The Pause Before the Breath

We did it. Anthony's game ships in just four months and the 'sprint' is wearing down to just 

nearly-normal work hours.

The garden has half its contents still thriving in that crunchy August way that smells like decay.

I will miss those cucumbers so much.

O and I leave on Monday morning for a family vacation that was been desperately needed for so long.

Everything sold is shipped or waiting in boxes to be sent out with that wonderful push-pull that always

happens with my work, when the process has been so full of love that I am both thrilled and aching at once to see them go.

It feels like I've tied a strand of baker's twine around this life,

so neatly, so carefully.

Here it is, in my palm held out like an offering to God

from an eager Girl Scout.

.

Early this week I had a horrifying almost-accident on the freeway (driving by myself thank you Jesus)

that snapped me like a pea and reset my compass.

True north.

I can wait five extra minutes in the bathroom while we potty train…

I can bake that loaf of bread 

I can put less task in my list

because there's not a swell of strings when the show's over

it's just over

and when that black luxury car swung wildly and without warning into my lane and I danced blindly to the left over lines

(miraculously empty of cars in rush hour traffic)

had anything been different my current experience of life would be vastly

altered.

Who knows what it would have looked like…

all I know is yes, I will have that cake today

and yes, I will attempt a 125 lb squat even though I get all hot just thinking about it.

I will forgive.

I will heal the broken bits.

I will really make Jeep noises with Orion when we play.

In the middle of September I get my first session for a tattoo I've long dreamed of.

A protector. Big. On my arm.

All these things I've been waiting for…they're all coming 'round to call.

And I am dreaming again for SunnyRising, dreaming big

and making plans and designs.

Picturing studio space

and brand-grounding things like stamps and packaging...

picturing the day I show my son how to stamp

and how to make a bracelet for himself.

Picture myself remembering to consult true north before I act or speak

because you know how nothing holds you in breathess wonder forever

even though in a moment of miracle you're like, "I will NEVER go back to the old ways!!"

and two months later you're covered in Dorito dust binging on sitcoms.

So yeah, we're going to go sit by a lake and squeeze hands

and take grandma-powered coffee breaks

and kettle bell classes

and

and

and

.

In the meantime I don't know if it's ever felt so good to twiddle my thumbs

and pack slowly

.

I hope you all have the most special and sweet few weeks

.

xoxo,

Sunny

Soul Journey Bag.

HERE.

xoxo,

Sunny

Spiderwebs

Spiderweb Squared Saddle Ring with Aquamarine. 8.5.

Ferns inside and out

Spiderweb Necklace. Chrysoprase. Carved Coral Rose. Labradorite. Feather Back.

Small Spiderweb Posts. Sterling silver.

The Soul of All Things Singular Magic Earring. Variscite. Lace Lichen. Feather.

Libra Earrings. Full Range of Motion. 

.

These beautiful and colorful pieces are the last of the summer season

for SunnyRising.

I am so excited to offer them,

and I am so excited to take a long vacation to be with family and rest.

I will be listing these and a few more things (already claimed and reserved)

tomorrow afternoon

HERE

If you wish to reserve anything you see above please convo me in the Metal Shop.

I also have something very exciting for the Leather Shop this week, also - toward mid-week. I'll keep you posted!

.

Just For Mama

In the midst of keeping everything tidy

and thriving

I've taken fifteen minutes a day to work toward spoiling myself rotten.

What is the point of making art if you never gift the hands that work

or the heart that lets it all come through?

I took the biggest, juiciest piece of chrysoprase my world has ever known

and surrounded it with pieces that are filled

front and back with great meaning for this time in life.

Self-care may be chaotic at best these days, but 

it is happening 

and this is all that matters

.

I hope you are tending to yourselves, dear friends

even if you do it sporadically

and furtively

.

xoxo,

Sunny

My What a Difference Two Years Makes

Remember?

Back when O was six months old….Roaring Camp Railroad.

Today it was so mild and sweet that we threw out the idea

of an afternoon at Roaring Camp and everyone was game.

Though the sounds and sights were so overwhelming for him, O was

in deep shaky bliss for the vast majority of the visit.

just as we did the last time, Schmilly and I both filled up with

tears several times watching his experience, remembering ours.

Breathing.

Loving.

Holding hands.

How did he do all that growing in such a short time?

The days are long and the years fly….

so they say.

xoxo,

Sunny