This is so beautiful, I have to share ....

From Daily Om ...

Supporting and Inspiring
True Leadership

When we call someone a leader, what we sometimes mean is that they are the best in their particular field; they are inspiring because of how much they accomplish. To be highly accomplished is impressive, but that isn’t what leadership is about. True leaders are not just high achievers; they also support the people around them to achieve, and, in certain cases, to become leaders themselves. In other words, true leaders do not create a static group of followers. Rather, they create an environment in which everyone can develop their potential.
True leaders don’t get so caught up in the forward thrust of their own energy that they forget about others or the larger environment. They set an example with their actions, and they also support others to act. This is why true leadership is so rare.

Not everybody is cut out to be a leader, but most of us have the potential to serve in a leadership role at some point in our lives. When doing so, we might want to be inspired by the highest manifestation of leadership, remembering that we are meant to forward not only ourselves but a whole environment—an ideal, a plan, the people around us. While this won’t be easy, it is the true meaning of the job, and we can trust that we are capable of it. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t find ourselves in the position to lead.

It’s also possible that we have determined that our gifts are best applied in a secondary position, supporting the efforts of a leader whose vision we admire. In this case, we can ensure that our energy is best applied by holding the person for whom we work to a high standard of leadership. In this way, we take responsibility for our own gifts by guaranteeing that they will be appreciated and developed in a way that best serves the whole.

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This is just another message from the Cosmos to me about the blessed relationships I have with several Ladies who have come to my aid, support and encouragement whether they were "training" me, advising me, laughing with me or just reading and empathizing ... Their "leadership" is to me, a Gift.

Been awhile ...

Since I posted .... just so busy working at the spa, creating my new line of jewelry and keeping up with the many sites I am on ... like my first post said ... so many things to do so little time ...

Jeepers !!!! I best get busy :)

The 3

I believe human beings have physical energy, mental energy, spiritual energy. The 3 ...

Body

Mind

Spirit

What we feel and think and believe gets projected into the Cosmos, whether it is positive or negative. I wonder sometimes if negative is easier to project, it seems there is more of it. It is easier to smile than frown; but to do so sincerely is the key. Do your eyes crinkle when you smile? Are your thoughts smiling too? Is your heart light?

Having courage requires Energy. Staying the course, believing in what you are doing, despite the odds, requires a type of courage equal to a Warrior. A Peaceful Warrior.

As a bodyworker (my "real job"!!!) I have a bubble around my Self that protects me and expresses my boundaries when with clients. If I am not in the Now, my bubble becomes fragile and is easily penetrable; a clients Energy - positive or negative - will find its way inside my bubble. It requires much Energy of The 3 to always be in the Now. When physically touching clients thru massage, my bubble must be a little extra strong, like a double bubble, otherwise I am wide open for their own Energy to overcome my own. If they are tired, sick, weak, angry, depressed etc. that Energy swirls around me. On the other hand, if they are happy, healthy, compassionate, rested, that Energy also swirls around me. The one brings me low, the other lifts me up.

Just as being with someone crying can move us to tears of our own, so does someone's eye crinkling smile make our own face smile.

Here in the world of handcrafting - jewelry for instance - I have sometimes been down, discouraged, frustrated, and envious of the success of others. I have not been in the Now. I have cast my negative 3 into the Cosmos, my bubble has become fragile. And then, like a ray of Sunshine, like a positive force from the Universe, someone or something, comes to me and I am overwhelmed by beauty, goodness, positive Energy. I have found beautiful, positive, eye crinkling, happy crafters whose joy and love of creating - using their 3 Energies - have swirled around me and uplifted my own 3. I am encouraged by their beauty, I am supported by their compassion, I am enthused by their creations.

Yes, true positve projection of The 3 requires Energy and courage.

To the Peaceful Warriors - Ladies, I am Blessed by your friendship.

Paying It Forward ....

It's been a while since I posted. I have been so busy with work in the Spa, then home responsibilities, and the little free time I have I finally get to make some jewelry. I try to squeeze in some post time with my two shops, but it isn't easy! You all know what I mean.

