Good tidings to you!

Today is your lucky day for jewelry shopping!

My inventory will be in LD, as usual, but today is their Wish List party. Also, starting today, The Queen Bee will be featuring my collection for their Open House Christmas Party.

Tomorrow could be your lucky day again too if you want to see me in Thibodaux at Sugar Boutique. Just sayin.

I hope your Christmas season is off to a fantastic start. The weather is cold, but I like it. It adds to the splendor of the season.

And finally, if you need the reminder, here it is:

Don't stress about gift-giving. Don't spend too much money. It isn't worth it. JESUS is the reason for the season.

But if you can splurge, I'd be happy to oblige and sell you a bauble.

Season's Greetings!

Crap

As we are moving, we are overwhelmed with the amount of crap we own. So, I'll take a time out to talk to you about some of the "crap" you may own.

Just kidding.

I'm going to take a time out to talk to you about the maintenance of your jewelry. In particular, answer some questions about prongs. I get a lot a of questions about how you know if your stone is secure. I found a picture diagram at work. This may help.

The dotted line is what the prong is supposed to look like. Be aware that many antique engagement rings are worn with a "non-fitted" band and could wear on your ring differently than a "fitted" wedding band. 

Also, if you have a larger center stone, say 2 carats or larger, you should probably get your prongs checked a little more often than smaller stones. The reason being, the prongs are "stretched out" more and is more taxing on your stone. 

Most jewelers do not charge to get your jewelry cleaned or stones checked, so go ahead and make sure your "crap" is maintained. 

In closing, I have two jewelry stories on this Saturday:

I found a quote by Athina Onassis, "the richest little girl in the world." Her mother died at a young age and jewelry was auctioned at Christie's. Athina didn't care much for her mother's old things. 

"Athina Onassis, the heiress once hailed as ‘the richest little girl in the world’, is on a move to auction off her millions of pounds of jewelry that she inherited from her mother Christina. The fortune worth is amounted at £1 billion but her call for auction is the result of her decision that she has no need of what she sees as the glittering paraphernalia of a departed era. "

Wow. It hurts to hear those words: "glittering paraphernalia of a departed era" but honestly, I am able to buy jewelry from those people who have no use for this "crap."

And as Andrew was packing at home today, I went out to get some pizza's for our packing, football watching, beer drinking, pizza eating - day. I turned on the radio and the preacher was on air saying the words that Jesus said, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." 

Sure put things in perspective. The preacher stressed "treasures for yourself." It sounds selfish, but it's what we're called to do. I bet I can tell you more times that I've been selfish about the things of this life I'm living now. 

Those treasures, the treasures of heaven, are not crap. Those things are unimaginably wonderful. 

Tests

"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, 

and the Lord tests hearts."

Proverbs 17:3

* Study bible notes: 17:3 Crucible and furnace suggest that the Lord tests hearts by adversity. 

Silver and gold

"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; 

the heart of the wicked is of little worth."

Proverbs 10:20

"How much better to get wisdom that gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."

Proverbs 16:33

I'm still on The Proverbs kick

Working at a jewelry store, we get folks in everyday that want to scrap their gold for cash. And I can see why; have you seen how much gold is per ounce! We pay top dollar for gold, and I can't help but notice when Scripture references "choice gold." Take a look at this:

"Take my instruction instead of silver, 

and my knowledge rather than choice gold, 

for wisdom is better than jewels, 

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her." 

Proverbs 8:10-11

Happy anniversary, Cherche'

It's been 1 year! Already!

And I don't think I've ever shared the entire story about my journey of Cherche' from the very start. So here goes.

It was May 2009; mere days before my wedding. I was at the bead shop in Baton Rouge getting some things made for the French girls who were coming to my wedding. I wanted to get them something similar to the bridesmaids gifts, but more-age appropriate. After that was decided upon, I saw a sign up sheet for a jewelry making class, inquired about it, then had the audacity to sign my little self up for that class....mere days before my wedding! It was a pretty bold move thinking that I had the time or money to do so, but I did it.

