2/9/10

Shining Stones


I've been doing a handful of things I haven't done in a long time since I quit drinking. Like thinking straight after 8pm. (I know, hilarious.) I've been doing jigsaw puzzles, as nerdy as that may sound, they help me think about shapes and colors and how things fit together rather than how they don't. They keep me from ruminating on the fact that all of this is happening, that it happened.

Instead of hiding in another room, apart from my husband (like I would before so he wouldn't know how much I was drinking), we work on the puzzle together or continue our Friday Night Lights marathon. (The best show on TV if you ask me. No, it is not just about football, it's about community and relationships and mistakes and redemption. You should totally get it on Netflix or watch it online and get addicted...er I mean, into it.)

The rough part of the day for me starts around 3 or 4 pm and hits a true funky slump around 5 or 6. I struggle during that time, sometimes walking in circles and sometimes crying. At this point, I simply need distraction. I need to not think that drinking would be the best cure for what ails me, because it's not.

That brings me to Ellie...



Ellie is an online friend, one of the lovely women who has stepped forward in this dark time and shed some light on me by saying I am you and you are me and we're going to make it.

Last night, I couldn't handle the noise in my head and my home, the shrieking and the demands. I looked at Ryan and because he rocks, he gave a nod that said go somewhere and shut the door. So I hid in the den/office/guest room and looked at Ellie's Etsy shop.


Four months into sobriety, Ellie discovered what she calls her "latent creative love," making jewelry. (She's also an excellent writer. Reading her blog moved me closer to sobriety. I'm forever thankful for her words.)

I'm so glad Ellie discovered this jewelry-making gift of hers because she's really really good at it, and I know it helps her like writing does for both of us, or a jigsaw puzzle does for me. Something to get lost in, something feeding us grace while our hearts and minds slowly whir to a stop...resting.


Would you like to win something from Ellie's shop?

Thought so...

Here's what you can do. Browse the images below. Click on an image at some point, and that will take you to Ellie's Etsy shop, Shining Stones. There are over 160 items in the shop, so browse around a bit and then come back and tell me what one of your favorite items is. That's all you have to do! (I'm planning on getting something for myself, what I call a sobriety ring, actually. Perhaps you could help me narrow it down. I love everything.)

You could win the item of your choice, $40 or under (the majority of the items are under $40) if the number of your comment is chosen by a random number generator when the giveaway closes!







Ellie gives away an item every two weeks through her blog, One Crafty Mother. So head on over there often, for many chances to win.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
The giveaway will end on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 5pm central and the winner will be announced here that evening.
Don't forget to be sure to include a way to contact you (such as an email address) in your comment so I can let you know if you win.

What are you still doing here? Go Go GO. And then come back and tell me what you want for Valentine's Day.

Peace out.

THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.
THANK YOU!

91 clicked right here to comment:

Erin said...

Love the circles of light bracelet!

Hyacynth said...

Praying for continued strength for you, Heather. What a blessing Ellie's voice has been to you, and I'm sure, so many others. And, my, she is soo talented! Her store is filled with lovely creations. I couldn't really even pick a favorite. Both the black silk and the big pearl rings are exceptionally beautiful.

Amanda + Michael said...

Ooh jewelry! My favorite thing that I don't have enough of!
Akmorgan@siu.edu

Unknown said...

oh my gawd! i'm pretty sure i'd happily spend every last penny i have to have one of each of her pieces. i suppose since i have to pick ONE for this giveaway, i choose the serenity ring. i know a lot of other people who are recovering from one addiction or another and for how often they have repeated the serenity prayer around me (sorry everyone) i have found it helps me with my particular brand of mental illness. and any help is good help.

zeghsy@gmail.com

wishing you continued luck and success with your new and improved outlook on life. remember, there are plenty of us out there who love you and will gladly support you when you can't do it on your own.

love and hugs,

zeghsy

Sheryl said...

seriously? one item? love the orange blossom ring, actually i'm not sure there was a ring i didn't love.

so proud of you, my friend!!

