Originally posted in the Orchid Forum 08/04/2008

My first piece of jewelry still hangs on the walls of Metalwerx. I like it on the wall. Nobody knows whose it is and there is no name that sits by it. I know and the walls of Metalwerx know and I don't need to own it anymore. It reflects my history, and three milestones in my life. There was my time as an adult education student creating a pierced triangle with small decorative cuts, a set carnelian stone with a bezel, and a long hand-hammered 12-ga round wire chain with jump ring connections. When I looked at my piece as a teacher I saw in it how I'd gained enough wisdom to teach others and watch my students learn, how I was learning...from my mistakes and my successes. The piece traveled to Metalwerx, the school I built so that the learning could continue, experienced and passed on by others. Who would think that looking at a crude silver pendant I could see so much passion, so much history...all that I have learned...from all of you...all in one piece of jewelry.