Saturday 12 January 2013

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop


If you are looking for my Focusing on Life picture this week find it here
 
Welcome to my contribution to the Memories and Thanks Blog Hop.  If you have been hopping along then you are likely familiar with the impetus for this hop.  I was quite touched (and in case you aren’t familiar) I will let our host Lori Anderson tell you the story in her own words.  I am looking forward to the wonderful stories that everyone will be sharing and the jewelry that will be full of intention.
 
My focus: a thank you. 
 
The backstory.  I have a 2 and a half year old daughter named Averleigh.  Like all children she is special and awesome.  Part of her little life story so far is that she decided to arrive a few months early, in emergency fashion, weighing a mere 1 pound 10oz, and almost 2 inches longer than Barbie if you can imagine.  Preemies in a nut shell, can have issues in all parts of their body since hey, the deal is supposed to be 9 full months, with zero gravity, practical darkness, and muffled sound.  That does not describe a NICU.  Delicate brain capillaries can burst and bleed, digestive systems can’t handle the workload and lungs well, they are the last major system to develop so they really aren’t ready and just aren’t very efficient.  All things considered, Averleigh pretty much skated very close to the line on major issues but kept going forward. 
 
then and now
Edit- to add Averleigh pictures: then (about a week old) and now
 
It is quite common for preemies to have speech delay so it was on my radar from the start. When she wasn’t hitting milestones according to her adjusted age (ie calling her 3 months old according to her due date -  not according to the fact she had a birth certificate issued 6 months ago) I took her for a more involved assessment.   Several other evaluations followed and eventually a course of action was decided upon.
 
The creative inspiration.  With a starting point of red and cardinals and all the imagery of eggs and nests to go along with it I set about making some beads.  I started with the imagery inspiration since at that time, I did not have a particular person in mind.  Ideas grew and I decided that someone important had really helped my little bird sing.  I am referring to the speech pathologist most involved in our speech therapy journey.  I say “our” as the particular course was mostly directed at me and my intensive learning in a classroom with other parents.
 
I’m looking forward to watching Averleigh wow them all with her progress at her next follow up in February. Which will be the perfect time to offer this very valuable person in our lives a little gift.
 
egg in nest
 
I thought these earrings loosely symbolised my little bird taking flight and singing in ways that were hard to imagine not so long ago.
 
But WAIT.  How could I have missed something so obvious?  The corner stone of the method I was taught is an acronym O.W.L.  Observe, Wait, Listen.  I can’t give her a pair of eggs she needs an OWL!  At this point it is well beyond the 11th hour to share with you all but I do have until some time in February to share what will be her real Thank you.  Here is a little glimpse at the star of the show…to be continued!
 
o.w.l.
 
Thank you so much to Lori for sharing this wonderful intention, to Marianna whom I would have surely been honoured to have known and to Lena for letting us all know her momma.
 
Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things
Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs
Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Charissa Nesler FireStorm Designs
Charlie Jacka Clay Space
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Christine Stonefield Sweet Girl Design
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Denielle Hagerman Some Beads... and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez Arte y Poemas
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant <--you are here, thank you for that!
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Jenny Robledo Peppa's Dream
Jennifer VanBenschoten Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren Cellar Door Jewelry
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
Johanna Rhodes Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Karin King The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton Backstory Beads
Kat Douglas Washoe Kat's
Kay Bolton Toodles and Binks
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Kim Houston The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter Kym Hunter Designs
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Lena Adams (Mari's daughter) -- TBA - *update* Lena's Beady Blog
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Hamilton Simply Irresistable Jewelry
Lisa Suver Fancee That
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Natalie Davidson NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas Bead It and Weep
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Priya Krish Hellopalz
Rebecca Anderson Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Sarah Goode Pookledo
Sarah Singer String a Song of Sixpence
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Shai Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Sharon Palac Sharon's Jewelry Garden
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse Goldkisses Art
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets

38 comments:

  1. This is such a beautiful story, Emma! And you child is such a darling! I have seen pics of her, and she is tooo cute!
    Am happy you chose her therapist for this challenge. The earrings you made are gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you so much Kashmira! Excellent point - this post needs an Averleigh pic! Will edit to add a fresh one

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  2. So glad your little one is doing well! I think it's really nice you selected the speech therapist for your thank you and gift. Sometimes the gifts that mean the most are the unexpected ones. This is a lovely thought,...and beautiful jewelry!

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  3. For me, your story is a story of perseverance and strength both in you and little Averleigh. Thank you for sharing. I hope you will share how little Averleigh wow everyone with her progress in Feb.

    As always, your creations are thoughtful and lovely. The eggs looked very very real. What a cute pair of earrings. Love it!

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  4. Your creations are beautiful, and so is your and Averleigh's story. What a wonderful thank-you gift.

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  5. Gorgeous work, and an amazing way to honour the special person who works with your little girl.

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  6. Emma, thank you for sharing your story: the earrings (and the OWL piece in the end, I am sure) are perfect for a warming thank-you! Your little one is such a precious darling - love her smile, it's contagious!

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  7. Wow, what an amazing story! The earrings that you created for Averleigh's speech pathologist are a beautiful reminder of the special and important impact she is having on both your lives.