Bina said...

Wow - what a giveaway!! I loved the vintage Flower Ring...amazing!!

I know where you are at, as I have been there too...and I am so happy to hear that you have such an uplifting circle to keep you going :)

Many hugs and thanks!
bina

Sabrina said...

I wants me that Berry Berry Magenta ring! LOVE!

Hey.. was your Bro-inlaw on the radio last week? I swear it was him on 89.3!

Angela said...

Oh so pretty! I loved everything with the black raspberry pearls, and the Robin's Egg Wire Wrapped Ring was adorable, too. Thank you for sharing your journey.

Mary Beth said...

thanks for introducing us to her beautiful goodies! I think I want to favorite them all! But I really love the fly away home egg/nested necklace!

MamaBear said...

All the pieces are beautiful - thanks for introducing us to her shop! I'm a slow learner, but I'm FINALLY catching on to why people flock to Etsy.

I'd have to say my favorite piece is the wishing on a star necklace.

Will you show us a picture of the puzzle you're working on? I love puzzles and am passing that on to my kids - Julia and PapaBear did three giant puzzles yesterday....

Unknown said...

I like the way you say words. Or write them, type them, WHATEVER. The way you put them together makes sense to me. Keep it up, pal.

Kate said...

I love the Fly Away Home necklace. The birdsnest stuff is so beautiful and meaningful. Love it all.

Lindsey said...

I love jigsaw puzzles. Always have one going. 1000 pieces usually. They take me forever. I find it SO SOOTHING.

Kori said...

I totally love the gratitude ring-and in fact if I don't win it (because I never win, or haven't for about three years), I think I will get one for myself.

One of the things that blows me away after ten years of sobriety is how busy I am, how full my life is; who the hell has time to DRINK? I sure made the time to drink back in the day.

wendy said...

Ah, US residents only. I know I know it is a pain in the arse getting stuff up here --or any other country for that matter.
She does have lovely stuff though.

I find now though, that I have very little places to actually wear jewelry.

Love the new look of your Blog!!

Robin said...

I've bought from her store several times now....I love her jewelry! I'm glad you guys found each other to get through the hard times. Whatever works, right? :)

Keyona said...

Very cute stuff! :)

Kim said...

What a fabulous Shop Heather!!! If I don't win, I may buy something for myself for my birthday on Thursday.

For me, I want the Fly Away Home necklace, I love it!!!!

Also, for you, I think the 3 peas in a pod ring would be perfect. You could look at it and remember the 3 people who are counting on you.

I love you darling friend.

Carrie said...

Bless you, Heather! Hang in there. I totally dig the Turquoise Dangle Earrings!!!!! A sobriety ring of sorts sounds like it would be a great encouragement for you.

Anonymous said...

My favorite from her shop is Sapphire Blue Swarovski Drop Necklace .

I love what she wrote to you. A friend once said something like that to me and it's like this mini-revealation. I feels like someone pried back the scalloped edge of me and saw a pearl in there--and I saw the same in her.

LutherLiz said...

I can't decide! Right this moment I think I'd pick the Bermuda Blue Circle Necklace!

John, Jess, Ellie, Cade, Eden & Scarlett said...

I really love the freshwater pearl ring, and the gratitude ring. Everything is beautiful.

Dedee said...

Really? You're forcing me to pick? This is a shop that I could blow my budget on!

Wishing on a Star is pulling me right now, but I'm still browsing. . .

(As cheesy at it sounds, I'm drawn to the carved coral rose for your ring to remind you of what you will become, although I also love the idea of the three pearls to remind you who, besides you, you are doing this for.)

I adore the wrapped jewelry--kind-of a reminder that we are not alone, and our lives are intertwined.

Okay, I have to get on with my life today sometime. Awesome site!

sara said...

I'm an earring girl. so I would choose the Swarovski Crystal Briolette Earrings....gorgeous!!!

and I don't know how you will choose a ring. they are all so beautiful!!

Angie said...

