An excerpt from a recent letter to my friend:
"Yes, these are my pieces from Sacred Stones. I import antique (used) rosaries from Europe and Canada and "change them up". Used? Because I love the thought of someone praying on them, the energy that must have been imparted to them that still remains and I love the idea of up-cycling. Don't we always have some piece of jewelry in our drawers that belonged to Grandma or a gift someone gave us, that just doesn't seem to be a fit the way is it and every time we see it sitting there a little pang of guilt goes “clunk”?
That's why I change them up! I may remove or put on something that speaks in broader spiritual terms than the original Catholic designation and use of a Rosary ie. I may add pearls and a carved Buddha or an bronze Om pendant or a silver moon and stars or a Goddess symbol with hand blown glass beads or a Tibetan prayer box. Sometimes in addition to the Jesus on the crucifix I might add a Tinkerbell or some other item from nature. To me, Nature, Buddha, Tinkerbell and Jesus are all magic and wondrous, just in different ways. Each one in itself speaking differently to the wearer.
My intention is to have you be inspired to revisit your current spirituality. To really look, and see where you are "today" with it vs. what was inherited from your family or friends along the way. I'm not out to change anyone's current beliefs, but provide the opportunity to have one become "present" (again) to the spiritual being that one is. Revisit, renew or reinvent or just like it because you do!
The Twisted Sister line, is all Peace sign oriented, using copper, brass, silver, pewter and pearls. Each Peace sign is hand wrapped with metal wire and adornments and I either use African Trade beads for the chain or pearls or what ever I’m called to use to have the piece “sing”.
On a more personal note; Yes, we have seven kids between my hubby and I. I have two older girls in their 20’s who I’ve raised since they were 4 and 5, they live and go to school in Santa Barbara. I’m immensely proud of them. My husband has a son who is 12 and he is with us half time He is a true delight!
We also sponsor four young boys (ages 10-12) from Uganda, who lived with us this last summer. They had been given up for adoption by their remaining family members (if they actually had any remaining, Uganda is a very violent place, also it has one of the highest incidences of AIDS in the world). They lived with us for two weeks and in that short time, we fell in love with them and knew in our hearts that they were meant to be our children. They returned to Uganda in Feb. 2010 after touring the U.S. with the Matsiko Choir, which is part of the International Children's Network. ICN, runs the orphanage where they live and are schooled until they leave to go to college.
They will not be able to return here for another 4 years, if at all if they are above the age of 14. Uganda is very strict about child trafficking, so they limit the number of times and well as the ages children can come and go from the country until they are adults. We sponsor them in their room, board, medical expenses and schooling all they way through college. They are being raised to be the future leaders of Uganda.
The initial funds earned from sale of Sacred Stones and Twisted Sister pieces go to support them each month. Tyler and I are looking forward to the day when we can go volunteer at their orphanage. I better hurry up though , my heart breaks a little more every day that I am away from them...
SO, that's us in a nut shell. One big unbelievably happy diverse and blended family! Thank you for letting me share my life and love with you.
I love you madly, always have and I will always have you right here in my heart....”
Linda