So mere days before that May 23 wedding, I went back to the bead shop for the class. I realized that the nice lady who had talked me into signing up wasn't there, but another lady was there to teach. She proceeded to tell me all the things I needed to purchase: the tray, "findings", more wires, clamps for the wires, more this and more that. Granted, I had already bought the jewelry tools, the beads for which I was to make into some fabulous piece of jewelry, and the cost of the class itself. I wasn't looking to spending any more money. I just wanted to make a little something for my beach honeymoon, and of course chunky turquoise beads aren't on the low end of the spectrum. Great.

So I said, "Listen, lady. Knowing me, I'll never pick this up again, so I really don't want to go spending any more money than I already have. I'm getting married in about a week and a half, and I really don't know why I'm here. I shouldn't have come."

Well anyway, I stayed and made my fabulous turquoise set, and I did a pretty good job. Since I chose such big stones to work with, I was finished in record time. All the others had small beads to string on to their wires. So the lady mentions that maybe I should make more pieces since I paid for an hour and a half's worth of teaching. I thought that sounded like a good idea, so I found some small coral beads to go with the turquoise set. She said those weren't too expensive, so I went to the register and she rang me up. The price ends up being astronomical. I told her that I might need to go look for something else then. But whoops, she had already run it through the computer, and she couldn't return. Oh I was not happy. I was so upset; not angry like I was before; upset.

So with my new jewelry tools and beads, turquoise and coral, I just left. I thought that I would figure this jewelry making thing on my own, if I could only remember what they taught me in those 5 minutes I was there. So I cried all the way to the Mexican restaurant where my family was eating. (I know this seems a bit dramatic, but I was probably under lots of stress because of the upcoming wedding...mere days away).

My mom probably laughed and said I was being ridiculous, which I was. And my dad probably said, "You need some money? Don't worry. How much do you need. Here-here's a $100." That's Dad's solution to everything. He's very generous; I'm not complaining. But I said, "No. I'm just upset because I was trying so hard to manage my money, and I blew it on jewelry tools, jewelry beads, and a jewelry class, and knowing me, I will never use any of this again." I tend to take up projects and put them away and never pick them back up (ie. the bag of yarn sitting in the corner from when I took up knitting).

After all that drama, I went home my empty apartment, as I was fixing to move to South Carolina, and I laid out those coral beads on the hard wood floor, and attempted to make a bracelet by examining how I had made the turquoise one. And I did it! I couldn't believe it! I'm not a quick learner when it comes to stuff like this, and I fully expected the project to be an utter failure, but I did it! A small, very small victory! I must add that I still wear those pieces today; they did not break; I must have done a pretty decent job.

Why do I tell you this?

Because the story really does come full circle.

After moving to South Carolina the day after I got married (that's right, the very next day), I looked for a job. For months, I looked and looked on the internet, which has and always will be a huge waste of time. It's all about  connections. Since I had no connections here, I was so very close to going to Cracker Barrel and apply for the hosting job that I found on the {unhelpful}internet. I'm not kidding.

Few times in life, or few times in my life, do things just "click." But maybe desperate times call for desperate measures, and my prayers were finally answered in August of last year. After countless nights talking it out with my husband, he enlightened me on what I am capable of doing and doing well. And after spending some more time "searching" for specifics in the mountains of North Carolina, I came home and I knew what I needed to do: search for jewelry. Antique jewelry. I had an interest, some prior knowledge, and most importantly, the desire to learn.

As things were rolling along, I started to find some jewelry that was broken and tried fix it. I had surprising success. Then it occurred to me: I didn't waste my time or money buying those jewelry tools. I actually use them everyday! I got so, so upset about the jewelry class, the jewelry tools, the "findings", the books etc. that I felt like I was forced to buy, but God was leading me the whole time! Even if I was pushed, God used it for good.

