so,sherry :: the blog

My New Blog

2011-03-21T18:00:00.001-04:00

My new blog is up and running here:

http://sherrytruitt.com/blog/

I hope you'll stop by,
xoSherry

A New Beginning

2011-03-06T14:38:00.004-05:00

my true blue spirit level bracelet

"The key to change is....to let go of that fear.
-Roseanne Cash

My new website went live on Friday. Here's the full url: http://sherrytruitt.com It also incorporates a new Word Press blog and links to tumblr and flickr and most of the places you can find me. I'm still selling in my lovely little etsy shop too, in fact we will debut our housewares line there.
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I hope you'll visit me and bookmark my RSS feed. That's how I plan to keep up with your blogs.
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It's like that post I wrote last week about Driving Miss Daisy. It's simply time for me to be the driver.
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Life is Change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.
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Kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

A Sneak Peek

2011-03-01T17:57:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited to share the first item in my new line of housewares. It will probably be another week or two until they are available in my etsy shop or on the website. I just couldn't keep them under wraps any longer.

They're steel cabinet knobs or pulls, or as my six year old neighbor from across the street said, "cuff links for Babar". (I'm grooming her to do press for the business) Each knob has a recess which holds a vintage map and layers of fine resin. They come with two screws to provide the perfect fit. We're even doing knobs with antique German anatomy wood cuts we fell in love with.

I say" we", as in the my husband and I "we". We have so many plans and hopefully Bob will leave his marketing job in a few years and work full time with me in the business. He is a fine carpenter and we hope to offer shelves with our knobs as well.

We are prototyping other items in the line right now. Not much time for sleep, lots of time to dream.

It's a beautiful day on this first of March, hope you are kissing the ones you love,

xoSherry

Driving Miss Daisy

2011-02-22T09:58:00.003-05:00

Some days you will drive Miss Daisy. Those disparate elements on your bench will become a great piece. You will pack and ship and read all sorts of brilliance that will inspire you. You will go to the gym (foot of snow on the ground where I live) because you will feel better for having done it.
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Other days, you will be Miss Daisy. You will be the passenger. An unexpected snafu will take hours of your time. The code on your website will not be quite right and you will eat that second cookie. (metaphorically, or not)
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The key is to roll with it. To understand that you cannot be the driver every day, makes those times when you have to sit in the back seat just a little bit easier.
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Besides, isn't it easier to kiss the ones you love in the back seat?
xoSherry

Ella said it best

2011-02-20T08:12:00.000-05:00

mca music 1939 Ella Fitzgerald

T' aint what you do (It's the way that you do it)

I try to remember that every day.

In life.
In love.
In work.

Have an amazing day and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

Honeysuckle, who knew?

2011-02-16T10:06:00.003-05:00

When the winds were howling in January and the snow was higher than my dog, I was dreaming of Spring. I was dreaming of pink, not a normal color for me.

Little did I know, Pantone was also dreaming of pink. Honeysuckle, pink. Not that honeysuckle that grows among the pines in delicate shades of cream and yellow, but a lovely pink. It seems that the honeysuckle that grows in Russia is actually pink.

So, after the dreaming and a bit of scheming, I have a new banner on my website and in my etsy shop . The pink has even crept into my logo. I ordered new pink boxes to accompany the green along with some new floral tissue paper.

I was going to wait until the official first day of spring to unveil the new look, but the groundhog told me spring is just around the corner. So, today is the day.

Ah, spring.

Now, go kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

So, it appears my target market is

2011-02-14T06:50:00.003-05:00

just about everyone. Anecdotal experience, in a moment. If YOUR target market is narrow, well defined and that brings you more work than you can possibly dream of, then this post is not for you.
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I always get a little nervous inside when I'm told to figure out my target market. Pin it down, make things for them, advertise to bring in the right kind of buyers. Hmmm.
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Over the past 6 years I have learned that what I like to design and craft is what my customer likes to buy. I incorporate new lines now and then as well. Some work, some don't. My customers are tweens that buy Twilight map jewelry, brides to be, teachers, adventurers, lawyers and musicians. Couples that have adopted from a far away place and couples who are celebrating milestone anniversaries. They are cyclists and couch potatoes who somehow find meaning in my work.
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They are overwhelmingly female on etsy and overwhelmingly male on my website. (Yes, I do keep statistics) I once made a copper topped map necklace for a sweet man who told me that copper was for the 7th anniversary. 7 years married, how lovely. The man wrote later to tell me how much his wife loved the gift and also let me know she was 78 and he was 80.
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What works for me is casting a broad net. If I don't, I feel like I'm leaving someone out. I know it goes against popular advice, but there are other ways to look at things. Always.
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Perhaps I defy Madison Avenue, or perhaps I just like beating my own drum just a little bit more.
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No, I didn't forget it was Valentine's Day. Thanks for reading, now go kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

Snow Day!

2011-01-27T09:11:00.002-05:00

So, this is what it looks like at my house this morning. Click the photos to see the full effect.

My suggestion, hot chocolate and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Change Ahead

2011-01-24T22:36:00.005-05:00

They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
--Andy Warhol
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I would like to say that I am flexible, that I embrace change, but I do not. When I was thinking about writing this post, I asked my husband if I was good with change. Now, that is a loaded question to ask a man you have known for 25 years.
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"You are good with change when it is your idea, but it takes a lot of convincing when it is not." That's an understatement. He smiles, kisses me on the cheek and walks out of the room.
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I am learning that there is a fine line to be in control of your business and to be flexible at the same time. I'm not sure that my first instinct will ever be to embrace change, even when it is inevitable, but I'm working on it.
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It's a good exercise to give up a little control even when it's your name on the box. I'll let you know how it's going as the year progresses. I hope you'll let me know how it's going for you.
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So, until next time, kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

My Vintage Map Cuff Links in Bride's Magazine

2011-01-17T16:26:00.004-05:00

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So happy to see Sarah and Juan in the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Brides Magazine. They met on the F train in New York City. I crafted the cuff links from a vintage MTA map, highlighting the memorable stop. If you click on the photo, you can read the copy.

Ah, love,

xoSherry

Fits and Starts

2011-01-12T18:14:00.002-05:00

my true blue spirit level bracelet

So, Sherry, I thought you quit writing this blog. I see you are back. What's up?

Thanks for asking. When I decided to give up the blog, I felt a lot of pressure to write every day. The pressure was self imposed. I always loved writing it. I am one of those people who rarely runs out of ideas, but it really was taking up an extraordinary amount of time. Plus, the pundits were talking about backlinks and reciprocal mentions and then I just couldn't keep up.

The truth is, I missed writing it. I missed reading your comments and also your blog posts. So, I'm back. I probably won't write everyday and feel a great relief realizing that this is not necessary and I'm not all that interesting. (Even though my followers who left me are welcome back)

So, that's it for now. I hope you have wonderful plans for the new year. 12 days in and I'm still taking good care of myself. I'm contemplating the switch from being vegetarian to vegan (going on 3 days now) and doing some new work I'm excited about.

Now, I'm going to curl up in bed with my favorite present, a NOOK color. It's almost as good as, well you know....

Read a bit and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

New bicycles

2011-01-11T11:22:00.002-05:00

Even in the dead of winter, I'm dreaming of new bicycles. How cool are these?

Now, put down that cookie and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

photo credits: a beautiful life

George Clooney is watching

2011-01-10T07:19:00.004-05:00

I did not think any news story could make my heart sing like the release of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi, but this just might be the one.

The eyes of the world are on the Sudan as January's referendum on independence makes a new round of atrocities likely. This time the world will be watching. Clooney and John Prendergast ( who has 25 years of experience in Africa) have a plan for accountability. Why not, Clooney asks, " work out some sort of a deal to spin a satellite" above the Sudan and let the world watch and see what happens?

The Satellite Sentinel Project is about to go live. Harvard University, The UN, and The Enough Project* along with private funds Clooney has raised, have hired private satellites to monitor troop movements. I hope to have a website link for you in a few days.

It will remind the leaders of northern and southern Sudan they are being watched. Clooney said, " We are the antigenocide paparazzi." He wants them to enjoy the level of celebrity attention he usually gets. If you know your actions are going to be covered, you tend to behave differently than when you operate covertly.

Can you imagine if satellites had been in El Salvador, or Auschwitz or Iraq? Countries, presidents, citizens who do not choose to act cannot say they didn't know. The whole world will be watching.

I think this is brilliant. I pray that it works. I pray for peace.

xoSherry

* The Enough Project is the human rights arm of the Center for American Progress.

My favorite vegan recipe for Mary and Tim

2011-01-07T18:40:00.008-05:00

I think it's hard, and admirable to abruptly make a dietary change. I became a vegetarian slowly, over the course of a year (many years ago) I am also a vegan from time to time, but have not committed fully, although I would like to at some point. The key for me was a paradigm shift in the way I thought about and prepared our food. I didn't like anything that simulated the texture of meat, I still don't. It's a challenging way to live, especially in the winter. But, we've adapted....and always keep hummus in the fridge!

Mary and Tim have challenged themselves to eat a vegan diet for 12 days. So, this, my favorite recipe is my gift to them. It's a vegan spinach quiche dish that I prepare in a whole wheat pastry crust. It is so versatile, though, that you can also roll it in little balls and bake on a cookie sheet as appetizers. I then serve it with a sauce of spicy mustard mixed with agave syrup.

Vegan Spinach Quiche

1 lb chopped fresh spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 chopped red onion
10-12 oz firm tofu
1/2 cup soy or almond milk
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
sea salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic
1/2 lb sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/4 cup oven toasted pine nuts
pinch of saffron for color

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake pie shell for 10 minutes and let cool.
2. Steam fresh chopped spinach for 5 minutes. Press or drain the water from the spinach.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and saute mushrooms, garlic and onions. Add spinach and remove from heat. Add salt and pepper and dry mustard.
4. In a blender mix the tofu, milk and saffron until creamy.
5. Mix everything together, pour in the pie crust and sprinkle the pine nuts on top,
6. Bake 35-40 minutes until it is set and lightly golden brown on top.

