Friendships

Heart pendant- Lynn Davis

I've been thinking a lot about friendship lately. Joe and I have lived in the Mohawk Valley for a long time now. We moved here right out of college and found work right away. As adults, I have to say, it hasn't been easy finding deep and meaningful friendships. Yes, we've made friends, and have great acquaintances with people we've worked with over the years. But I'm talking about a different kind of friendship. Friendships where there is a connection.

Growing up, I was lucky to find a connection with my best friend Rosie. We met in the 4th grade. We were inseparable until we went to college. Now we keep in touch every few weeks but months normally go by between visits. A few years ago, my friend Tara started working at the museum. I was overjoyed to have another young woman at the gallery that I could connect with on a different level. We found out soon after getting to know one another, that we have the same interests, but not only that, share the same birthday! We talked yesterday at lunch about how the fact that our birthday is the same, has to have something to do with the fact that there are many many similarities in the two of us. We love the same types of food. We have a lot of the same fears, and share a love of jewelry. Our family values are quite similar also!
I crave friendship. I emotionally feed off of connection with someone. I've always been a very open book. I let it all out there. Typically right away. A person has no choice but to decide at that point whether or not they want to make the commitment to be my friend. I don't know why I have this tendency to want to connect with people on a much higher personal level. Well, I know why, but won't get into all that here. That's what therapy is for. But here is my point.
Making jewelry is a fun hobby. It's a calming and also energizing craft all in one. And it provides me with a nice creative outlet. BUT. It's not about that for me. For me, making jewelry, and selling it, is about making connections with people.
I am so glad that I decided to sign up for Etsy that one day almost 3 years ago. It's not only been a good catalyst for my jewelry business, but the number of wonderful friends that I've met along the way, have made this journey so worth it.
So this post is about saying thank you. And it's a way for me to tell you, my customers, my blog readers, the ladies that admire my work, that are inspired by me, that leave little comments every day, that are concerned about me, my life, my leaky roof... THANK YOU.
I appreciate you all, every day. And it's important to me that you have all really made a HUGE difference in my life. I've created meaningful and deep friendships with so many of you and I just can't thank you enough. You have no idea what it means to me that I can sign onto my computer in the morning and immediately be uplifted by the littlest comment or email or convo. Thank you.

From the bottom of my heart.
xo

Comments

  1. Thank you for being You!
    xo

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  2. Lorelei, you have just made my day with such a thoughtful post. I really enjoy reading your blog and am happy I found it. I love how you talk about your work, your jewelry, and share little bits of your life with all of us. And your thoughts on freindship are very special. Thank you! Hugs, LeAnn

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  3. I'm proud and happy to consider you among my online friends, Lorelei, you are a treasure.

    And if you get a hankering to go west, young person, Saint Louis has someone who loves you!

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  4. what a wonderful post lorelei. I agree it is harder making friends as adults. I'm always thrilled to find a kindred spirit.

    sending hugs and warm thoughts your way!

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  5. Oh Lorelei you hit the nail on the head about the closenes. I know its hard. Bless you your Jewellery is lovely with its earthiness. I dont really know you but I hope to more so. I think your kinda special too! Your blog is always fresh like new fallen snow! Keep shining sister.
    x

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  6. My dear Lorelei you have spoken what I have been thinking the past few days. There must be something floating around the universe about how relationships are so important to us and our health. I am so like you.

    I love reading your blog every day and if you didn't post I would be missing you. Thank you for sharing your love and talent with us.

    Hugs - Lindy

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  7. Anonymous1/08/2009

    Lorelei
    Wow, I feel like I can really relate to your post....you've voiced some of my same thoughts. I think this is a huge reason I enjoy making jewelry as well...meeting all of the kind people along the way. Add me to the group that checks in with you every day....even though we've never met, you seem like such a sweet person; and of course your jewelry is so beautiful too!

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  8. Anonymous1/08/2009

    I am an avid reader of your blog although I rarely comment but I couldn't NOT leave a comment on this post. I share a lot of your same feelings. I am also very happy that I decided to open my Etsy shop because as a result I have made so many beautiful friendships! You are a friend...one who I look forward to hearing from :)

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  9. Hi Lorelei! Great post. I've found many online friends thru Etsy as well. Even though I make jewelry too, I'm still drawn to your designs. I am a big fan of artists supporting other artists, so I am never afraid to leave positive comments on your designs or anyone else's that I find appealing. I've found inspiration from your work. Your blog is the first one I read everyday and I enjoy what you have to share. Thanks!

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  10. Aaww - you just made my day :)
    I'm glad I have your pieces of jewelry and will think of our small connection every time I wear them. I'm sure we'd be good friends also, if it weren't for the distance.

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  11. Shnuggles! (that's a hug by the way!)

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  12. Aww! You all are so nice leaving these comments for me!!
    Even though I can't just call any of you up on a whim to head to the local Starbucks for a coffee or drop in to say to you, I know I can find you here, in internet land, and sometimes that's just as good. It's so good to have you.
    I'm so blessed.

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  13. Anonymous1/08/2009

    Hi Lorelei,

    I look forward to and read your blog everyday and find your words to be very uplifting. In fact, when you skip a day, I get cranky! I know what you mean about making friends as adults, it is difficult these days to make a deep connection. I have a few close friends, but would like to expand that number!

    Keep on posting and making your gorgeous jewelry...I look forward to your new creations and reading about your daily life. You are truly inspiring!
    Sharon

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  14. I do love your work and your blog and read every day too! I guess in this world, sometimes you do have to make "electronic" connections - I know I sound old, but it seems to be the way of the future - mostly computer communication! I am guilty of it with my friends who live nearby!

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  15. Beautiful post, Lorelei. I feel the same way. I remember back in 1993 trying to explain to someone how interesting the World Wide Web was (and I basically meant Usenet groups back then that I participated in through UNIX). The man in question, who ironically went on to become a hi tech lawyer, kept asking me "But what good is it? What can you do with it?" I think it's immensely satisfying to be able to use this modern technology to advance very personal goals and interactions. And handmade goods, too! As a stay-at-home Mom, it's saved my sanity. I love my son, but if I didn't have this daily connection to the outside world through beading and through the Internet, I think I would be climbing the walls by now. And having the opportunity to meet like-minded people is wonderful. Of course, my mother claims I am an "Internet addict", but that's a whole different story...

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  16. You and I are very similar also. I think we would get along great in the "real world". I'm so glad we met here in internet beading land! I love seeing all of your creative jewelry and I get a high seeing you make jewelry from my ceramic pendants and charms! It brings me so much joy! You've played a big role in my life. Encouraging me and inspiring me. I hope to meet you in person someday, but until then I look forward to sharing with you here and through the mail! :)

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