I've also been Paying It Forward. When I needed help there was and still is, one particular person I go to for help, Susy of earthexpressions. And now I have another Friend, Peg of Temptations, that I've been helping out. Peg has pretty earrings for us "grown ups" as well as a line for the little ladies in our lives.

Please give Peg a moment of your time and visit her studio on ArtFire as well as Etsy. Drop her a line to say hello - we artisans need to support each other by ....

Paying It Forward ....

Turquoise Royalty

Golden Hearts and Berries

Victorian Affair

FYI and aren't they just the Jam!!

Fun fun fun ... I have been having a blast creating earrings using sweet half hoop Sterling Silver earwires I purchased from my lady Etsy-an ... Please visit her shop to find great goodies at super great prices.

www.yadanabeads.etsy.com

One of my youthful expressions has returned to me in my middle years; when super excited about some thing, I'd blurt out "isn't that just the Jam" or similar .. I thought I'd explain so not to be confused with a spreadable Jam.

Then again, isn't spreading excitement .... like spreading Jam?

Have a smooth Monday ;)

Lady Raven

Gem Drops - Yummy ;)

Gem Drops are sweet little yummies that drip from your ears like candy Gum Drops we ate as kids.

Colorful, fun new creations from me to You .... Enjoy! But ... don't eat them!!

Goodies ;)

I love my new goodies and will soon be presenting them in my jewelry shop:

http://www.ladyravenscreations.etsy.com/

But for now, here is a wee preview of just a few that I purchased:

For more, please visit the lovely shop where I purchased these lovely pendants:

www.earthexpressions.etsy.com

Susy is such a wonderful Spirit ...

Give and Receive

Along time ago when I thought I was in control of my Path, I did not understand the concept of Give and Receive; the common cliche is Give and Take.

And then one day ....

I discovered I was not and had never been, in control of my Path; au contraire ... All the trials and tribulations, brick walls, miseries, difficulties = all that Negativity (with a capital N) swirling around me WAS BECAUSE I arrogantly thought I was in control. Not so. When I got out of my Ego's way, when I stood still in the center of Now and just breathed, I discovered the bliss, the joy, the ecstasy of perfection; my Path was in control of me.

I just needed to let go, and let it be ....

And then I understood that the "take" part of that cliche was so negative as to be near violent.

Truly, Give and Receive is the Path, the Way, the Balance

Today, I give into the Cosmos the energy of Give ...

For I have Received so very much of late ....

The Cosmos (Universe) is speaking to Me ...

From Daily Om ...

Success Through Cooperation
Leo Daily Horoscope

You could feel like being a part of group activities, and this may make you feel more supportive and accommodating toward others today. It might seem that by being cooperative you may be more able to get more things accomplished than by working alone. Making a point to include other people in your decisions and on projects could pave the way for greater creativity in both your work and social activities. Becoming attuned to your ability to understand and sense the needs of those around you may make everything you do with others more effective, friendly, and interesting. Listening closely to others’ opinions as well as giving praise could enhance your ability to communicate and lend to the success of everything that you collaborate on. Learning to work with and encourage others leads to greater achievements.

Using the talents of those around us lets us draw from a multitude of sources of creative energy. Having such a group together means that we channel not only our own gifts from the universe but those of everyone involved, which makes our talents all the more beneficial for everyone. Furthermore, if we make the effort to be more effective in our group communications though greater attentiveness, openness, and understanding, we contribute to a positive group dynamic, which makes the group much more successful as a whole. By supporting and cooperating with others today, your communication will be filled with respect and mutual encouragement, allowing you to achieve more than you would have ever imagined.

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This only supports what has been taking place within my Life over the past few weeks. The ladies I've met thru Etsy, their encouragement and support and ideas, their friendship, has led to so much enrichment in my Life, I am feeling very Blessed.

www.earthexpressions.etsy.com
www.yadanabeads.etsy.com
www.temptations.etsy.com

Life is Good ;)

Ads & Promoting One's Self

Those of us who create for pleasure with hope of selling, whether for a little extra income, or as our main source of earning, need to advertise ... promote our Selves, our business, our creations ... reach out into the World of lookers, shoppers, buyers, believing that someone somewhere wants that particular something that we create.