I promise you won't miss the cheese! I've even used this as spinach burgers and Bob has grilled them. I also make it with a brown basmati rice crust.

Eat hearty and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

tectonics cufflinks - new in the shop

2011-01-02T12:45:00.006-05:00

New in the shop , tectonic plate cuff links. Perfect for a geologist, civil engineer, or just a guy who has rocks in his head!

xoSherry

2011

2011-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

from tumblr.....reblogged 39,808 times

I Believe

2010-12-31T07:58:00.002-05:00

I believe that a drop in the bucket of change has a ripple effect.
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I believe that the little voice inside has all the answers you will ever need. Let it guide you.
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I believe that one day differences that divide us will be celebrated and honored.
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I believe that in my lifetime there will be world peace.
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Happy New Year, my friends.

So, tonight, dance and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

Just Dance, I love this song!

2010-12-22T19:19:00.001-05:00

Have Grace and Hit Pause

2010-12-21T09:29:00.003-05:00

The last of my holiday packages are now at the post office, soon to be in the hands of my lovely customers. Heather's wedding cuff links have arrived in the UK amidst dicey, snowy conditions. I didn't mix up any packages this year ( you may remember last year's United Arab Emirates/ Edinburgh Scotland snafu)

Our beautiful Christmas tree is up and drinking water. Well, either that or Zorro thinks it is his new improved water bowl. My guys strung the lights last night and I'll finish up the decorations today.

I have a scathingly brilliant business idea for the New Year (thanks to Patty Duke reruns, that is my favorite word) but for now, I'm just letting it gel in my mind and will let Mark Zuckerberg have his moment in the sun.

Because, I am having grace for the wonderful year I have had, and will take pause to enjoy the toys Santa may bring me.

Hope your Holiday Season is filled with joy and love and a little snow.

Thanks for each and every time you read my posts and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Happy Hanukkah

2010-12-01T09:23:00.003-05:00

Wishing you peace and joy this season.

Just wondering

2010-11-29T12:53:00.006-05:00

I have been wondering today, which is something I do when I feel stressed over the amount of work I need to accomplish in the next few weeks, that perhaps 2011 might become the "Year of Privacy." What do you think?

Bob and I went to see "The Social Network" I liked it very much, but was it not lost on anyone else, that Marc Zuckerberg stole this idea from someone else? That the whole idea for facebook and the social frenzy the world has whipped upon itself was based on an idea that belonged to someone else?

I've been connecting, in a very real way to my customers since I started my business. My work already tells a story and the pieces are born from the dreams of weddings and anniversaries and children adopted from far off places. My jewelry makes those memories real. The connections I have with those people are real.

I think the blah blah blah of Facebook and Twitter are the antithesis of real connection.

While I'm wondering and thinking, I'm going outside to rake some leaves on this beautiful fall day. Then, I'm going to make some more jewelry and print shipping labels until the wee hours of the morning. Life is good.

I hope you are kissing the ones you love,

xoSherry

ps. do you think it's coincidence that there are 13,900 results for "assbook?" :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T10:50:00.003-05:00

Handpainted Beauty~ photo credit and artist unknown, sorry.

A Prayer for Kathy

2010-10-26T22:11:00.003-04:00

I'm writing tonight to ask you to say a prayer for our friend Kathy Her good friend Angela contacted me tonight and told me Kathy just found out she has a brain tumor. They are going to see a specialist tomorrow and once Angela lets me know what course of action will be taken, I'll let you know.

She has a beautiful grandson, her first, who is just 4 weeks old. You may also remember her because she brought so many people together who chipped in for a necklace for her friend Nancy (who had lost her husband) when she didn't win my giveaway.

So, tonight, a little prayer and some good wishes for Kathy, please. If you'd like to send a note or a card just convo me and I'll send you her address.

Kiss the ones you love, and hold them tight,
xoSherry

The Sweet Middle

2010-10-23T16:20:00.004-04:00

hand crafted love buttons from my etsy shop

I think I've found the sweet middle between blogging and remaining silent (impossible for me)

I hope you'll follow me on tumblr: http://sosherry.tumblr.com I'll be sure to follow you back.

Hope you've been kissing the ones you love,

Sherry

Rage and Social Media

2010-10-01T08:54:00.003-04:00

No, I didn't even make it a month away. I thought about posting a number of times and chose to ride my bike or work at the bench or tell my husband instead. This is different.

Last week a freshman at Rutgers University, Tyler Clementi, committed suicide by jumping off the GW Bridge. He was 18. My son is considering attending that school. He has friends there, and knows a girl who lived in Tyler's dorm. It has hit us close to home.

It seems that 2 of his dorm mates streamed video across the internet of Tyler, in his room, with another guy. They are charged with invasion of privacy and likely, bias crime.

I am completely baffled by the lack of boundaries that social media encourages. The availability and ease of technology changes people's attitudes towards privacy and dignity in the social networking arena.

I see a decreased level of empathy, and what really frightens me is the level of intimacy people have on line with strangers, people they don't know at all.

Mostly though, I am thinking about my son and the world we live in. I am also thinking about Tyler's mom and dad and the grief just overwhelms me.

Kiss the ones you love, and hold them tight today,
xoSherry

So long for now.....

2010-09-06T22:54:00.004-04:00

I thought about just walking away. But, I have too much respect for you, my dear readers to do that. I didn't make this decision in haste, but rather thoughtfully over the past month until I was sure. This will be my last post.
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It's been an adventure for me to write this blog, to be more public with my feelings and opinions than I ever thought possible. Sometimes that's exhilarating, sometimes exhausting. Yet, always thought provoking.
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It doesn't mean I don't want to hear from you, I do. This is the contact form on my website. Need help, have a great story or just want to chat? Write me and I'll send you my email.
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http://sherrytruitt.com/contact
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Sometimes to make room for the things you love, you have to give up the things you like.

Kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

ps If George Clooney ever wears my cuff links on David Letterman, I will be back to tell you!

Balance? Not always.

2010-09-06T06:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Labor Day. Hope you are enjoying this glorious weather with friends and family. That's my plan for later today. This morning though, I'm working. Why? Because I want to. I feel recharged after a stellar vacation and I am bursting with ideas and pieces that have to be completed.

I've been thinking about balance and trying to look at it in a bigger picture sort of way. When you work for yourself it is a luxury to structure your time in a way that fits you best. Of course there are deadlines, commission work, unexpected family issues. For the most part, though, you are steward of your time. I'm using mine wisely.

So, what I've been practicing this past week is flexibility more than balance. Sometimes I like working with a sense of urgency that enhances my creative spirit. Other times I am slow and methodical.

I don't always have to go to the post office in the afternoon or ride my bike (yea, for cooler weather) in the morning. I've stopped making those long" to do" lists.

Sometimes just a little flexibility opens up the possibility of an experience your never thought about. Make your heart beat faster, take a risk. That's my plan, and the sky's the limit.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Hello?

2010-09-03T06:00:00.002-04:00

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The Medium is the Message.

With thanks to Marshall McLuhan, who shaped much of my thought about the media during my college years. This is the phrase that McLuhan coined, meaning that the form of a medium, embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived.

I think this is why I often shudder at the thought of twitter and facebook as viable exchange.

OK, enough thinking. It's a lovely, long holiday weekend, so start kissing the ones you love,

xoSherry

Vintage Marries Modern

2010-09-02T09:06:00.009-04:00

my original work, my photos!

About 3 years ago, I stumbled upon the find of the century at an estate sale. It was a large manila envelope filled with 1000's of vintage advertising stamps printed in Eastern Europe. There were stamps of trolleys, vespas, odd autos, planes and dozens of styles of bicycles. It was calling my name.

About a month ago I started using those stamps in my jewelry. We've dated the stamps by virtue of the transportation and illustration styles to the early 1960's. They have to be carefully preserved prior to setting them in sterling and then pouring the layers of resin. I've been making cuff links and tie tacks as well as necklaces and earrings.

Cool, right? The jewelry has been flying off the shelves to homes around the world and I couldn't be more pleased.

Take a little ride today and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Nice to see you all!

2010-08-30T06:32:00.008-04:00

Cape May 8.22.10 about 7:00AM

I think I've found the Secret. No, not that Secret. I think the key to a truly meaningful life is to take the way you feel on day 3 of vacation, hold it close and don't forget the feeling. Incorporate it into your every day life.

Stuff will happen that you didn't plan and you will work many 14 hour days. But you will be doing work you love and you will have balance. You steer your own destiny, and that is a privilege.

We are sitting on the porch of our beach cottage on some white wicker furniture with black and while toille print cushions. It was as idyllic as you might surmise. It was the end of day 3. My husband leaned in for a kiss or some sweet words , I thought. Instead he said " You know those lines on your brow are gone, hon." I just simply burst out laughing, but he was right.

I wasn't watching, but I hope you kissed the ones you love,

xoSherry

Cape May

2010-08-13T06:01:00.004-04:00

photos by me

It's been grand, see you in September, my friends.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Why, on Wednesday

2010-08-11T08:20:00.003-04:00

Help me out, folks. There is a trend I've been seeing I don't understand. Bloggers are writing and then closing comments to their posts. Why? I only stumbled upon it when I tried to reply to a post I read about the downfall of newspapers.

Oh, you can tweet it, click the dumb thumb (oh, was that snarky?) and tell others you like it. But if you want to have actual discourse, engage with other commenters with a different point of view, no, it's not going to happen.

I'm not going to use any adjectives to describe the writer or this trend, not yet. I want to hear from you, oh wise readers, first. Why?