Wait a second.... choose? You're actually telling us to choose? Ummm... how about EVERYTHING! :) What a great site. I love her stuff.

Okay, if I had to choose, it would be the thank you bracelet, and I would have it say either "believe" "faith" or "survivor".

Now.. on to you. I'm still praying. Praying for the fog to lift. For the strength to push forward. For you--for faith. Because although it's different than my survival story, you are a survivor... and I believe in you. I believe in HIM through you.

Unknown said...

By far: The greatest thing that caught my eye was:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=35815018
Emerald Forest - Tree of Life Pendant Necklace.

There's always been something about trees to me- their roots are grounded, and branches are spread out. I see such metaphors in the necklace and in life.

Her pieces are incredible. Thank you for sharing!

Cheryl said...

Just one? Seriously? Maybe the peridot twist ring?

amber_mtmc said...

I am awed by your fortitude and grateful for your supportive husband.

Heather, you make my day brighter when I read your words and am reminded to keep fighting against my own addictions.

TKW said...

OOH! Shiny, sparkly things!

Thinking of you. I'm sure that window of the evening is hard to endure. You are so strong, Heather. Keep on, Mama.

I vote for serenity ring!

Mama-Face said...

It is all so lovely-the three pearl ring is a favorite. Great prices too.

I sometimes find myself strolling through etsy...it is relaxing.

Take care; thinking of you.

Sarah said...

It is definitely a toss up between the gratitude ring and the Angels among us...hmmm...I really like the angels among us piece becaue it's purple, pancreatic cancer awareness purple...my father in law died last spring from pancreatic cancer. Just months after training for a grueling bike ride he was diagnosed. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Anyhow, thanks for doing this :) tjandsarahkelly@hotmail.com

Crystal said...

I've stopped by your blog a few times in the past (but never commented.. shame, shame!). Kelly @ lovewellblog(dot)com tweeted about this giveaway and I decided to check it out!

I loved everything but the Dark Chocolate Earrings I liked the best! She does great work! I'm so glad I decided to take a look!

crystaljop @ gmail (dot) com

Stephanie said...

love your blog! this is my first comment! i really think that you should get the serenity ring for yourself. to symbolize how far you've come.
i on the other hand LOVE the Wishing on A Star Necklace. it's adorable!

gretchen from lifenut said...

Oooh, love the matrix jasper ring. Any ring. I love rings. When I'm old, I am going to be one of those batty ladies with a ring on every finger and this will help me add to my collection!

Thanks, Heather! Great giveaway.

Aimee said...

Wow! Her things are beautiful!! I love the little love nest ring--her prices are so reasonable! I will definitely spread the word.

You amaze me, Heather. Your strength is so inspiring! You have already come so far. I'm glad your life is surrounded by encouraging souls.

Lots of love to you!!!

S said...

I am a bracelet FREAK! I love all of them.

My Bottle's Up! said...

this piece... this ring... is it for you. for where you are now and for where you are going...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25175266

i love the base of it. it's not a perfect circle, but a multitude of layered circles that hold on to a beautiful stone with just a hint of color. enough color to catch ones attention... but not so much at the same time.

truly unique... as are you... as is your journey.

My Bottle's Up! said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Janet Oberholtzer said...

Beautiful jewelry! I love the 'wishing on a star' necklace.

Thanks for the honesty on your journey ... it's refreshing to read your openness. Sorry that it is so hard and that its a one day (or one minute) at a time thing ... hang in there.
Will say a prayer for you in the late afternoon and evenings.

Kristen@nosmallthing said...

The orange blossom ring...love that! So unusual and pretty. :)

And hey...don't knock the jigsaw puzzles. I could do them for hours, seriously. HOURS.

Annette Lyon said...

It's perfectly unfair to ask us to pick a favorite--holy cow, she's got great stuff!

But if I must . . . the dark chocolate earrings are to die for. I'm in a brown stage myself, and I love earrings that dangle just about that length. PERFECT!

Lindsay said...

I really love the Bermuda Blue Circle and the Sapphire blue swarovski necklaces.


