Gratitude Beads

These are my Gratitude Beads and I love everything about them! They're are a mixture of coral, quartz and sterling, and they have a beautiful energy... and tactile quality that I'm so passionate about including in everything I make.

It was a joy to make them....a very relaxing, and meditative time for me. With each bead selected, and each knot tied, my heart beamed as I reflected on the beautiful and plentiful blessings in my life all of which take on a variety of images, sizes, colors and textures...all of them are "Love Expressing" in glorious ways! As I continue creating..one charm reminds me to trust, and the reverse side reads "Be Free"...wise counsel I'd say. The frog charm is in honor of my friend, Lisa...her blog is Groggy Froggy , and she is the creative catalyst behind Gratitude Beads. Lisa shared with me that one day following her meditation time the idea came to her out of the Blue. She always inspires me...and countless others as well.

The weight and shape of the beads feel good in my hands, and as I hold each one... and feel the spirit of gratitude breathe through my body with each acknowledgement and "thank you"...I know I'm embracing a renewing, satisfying practice that soothes my soul.

This is my first strand, and I've since made another for my friend Pattie, as part of our art swap (which, by the way I LOVE what she made for me be sure to see the 2nd, finished photo). My daughter, Kamaria, really likes the idea of Gratitude Beads too, and we're working together to create a strand that she loves and looks forward to incorporating into her quiet moments for a long time to come.

Gratitude is such a powerful and truly "ever-giving" force... it's important to feel good about whatever we bring into our sacred space of acknowledgment and thankfulness...be it a journal, Zena Moon candles, music or a cup of tea -- it has to feel "just right". May we further enjoy our moments and rituals of gratitude...and Lisa, "Thank you so very much for sharing your gifts and inspirations with the world".

And last, but definitely not least: The theme of gratitude is further underscored by someone who's work I've admired for over a year now, Shelly Klammer. I find her creative expression inspiring and full of heart; and her collage on gratitude gives such touching insight into this ever-giving principle and practice. "Thank you Shelly, I am so thankful the art-print you leave in our world."

So... on this day may we truly express gratitude for ourselves...may our hearts open wider than ever...may we see with our heart...and may we continue to embrace every opportunity to express gratitude in our already-rich life.