Then you can kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

2010-08-10T06:40:00.007-04:00

In a shorter version, I have posted part of this entry before. The piece in it's entirety was to have been published elsewhere. However, that does not appear likely. Hmmm.

In any event, I wanted to post it all for two reasons. First, because I think it explains a little bit about who I am and why I write. Second, because I make things for a living, I don't make a living telling you how to make a better business. I write anecdotally.

I once worked in an office on the 13th floor in a building where the windows didn't open to let in air, light or creativity. I stayed too long. Until one day I knew that if I didn't take a leap of faith and manage my own destiny I would suffocate. Was I afraid? What do you think?

Here's what I did: I've always had an unconventional approach to life. I have that same approach to jewelry design. I love the juxtaposition of everyday objects with sterling silver, so they become wearable art. I love the Japanese concept of wabi sabi, the beauty of imperfection.

I knew in a moment I could make this work, run a business and become self sufficient. With many long days into nights and a steep learning curve, I took a fledgling business in my attic studio to a placement of my jewelry in People magazine.

So, here are the 9 things I've learned in no particular order to guide me on my journey. Why no #10? Because someone always has a better #10, and I want to save room for that.

1. Sometimes when you are really busy, you will not be organized. You will do what is required to get through the day, keep your customers happy, and that will be enough.

2. No is an answer AND a complete sentence.

3. People tell you who they are. Don't try to read more into something that is not there. Usually, there is no hidden meaning.

4. Listen to your heart and trust your gut. What comes to mind first is most often the truth (see #3.)

5. Don't save intimacy for the weekends. Seriously, don't. Many smart people pay little heed to this. They do not mention living a rich and full and balanced life. It recharges you. It reminds you what you are doing this all for.

6. 1% of your customers will bring you angst. Do what you can to fix it, or you will spend 99% of your energy on that 1%. Do you have that kind of time?

7. Do good work. Do it with honor and dignity.

8. Have grace, It will save you when you screw up, and you will. It will also keep you humble.

9. Give back. Your choice. I choose KIVA. There is no better way for me to give back than to support emerging businesses around the world.

I'm honored you stayed with me for such a long post, now go kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Whatcha Readin' ?

2010-08-09T05:55:00.003-04:00

I'm looking for some great suggestions for a few books to take along on vacation. I've seen some books on your blog sidebars from time to time and now I can't think of a single thing to buy.

Just to let you know: I read non-fiction and biographies most of the school year. Isn't it funny how we still divide our year that way. So, none of those, please.

My favorite authors are: Alice Hoffman, John Cheever, Kurt Vonnegut and John Updike. I've read everything they've ever written.

I think I'm looking for contemporary engaging fiction. If you want to tell me why you are choosing a particular book, I'd love to know.

Thanks, and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Lemonade, part 3

2010-08-06T17:13:00.004-04:00

I'll be brief. This time my lemonade is for a Friday afternoon if you know what I mean. I know, I didn't intend for there to be a part three.
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Thank you all for reading, joining my blog, posting in the fora at etsy and sending me convos and emails. Well, thanks to most of you.
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You see, I've angered some blog writers who rely on the income from your ads. I've blown their cover with some research and facts. They don't like it. But if you read the post comments and the over 200 responses in the business section of the fora, you will see I am not alone. In fact, it was also pointed out to me, that more people than ever read blogs via an RSS feed and see content only, no ads.
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So, the decision is yours of course, as an artist in business, to spend your advertising dollars wisely to make your business grow. That I've angered some people in the process (who will now never feature me, who didn't feature me in the first place) tells me one thing, I'm on to something.
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That's the last word I'm going to say about it, it's the weekend, and we've got some loved ones that need kissing,
xoSherry

Would you like a little SPAM with that?

2010-08-06T05:29:00.002-04:00

This is SPAM too funny not to share. I don't eat meat, let alone SPAM. Every month my virus protection program sends me a report of all the emails they've captured because they think they are spam. I know I'm supposed to go through that folder, but I usually don't, I just delete.

Last night, I decided to go through it. Dozens of emails for erectile dysfunction and other drugs, on line banking and land opportunities around the globe.

One ad caught my eye in particular, "pills for passion beyond your wildest dreams, the exact formula Woodrow Wilson used to use. " Wow, really?

Now don't go calling your loved one, Woodrow by mistake.

Have an awesome weekend and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

My favorite poet

2010-08-04T06:34:00.003-04:00

Sonnet XVII~ Pablo Neruda

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz, or arrow of carnations that

propagate fire: I love you as certain dark things are loved, secretly, between

the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries hidden within itself the light of those flowers, and thanks to your love, darkly in my body

lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,

I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I don't

know any other way of loving.

but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is

my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

More than lemonade, part 2

2010-08-03T06:16:00.014-04:00

This time I even brought cookies. So, where do I advertise? First, I think about what I'm creating and who will buy it. My target market doesn't generally share demographics, so much as the memories that places evoke. That means young brides and grooms as well as adoptive families and people who just love travel and adventure.

I don't want my ads where people are selling the same thing. My map necklaces are my best seller. So, after a long search, I found a cooking and travel website that accepts only 4 ads. All of them were for travel tours and cooking schools.

I thought, people that like to travel and attend cooking schools abroad, might like a memory of their vacation. How about a vintage map necklace? Voila! I placed an ad, waited my turn and they ran it for 2 months. The response was amazing. I'll probably go back to that site again next year.

I also have a small niche of bicycle jewelry. For months I searched for affordable ads on a bike related site. Affordable? Most were not. Then I stumbled upon a bicycle blog. He's snarky and insightful and has had over 100,000 hits to his blog. He graciously took my ad, and except for the 2 commercial mainstream skyscraper ads, I have little competition. You can't beat that.

If you are just starting out and have little to spend, I highly recommend playbills from your local college or high school. People tend to keep them awhile and love to purchase from someone local. I never invite anyone to my home, I just say I'm not zoned for that. I'll usually meet them at the post office. I don't want to sit and have coffee with them either.

What I didn't say yesterday was that I twice placed one of those small sidebar ads. I even paid extra for one of the top three spots both times. My google analytics were enough to make you cry. In the entire month I had 70 and 103 hits from those sites. And not once was the 10% off coupon I offered used, Not once. Lesson learned.

I know there are thousands of talented blog writers who can tell you how to run a better business, where to advertise, how to market your work and where to sell it. After all, it is the telling that is how they make their living. Some of them are really smart and do it well, most do not. I believe at some point you have had to sell a tangible thing to understand the complexity of selling art and craft.

They are your dollars and your business, choose wisely. Being an artist in business is not an easy path, and I want you to keep what you earn. Need some help trying to figure out what might be right for you? Just ask, no I don't charge. I make my living as a jewelry artist not as a disseminater of business acumen.

I could go on and on, but I know your ice is melting and your loved ones need kissing,

xoSherry

More than lemonade

2010-08-02T06:16:00.002-04:00

Oh, is she going to talk business? Yes. Just for a moment, and you can drink your lemonade while I talk. Yes, I know it's summer, but fall will be here before you know it. If you are planning any advertising for your business, now is the time to think about it.
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I don't pay for a lot of ads, I am fortunate to have some editorial mentions, and well, I am just plain cheap. Research costs nothing but a little time and I'm going to share that with you.
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I love lots of popular blogs and they won't like what I am about to say. Those sidebar ads that run hundreds of dollars a month don't work. They are tiny, there are 20-30 on each page, and folks don't click and buy.
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How do I know this? For three months, I've stalked 4 popular blogs with etsy shop ads as well as commercial websites. I've kept track of the number of sales the etsy shops had before and after. There was no measurable increase in the amount of sales in over 70 shops I watched. Fully 30% of the shops had less than 10 sales that month.
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I know this isn't scientific, but it was enough to convince me. We sell impulse items. Will customers bookmark and return later? Perhaps. But not to justify an ad budget like that that.
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What do you think? Where do you advertise, or do you?
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Tomorrow, I'll be back to tell you what DOES work for me.
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Until then, close your wallet and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

20 more days....

2010-07-30T05:22:00.002-04:00

cape may 2009

....until vacation. I have never worked this many hours for this many weeks.

20 more days until my toes squish in the cold wet sand.

20 more days until my husband smiles and sighs and I sigh right back and we don't need to say a word.

20 more days until we ride our bikes where the cars give us respect, where men tip their hats and hold hands with the women they've loved for 40 years.

Have a lovely weekend and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T08:07:00.002-04:00

taken 7.28.10

The Burqa in France

2010-07-27T05:27:00.003-04:00

About 2000 women, of France's estimated 5 million Muslims wear the Islamic burqa. Yet, this micro-minority so alarms the fractious politicians of France, that they have united to fight it.
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On July 13,2010 the National Assembly passed a draft law (335 to 1) declaring no one in a public space may wear clothing to hide the face, no matter what religion.
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They are bullies in number. Not one the the 2000 women were asked if she felt oppressed, they were not asked anything. It was just decided for them.
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The worst of the intolerance came from Jean-Francois Cope, the Assembly Majority Leader, who said, " How can you establish a relationship with a person who, by hiding a smile or a glance...refuses to exist in the eyes of others?"
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To which Bobby Ghosh, author, replied," If veiled Frenchwomen are forced to reveal their faces, will people like Cope hide theirs, in shame?"
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While the work I do requires me at times to live an insular life, I have simply neglected thinking about injustice in the world around me. My wake up call was last week. I may wear my heart on my sleeve, but I feel alive again.
xoSherry

Jon and Kate

2010-07-26T05:31:00.001-04:00

No, not that Jon and Kate. The young groom, pictured above, purchased my map cuff links for his wedding almost 2 months in advance. He was so nice to work with. Then, weeks later ( and after saving his money) he decided to order pairs for his 4 groomsmen.
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He sent the photos along with a lovely thank you. Ah, love.
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It's a nice way to start the week. So, kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-07-23T07:35:00.004-04:00

"Atticus told me to delete the adjectives and I'd have the facts" --Harper Lee

Whenever the forces of injustice confront me, I read this book. It happens more often than I'd like to admit. Still, I turn the last page and every time I have a feeling of hope.

