"While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others." PDL

After my last post about how when fall arrives I go into overdrive trying to accomplish everything I didn't do during the summer months and all in a small window of time each day that I refer to as after hours, aka when my kids are fast asleep, well that's precisely what I did.

But as the days have gotten colder allowing us to slow down and stay cozy inside I have been spending more time writing.  So much so, that I have just recently completed my first draft of my memoir.  I was so pumped I did the unimaginable and printed every last page of the thing! I have been hard at work taking classes and writing during after hours for an entire year. Coming from someone who takes pleasure in the feel of a good book in her hands, I must say as the woman at Office Depot handed me the heaping stack of the pages into my heart, I stood frozen for a solid minute, taking it all in before I could walk away.

Piecing together scene after scene over the last year has been a challenge at times.  Quite honestly trying to remember the past that had been so carefully hidden away, forced me to go back in time and relive those moments if only in my mind.  I inevitably broke down and literally sat in front of the computer sobbing as if it were all happening again. There were the lighter moments too that had me reminiscing times with friends that had me laughing hysterically as I wrote each word.  Through it all what I found to be the most valuable is that I have learned so much about letting go, forgiveness and just how necessary having faith in my life truly is.

I have been given wise advice that once I have completed my first draft, it's important to take a step back, start another project and let time takes it's course.  Which leads me to introduce my next little ditty I have taken a liking to, personalized metal stamping.  I received my first metal stamped jewelry piece from my sister a few years ago.  I wear this darling necklace just about everyday.  

The point of all of this is that I love jewelry that tells a story, jewelry that really means something to me.  Stamp Haven parallels my memoir, 'Gift of Grace' that my hope is in creating meaningful pieces for others to enjoy, when you are asked what your necklace means or stands for, you will have an opportunity to share your story as well.

"Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to others." PDL

Visit my shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/StampHaven1