I gave myself a very special Christmas gift this year. A bracelet. Not just any bracelet, it’s a bracelet that the famous French jeweler Van Cleef and Arpels made in l970. I was too young to be interested in jewelry then, but I saw one of these bracelets many years later, and have seen a few since at vintage jewelers, and because they are so rare, and were a limited edition, and have become a collectors’ item, they were out of my budget. A few months ago, my daughter who is the fashion editor of a magazine told me she had read about it, and that Van Cleef was making another limited edition of the famous bracelet, at a normal price, not the price I’d seen over the years in fancy vintage stores. And I called the store in Paris and immediately ordered one for me, and for each of my daughters. (Once again, it’s a limited edition, and I believe there are between 50 and 100 being made, and they won’t make any more after that). It’s not a fancy, jazzy bracelet, there are no diamonds on it. It’s a beautiful, very simple bracelet with a great message on it, kind of a good luck charm. I’ve always wanted it, and I love both art and jewelry that involves words, or a message. (I have a wonderful gold link bracelet with one word engraved on each link, like ‘love’, ‘laughter’, ‘harmony’, ‘friendship’, all the good things in life that make us happy.) » read more »

Hi everyone,

Well the New Year is underway, and I hope it’s off to a good start for you.

I was reading something the other day, and came across a little phrase that I really liked. I was reading a religious magazine, which I often do, to get back on track, or if I am stressed, tired, or feeling anxious, it reassures and relaxes me. Whatever works, for each of us. And that works for me. And as I was reading, a simple sentence jumped out at me right off the page. (The other phrase that jumped out at me and I loved was one that I firmly believe: “A good marriage is the union of two good forgivers”. I firmly believe that forgiveness is essential to any good relationship, whether romantic, familial, or even business, or between 2 friends. Forgiveness is essential). » read more »