I collect different editions of this book and wonder about the previous readers of that particular book. Mostly, I wonder how they ever let it go.

Here's to a weekend of less thinking, more kissing (the ones you love, of course),

xoSherry

The Clay Thrower

2010-07-21T08:53:00.005-04:00

Did you every get on a catalog mailing list and wonder why? Maybe those marketers who surreptitiously drop cookies when you buy on line know you better than you think.
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Yesterday I got an L.L.Bean Hunting catalog in the mail. Pacifist, that I am, hunting for mushrooms or moss is about as risque as I get. I decided to look through it anyway before I threw it in the recycle bin.
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And, there it was, the Do-All Three-Quarter Clay Thrower. I have, in all honesty, always been fascinated with those clay pigeon throwers. I find myself excited by the description. "Throws all 5 clay types as singles or stacked doubles" Who knew there were 5 types?
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Having a lot of pent up frustration lately (see previous 1001 posts), I start thinking this could be fun. So, I set the catalog on the table, opened to page 20, next to my husband's dinner. Cool, isn't it, Bob?
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I have a husband who takes everything I say literally, at first. "Honey, you can't set one of those up in the yard, you need an open field." Oh. And, "Sherry, you need a gun. You don't have a gun. " Oh, yea.
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I do, though, have a bright yellow bow and some arrows on a shelf in the basement. I even think we still have a target somewhere in the garage. And that my friends, sounds like a plan.
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Duck, if you are in my neighborhood today and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

ps They have some awesome hats in that catalog!

What's a hand crafter to do?

2010-07-19T08:30:00.007-04:00

There is no going back. This is what I do for a living, it feeds my soul, it feeds my family. The pitfalls are deep, the rewards are as high as the clouds in the sky. Now it's time to look for the balance and some middle ground.

I've been whiny lately. I know sometimes you cannot escape feeling that way, but you have to stop at some point and move on, suck it up, make a new plan and remember why you are an artist in the first place.

A lot of stuff has happened in the last few months. I lost a magazine placement through no fault of my own, I've had my work and photos copied by both individuals and a company. I have factory jewelry sold along side of my own for half the price purporting to be hand made. My customers ask why.

After shutting off the computer for a day and a half, this is what I've learned. I'm resilient. Dish it out. I can take it. I'm not going anywhere.

I learned I have a reputation. Why didn't I know that? I learned that both my work and what I say is respected. I have been tweeted about, written about on the forums of 3 different ecommerce websites and have an email from a magazine writer I have yet to respond to.

I think discourse is fine, I relish a difference of opinion. But most of all I value integrity, the joy of creating work that is mine alone and a husband and son I adore.

I look forward today, instead of back, and I wish the same for you, my friends.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

The Bat Hat

2010-07-16T05:36:00.002-04:00

About 5 weeks ago my husband and I started to walk in the evening. It isn't a substitute for regular exercise, although it's made a difference in my legs. We still cycle and my husband swims every morning at 5:30.

It's more of a winding down walk around the park close to our home. Yes, it is the same park "where I passed a boy " and I liked it last summer. No matter which paths we take through the park it's a 43 minute walk. Not to say we are creatures of habit or anything.

My husband gets home late and eats dinner first, so part of the walk is the dark. As, it's gotten warmer though, the bats are flying lower in the sky. Yikes! Sometimes I feel like they're swooping only inches from my head. We see other walkers now and then, but they aren't bothered by the bats.

Last week, I started wearing this hat, my bat hat. I feel invincible with my bat shield. I may have been bat girl in a former life. I also carry a tiny red flashlight, but of course bats can't see and operate by sonar or radar or something I should have paid better attention to in school. All I know is that bats are everywhere in New Jersey, and I'm just finding this out!

It's our wedding anniversary this weekend, so I'm planning on some kissing. I hope you are planning the same. Have a wonderful few days,

xoSherry

On so many Levels

2010-07-12T05:08:00.001-04:00

Update: You are all so amazing, I've left comments for each of your thoughtful posts!

Even if you've only known me a short time, you know I am enamoured by levels. In some way, they have become a metaphor for my life. I love the catchy phrases, "level the playing field" or "keep your life in balance". Have any more?

So when my husband brought home this vintage wooden level holder, with 3 glass levels inside I was so pleased. I have a small collection of vintage level oddities. I can only imagine the crafts person that used this in his/her work and what they made.

It was particularly appropriate since I had some bad level news on Friday. Ian, my level guy from Europe told me that the "overseas" factory that wanted to copy my level necklaces finally put in an order for 2500 levels. His boss said, "Sell them, business is business".

Sad as that makes me, I am thinking of the young people who will be working in a factory producing copies of my designs for endless hours a day. That enrages me.

When they hit the stores, I may buy a few, set them in the parking lot and run over them with my car. No, I'm not always nice.

But, I always kiss the ones I love. A lot.

xoSherry

ps Thanks for stopping by my blog today, it means a lot, always.

Lighter Fare

2010-07-08T18:18:00.001-04:00

for summer.

the blue vespa now available in my shop.

I'm still working everyday, filling orders, filling note books with new ideas. But it is summer after all, and I catch myself quite often dreaming of the sea and riding around Rome on the back of a small blue Vespa.

So, I'm going to slow things down a bit. Perhaps only a few posts a week of lighter fare. I have lots of posts about business I'd love to share, but I'm putting them in one of my new folders for now. Yes, as a matter of fact I did a great job of decluttering my house and I plan to keep at that way.

I'm also excited to share some news about a new venture. My talented friend Cat Ivins and I will be joining forces to write a new blog touching on the many things we already write/whine/dream about. We hope you'll join us in the fall. We're very excited about it.

Just one more thing before you kiss the ones you love. Can you help me find my purple iPod? I think I organized a little too much. :)

xoSherry

Celebrate

2010-07-04T11:20:00.003-04:00

Happy long weekend! Hope you are reading this under a tree, on the beach or snuggled up in bed (it's night time somewhere, or....) Enjoy the fire works, the 2nd day of Le Tour de France and the ones you love.

Kiss them, I'll wait,

xoSherry

Black and White

2010-07-01T05:33:00.002-04:00

new work from my bench

....with shades of gray.

The black and white collection was inspired by a groom from a "famous" family who wanted to please his bride. Eclipsed only by the stunning black and white cake (photos in my shop) the vintage map cuff links, lapel pins and necklaces for the attendants were, I've been told, the hit of the wedding.

A perfectly classic look for any elegant occasion. Available in my shop later today.

Thanks for stopping by before you kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Monopoly Houses for KIVA

2010-06-28T05:29:00.007-04:00

Whether I have worked for someone else or run my own business, I have been privileged to support many causes. None, however closer to my heart than KIVA Through loans, not grants, Kiva assists entrepreneurs in emerging countries with start up capital to become independent successful business owners. Kiva promotes dignity, accountability and transparency.

Please click the KIVA sidebar to the right and you'll see the 15 amazing women I have been fortunate to become involved with since 2008.

Summer is a notoriously slow time for gift giving, so I came up with this idea. Purchase a Vintage Monopoly House Necklace from my shop and I'll donate $10.00 for each necklace sold.

Follow along with me as the entrepreneurial spirit grows. Each drop in the bucket has a ripple effect. Truly.

Thanks, and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

This is where I'll be

2010-06-25T09:27:00.002-04:00

the wild side of our yard!

Yep, I've got a lot of things to do this weekend. I'm sure you do too. But by late Saturday afternoon this is where I'll be. I've got a new book and the same lovely guy to swing with.

It's always cooler under the bamboo.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend kissing the ones you love,

xoSherry

A Cog in the Wheel

2010-06-23T05:44:00.003-04:00

Last week while writing my post on Greenwashing, I started to have thoughts about something else. I have been running my own business for about 5 years. Until the last two, though, it was only a tiny blip on the radar screen.

I have big plans for my business, but it was thinking in a different way that got me really excited. I am a cog in the wheel that has no end. It is a leap of faith to start your own business even if you are backed by venture capital. (which I am not) I come from a background in social service, so I've had to learn the business side of things as I go along.

My wheel has a lot of cogs. There's the designer who made my logo come to life, and the printer who brands it. There's the company I purchase my post consumer waste gift boxes from and the firm that sells me waterproof bubble mailers. They have an awesome tracking system, ready to order more envelopes, Sherry Truitt? Why yes, I am.

There's the company I source my levels from across the sea and the folks that provide me compasses (they always know you are a return customer) close to home. There's the guy who melts down sterling and returns it in sheets to me , as well as the great big silver company.

Oh, I'm sure they would be in business without me. But, it's thousands of businesses like mine that make up the bulk of their customers. They know I could go to any number of suppliers. I choose all of them, just like my customers choose me.

Because when you get right down to it, it's not just the products they make, it's the service they provide. Just like me. I try never to forget that.

It's a great life.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Get Creative

2010-06-22T12:01:00.005-04:00

lifted straight from polarity :)

Great lunchtime reading. An interview with one of my favorite creative thinkers, Cat Ivins over at scoutie girl . Food for thought along with your sandwich.

Pass the lemonade and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

He says it better....

2010-06-22T05:29:00.001-04:00

"The artist doesn't have time to listen to the critics. The ones who want to be writers read the reviews, the ones who want to write don't have time to read the reviews."

--William Faulkner

xoSherry

Declutter, part 2 or why

2010-06-18T09:01:00.007-04:00

fashionista will never be written after my name.

It seems that the decluttering bug has bitten just about everyone. Yesterday, my husband came home with a pocket full of photos.

