After 38 years as an educator and a breast cancer diagnosis, it was time to retire . . . but I wasn’t ready! What would I do with my days? Could I stay busy enough? When a baby hawk fell out of its nest and landed in our front yard, God provided a glimpse of new adventures. In addition to making handmade jewelry, I now assist a local rehabber in saving and releasing hawks, owls, and kites. Imagine our delight when its parent (on the left, below) flew up to greet her! We see hawks around our home and like to think that one of them is this young one, all grown up.
The birds and the beads . . .
The birds . . .
Red-shouldered hawks are common in northeast Florida, but that doesn’t mean they’re always thriving. Several weeks after the baby hawk was brought to a local rehabber, she was ready for release in our front yard. She flew across the street and perched on the neighbor’s roof while calling for her family. Within minutes, her parent found food, flew to her, and fed her.
This experience led to volunteering with the same lovely lady who nurtured this hawk. The pendant above, crafted of precious metal clay, was a gift to my friend for all she has taught me and all she does to save the birds.
‍ ‍ and the beads ~
Growing up in a coastal Florida town meant frequent trips to the beach and resulted in a deep love of the sea and its creatures. While in college in Georgia, working to save loggerhead sea turtles on barrier islands illustrated the complexity of our interconnectedness.
Collecting shells was a childhood pastime that has become a lifelong hobby. As I’ve walked the shore in many places for over fifty years, the decline in variety and quantity of species on various beaches is glaring. This is only one indicator of how much our oceans and their inhabitants are suffering. Our planet’s future depends on us.
Living life victoriously means finding wonder in the world around us, connecting with others, and expressing gratitude for our blessings.
amethyst druzy, ametrine, and sterling silver
Ocean shadowbox of sterling silver & glass with natural ocean elements
Dragon’s lace agate & sterling silver
Sea pansy, coral, & agate with sterling silver