Lindsay
lcouzens@gmail.com

Jillene said...

Holy crap!! How in the world do I choose a favorite. Her jewelry is AMAZING!! I do love me some turquoise so I guess I will say the Stunning Turquiose Double Strand Bracelet.

And can I just say that I am amazed at your honesty and completely floored with your courage. You have always inspired me and continue to do so. ♥♥

Diane said...

The Rain Forest Jasper is gorgeous! I have never seen the wire wrapped like this. So beautiful! :O)

estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com

Erin said...

my favorite is definitely the mother's bracelet. Which is, of course, more than $40. But it is so GORGEOUS!

Mendie said...

I love the turquoise bracelet!

Jamie said...

So many cute things! I love those rings. My favorite is the Square Swarovski Crystal Ring.

Still praying for you! I've got your name on a post-it note on my bathroom mirror and I pray for you every time I see your name.

suzannah | the smitten word said...

may it get easier with time.

lovely shop. love the black raspberry dangly earrings.

The Clines said...

I love the Wishing on a Star necklace.
I'm glad you found such a good friend to help you get through this tough time in your life.

Stephanie said...

I love the Tahitian Moon Necklace...and I'm so glad you've found strength in sharing your story with others. Praying for you Heather!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

That nesty Fly Away necklace is beautiful. And for you- the black silk ring- wow.

Steph

Deanna said...

My favorite two pieces are the Dark Chocolate Earrings and the Turquoise Dangle Earrings. I know you said to pick one, but I loooove earrings!

Thank you for your blog - you are an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to choose!

I love the bracelets. I think my favorite is the thank you bracelet.

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I love the crystal necklaces. Jewels -- especially big, bright jewels or beads -- always suck me in.

That said, the nest necklace would make a great Mother's Day gift.

Life Laugh Latte said...

I love jewelry...I really do...but I love you more. I'll go check her blog out next, but I really wanted to check in on you. Proud of your hard, healthy steps in the right direction. Praying for your strength and courage. As usual, everything you write touches my soul. Holly at LLL

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Fly Away Home necklace for me please! I have a thing for robins' eggs.

Holly said...

Gorgeous jewelry! I think I love this red ring best, though it's hard to decided: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36771834

holly at joeljacobs dot com

The Legers said...

I like the hope circle necklace!

juliekg122 said...

Thanks for being so transparent. You're in my prayers. Makes me realize that we all have some kind of thing we'd like to hide . . .

Anyway, since I have 3 children, I like the three peas in a pod ring. I love this jewelry and will have to be checking it out!

Samantha said...

My personal favorite is the Wishing on a Star necklace. There is a wonderful story about a little boy at the beach, throwing starfish back into the ocean. A business man came up to the boys and said "Surely you realize that you cannot save them all - your efforts are worthless"... to which the little boy responds.. "Well, it means something to this one" as he tosses another starfish back into the ocean. Its not about saving the world - its about doing what you can to improve the lives of others. You, Heather, are doing so much by your honesty and candor.

Haley said...

So glad that you have found a friend and an inspiration in your continued journey of sobriety.

For your ring, I think the Ruby Red Ring would look awesome on your finger.

And, I love the Wish Upon a Star necklace!

Lots of love for you Heather!

*MARY* said...

Love you, Heather. And I love doing jigsaw puzzles too, but nothing over 50 pieces.

I like the cicles of light bracelet.

nicole said...

The black raspberry circle pendant! As soon as I saw it I wanted it!

Debbie said...

I really want that circle of turquoise bracelet. Yes, it is slightly over $40. What can I say? I have expensive taste:)
She has some serious talent. I make jewelry but mine look like the things my kids used to make for me compared to hers.

becca said...

I love it all! How to choose? I love the tangerine ring in dark copper... can always use a little bling on my finger and this is so different.

I love your new site Heather! I guess I haven't been by in a little while... although I think of you OFTEN and hope you're doing well.

Monica said...

What an awesome giveaway. It's really hard to choose just one! I love the perfect pearl ring and the nest ring.