Seems that one of his coworkers had a desk full of old pictures from company picnics. Instead of throwing them out, he kindly sorted them and passed them along.

I really had to laugh out loud. Just earlier that day, I had sorted mountains of clothes to give away. Things I was sure I'd never wear again. Like, a pair of white jeans with a waist slightly too high. What was I thinking?

Gasp! There I was in those white jeans paired with ridiculous white socks. Let's not talk about the hair.

What can you do but laugh?

So, tell me why do men and boys always look good in photos?

Have have a lovely weekend and kiss the ones you love,

Sherry

ps My scanner won't enlarge the photo, so you'll have to double click to get the full effect. :)

Declutter

2010-06-17T06:10:00.001-04:00

Mr. Webster, of dictionary fame does not recognize the word, declutter. Google however has 693,000 entries provided to me in .30 seconds. Just in case you needed to know. You can declutter the Zen Way, with Oprah's declutter guru, in 15 minutes a day or the green way. Notice I gave you no live links. I'm trying to make a small point here.

You know that pile of papers on your desk, supplies on your bench, that pile of giveaway clothes on your porch? Deal with it. How many times have you thought about tackling it, organizing it, making it just go away?

It won't take that long. All the minutes you spend thinking about doing something instead of doing it, add up. Wasted time, wasted.

While I was at Staples today (note to self, buy stock if they are publicly traded)purchasing labels for my printer, I also bought a few things in my quest to become more organized. A new blotter calender, did you know they have year calendars that start in July? Perfect. A bound set of colored file folders because my talented friend Cat uses them to get organized, so it MUST be a good idea. I also bought a set of peel and stick reusable book marks.

I'm tackling the piles of stuff I have walked past for way too long. I'm giving myself 15 days to get organized so I can start using that calendar on July 1st. I have some great projects up my sleeve and I need my house as well as my mind ready. Now, where did I put that bag?

So, pick up that glass, put it in the sink and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Greenwashing

2010-06-15T06:08:00.004-04:00

Have you heard of it? It's a relatively new phenomena I've been reading about. It reminds me of Tom Sawyer painting the fence, only I think he was far more innocent.

Greenwashing is when corporations deceive consumers with claims of environmental responsibility or "all- natural" wholesomeness that does not turn out to be the case.

It's the cereal company that uses genetically modified corn in the all natural product. The organic shampoo company that uses .005% organics and the rest of the ingredients are chemicals. It's the environmentally savvy builder who decimates forests and prairies to build eco-friendly homes and golf courses. The kernels of truth are small indeed.

It certainly got me thinking about my own business. I ride my bike to the post office, most of the time, but not in the winter. I use reclaimed sterling silver, but not always. My supplies come from all over the world on planes and boats and then trucks. I buy post consumer waste boxes for my jewelry, but they are newly made.

Small steps are important. I would never call my business green, although every step I take in that direction fills the bucket with one more drop of (clean) water. Do you have a great idea I could incorporate?

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Next Tuesday Part 2: our part in the microeconomy

How you spend your money

2010-06-10T05:52:00.001-04:00

...or why you don't have a Yellow Rolls Royce.

it's an awesome movie, if you've never seen it.

I am much louder on my blog than I am in real life. I don't really do well at large gatherings with people I don't know. I'm not too good at small talk. My husband once gave me a tip for gatherings like this. Just act like an anthropologist, be an observer not a participant. That advice has served me well. Until, the other night....

A lot of the women in attendance had high powered positions in city government or business. Actually, the woman hosting the event used to work for me during the time I now refer to as "run for train in high heels". When asked what I did, I should have said I run my own business, but I said I was a jewelry designer. A few women looked at me like I strung large wooden beads on a shoelace like a 3 year old. I thought they might pat me on the head.

The conversation turned to a cable television series they all were watching. When asked what I thought, I told them we didn't subscribe to cable TV. Audible gasp.

Our little town did not have cable for the longest time and by the time it did we were no longer interested. My husband says from time to time we can have cable if I want. But, regular TV has 3 PBS stations , 1 sports station and 1 movie station. I love Mad Men and Weeds, but wait until the past season comes out on DVD and I buy it dirt cheap on Amazon.

Back to the story. It seems these women didn't know anyone who didn't have cable TV. I knew they were going to ask why. I readied the math calculations in my head. They asked. Long silence. "Well", I finally said, "where I live cable costs about $100. a month. That's $1200. a year. In the next 40 years I could spend $48,000. on programs I won't remember in a week. Or, I can pay for 2 years of college for my son that will serve him well for a lifetime". Silence.

I was thinking of asking if anyone wanted to pay for the other two years, but just then my husband walked up and thought it was best if we went home. We didn't laugh until we got to the car.

Tell Margaret Mead I got too involved with those I was observing, and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Dear Copycats,

2010-06-08T05:08:00.004-04:00

new work from the bench

a thank you and an update from me....

You win. Not really. But, I'm not going to fight you. I'm not going to file a DMCA claim. I'm not going to pay my attorney my hard earned money to file suit against you in another country. I'm not going to fret and whine and waste any more hours about what's fair or ethical.

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You see, while you are on your third cup of coffee, watching some inane program on television with one eye, and my shop with another, I'm already at my bench. I've got more ideas in my little moleskines scattered throughout the house than I have days to make them.
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Not every idea is a great one. Not every thing you create will sell. But at the end of the day, when you have a body of work you can call your own, I'd call that a pretty good day.
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Oh, that knock on your door....that's Karma. She takes care of everything.
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Not in the mood for kissing right now, maybe later,
xoSherry

I Want You To Have This Book

2010-06-07T05:54:00.004-04:00

Update: Just wanted you all to know that the talented Jen from Polestar won the book. Wonder who she will pass it to next?

I just reread it over the weekend and I want you to have it.
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It was written in 2005, when only a handful of bloggers and life coaches made a living giving advice about how to run a better business. Now, I think there are 3.4 coaches for every person that they think needs one.
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Every year one of my husband's clients sends a book to all of their clients. In 2006, this was the book. It's a fast read, simplistic, even hokey at times. Yet, it's inspiring. Read pages 41-42 a few times.It reminds me of the Japanese concept of TQM, but still has principles you can use even if you just work for yourself.

So, just tell me you want it and I'll draw a name in a few days. When you are through reading it, just send it along to someone else.
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Hope your week is both productive and inspiring.
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Kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

Dream Out Loud Part Two

2010-06-04T06:12:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, folks. It's a beautiful day in June where I live and I'm still dreaming big. Do you day dream? It's important. They should be outlandish. After all, if you reach for the stars and fall, the moon will still catch you.
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1. George(Clooney) stops by David Letterman for a chat. He puts his elbow on the desk. Dave says, "Mighty fine looking cuff links you have there, George." "Oh, I got them from Sherry Truitt", he smiles.
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2. I'm the one that gets to spend the day with Bill (Clinton) to help pay off Hilary's campaign debts.
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3. Lance (Armstrong) telephones. "Hey, Sherry are you training today?" "Why, yes I am, Lance." "Great, I'll swing by and we can go for a ride."
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4. TEDtalks sends an email. You've got 18 minutes, Sherry. What have you got to say? Oh, I better get working on that one!
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OK, it's your turn, what are you dreaming about?
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Have a wonderful weekend. Now, I better go kiss my husband since I've been spending so much time with someone else. :)
xoSherry

Dream Out Loud

2010-06-01T05:09:00.005-04:00

Church in Cape May, NJ

We drove to the seashore for the funeral of the dad of some dear friends of ours. It was the kind of funeral, as far as funerals go, that you hope to attend. A good man, who raised 7 children in a small row house in South Philadelphia. He was a man who always worked two jobs, set an example in deed, not word.

He saved enough money, so that he and his wife could retire to a small white cottage by the sea surrounded by the sun, sand and family he loved.

Later that afternoon we set off on a drive down the coast, changed into shorts in the car like a couple of teenagers and ate salty fries and chocolate shakes for supper.

On the drive we saw an upside down house for sale. Plenty of parking, a small shop downstairs and living quarters above. My briefcase carrying husband sighed. "I wonder how many bike shops are here? I wonder if you could make a living fixing bikes for the locals and renting bikes during the tourist season?"

"Maybe, honey, you could make lunch for the cyclists?" Hmmm. I didn't like the thought of being tethered to a lunch counter......but, what if I made a small picnic lunch for them to take? "Even better", he replied. I make good sandwiches. Really good sandwiches.

"We could even have a spot in the shop for you to sell your jewelry". OK, I thought, now you're talking. I can work anywhere. Have torch will travel.

So, that's how the dream begins. Out loud.

Dream big, out loud and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Awaiting Summer

2010-05-29T08:40:00.005-04:00

The fireflies made their inaugural appearance in New Jersey last night, and then buzzed away as we lit a fire and gazed into the night sky.
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Hope your long weekend is filled with little moments that clear your mind and lift your spirit.

Take a moment on Monday and honor the soldiers we have lost and a prayer to bring those fighting, safely home to the families who wait.

Kiss the ones you love and take them out for ice cream,

xoSherry

TMI

2010-05-27T05:58:00.004-04:00

No, not Three Mile Island. Too Much Information.

In college, I had an amazing sociology professor, Dr. Leo Rigsby. I was fortunate to also be in his employ with a work-study grant. I was thinking about him, and the research we did, (well he researched, I collated, punched computer cards of data and got coffee) I also listened, a lot.

While one side of my brain was thinking of him, the other has been trying to figure out why I dislike twitter so much. Why, every time I go there, my palms get sweaty and my head hurts.

Finally, both sides of the brain met. One of the projects we worked on was about the dissemination of information and how we dilute experiences by talking about them too much. The more people we tell, the less intimate the experience. The more people that repeat it, the less accurate the details.

You do remember whisper down the alley, don't you?

Much as I have tried, I do not understand it. You talk at people , not to them. You sit in front of a computer screen of pixels with no idea who is on the other side. Why?

