The same man who said "There are no second acts in American lives." also gave us these timeless words excerpted here. (Scroll to the bottom to see the entire quote in digitally antiquated letterpress.)
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I prefer the more optimistic of the two quotes... 
Second acts are American at their very core and this article celebrates the accomplishments of three designers: Gina Ferranti, Emily Kuvin, and Robin Labb. Each brings innate intelligence, talent and drive to their jewelry businesses. They also bring something else to the table... proven skill sets from previous careers.
​And this makes all the difference. 
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​Three amazing designers.
​Three inspiring stories.
Three distinct aesthetics. 
And lots of  mouth-watering, wearable jewelry that you'll want in your jewelry box and on your body. 

Click on the image to be taken to the digital edition of Jewelers Suite Magazine. ​
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Please reach out to me if you'd like me to put you directly in touch with Emily, Robin, or Gina. They're as nice as their jewelry is beautiful.
​I'd love to connect you. 
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As promised, the quote in its entirety. 
Could his words be more contemporary for a weary and divided world, emerging from a pandemic?
These sentiments are perfect for 2021, for spring, for where ever you may be in your journey. 

And always, many thanks to Ann Glynn at Jeweler's Suite Magazine for guidance and patience during my third or fourth act. I've lost track... 

On an early morning walk in Falls Park I spied with my little eye an amazing piece of signage that intrigued me. The tasteful logo led me to case after case of beautiful writing instruments. And I fell in love with fountain pens all over again. My old Pelican took a turn in the ultrasonic on my bench.

For the jewelers reading this, see how this innovative retailer leverages all things digital. Pernicious comparison to another jeweler isn't going to happen here. Relax, read, and simply observe and learn. 

For anyone planning a trip to Greenville, this store is a must see to make your visit complete. There are plenty of gateway pens to begin this creative journey. The charming downtown is completely walkable with interesting places to explore all along the away. Truphae is at the top of Falls Park, just off South Main Street and on Instagram @truphae_inc.

Tap the pages below to be taken to Jewelers Suite Magazine.

Flip on over to page 30 for a three minute read.

I'd really love to know how you are hiring differently since 2020 and what digital adaptations you'll be making. 
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I'm not accident prone.
Really. I'm not.
Things just happen. 

So ever use the scotch tape method of removing a splinter from your finger successfully? Me neither. Now imagine being given a roll of duct tape. 
Same principle, but I've gotten ahead of myself. 

February was feeling a little off this year. 
I'm not suppose to be here. I'm suppose to be in Tucson. 
It's more than a tradition, it has become part of the rhythm of my personal and professional lives, something I have basically taken for granted. Don't get me wrong. I admire all the efforts at a virtual Tucson, and I want to support everyone that I can, but the sense of place for all things Tucson is integral for me and at this point, my screen fatigue for Zoom and IG is real. 

Tucson 2020 was approached with a "wait and see" attitude and then an abundance of caution was exercised once I decided to go. There was this thing lurking... known then as the Corona virus. Abundant hand washing solved all worries.

​I went with a designer who had never been as her Tucson sherpa. Knowing her taste, her nascent collections, and her upcoming events, I was able to tailor the Tucson experience for her by getting her in front of the right vendors at the right shows as efficiently as possible. And taking pictures along the way documenting her journey. It was wonderful seeing Tucson through her eyes.

I also thought I was exercising an abundance of caution as I moved in for the close up of a bird nest at the airport. A delicate shelter, precariously built among the needles of a cactus. An architectural wonder that would prove safe shelter from any predator or overly eager tourist with an iPhone. 

Masks were still a novelty and largely unworn. Social distancing was still not really a thing and besides, in what other city could an event like Tucson even take place? It is precisely the sprawl between all the events that make it possible. We were there for four days and covered a lot of ground. Pacing photo opps with buying and visiting with new friends and old. 

Tucson really is the "Happy New Year" to the jewelry industry. It's when we get back to business after Christmas sales and the recovery and planning period of January because one cannot buy and invest properly without a plan. I call it my "script." I can deviate from it, because let's face it, Tucson is there to show you things you hadn't even dreamed of! But at least it helps structure your time there. Don't leave home without it.  

The slow, gentle pace of the Caribbean came to an end and life in Atlanta resumed to the strange, slow pace of the COVID lockdown. There was yet another trip in this back to back month of travel. This time to a gray and snowy Tennessee.  

One minute I'm talking gemstones and design by an outdoor fireplace, watching a glorious Tucson sunset, the next I'm discussing wedding plans with my daughter-in-law in Brazil, and then a name in my caller ID appears and I knew instantly what it meant. There was that call from a friend in Atlanta letting me know our mutual friend had died.

I was stunned. Not shocked, her health had been precarious. But entirely unready for the conversation that ensued. He knew that, but he also needed help contacting people and making plans. In reality, I did very little. 

It was the beginning of the repercussions of loss and grief. 
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It's the hilarious texts I probably miss the most. And the long conversations filled with her brilliant insights and wicked sense of humor. The times we prayed together when I knew I had indeed been prayed for. Her innate bravery as she faced the daily betrayals of her body. She's still around, active in my thoughts and memories. More sweet than sad, I know that she is truly alive, now more than ever. 

February 2020 was a blurry study in contrasts. The inspiration of the desert temporarily populated with gem dealers. A happy occasion marked by walks along the surf. Followed by the mountains of Tennessee for a formal goodbye that began a year marked by waves of grief that swell and recede with no predictability.

So much transpired that month... in minutes, in hours, and in days. 

And here we are.
March 2021.
Birds are singing, the buds are firmly set on the trees, and brave flowers are starting to bloom. 
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Be brave, friends. 
Be brave. 
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