Then this occurred to me:

"TRUST THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT." JEREMIAH 29:11


This:

Turned into this:

And I don't think it's any coincidence that I work at a jewelry store either. I was just minding my business when I needed a "real" repair done, and I brought my ring to a local jeweler here in SC. The jeweler called to let me know that my ring was ready, and also said that he noticed a real interest I had in jewelry. He said that they had been casually looking for someone to help with repairs and with the in's and out's of the store. He asked if I would be their new apprentice. Maybe I was at the right place at the right time, or maybe I'm being lead by the Spirit. The second is what I prayed for. I think the second is what I got. 

Passion, Vision, and Diligence

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18

That seems a bit dramatic, but I didn't make it up. God did via King Solomon. I've been reading the book I mentioned a few posts back, the book that breaks down Proverbs. I brought it on my trip home to Louisiana, and it's concepts are starting to sink in; mainly, the points on diligence and developing a clear vision.

"Diligence is a learnable skill that combines: creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the highest quality of excellence."

"Vision is a precise, clearly defined goal within a detailed plan and timetable for achieving that goal."

I'd be lying if I told you that these points were at the forefront of every moment of my time at home, or my time in general. But I am open to being led by the Lord in any scenario.

Scenario: shopping in La:

I was shopping around town at my local favorites, and I didn't feel like going shop for antiques, but I just felt like I should. Like I needed to.

So I fought the traffic and went. I had a raging headache, it was hot as Hades, and I didn't feel like digging through garbage antiques. I gave myself a time out, went to Walgreen's, took some Tylenol, and asked myself why in the world was I doing this on my vacation home.

I pressed on, trying to make the best of it. There's nothing like good-natured cajuns to make your day a little brighter, either. I came across the owner of an antique store, and I started asking questions. In his cajun way, he was so helpful. And then I guess I asked a question that was overstepping his turf a bit. (There's some confidence involved in this business. There is for me, too. That's why I haven't disclosed the point of my location...)

Back to my helpful cajun friend...

He didn't get mad when I asked him a little too much. All he said was, "I can't tell ya all 'a dat." I laughed and said that I understand. I told him that I'm just trying to learn more about these sort of things. Then he said, "Ya know? Down da way, there's 'a lady that can prolly help ya."

He gave me her information, and I went to see her. I walked in, and I had no questions. I didn't know what to ask or say, but all I could think of was that she knew stuff, and I wanted to know more about the stuff she knew. Eloquent, right?

We got to talking. She looked worn out, maybe it was the heat, but I after hearing her speak, she definitely knew what she was talking about. She was an RN, had an interest in antique jewelry, then read about it, became diligent in her reading, and she's acquired quite a collection.

Her kindness was unbelievable. I asked her questions about black jets, opals, alexandrite, paste, and more. She went to her drawer, and said, "Here, you can have them."

She gave me these: Black jets from Czechoslovakia.

I was blown away. She told me that people like me re-energize her and remind her why she's doing what she's doing. That was a compliment to me. Maybe I'm overeager; maybe I'm passionate. Is there a difference?

I thanked her again, and asked if I could keep in touch. She said, "Of course." 

After that, I was re-energized. I was so glad that I pushed through the aggravation, heat, and head ache, and allowed myself to be lead by what was clearly the Lord's Hand.

By then, it was starting to get to be suppertime, and during this entire trip home, I mainly ate by myself or got takeout. It was sort of nice. I decided on overpriced Chinese, so to P.F.Chang's I went. I ate my lettuce wraps and lo mein in front of the TV, almost forgetting about my fortune cookie at the end of my TV dinner meal.  But when I opened my fortune, this is what it read:

You can't make this stuff up. I guess the Lord is showing me the vision I am to have all while being diligent. This day, unbelievably enough, had both of those things that I'm working towards. 

Even fine gold

"Riches and honor are with me, 

enduring wealth and righteousness. 

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, 

and my yield than choice silver. 

I walk in the way of righteousness, 

in the paths of justice, 

granting an inheritance to those who love me, 

and filling their treasuries."

PROVERBS 8:18-21

What's the first thing that people notice about you?

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; 

*bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 

So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man."

