are probably asking yourself...what must I do to be able to get these great goodies?  It's rather simple indeed!

1.  Please leave a comment here on this post and share your favorite winter memory (old or new)!

2.  Visit Faerie Moon Creations and comment here telling me what your favorite item is!

3.  Post about this giveaway on your own blog!  Feel free to use the photos pictured above.  Please comment here and share the link to your post!

4.  Spread the word on Twitter!  Please be sure to reference @faerymoongodess in your tweet and make sure to come back here and comment that you sent out a message!

5.  If you have a Facebook Fan Page, post a link about this little giveaway there as well!  And, of course, remember to come back here and post the link!

This gives you five different opportunities to win.  Kindly leave a separate comment for each entry you make. And do feel free to enter as many times as you like!  I will be using a random number generator to select the lucky winner!  The giveaway deadline will be Friday, January 22, 2010.  I shall select the lucky winner on Saturday, January 23!  Much good luck to you all!

I shall leave you with my favorite item from the shop!  This lovely little necklace called "Give Me Your Heart."  You can find it in our very new Be My Valentine Section!

Til next time,
Theresa

Winter Walk and a Lot of Fun News!

Warm Greetings!
I hope that everyone had a lovely New Year celebration.  Please do forgive my silence as of late, but the faeries here have been hard at work creating new lovelies for you to see!  I will share more news of this a little later in my post.

Our New Year plans are always very quiet.  We stay at home on New Year's Eve, and this year we feasted upon a delectable array of snacks and hors d'oeuvres consisting of shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers, olives, and amazingly delicious hummus (recipe provided by Clarice of Storybook Woods).  We watched the parties on television in front of a roaring fire until it was time for the ball in Times Square to drop; then we counted along and celebrated the New Year with a kiss (plus, hugs and kisses for the doggies!).  On New Year's Day, we dined on roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans.  But before we filled our faces with scrumptious food, we went for a winter walk.  We decided to try a new trail which led to Roaring Brook Falls.  All the photos you see in this post are from our walk.

I adore going for walks in the winter.  There is a peacefulness unlike any other time of year, as most of the forest creatures are hibernating, hunkered down with their young, and the most you can hear is the crunching of dead branches and snow-covered leaves beneath your feet.

I love exploring the world in a pale shade of blue, with the sun reflecting off the snow.  To me, the snow looks like it has been sprinkled with pixie dust - full of magic and delight.  And I love how the winter air whips at my cheeks, turning them a bright shade of pink and leaving a biting tingling sensation.  Our hike was not very long, and we had the sounds of the roaring water to guide us to our destination.  Soon, we came upon the falls; and how glorious they were!

Can you see the broken tree branch covered with icicles?  And the icy rushing waters? What a wondrous world of white!   While my husband gamely explored the falls, I stood from a distance admiring its breathtaking beauty.  It was so very inspiring, and I could have stayed there for hours.  I look forward to returning to the falls in the spring, summer and fall.  It will be interesting to absorb all the beauteous changes the seasons will bring.

Now, to return you to what I mentioned early on in this post!  The faeries at Faerie Moon Creations been working hard on some special new items for the shop just in time for Valentine's Day!   Beautiful new pieces of jewelry and knit accessories - in glorious shades of red and pink, delightful shapes of  hearts and birds, and glistening tones of silver and gold  - will make their way to the shop by week's end.  They will appear in a brand new section of my shop, Be My Valentine!  I'm very excited for you all to see the new items!   In the meantime, a few new jewelry pieces have already mad their way to the Unique Boutique last week.  Here's a peek - hope you like them!

I'm also happy to announce that I will be hosting not one but three new giveaways in the near future!  The first one will be a Facebook Page-only affair.  The prize is set, and I have concocted a most fun interactive contest for those who wish to participate.  It's the first time I'm hosting a little giveaway on Facebook, and I am really excited about it.  If you haven't done so already, join my page and you'll be able to enter the little contest!  It will be Valentine-themed (and that's all I can tell you for now!).

I will also be hosting a giveaway here on my blog.  I have almost finished preparing the giveaway items (that's right, more than one goodie!) and will announce the giveaway in my next post.  The theme for this giveaway is winter (what else could it be, right?).

And finally, I will be holding a Twitter-only giveaway.   The prize is set for this little event as well.  Again, it will be Valentine-themed.    I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.   It will be quite fun, I think!  ;)

Til next time - stay warm!
Theresa