Big Blue Momma said...

I love the gratitude ring, I need something to remind me to be thankful for what I have.

Elisa said...

I think you should go with the
Aquamarine Swarovski Crystal Ring

Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. All the things you are searching for right now.

MommaKiss said...

Oh, her jewelry is gorgeous!

I love the bling ring. And if I don't win, I may be buying something anyway.

Unknown said...

So much great stuff!! I really like the little Love Nest ring, since there are three eggs and I have three babies!

Thanks for the chance Heather.

Hope we can do a jigsaw puzzle together someday. Wouldn't that be so cool? :)

erin said...

I love the Pearls Gone Wild bracelet - such lovely colors! Thanks for introducing me to this gorgeous jewelry!

Liz Mays said...

I'm kinda digging that perfect pearl ring!

Sabrina said...

Love the Faceted Turquoise Ring. Thanks for the chance to win!

J said...

I like the Steel Magnolia Earrings!

Elizabeth @claritychaos said...

All of it! I love the big pearl ring, the sea glass ring, the orange blossom ring, oooh...the turquoise jasper bracelet!!, the 3 Peas in a Pod necklace...I think those are all my favorites. (I hope I'm random enough to win!)

awesome giveaway.

xo

Anonymous said...

Bermuda Blue Circle necklace. I wrote a longer comment before but it's not longer on here. Wondering why . .

soccerbelle@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The Summer Rain ring is so pretty I can't keep my eyes off it!

Thanks for the great giveaway!

Robin Arnold said...

Yes but, do you do anything creative? Besides puzzles? I did go take a peek at your friend's work and like her Fly Away Home nest necklace...in Robin's Egg Blue of course.

CharityVL said...

If I have to pick JUST one, I guess it's the Juicy Gemstone Stacking Rings. Her stuff is beautiful, and she sounds like a beautiful person too. Thanks for the chance!

LunaMoonbeam said...

I love the Fly Away Home necklace...in robin egg blue. *grin* It's just so perfect and delicate...

a Tonggu Momma said...

It's all so beautiful, but I'd have to say that the bracelet Perfect in Peridot is my favorite. Love the color!

Ash said...

Oh, oh, oh!!!

The World to Me ring. Pretty please!!!

(girl, you rock that headband and put Xanadu Olivia Newton John to shame. To shame!! You're in my thoughts.)

Mammatalk said...

Raspberry pearls? Wow. Have never heard of these lovelies....but, I simply must have!!!!

Mammatalk said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
kirsten said...

I like the Wishing on A Star necklace. Or the Serenity ring. Because seriously - who doesn't need that?!?

~*Michelle*~ said...

First.....I am continuing to pray for you.....so proud of you!

Second....thank you for a wonderful giveaway.....everything is gorgeous. I love the Fly Away Home necklace. (I have a special place in my heart for nests)

Kristina Joy said...

Hmmm, so many choices!

I like the Black Raspberry circle pennant necklace and the Black Raspberry Pearl Ring.

Ryley @ That's My Family! said...

OHHHH.. I love that black raspberry circle pendant! :)

Mrs. Cox said...

Wow. What fun stuff. I like everything. My wardrobe could definitely use some of this to pump it up a little bit.

I think I would go for...The black onyx ring (described as sleek and sexy--something I could use a little more of...sleekishness and sexiness) or the dark chocolate earrings (I am currently wearing 2 different earrings that sort of look the same but they aren't).

Heather said...

I have always loved her fly away home necklace but then I saw Cirlcle of Light and literally gasped-I know what I will be getting from her soon enough....wonder if she can make the same thing in necklace form?

Maggie, Dammit said...

This is the best give-a-way post I've ever read. Seriously.

Also, did you know how much I love Friday Night Lights? Have we talked about that yet? I absolutely agree, it's by far the best show on television. I'm actually kind of a FNL evangelist, fair warning.

Anyway, Ellie is awesome. It's literally on my to-do list to sit and spend an hour or two studying her etsy shop. Thanks for this.

xo

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