Goodbye 2020 helllo 2021

Tonight we say goodbye to a memorable year in many ways.  We welcome 2021 which will welcome the new Presidential administration and the end to the pandemic we have had for most of 2020.  There is a new Female Vice President, Kamala Harris for the first time in our history.  I celebrate tonight for that reason and many more. 

 

Please remember Black Live matter & to be kind.  More reflections tomorrow.  Tonight is a big GOODBYE to 2020. 

 

 

Today & this night night are a celebration of all we have accomplished, survived, made happen, and the hope of the new leadership to  put our country back on track and to help us rebuild & recover.As I said one year ago, I am a lady artist in this new century. What a fantastic journey it has been so far. I am excited to see where this new decade take me and our country.  It will be better because we will work together.  

 

This is a weathered piece of seashell set with love in 14 karat gold filled wire as a necklace.  We can rebuild. have faith.

 

Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Buy Panda Wear Bling
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community. 

 

Christmas 2020 is Lonely

They Holiday Season is Very Different.  This has been a difficult post to put up this holiday season.  There are many memes out there if you want to look for them.  My words for how many of us feel .....Isolated, alone, sad, stuck, lonely, angry, disappointed, joy, happy, fear, afraid, scared,  & melencholy 

The rollercoaster of 2020 we have been riding will end soon.  In 26 day we have new Federal leadership to  put our country back on track and to help us rebuild & recover.  Recover from the damage caused not  only by the pandemic but by 4 years of an administration that focused on pulling our country apart.  America is a  great nation because of our diversity. 

BLACK LIVES MATTER

I have said it many time this year and it needs repeating.  Search the below terms

 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter 
and read from fact checked news sources.  . 

I look to the women I have admired and been inspired by over my lifetime.  Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Suana B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, are a few of these women.  the quotes below are ones I belie are great to mediate on.  I believe they will help us move forward in a positive way.  

Harriet Tubman

Every Dream begins with a dreamer.  Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. 

I grew up like a neglected weed - ignorant of liberty,  having no experience of it. 

 

RBG   Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that leads others to join you.  

Women belong in all the places where decisions are being made.  It shouldn't be that women are the exception.   

 

  

 

Susan B   Susan B. Anthony   

Failure is Impossible

 

No man is good enough to govern and woman without her consent. 

 Hoping my Christmas wish for all will help a few of you to be able to keep the faith.  

 

As a woman and small business owner in New York state, I believe we can come together as a nation and learn from the past.  There is strength from our Foremothers and knowledge we should heed.   

Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Buy Panda Wear Bling
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.  

 

Late Fall in The Vegetable Garden

  It is the middle of November here in my Western NY garden.  The Climate Emergency has certainly changed the length of the season here.  We had tomatoes alive and producing.until October 14  this year.  Normally we take out the plants in mid September because the season in done with our plants.  Happy to be harvesting lettuce, kale, collards, fennel & celery this week.  

         Wear the Damn Mask!

Spending some quality time in the Kitchen creating some fall foods like stem, apple pie, soups, and roasted chicken.  

 .

 

 

 As a Jewelry designer this year has been very different.  Any other year, this would be a time of year when I would share the last of my shows for 2020.    The 1st quarter of 2020 was off to a fantastic start with my goal of participating in more events then ever before in a calendar year. My success ratio was the best in several years and I had extremely high goals for the rest of the year..  I expect to end 2020 on a positive note. Thanks to corona virus no live events / shows from March forward for the rest of 2020 

 

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me.

Black Lives Still Matter!

The Group in my city is Free The People ROC

 I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and speak up. 

#standup

#speakup

#listen 

  Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.  

 

Necklace & earring set in Turquoise & gold.

Mental Health Awareness

October is domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Willow Center is the place in my city Rochester, NY helping the community.  Step up and support them.  

 #withWillow    End Domestic Violence #EndDV Domestic Violence Awareness month #DVAM
https://willowcenterny.org/

 

When you #WalkWithWillow your support means emergency shelter, counseling, and housing
assistance for thousands of survivors each year. Please join the virtual MOVEment to help end domestic violence now. 

 

Register at   

http://bit.ly/WillowWalk 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reach out to your friends.  This pandemic has harmed us in ways we have not seen before.  staying home and sheltering in place is difficult for many and impossible for some.  Domestic violence is rising .  send a text or make a phone call to a friend you have not heard from recently.  

 

Help is here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group in Syracue NY is Vera house.  I first learned about them many years ago at the NYS Fair by their t-shirt display at the fair.  I was moved by the incredible  shirts made by the survivors.verahouse

Their annual Gala is online this year.  link to help is below.  

 

 Vera House No Show GALA 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community. 

Remember Black Lives Matter!

We are in this together. Wear a Mask, Stay home, Stay safe, Flatten the curve, Facts Matter. 14 days until the election.  Please vote. I have.