I made a whole list of important people who don't twitter. And then, I realized, they don't care if you do or not. I don't either. It's your choice.

I'm not going to say that I never found a valuable piece of information on twitter. I have. But I could have found it elsewhere without also reading about the NPR reporter who tweeted about a blemish on his nose or what someone had for lunch.

I keep thinking I'm going to miss something. I'll scroll through pages of tweets. I'm not missing anything. It's just not for me. Now I know for sure.

Making time for something else and kissing the ones I love,

xoSherry

That 1%

2010-05-25T05:43:00.002-04:00

1% of your customers won't read your descriptions, and after you ship, will say:

1. Oh, this is the wrong size.

2. I didn't know oxidized meant charcoal gray....oh, you mean like your photos?

3. I didn't know when you said custom orders take 10 days, you meant ME and MY order.

....and here's what you do. You do what you can to make it right. You accept returns even after the date in your shop policies. You exchange the shirt for a size that will fit. You recut the guitar pick and stamp it again (note to self) and recycle the recycled sterling.

Why? There are a couple of reasons:

1. When things go wrong you expend 99% of your energy on that 1% Do you really have that kind of time?

2. Going that extra mile is appreciated and may win you a return customer. Even if it doesn't , you've done a good thing for your business reputation.

3. There is always someone in the same business willing to do what you won't and they are waiting in the wings.

Now, get back to work and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

An update on Aaron

2010-05-23T10:42:00.003-04:00

Thank you kindly for your thoughts and prayers for our friend Aaron and his family. It will be a long road to recovery, but the news is good. He will be able to fly home on an air ambulance of sorts on June 1st. It seems that they are actually waiting to fill the plane with patients and their families.

He suffered a concussion and is dizzy, but alert. Melinda says the dizzy part happened long before the accident. He lost part of his ear and broke his femur. He will need multiple surgeries to repair his hand.

And yet, counts his lucky stars to be on the planet. That's just the kind of guy he is.

Strap on those helmets whether for cycling or horseback riding and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

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The Power of Giving

2010-05-21T05:47:00.004-04:00

This is a short story to tie up loose ends and start your weekend with a smile.

Remember when I held a little contest on my 3rd etsyversary? Scroll back to April 16th, it's not that far and read the first entry from Kathy.

Kathy didn't win the necklace for her friend Nancy (although Rebecca won for her beautiful daughter) but I couldn't get Nancy and Kathy out of my mind.

Apparently I was not the only one. I decided to make her a necklace anyway and Kathy contacted her to find a meaningful place that would have memories of her husband. Beijing.

Then Brittany, my lovely customer and now cyberfriend sent me a note and asked to contribute towards the necklace, and then another friend wrote and wanted to do the same thing.

I sent the completed necklace to Kathy and told her the story and she in turn sent the necklace to Nancy along with the story.

Today, the mail brought a giant box. It was from Nancy. Along with a truly lovely note came handmade oatmeal soap from her family farm. She also included two boxes for me to send to the other women as a small thank you.

I am humbled by her generosity and give pause to know how 5 women became connected from a small post, on a small blog in the cosmos.

Have a weekend filled with joy and kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

A PSA for Helmets

2010-05-18T06:19:00.002-04:00

This a Public Service Announcement with a lot of tears and a fervent request if you are a cyclist.

For almost 15 years our friend Aaron worked in public relations. It was fairly stressful and although it never really seemed to fit him, he was very good at it.

About 5 years ago, he "retired" from the rat race and he and his wife started a company leading bicycle tours. First, just in the US and then later in Europe. Oh, how they loved it.

People of all abilities rode with them. They were fun, did their homework to find safe routes, became knowledgeable about the places they road and always employed a stellar chef.

On Monday Aaron was in Italy, just out for a ride before the busy season began. A bus full of tourists whizzed by and nicked his back wheel, hard. From what his wife, Melinda, said, the injuries are severe. Head trauma and other broken bones. He is to be moved to a Paris hospital tonight.

What she said, clearly and softly in a tearful voice was that had he not been wearing a helmet, he surely would have died. When my husband was racing, I remember many a gathering where friends would recall lives lost or shattered from a bicycle accident without a helmet.

So, please, wear your helmet. Wear it so others will see, wear it so your kids will wear theirs too. Wear it for the ones you love.

xoSherry

Roseanne and a week of musing

2010-05-17T05:44:00.004-04:00

I spent the first part of the week humming the theme from Roseanne, "what isn't killing us is making us stronger". I didn't ride my bike, I ate two boxes of junior mints and I watched the telephone ring instead of answering it.

I wasn't depressed, I was on overload and couldn't figure a way out. It's happened before during "wedding season", but not like this. And still, I've always managed to juggle everything, afraid, I'd miss something.

I didn't want to stop my blog posts, but I had too. It turned out to be ok. I only lost one follower.

On Wednesday, I was in my cycling clothes before my husband came out of the shower. "You back, he said? I'm on my way, I replied" . Gotta love a guy who gives you some space.

So, here's what I learned, in no particular order during my week of big thinking:

1. Sometimes when you are really busy, you will not be organized. You will do what is required to get through the day and keep your sanity, keep your customers happy, and that will be enough.

2. No, is an answer AND a complete sentence.

3. People tell you who they are. Don't try to read more into something that is not there. Usually there is no hidden meaning.

4. Listen to your heart and trust your gut. What comes to mind first is most often the truth. (see #3.)

5. Don't save intimacy for the weekends. Seriously, don't. All the bloggers and advice givers pay little heed to this. They do not mention living a rich and full and balanced life. It recharges you. It reminds you what you are doing this all for.

I'm back, thanks for staying with me.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Blog Break

2010-05-11T16:21:00.002-04:00

I have some big thinking to do, so I'm taking a Blog Break for the rest of the week, my friends. See you back here, next Monday.

Kiss the ones you love,
Sherry

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T23:43:00.004-04:00

For a short time before my mom became a wife and a mother she was a model. She's second from the right holding the black tafetta dress. I love this photo because she looks so beautiful, so self assured.

On days like today I miss her, but I know she would just love how my life is turning out.

I hope your mother's day is sweet and simple and reminds you why this is one of the paths you've taken.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T08:27:00.002-04:00

The Clarity of Cartography

2010-04-30T06:44:00.001-04:00

This may seem heavy for a Friday, but I feel light as a feather....

My local newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, has been run as of late by Brian Tierney. The paper, deeply in debt, was sold yesterday. Tierney valiantly, with a group of investors tried to keep ownership local, but it was not to be. After a 29 hour marathon session the creditors, led by a New York based hedge fund won out.

When it was obvious Tierney lost, he walked around the room, shook hands with every single creditor and negotiator and promised to make the transition a smooth one. He has passion for the paper, love for the work and a grace and dignity not often seen in trying financial times.

This small gesture brought clarity to two things I've been struggling with.

1. My map jewelry, so simple in design has always brought me delight. It's because, as I have said many times, of the connection of celebration it brings in weddings, anniversaries, birthplaces and adoptions.

It also became the source of consternation when it was not just copied, but that those that sought my advice started calling the design their own. So, instead of lamenting about it, it has pushed my creative effort. Now I have a shop full of different work, a mind brimming with new ideas. So, thank you.

2. I've also said that I had been reading a lot of blogs and websites to help grow my business. A few months ago I started writing to some of the authors. I've tweeted, I've emailed, I've asked questions in their comment section. And guess what? Except for the insightful Fred Wilson, I have not gotten a reply. My guess is that Mr. Wilson is busier, smarter and more polite than all the rest of the bloggers put together. He's also the most successful.

For folks that talk about good customer service and the sharing of ideas, they certainly don't practice what they preach. I've learned during this experiment that I'm just as smart as they are. Oh, I may have a longer learning curve, fall on my face a few times, but I'm ACTUALLY running a business and not telling other people how to do it. So, thank you. My inbox is a lot less full now and I have a new found confidence.

Disclaimer: I have never written to Seth Godin because I pretty much soak up whatever he says like a sponge. In the back of my mind, I also think he would answer.

So on that happy note, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

My favorite cycling gloves

2010-04-28T12:26:00.003-04:00

These are my favorite cycling gloves and yes they have seen better days. But today, when the wind whipped me on both sides of the park I ride (4 times) around, I broke 1 hour and 5 minutes for 16.4 miles.

Take a nap and kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry

It's a Linchpin

2010-04-26T06:50:00.003-04:00

You knew that, right? My husband watched me walk around with that bright yellow book (sans dust jacket ) for a week. So, while at the hardware store, he bought me a linchpin. Just set it on the table and smiled.

What is a linchpin? The metal one is a pin placed crosswise through an axle to prevent a wheel from coming off. It's critical, just like the somebody who is the essential element in the success of a business, or a team.

He knew the book must be pretty important because ordinarily I'll read a book in a day or two. Not this time. I'm reading Linchpin by Seth Godin like college text with sticky note book marks. At every chapter I'm thinking about my business in a new way.

"Linchpins, says Godin, are the essential building blocks of great organizations." When the business is just me, or you, the responsibilities are daunting, yet the possibilities are endless. What could be more exciting for a rule breaker like me?

I'm hoping to finish the book by the end of the week and take action on some things I've been working through. How about you? What challenges are you facing? Advertising, social networking, enough studio time, hiring help, succeeding beyond your wildest dreams?

I'm planning, as Seth asks, to pass the book along, I'm, just not quite through with it yet.

Have an awesome week. Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

The Gift

2010-04-25T10:33:00.005-04:00

oil painting by Rebecca of Knee Deep Originals

"The gift is to the giver, and comes back to him...." ~Walt Whitman

Thanks so much for participating in my 3rd etsyversary giveaway. I used the random number generator and the winner is the talented Rebecca from kneedeeporiginals who will be giving a necklace to her daughter for her birthday.