It isn't easy! Today's economy not only makes it difficult for people to buy things, it makes it difficult for those of us who create, to create things. I am basically new to the fine art of Selling.

I started creating jewelry after my first knee surgeries in August of 2008; to keep me occupied, my mind off the pain - especially after physical therapy. My Mom said after seeing a few of my necklaces, "Taleda you have some talent, you should sell this stuff."

Me? Sell? Uh oh ....

By November, it was clear I had to have BOTH my knees replaced and it was agreed to do them both at the same time; a 7 hour surgery, the most incredibly painful recovery I could not imagine prior to the event, and LONG hard miserable physical therapy for four months. Today, it is still painful, difficult to walk and the work I do - Massage Therapist - reminds me daily that I am still healing.

In the beginning, the only thing that kept me going after each painful day of physical therapy, was getting home, taking my pain pills and surrounding my Self with beads. Months and months later, I have over 90 items for Sale on Etsy.com (about 100 more laid out waiting to be photographed and posted). I've set up additional shop on Artfire.com, I've created a account on Flickr, started this Blog, added a Facebook Page ... and my GOODNESS!! Who knew back in August 2008 when I put my first bead on my first thin wire where I was headed!!

I've spent ooodles of money, haven't earned much, but I certainly have learned and, in the process met some talented, intelligent, wonderful people. My Buddhist philosophies teach me Patience; and if something is meant to be, it will be.

This particular ensemble is my vision of Patience ...

Dropped Into Still Waters ~ The Ripple Effect ~

From my Daily Om book, so appropriate for today:

In a world of six billion people, it is easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain.

Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripple to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is grater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world.

Should the opportunity arise, the recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to perform one for some else. Somebody feeling the effect of negative energy will be more like to pass that on. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone's life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to BE that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible.

A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates, out into your community, and finally through the world. you have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone THOSE people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples move onward and outward.

One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of love and kindness.

sweet fun and really creative

It's amazing how many wonderful people I've cybermet thru Etsy.com ...

There we all are like busy little bees creating all sorts of fun, interesting, useful items, and of course just plain old pretty lovlies; jewelry!

What could be more fun than making a pattern of beads and findings that when complete, another person wears?

I've met thru cyberspace a lovely, sweet very creative Lady and I hope she knows how she has already enriched my world; Susy of EarthExpressions.Etsy.com ... who also has a Blog that I am a follower of here.

She is so talented and gifted, I hope if anyone sees my Blog, they will go look at her Blog where her creations are as well as super suggestions for those, like me, who create for potential Shoppers.

Susy, on the Kudo scale of 1 - 10 ... You are certainly a shining 10!!

Blessings, and may your Sunday be as peaceful as You are!

Lady Raven

Time & Priorities

24hrs in every day ...
day job = 5 days per week = 35+hrs
days off = thursday & sunday
job = spa = massage therapist

that's my "normal" life ....

inbetween i've got all the other responsibilities of an adult; shopping, cooking, cleaning, yardwork, bonding with the family (my mom & son), errands and oh about 100 etc.'s !!

at night after dinner and ALL other free time = creating jewelry which is my precious time.

oh and then there's the www multiple site postings, editings, cropping photos and coming up with catchy titles and descriptions that will entice lookers to become buyers.

my question for today is: how come there are ONLY 24hrs in every day?? whats up with that!!!!!!!!!

LOL .... life is good and i am grateful for ALL the hours i am gifted with ........

Taking flight ....

This is my first Blog post! So many new adventures have opened up for me when I became an Etsy Seller. I have learned much from boo-boo's and keep on creating jewelry, redesigning my Shop on Etsy, weaving my way thru the strands of success to find my wee niche in the handcrafted jewelry world. I am so blessed to be "friends" with other Etsy Shop Keepers (Sellers) because their wealth of information, suggestions and cheers have certainly helped me along. I am also very grateful to and appreciate my Buyers.

From Etsy, I am now a Seller on Artfire.com ... and have a Facebook Page ... and now a Blog Spot .... Sweet ;)

So much to maintain on the WWW, so many creations to create and only 24hrs in every day ...

Jeepers, I better get busy!