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  8. You have a beautiful daughter and what a touching story! She has an amazing mom

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  9. So happy that Averleigh is progressing nicely after such a rocky start. The earrings are great--love the coiling for the nest. And I look forward to seeing what you make with the owl.

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  10. Your story is a testiment to hope, love and endurance. Am sure your precious treasure with cherish her treasure from you forever.

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  11. Congrats on such a beautiful daughter. Lovely earrings and the owl should be an interesting piece.

    ~cryssT

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  12. Averleigh has the most amazing smile!

    I too have a premie (now 18 years old) who was born at 29.5 weeks. A good therapist (and a supportive Mom) is a blessing and can make all the difference in the life of a child. My son is at the top of his class and has been accepted to several outstanding Colleges with scholarships to boot. So, there is nothing that Averleigh can't do!

    I love your earrings and O.W.L.

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  13. My youngest daughter was preemie, so I know what you are going through, thankfully she has grown into a beautiful young woman as will your Averleigh. Your earrings are absolutely gorgeous and will be a much appreciated beautiful gift.

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  14. You have such a beautiful daughter who will go far in life with such a supportive mother. The earrings that you made for her therapist are just beautiful and hopefully you will show off the owl necklace when it is complete.

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  15. What a beautiful, inspiring story...and one that continues. Love both the earrings and the owl...cannot wait to see how everything turns out! Best to your and to your darling family. :)

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  16. Your story is amazing and so is your jewelry~ Thank you for sharing it with us. ...
    Peace and Love

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  17. What a beautiful little girl. The therapist will remember the 2 of you from this wonderful gift. I like the earrings too. Thanx for sharing your story with us.I made a necklace & earrings for my husband's wound care therapist after he was done.

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  18. Your daughter is precious, bringing an " ahh" from me when I looked at her picture! What a gift and a blessing! Thanks for sharing your story and I love the pieces you made!

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  19. Your daughter is perfectly beautiful! She is truly a miracle! I wish her much success and progress in her endeavors to overcome whatever obstacles lie before her! Gorgeous earrings too.

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  20. What a beautiful gift - sure to be treasured, as is your story. Brought back memories of our twin preemies, both under 2 pounds at birth. And now, 25 years later, both have flown the nest - one a teacher and one an engineer. What a beautiful way you've chosen to honor those who are supporting Averleigh's journey.

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  21. Beautiful - what a gift your daughter is! Your earrings are so sweet - I'd love to see the finished OWL piece.

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  22. A touching story and beautiful earrings, and Averleigh is one lucky little girl to have you as her Mom!

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  23. Such an uplifting story! So happy to see the beautiful little girl she is today! I can only imagine the struggles she (and YOU!) have had to face along the way. Thank you for sharing this with us. Continued good health and growth to your beautiful little girl.

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  24. The range of touching stories I've read so far in this hop...is over whelming. From the very Young, to the Old and dear and even pets too. Your earrings and the meaning they posses...priceless.
    Enjoy the hop
    Hugs
    Terri G.

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  25. Beautiful earrings, and an even more beautiful tribute to Awesome Averleigh! The pictures are amazing...she's beautiful.

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  26. Oh, I feel with you :0) Your Averleigh is such a darling! Enjoy every minute with your little sunshine, I'm sure she will love her earrings!

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  27. Thanks for sharing your story about your beautiful Averleigh. Enjoy all those moments with her. She'll grow up all too fast.

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  28. What a beautiful story and she looks like such a happy, happy little girl. You must be doing something amazingly right!

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  29. What a beautiful story and your little Averleigh is sooo cute. Also, I loved your jewelry piece.

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  30. What a pheonimial story - and your method of telling it is so special! Love the eggs....LOVE the O.W.L.! And by the way, I LOVE your daughter's name!

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  31. Oh Miss Emma! That wee baby of yours is so precious. And just look at how vibrant and full of spunk she is now! I was born about a month early, weighed in at just about 5 pounds and my own babies were almost 8 and almost 10 pounds! I cannot imagine how terrifying that would have been. But I am so happy to see that she is thriving and what a wonderful person to thank. The woman who helps to give your girl her voice! A beautiful symbolic gift you are giving. Thank you for sharing your story. Enjoy the day. Erin

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  32. What an adorable idea! I also had an early baby, (not as early as yours!) and we have struggled with speech and other delays. I love the idea of thanking those therapists who have worked with us.

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  33. Your little girl is adoreable! Thank you so much for sharing your story; my son was a full month premature, so I have a smidgen of an idea what a miracle your baby is! Thanks for stopping by my blog and the compliments on my Talisman necklace.

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  34. Thank you for sharing your story of Averleigh...she is a sweet girl, and obviously a fighter. The Owl is perfect for her.

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  35. your story is heartwarming and overflows with positive energy and optimistic thoughts. I am sure your earrings will be well received. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  36. What a cutie-patootie she is! How healthy she looks today, such a miracle! My youngest had several years of speech therapy when she was a toddler, it made all the difference.

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  37. Beautiful job! Can't wait to see the finished gift.

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I'd love to hear what you think, thanks for taking the time to join in the conversation