Indigenous Peoples Day

How to pick my topic for the week?  What to write this week... so many important things

on my mind on Monday and with those of the people in the USA right now. I normally publish this weekly on Mondays. 

• Indigenous Peoples Day (Monday)
• Black Lives Matter 
• Mental Health Awareness / Suicide Prevention
  
• VOTE! 21 days until the Election
• Cancer
• End of 2020 without Art Festivals
• Not Politics – Human Rights 
•  Womens Small Business Month 
• DIY earrings or bracelets
• Why Gemstones in my work?
  

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day.  I normally publish this weekly on Mondays.  As with many special holidays, I believe we should celebrate this for longer than one day. Water is Life became the know phrase to capture the movement began because of the DAP Dakpta Access Pipeline by the  Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.  

Mother Jones article here on another positive step

Mother Jones March 2020

 

 

 

 

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me. 

 Highly Recommend this book.  It was humbling.

when they call you a terrorist

a black lives matter memoir

Black Lives Still Matter!

 

 

Reach out to your friends.  This pandemic has harmed us in ways we have not seen before.  staying home and sheltering in place is difficult for many and impossible for some.  Domestic violence is rising .  send a text or make a phone call to a friend you have not heard from recently. 

Help is here

What is a Commission

What is a Commission and why do you want one?  Have you looked for a special gift and not been able to find what you want at the store?  Talking to an artist allows your idea to be created.  Commission is another way or saying special order.  Half of my work is done this way.  Simply put when asked to make something special for a person that is not a piece that is currently made.  

 

Bridal Commissions

The pieces here speak for themselves.  Showing both Sterling Silver and 14 karat gf work. The metal, color & style were choice of the buyer.   One winter wedding and two summer weddings shown.

 

Commission Questions

The basic information you need to place an order or request a commission is below.

1. Basic budget ($50 or $300)
2. What you are looking for
3.  How quickly do you need it  

Please note all commissions  are final sales & require deposit to begin the work. 

 

 Commissions come in all forms:  Social Justice

Black Lives Matter!  Flatten the curve. Wear A Mask. Stay Safe. No Justice No Peace! Participate. Stand up. Practice social distancing.

 For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me.

 

 

Proverbial Monday - Hello September

Hello September

Yes it is Tuesday 9/8/20 but it feels like Monday, proverbial Monday to many of us.   The day after Labor Day in the USA has been the beginning of fall for many because of back to school children for years.  Schools and our lives are different this year because of the pandemic.  

Remember to Wear The Damn Mask!  Nobody enjoys it but it is a small sacrifice for the larger good of our nation.  Many you stay safe, practice social distancing and flatten the curve.    

No Justice No Peace

As many of you know, I reside in Rochester, NY.  We have been in the news recently.  

Black Lives Matter!  No Justice No Peace. Participate. Stand up. 

Wear A Mask. Stay Safe. Practice social distancing. 

 For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter 
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I am speaking up.  Please join me. 

Small Business

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stays in the community. Women use you buying power wisely.  

Many of my readers ask why does a small business speak about topics not about their industry?  As a business owner in Rochester, I join others is posting out the injustices I see.  We need to work together and VOTE in November.  Take America by the Ballot Box.  We as women have the power and we need to use it.  

Suffrage Centential August celebrations

 Herstory

15 Women Voted in Rochester, NY in 1872 and were arrested:  Susan B Anthony, Charlotte ("Lottie") B. Anthony, Mary S. Anthony, Ellen S. Baker, Nancy M. Chapman, Hannah M. Chatfield, Jane M. Cogswell, Rhoda DeGarmo, Mary S. Hebard, Susan M. Hough, Margaret Garrigues Leyden, Guelma Anthony McLean, Hannah Anthony Mosher, Mary E. Pulver, and Sarah Cole Truesdale.

Susan B Trial

Proud to live in one state to fully enfranchise women two years before the 19th amendment - 55 years later guaranteed to all with this:
Voting Rights Act of 1965

2020 Celebration

Proud to honor the Centennial of the 19th amendment this year.  Wish we could all join hands in the streets and celebrate this anniversary of such a huge milestone in our democracy.

This is a candid with  an organization whom came to Rochester at Susan B. Anthony Square to film for the 2020 Suffragist Parade. Thank you Women TIES.  Happy to be part of this celebration by women Business Owners in my city.  Many are entrepreneurs and the lady in charge of the group celebrate 25 years in business in 2020.





For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stays in the community.

Social Justice

Black Lives Matter!  Flatten the curve. Wear A Mask. Stay Safe. No Justice No Peace. Participate. Stand up. Practice social distancing.

 For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me.

