Hand and Heart

I have had my heart broken many times

through romances and friendships that lived out their full life-span

before I was ready to let them go

We have all been cut off in traffic, cursed at by someone we don't even know,

given the cold shoulder, cried on a bus full of people with nary a compassionate glance

And yet the bravest among us still hold out our hand to the world

and offer the gem of our best self

as a gift with nothing expected in return.

Expectations shatter joy

in a sad and noisy way - I've had my share for people I've loved

places I've wanted to go

things I've set out to accomplish

but the times of great surprise and open-mouth smiling

have normally come to pass when I didn't develop a notion about what was to come -

joy crept in when I simply gave of my time or my heart

without banking on what I would see, think or feel.

The wonder and passion of living seem to be the results of a generous,

adventurous soul who ventures into the dark cave of that next moment

with a beacon and a full lunchbox

knowing when to nourish and when to rest

expecting nothing

and giving everything they can to life.

Every day I rise I pray that God helps me

open

grow

and learn from both the slings and arrows

as well as the bountiful harvest

and I trust that in giving the best I have in me

there is a bright spot left where darkness once fell completely.

This design is one of a kind, paired with a gem quality Coober Pedy opal

from Australia.

The fire in the opal is a rich grasshopper green with hints of yellow, perfect for the heart chakra over which it rests.

It is roughly 19 inches long with a double chain

and the hand itself was hammer engraved, which is an ancient and time-consuming art that I cherish.

In the Metal Shop today.

xo,

A