PROVERBS 3:3-4

* Even though I have really cute jewelry, I want love and faithfulness to be the first thing that people notice about me. I'd like to work towards that. 

Better than gold

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, 

and the one who gets understanding, 

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver

and her profit better than gold. 

She is more precious than jewels, 

and nothing you desire can compare with her."

PROVERBS 3:13-15

Hidden treasures

"My son, if you receive my words

and treasure up my commandments with you, 

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding; 

yes, if you call out for insight

and raise your voice for understanding, 

if you seek it like silver

and search for it as for hidden treasures, 

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God. 

For the LORD gives wisdom; 

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."

PROVERBS 2:1-7

Pendants for your neck...

I started reading the Book of Proverbs again every morning, obviously to gain much-needed wisdom in life. I am also reading a book for better understanding on Proverbs: "The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness" by Steven K. Scott. I've had this book and read it before, but never as a study guide-type book.

 

All of that to say, I've come across several jewelry references in The Word. As I find them, I get excited. And when I get excited about jewelry, I share. (I am completely aware that King Solomon was not writing about jewelry in Proverbs; I know he wasn't a "jewelry blogger." He simply gives analogies for better understanding. I just find it useful and fun for refreshing posts). 

 ⁸ Hear, my son, father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,

⁹ for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9

When Scripture uses the word "pendant", I get the analogy a little bit better for some reason! 

Dat faith 'n' love

V. Day and The Saints Super Bowl victory came and went before I had the chance to share my thoughts!

Well don't you worry because I'm here to write about them both today; all in one youtube link.

I found this video of the Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, before he led his team to their first Super Bowl win! His authentic character is revealed; he truly is a man of God. He speaks of where he puts his faith, but it is also evident that he has a ministry more through actions than in words. It's easy to speak the words; it's much harder to "walk the walk." I know that full well.

{Insert Valentine thought}

I am so lucky to have a Valentine (in the form of my husband) who is also a real man of God. He may not be the Saints quarterback, but Andrew's got the character of a "Drew Brees." God also has something big in store for Andrew (and me) if we continue to put our hope and trust in Him. 

Drew Brees has such a wonderful testimony of faith. Enjoy. Who Dat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0buCfbFuHw

I'm no Sister Mary Whitney

The older I get, the less "religious" I get. I don't want to be religious; I want to walk closer with Christ.


This Lent, I want to remember that I walk in freedom, I walk in victory, and I walk in redemption because of Christ. I want to know Him more through His Word, so I think I'll devote more time to daily reading.


Jesus' last words on the Cross were "It is finished." The ultimate sacrifice was complete. I don't ever want to forget that He was the one that gave it all. There is nothing that I can do or sacrifice that will make God love me more than He already does. I don't think I'll ever understand the fullness of that.


"He has sent me to...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair..."
ISAIAH 61:3


"The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleans our consciouses from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"
HEBREWS 9:13


I did not copy and paste these Scripture verses because the fonts seem to mess up on my post. I'm sure there is a way to fix that, but as I was writing these verses out word for word, they really resonated with me. I think I might try this writing Scripture thing again!

Whatever your practice is for Lent, I hope your walk with Christ is strengthened!

Perfection

I just love my everyday china that I registered for eons ago at Ware's in Auburn. I even got a very generous gift card toward my china from Andrew's parents for Christmas.

Ware's called me months ago to tell me that my initial pieces I ordered came in, but it wasn't perfectly painted, so they sent it back to France.

WHAT?!

If I had known it was hand painted from France, I wouldn't have registered for it. (Well, maybe I would have, but at least I would have been prepared for this non-sense.)

To add more grief to my situation, Andrew accidently broke one of the few pieces I had when the salt shaker came crashing down on the hot, fragile salad plate! UGh!

Here's what all the fuss is over.

Empire by Gien

Pretty, ain't it?

(Especially when you have the lemons, florals, and perfect sunshine cascading through the windows. Our home is exactly like this picture. All the time.)