You can read her entry about a 1/3 of the way down the page.

In the interest of full disclosure, if you chose to win the necklace for yourself, I couldn't, unfortunately enter you.

Happy Sunday. Take some time for yourself and kiss the ones you love.

xoSherry

The Shortest Earth Day Post You Will Read

2010-04-21T08:31:00.005-04:00

Happy Earth Day!

No statistics here. Just the three things I believe will change the planet. Do them. You know why.

1. Never buy water in a plastic bottle again.

2. Stop polluting the planet with those infernal leaf blowing machines. That's why rakes and brooms were invented.

3. Ride your bike 2 times a week somewhere you would normally drive.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

ps Yes, I know I am one day early, but it is tomorrow in Australia. It will give you a chance to get started.

My advice? Just Whistle

2010-04-20T06:12:00.002-04:00

When my in box hit 1089, I knew I had to do something. It's not one of my favorite tasks, but when I start going through the emails, I see patterns of information and lots of stuff I don't need.

So, my favorite fire king mug in hand, I settled on the sun porch to organize. Orders and payments into folders. Notes from friends in another. Offers of pet medications Zorro sniffed his nose at, pills for passion beyond your wildest dreams, DELETE.

It was also alarming to see the number of blogs with daily advice I subscribed to. These are blogs by people, not like us, who make their living writing and telling other people how to be successful. Some are insightful, others are not. Many give advice that leaves me scratching my head....you know the ones that require so much thinking, planning, writing each step down, networking, tweeting, journaling, facebooking (yes I know there is no such verb).

Do they actually work in a studio, have a family that requires food, clean clothing and love? Let alone appliances that break, neighbors that need an ear, gardens that need tending. Who am I to judge?

I'll just give you the advice that worked splendidly for me all day yesterday. It's advice I learned years ago from a lovely dark haired girl and her seven small companions.....just whistle while you work. You can also hum a happy tune. It's good for the soul.

Kiss the ones you love,

xoSherry

An Etsy Anniversary and a gift with a twist

2010-04-16T04:00:00.004-04:00

update: Contest in now closed....I'll draw a winner shortly!

Tomorrow marks my 3rd anniversary on etsy. It's changed my life and opened doors unimagined. So, my friends, I have an amazing gift with a twist.

The winner of my custom vintage map necklace give-a-way gets to give away one of my necklaces. Are you with me? It's a pay it forward type gift.

Here's how it works: Leave a comment on my blog. You can tell me who you'd like the necklace to go to and why. Or, it can be a surprise and you can just stop by and say hello. We can work the details out later.

If you follow my blog, you get an extra entry.

If you tweet this, and follow me "sosherrytweets", you get an extra entry.

This contest is open to everyone and closes at 12:00 noon EDT 4.23.10

Thanks for 3 wonderful years.

Have a great weekend and kiss the ones you love.

xoSherry

With this ring....

2010-04-14T15:26:00.007-04:00

When my husband and I got married, we were young and headstrong and poor. We were of different religions and this among other things caused some strife in our respective families. So, in the midst of planning a traditional wedding, we eloped. I mentioned we were headstrong, didn't I?

We went to Jeweler's row in Philadelphia and purchased plain gold bands. We hopped in my husband's 1983 Chevy Nova and headed west for a bit. When we returned our families hosted a lovely reception for us and we began our lives together.

Somehow in the dead of winter we started to talk about new rings. I showed Bob the amazing titanium rings on etsy. We both fell in love with the same rings by Johan ,and ordered them.

Our plain gold bands have been with us for more than 20 years, so I wanted a special way to save them, and still look at them. So, I purchased this lovely ring bowl from Caroline at

Palomas Nest

We had a little getaway on Saturday night and exchanged the rings. Bob tied them in the bowl and I set them up on our headboard when we got home. And they said it wouldn't last....

Kiss the ones you love.

xoSherry

Information Vacation

2010-04-09T13:36:00.006-04:00

print courtesy of the amazing Sophie Blackall

With visions of SEO dancing in my head, I am taking an information vacation. My brain is on data overload. You think I'm kidding? My husband looked up from the table this morning to kiss me as I passed by and I looked down and started picking key words out of the newspaper.

So, I'm taking a few days to recoup and use different parts of my brain and body instead. The weather has cooled a bit, so I'm going to work out in the garden. We have our regular Friday night sushi date planned, as well as a long bicycle ride on Sunday.

I hope to spend some time in the studio as well as in the basement with the kiln. I may even glance at the ever growing pile of laundry by the washing machine. That laundry shute seemed like a good idea at the time.

And if those famous bloggers and tweeters with advice of venture capital and angel investments and how to grow your business in 10,001 steps are looking for me....I'll be out on the porch in a white wicker rocker in need of paint. Novel in one hand, a box of junior mints in the other.

Enjoy your weekend, kiss the ones you love.

xoSherry

Do you remember Jayne?

2010-04-06T10:44:00.005-04:00

Of course you do. Jayne proposed marriage to her boyfriend, who just happened to be a postman in the UK. And....he said yes. The wedding will be 5.22.11 Hmmm. Sounds like time for a second honeymoon.

The photos are courtesy of Jayne. My little, "will you marry me envelope" sits atop the lovely cake. Aren't they a charming couple?

Ah, love.

xoSherry

Hot from the kiln

2010-04-05T05:00:00.003-04:00

New work from the kiln.

Vitreous glass enamel on fine silver leaves. I've used semi- transparent lead free enamel so the leaf veins will peek through. Wasabi green and a soft sea blue green that I ground and mixed myself.

Hand forged sterling silver findings.

Botanical, organic, earrings and necklaces. Available now in my shop.

I had a long talk with myself. It's time to do work that challenges and inspires me instead of what is expected. Really, Sherry, it's ok. (more on that later in the week)

Challenging yourself?

xoSherry

Food for (thought) Friday

2010-04-02T06:05:00.002-04:00

week 5
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When I was in grade school I had a friend, Dory Minnick. She was one of 7 children, and they ate a lot of cereal.

Her house was filled with all different kinds. Her family ate those horrid nuggets with yellow moons and pink clovers, cocoa krispies that turned the milk to chocolate and others that were slightly more healthy.

Once a month Dory's dad would pour the cereal that remained in each box into a large plastic bin. The family had to eat the cereal mix before they could buy new cereal. It was always fun to be around when he started pouring.

I don't really have a good segway, but I wanted to use today's post to update you on a few things and Dory just popped into my head.

1. You all left the most outstanding comments on yesterday's post. Thank you. I had an amazing bike ride. Yes, I was a little nervous so I decided to wear a mouth guard on my upper teeth. It was so beautiful out I soon forgot about it. With each pedal stroke my legs felt stronger. The only time I remembered was when I took a corner a little fast, and I thought, "hey, you're not supposed to do that!"

2. In just three short weeks my husband's glucose levels have dropped to about 89. That's 13 less points and we've just begun. He's using blue agave nectar instead of sugar in his coffee. I've used it before and liked it. It has a very low glycemic index. We've only talked about it a little but he's making little changes when he eats away from home. That's very cool.

3 Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution continues tonight at 10:00 on ABC. It's also replayed on Sunday afternoons.

Hope you have a lovely weekend. If you celebrate Easter or the end of Passover, enjoy.

xoSherry

Gratitude when it is difficult

2010-04-01T10:46:00.009-04:00

I was sitting cross legged on the floor attempting to practice yoga. My mind, however is as full as my in box, so yoga will wait for another day.

Before I start what may be a lengthy post, I will tell you with great joy, that I am keeping tooth #14. I will not go in to the gory details of my dental visit yesterday, but I am sporting a cute temporary crown and the rest is healing. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes.

Since business on etsy has been difficult for even those who sell regularly, my inbox has been filled with pleas for advice, assistance and lots of swear words. The fora is filled with panic and queries and finger pointing. I don't dismiss the fear, it is real, but it is both time and soul sucking.

Do I know what the problem is? No. Do I think the snafu will be rectified? YES. I may seem lighthearted, but I take my business very seriously. I monitor my etsy shop and my website like a hawk. My small website is humming along right now. For this I have eternal gratitude. If a customer remembers my name and googles it, there I am. If they are looking for a map necklace, or cuff links, there I am.

I know that Google did not change the big algorithm in the sky. They are not mad at etsy. Etsy is not mad at you. Seriously, etsy the company, and the people I have come to know who work there, want you to succeed as much as you do. Truly. For that, I am also grateful.

So, how do you have gratitude when it is difficult? It requires a paradigm shift in perception. For me, it requires thought as well as deed. The thought part is pretty easy. I remember the things I know. My work is as good today as it was yesterday. The slump is temporary. And, even though the Universe knows how grateful I am to live the life I do, I tell her again just in case my signal has faded.

The deed part is a little harder. It's what gets your engine reved up, though. I'm working on a new line sheet, a new spiffy tri- fold brochure and I'm thinking about new floral shades for the 6 glorious windows in my studio.

Go ahead, whine. Then have gratitude, love, work and play really hard.

When my husband saw that my tooth was saved, he went out to the garage, took down my favorite bike and pumped up my tires. There was no better gift. So, today, you'll know where I'll be.

xoSherry

The Four Agreements

2010-03-26T13:29:00.004-04:00

Hello my friends,

I apologize for no Food (for Thought) post this Friday. My health issues have set me back a bit and I have work that needs to get off the bench by month's end. So, instead, I'm sharing the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz that I keep on the wall in my studio.

agreement 1

Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

agreement 2

Don’t take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

agreement 3

Don’t make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

agreement 4

Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Ah, words to live by.

Enjoy the weekend,

xoSherry

Eating Bonbons

2010-03-24T08:20:00.005-04:00

There must be a knack to successfully become a woman of leisure. I did not do it well, although I gave it my best shot. Now, there were stretches of time I do not recall, but I attribute that to codeine and not being able to eat solid food for a few days.

