against the grain.

 Last week a friend shared this poem. The beauty is almost crushing. I am a huge advocate of being independent. Being a strong woman. Being a voice. Being a hard worker. Having a backbone. I think that came from my grandmother. I'm thankful for what she has taught me and am amazed by her strength, her beauty, and her brains.

"After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept
your defeats
with your head up
and your eyes ahead
with the grace of woman,
not the grief of a child

And you learn to build
all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way
of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.

And you learn
that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn..."

You are here.

------------------------------

If you've ever wondered what that black spot is on my thumb- no, I never stabbed myself with a pencil when I was younger... That is actually sterling silver that had gotten lodged under my skin while working and then oxidized. A jeweler friend (who has many of her own) says it's my jewelers tattoo.  A mark of the trade. I like that. It also sounds better than admitting that I'm a dirty, jewelry making mess.