I should have told those fancy, china people at Ware's, ya know what, I don't like perfect. I don't want perfect hand-painted china. I want the china with mistakes that show character. That's why I registered for Match pewter. It's old-looking, on purpose! It looks like the Match people dropped it a few times before shipping it off. That's my kind of perfect.

See? Character.

I really don't mean to insult Ware's. I'm just ready to serve dinner on my dang china that I registered for a year ago!

I say all this to tell you what I've been reflecting on and realizing lately. Life isn't perfect. It isn't always pretty. Things are going pretty great for me right now, but it hasn't always been that way, and it won't always be that way. There's something that I like to call the "Christmas card syndrome" or the "facebook syndrome" that displays this facade of perfection. We send out our best moment in greeting cards, receive the best quoted Scripture from Christmas cards, and see the most beautiful babies and wedding photos on facebook.

It all comes down to this: We showcase our best moment when it's really just a snippet of our {photoshopped} life. But what's underneath is what's real, raw, and full of character. The way I see my banged up pewter may be how God sees us and still loves all of us. Maybe He sees His perfection through our weakness.

"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest upon me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

Isn't it funny that my "perfect" china won't seem to come in the mail, but the one of the pieces that did arrive broke into tiny fragments. Maybe it's God's way of telling me that nothing is perfect apart from Him. (Psalm 16:2!) This may be a far-fetched analogy, but He spoke to me through all of this every day life "stuff."

I've never claimed to be or tried to be perfect. Those people annoy me anyway. I know better than to think that someone has it all. I think that God has placed so many gifts in each of us, but He's also put struggles in our lives too. That way, we always see our need for Him.

"There's no such thing as perfect people

And there's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God."

"Perfect People" by Natalie Grant

God does require perfection. (Well, I'm in trouble.) Ah, but He's bigger and smarter than we could ever be and knows perfection will never be attained by us alone.

And to that I say, "Hallelujah! Thank You, JESUS!"

Thankful {My cup runneth over}

Photographed by Andrew Lee

During this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for God's promises and His beautiful blessings! What a great God that I serve. He has poured out His blessings so much that my cup can not contain it! Just like His Word says! When God makes a promise, you can be sure that He keeps it.

My business is going so well, and I have even given the most amazing opportunity to join as a sales rep and a writer in the Anderson newspaper! This is a dream for me. God has allowed this new job to be conducive with my business that I'm working so hard to see flourish.

All my life, I've been average, status quo, and I've gotten by. So many times, I've tried with all my might to accomplish things that I just couldn't achieve. Over the years, little by little, I gave it to God. I said, "Lord, do something great in me that everyone would know it's You working in me. Make You big and make me small." So simple. So child-like. But that was my prayer.

I just love how the Lord uses the weak to lead the strong. I love our God of irony! He has used the most unlikely vessel {me} to make His name big.

As always, to GOD be the glory.

"My cup runneth over, surely goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:6

Thankful {Doll Edition}

Since it's Thanksgiving week, I thought I would take this time to write about the things for which I am thankful. For day 1, I would like to honor my grandmother that I called, "Doll." Her birthday would have been November 11. I couldn't let November go by without honoring her. I can't wait to see her classy self when we meet again one of these days.

I wrote her eulogy when she passed away in May.

I'm glad I came across it again because it of course reminds me of her, and it causes me to be thankful for the years we had her. Here is just a glimpse of who she was:

"We gather together to honor a woman who touched us deeply in so many different but wonderful ways. All of them consistent: all of the good. You may know her as Joan, Momma, or as I call her, Doll. Many of you have more memories of her or clearer memories than I do, but we all knew who she was as a person.

I can remember going to her furniture store. I just loved going there. The things I remember the most about that store is the old cash register, the old fashioned tub, the smell, and sweet,put-together Doll. Nothing would bother her about all the kids running around, as I'm sure we were a handful. She was so graceful about everything: from frying bread dough to making pralines to keeping her skin looking younger than young.

It's a very rare thing when people have consistent things to say to describe a person, and even more rare when it's all good things! Galatians 6:22 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Doll had all of those; all of the time. I have days when I haven't possessed a single one.