I learned that I am a much better care taker than receiver. But I could see that my hubby was trying so hard to make the pain go away that I just gave in. It really was sweet. And while he did manage to sneak off for a few bike rides, he set up the "father's day" chair on the patio to make me comfy first.

He went to the book store and bought me Seth Godin's "Linchpin" as well as Atomic Ranch. We live in a craftsman bungalow, but every so often we talk about living in a Populuxe style ranch home. This is the magazine to foster those dreams.

I took a few days off from work. I took one whole day off from even thinking about work. I cannot remember how many years ago I did that, but I am going to do it again. Some day.

When I started to feel better, I begin to write. So many ideas swirled in my head, I didn't know where to begin. It used to drive me crazy that I'd have so many little lines on my bench, half started. Now, I am thinking of them as pieces of the whole. Some will make it, some won't. I've been thinking about different lines on etsy and my website.

But for now, I am grateful to be back at work, music in the background, work in progress at the bench. I'm a little behind with two projects promised for the end of the month, but I'll catch up.

And no, I never did get to eat a bonbon, I'm going to try and keep the teeth I have.

Thanks for all your good wishes my friends,

xoSherry

Smile, not :(

2010-03-18T21:42:00.003-04:00

I'm up taking pain medication and an antibiotic, and then I'm going AWOL again for a few days. Remember my bike crash from last fall? Well, I injured a tooth and they are still trying to save it. The work is painful and I'm about ready to let the tooth go, except that the alternative is not attractive, nor pain free either. Back to bed.

Talk soon my friends,
xoSherry

Can you make me a.....

2010-03-16T06:45:00.001-04:00

...triple tiered level necklace, one of each color? Why, yes I can. Don't you just love commission work that stretches you a little?

xoSherry

I know her

2010-03-14T23:40:00.009-04:00

[

In the middle of the day, in the middle of last week, my husband and I took the train into the city (Philadelphia) Yes, I'm living La Vida Loca. It was a beautiful afternoon, and as it turned toward evening we decided to see "The Art of the Steal" It's an amazing documentary about how the City of Philadelphia schemed to wrestle control of the Barnes Foundation At the end of the film there was an interview with one of the former teachers who worked tirelessly in his attempt to preserve the Foundation as Barnes had wished.

He gave the interview in his kitchen. And, right there on his table was a black and white cup, glazed tomato red inside. My friend,Shoshona Snow made that. The technique is called sgraffito.

My husband said, I said it right out loud. Perhaps, I did. I know her.

Enjoy the week. Make good work. Kiss the ones you love.

xoSherry

ps Matisse- The Joy of Life above, still hangs at the Barnes.

Food for (thought) Friday

2010-03-12T08:27:00.003-05:00

week 3 ...or "do you want fries with that?"

My son was on the way home for Spring Break. He called to say he was stopping at Wendy's for lunch, and could he bring me something. Thoughtful kid. But, what would I get? I settled on a baked potato, he laughed.

When he walked in the house an hour later, though, he had bags from Burger King. Yuck. A kiss on the cheek and, "I brought you onion rings, mom. I knew you'd want a vegetable." Cue more laughter. I ate 3.

Burger King Onion Rings 24 grams of fat 450 calories 700mg sodium

In general my son eats a healthy diet, but like most American teenagers consumes his fair share of fast food. Even in a home where he was pulling carrots out of the garden when he was two and washing them off with a hose, the lure of bad, fast food is strong.

I'm not editorialising this week, or quoting experts. I'm just lamenting how far off track food in America has gone. We can bring it home, cook it ourselves, eat at the table with a knife and fork. It's really quite simple.

Have a lovely weekend,

xoSherry

What does your work do for you?

2010-03-10T06:50:00.003-05:00

Do you try out the word artist to see how it fits? Are you comfortable with it? My friend Lena emigrated from Russia almost 10 years ago. She, and her then 10 year old son escaped a brutal life in the shadows of Chernobyl. Last year she married a wonderful man, a self professed computer nerd. He refers to me as an artist. He says I look at things in a completely different way than he does. It's the first time I really saw myself that way.

So, I've been thinking about all the wonderful things, aside from the obvious work itself, that my craft does for my life. Some may seem um, yeah, to you, but to the majority of the planet, they are gifts indeed.

I get to hop on my bike anytime I feel like it. If that means working late into the night, so be it.

I get to work from home in a studio that may never be finished, but I am always there for the ones I love.

My jewelry humbly plays a part in weddings and anniversaries, adoptions and births, celebrations of a lifetime.

Since 2008, I have been able to make 13 loans through Kiva to budding entrepreneurs around the globe. I have the privilege of supporting Doctors without Borders in Haiti and Darfur.

I can surf the net without anyone looking over my shoulder, as well as chat with all of you when I want to.

I will get to wake up every day and do work I love for the rest of my life.

It's grand, isn't it?

xoSherry

So, you couldn't plan a weekend...

2010-03-08T06:50:00.006-05:00

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...like this even if you tried. It comes from a place of unexpected joy in the smallest of things. A little love, a little bike riding, a little hand holding and toes squishing in the cold wet sand and a little more love..

Thank you kindly for your thoughts and sage words my friends.
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Everything is going to be just fine. I think sometimes you just have to go ballistic before you know that.
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xoSherry

Food for (thought) Friday

2010-03-05T00:02:00.003-05:00

week #2

I had a lighthearted post scheduled for this week's food for (thought) Friday, but Monday blew that out of the water.

Let me preface my story by saying that my husband is the most fit man I know. He swims 5 mornings a week. He rides his bike 4 days a week, 6 or 7 in the summer. When we met he was a competitive cyclist; he doesn't just go through the motions, he walks, well rides, the walk.

We eat pretty well. We only eat out once a week and I carefully prepare breakfast and supper most nights. Mr. T still eats meat and chicken (I don't), but I source the food carefully. It's very important to me.

Early Monday morning he went for his annual physical and then stopped home before going to work. Cholesterol excellent, he said. Blood glucose needs to be watched. I looked in his hand and there was a blood glucose monitoring kit. My heart stopped beating. Diabetes? I was quiet, but inside I was screaming, how can this be?

Medical opinions vary on acceptable glucose levels, from 75 to 100. Mr. T's was about 101. His doctor always errs on the side of caution. It reaches as high as 600 in some people. "The doctor said I should test once a day in the evening", he said calmly. The first night it was 102. The 2nd night, I was in the living room when I heard the needle pop into his finger. It sounded like an explosion.

We talked about what he eats, quietly, calmly. Lunches with clients, sweets the women at work regularly bring in. Table sugar in his coffee. We were in bed on Wednesday night and he told me he remembered that his maternal grandfather had diabetes and he thought he might have been insulin dependent. How the fuck did I not know that?

It is not my life and it is not my body. It is, though, the man I adore. So, I have to tread carefully. But, there will be changes. When I make changes, I go full throttle, this time I will go more slowly. I did however throw out 10 pounds of sugar. Was I planning to bake for an army?

Thanks for listening and take care of the ones you love,

xoSherry

New Work from the Bench

2010-03-02T17:19:00.005-05:00

There is simply nothing quite as delightful as being able to say, "I have new work from the bench". It's been in my mind's eye and sketches in my moleskine for quite awhile. I am not the type of person that shares work in progress, although I love that quality in others.

So, about a month ago, I dusted (literally, it had been 5 years) off my kiln and started firing away. I'm using fine silver and copper as the base. As I endeavor to leave a lighter footprint, I am grinding a lot of my own glass in a mortar and pestle. The colors are amazing. If I purchase sifted glass, it is lead free.

I'm sifting and firing and cold connecting small cast bronze elements like the star fish above. I have about 20 more pieces I am happy with, yet to be photographed. For now I'm just one with the fire. I may never leave the basement.

xoSherry

Jamie Oliver Talks about Food

2010-02-26T12:24:00.002-05:00

This is a stunning TEDtalk I watched on another blog. It is truly worth your time. At the 11 minute mark you will be astonished.

Fridays are about Food. More details to follow.
Have a safe, cozy weekend.

xoSherry

Marry Me

2010-02-22T16:08:00.005-05:00

Two things I love about my work are the stories of how my customers find me and how my jewelry finds it's way into the celebrations of life.

Today was no exception. I got a lovely email from Jayne who saw this photo on my flickr It seems that Jayne is going to propose marriage to her boyfriend in a charming setting in the Lake District, UK. It's a very fitting piece since Jayne's love just happens to be a postman. So, I'll refashion it without the chain, and keep my fingers crossed that he says, yes.

Ah, love.

xoSherry

Be Nice

2010-02-16T22:30:00.010-05:00

This is a short lecture which will ironically be read by you, my lovely regular readers and friends instead of the mean girls. And yet, I'm not going to sleep until I have my say.

It was a day of meanness. Why? I'm sure there are lots of excuses, but is there any real reason to be mean? It's not funny, it's unkind and truly it reflects the character of the perpetrator.

I'm not naming names. But....

One of my favorite etsy sellers, whose shop I patronize was vilified in the fora tonight. No facts, just a personal and professional attack on the way she conducts business. Stop it.

There is a popular blogger who seems to delight in tweeting the solicitations of help from novice bloggers and business women. Women who think highly enough of her to ask for a bit of direction. Stop it.

I got a tearful convo from a new seller who had actually received a convo from another women in her field telling her she had no talent and it would be best to just close shop. Yes, I saw the convo. Stop it.

Finally, to my former blog follower who just felt the need to let me know that my moral compass needed some fine tuning in regards to my previous post. I say STOP IT! In this case I'd like to say so much more, but then I'd probably eat a chocolate cake and I don't want to do that.

I can usually turn the other cheek, but today I have had enough of the mean girls. Stop it. Be nice or Leave--Thank you.

xoSherry