Dog Days of Summer

The dog days of summer are here.  As we near the end of August,  there are a few activities we look forward to each year they are   making tomato sauce from the bounty of the veggie garden,  the NY State Fair, enjoying the end of August dinner dishes from the garden harvest. Two of these are possible this year.  The fair will wait for 2021. 

As a small bushiness in Rochester, NY I am thankful to those whom have come before me to secure my right to vote.

Happy to have this month with such focus on the Centennial of the 19th amendment.  Working with one group this Friday  to put together our video for the Susan B virtual parade this year.  You can join the celebration here:
 Susan B Parade 2020

Remember, stay safe, wear a mask, social distance in public, flatten the curve, stay home and use compassion. For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stays in the community. Black Lives Matter

    Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website

Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems 
Instagram: Instagram

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me.

Hand made Copper or Sterling silver earring with part of the proceeds to benefit Flower City Habitat for Humanity.I am part of the Women build project again this year. 

 Earring are $49 per pair.

If you would prefer to give directly, you may donate here:


 Kim's Page

Calico Hammers Women Build

I miss my time with my Women build team helping Habitat for Humanity build homes.  This pic is a few years old and is at the end of the day.  The group is a fun bunch of ladies to work with.   I am in the red shirt & purple hard hat on the right side of this pic. 

Flower City Habitat for Humanity (FCHH) is our local Habatat.

Want to know how easy it is to help build with us?  A little goes a long way.  

You can donate to help here:

Kim's Page

Calico Hammer will be back as a team in 2021.  We are helping in many ways this year as individuals.  

      Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website

Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Pinterest: Pinterest 
Instagram: Instagram

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me. 

 Black Lives Matter!  Flatten the curve. Wear A Mask. Stay Safe. Practice social distancing.

Welcome August 2020

August has arrived in my western NY garden.   The hazy, hot, & humid month of summer is here.  On the positive side we have has a few visitors recently I wanted to share with you.  Two stunning examples Mother Nature sent me this week.  Blue dragonfly and yellow swallowtail butterfly.  It is great to have these minders of the beauty and delicate nature of teh creatures around us always.  we may not see them but they are near by and they are worth taking notice of.  Stop and enjoy the moment. 

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stays in the community.

 

Black Lives Matter!  Flatten the curve. Wear A Mask. Stay Safe. Practice social distancing.

I did virtual back flips yesterday when Presidential candidate Joe Biden announced his pick for VP,  Kamala Harris. She is an amazing congress woman and she will be a fantastic VP.  I ask all of you to please vote in November.  Be sure your friends are registered and that you all vote.  Here in NY they have made it easy by sending absentee ballots to all registered. 

I will end with my recommendations for all of us to become educated and support our sisters this anniversary of the 19th amendment  Celebrate the centennial the way our fore-mothers did and stand together in unity. 

       Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website

Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Pinterest: Pinterest 
Instagram: Instagram

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me.

Jewelry Safety and Precious Metals

Since February 2009 the Federal government in the USA has required manufactures to have their products for sale to children tested for lead. 

I am often asked why I use gemstones and precious metals in my work.  Why not go the the local craft store and by the cheap stuff on sale?  I use precious metals gemstones in the creations of the jewelry because I make a quality product.  I want my work to last, not be disposable & throw out after wearing once or twice.   Precious metals do not need certification at this point.  The materials used to create them are known.  For complete safety I do not sell or market my work as children's jewelry. 

For more information about safety in Jewelry and there hazards in our home. Made Safe. 

their blog on jewelry jewelry blog

I have often written about my process and the materials I use.  My precious metals blog Metals 101

Honesty and discourse of what someone is buying is a integral part of my business.  the earring have have surgical steel earwires; as the copper patinas(turns green), your ears do not. I always tell people jewelry is a body decoration and do not swim or sleep in it.  

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me. 

Just finished reading this last week &  I am humbled.

when they call you a terrorist

a black lives matter memoir

Black Lives Still Matter!

Seeds of Kambaba in Sterling silver below.  One of my gavotte gemstones to cut.  

  Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.  

We are in this together. Wear a Mask, Stay home, Stay safe, Flatten the curve, Fasts Matter.  

Wow August is Next Week

Feels like summer just began and it is almost August.  The isolation at this time makes time stand still some days.  Social distancing & safety are worth the pain some of us feel.  No able to put a lang post together this week.    

For Education  Search 
 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter 
and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I need to speak up.  Please join me. 

   

Just finished reading 

when they call you a terrorist

a black lives matter memoir

I am humbled.  

How to help / support see list in this image       >>>>>

Remember, stay safe, wear a mask, social distance in public, flatten the curve, stay home and use compassion.  

This is the last week of PRIDE in my City.  We are always celebrated in July.  I am in rochester NY.  this is the local organization whom celebrates pride 24/7/365 here.  

                   

                      LOVE IS LOVE

Out Alliance