I now challenge myself and I now challenge you to be classy like she was. To be kind like she was. To be patient like she was. To be loving like she was. And ultimately, like in 1981, accept Christ as she did was unyielding faith.(Ephesians 2:8-9). It's hard for me, as I'm sure it is for you to make sense of this last decade in Doll's life. We must know that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8). Be comforted to know that our Doll is dancing in Heaven with our Maker not because of her wonderful nature, but because of her decision to walk by faith and to walk with Christ."

Doll suffered with Alzheimer's for about 15 or so years. The only thing I would have added to what I wrote back in May would have been lyrics to a particular song written by Ginny Owens. Doll never heard this song or these words, but I know that her heart sang these words in her own, sweet way.

"If You Want Me To"

The pathway is broken

And The signs are unclear

And I don't know the reason why You brought me here

But just because You love me the way that You do

I'm gonna walk through the valley

If You want me to

Chorus:

Cause I'm not who I was

When I took my first step

And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet

so if all of these trials bring me closer to you

Then I will walk through the fire

If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen

When you lead me through a world that's not my home

But You never said it would be easy

You only said I'd never go alone

So When the whole world turns against me

And I'm all by myself

And I can't hear You answer my cries for help

I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through

And I will go through the valley If You want me to

Contentment

Photographed by Andrew Lee

"All of You is more than enough for all of me,

For every thirst and every need.

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You is more than enough."

"Enough" Lyrics by Chris Tomlin

Happy Friday!

Happy fall, y'all

Don't mint julep cups make you happy? Thank you, Ware's.

Auburn, AL.

I thought it would be a nice gesture to leave for the weekend in the spirit of fall and in the spirit of AUBURN! We are going to AU tonight, and I'm pretty excited to be cheering for the fake tigers again, as I was on an Auburn-cheering hiatus. But now I'm back, and I must say that I am filled with such JOY! Not because of our Auburn trip this weekend, but because of an answered prayer this morning. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. "God is good."

Jewelry photos to come next week!

"You have made known to me the path of life; You have filled me with JOY in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11

I love Jesus and cigars

The birthday train is over for me. Sad day. But I couldn't let this week go by without sharing my birthday pictures. The mountain picnic excursion was the week before my birthday. This is different; this was the actual celebratory day. (You think I like my birthday or what?) This has a jewelry related story, I promise!

The day started as Andrew let me sleep in, which I NEVER do, and he served me breakfast in bed. What a treat! (He even put a flower on the serving tray.)

The weather on this day was just beautiful. That was a present in itself! We ate Chicken Sauce Picante that night, thanks to my mom's frozen cuisine. It was delicious, and that only thing I wanted after that was for us to go out for wine and cheese at "Halfway to Habana." Andrew was completely enthused by this because they have cigars, obviously.

So I put on my "Tuesday night best", and we went out! Andrew had it all set up with the owner to tell us about the wine, that goes with the cheese, that goes with the cigars. CIGARS? I didn't want cigars!

Well apparently I did because the next thing I know, this happens....

Let me explain, I had a chocolate/coffee flavored cigar which was the best "dessert" for a sweet-tooth like me! It was delicious. Really, try it sometime.

An assortment of different cheeses.

Our wine, cigar, bread, and cheese set-up.

Enjoying my day.

Here's the correlation to Cherche' jewelry: The owner ended up sitting with us for a long while teaching us the art of wine and cigars. (It wasn't too bustling on a Tuesday night, obviously.) He of course asked what we do. Long story short, I told him about my jewelry business, and he'd like for me to stop on by with my findings! He'd like to showcase them in his window display to sell. What an amazing turn of events. And even better, he wants Andrew to sketch and paint artwork for the restaurant.

So I had a great birthday, with great company, food, wine, cigars, and even a business prospect! God is faithful. God is good.

I thank Him for my sweet birthday and my sweet husband, too.

"For great is his LOVE toward us, and the FAITHFULNESS of the Lord endures forever. Praise the LORD." Psalm 117:2