birthday bling

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

as of today, i have been on this earth 36 years. i certainly don't feel 36 years old and i don't know where the time has gone. my parents had the most spectacular birthday gift made for me this year. it was not a surprise, but when i opened it, i was flooded with emotion and in awe of the stark contrast that existed between the brilliance and delicate nature of the diamonds and the darkness and strength of the forged iron, much like the heart and soul of the women who came before me.

i have always loved jewelry, show me something that is shiny, expensive and pretty and i am in love. my grandmother had this gold bracelet with diamonds on it that i always loved. each time i would go visit her i would try it one. she always told me that i had to wait until my mother was no longer around before i could have it. my response was that since my mother did not share my love of jewelry she should just give it to me. my grandmother would just laugh. you see this bracelet was her mother's, hazel brown wallace, and it was given to her by her husband. My great grandmother was very specific about the gifting of things after her death. she left specific instructions in her will about this bracelet: "diamond bracelet goes to mary ellen and on to each daughter, no daughter in law might appreciate-HBW", to be exact. so, i knew that one day i would wear it, and not just on special occasions, i would have it reset and wear it all the time.

what i did not know and could not foresee the last time that i tried it on, at my grandmothers 80th birthday party, was how soon i would be wearing that bracelet. my precious husband and i had only been dating for a few months, and there was no way i could predict the journey we had embarked on. soon after coopers death, my mom and i were talking about the bracelet and that got the wheels turning. there is a great gallery, patina, in santa fe that has amazing jewelry and is run by the most amazing couple, who have become friends of my parents, and that dear reader, is who we turned to for help with this very special task. and the results were amazing!

the twelve diamonds across the top remind me of the women in my family, who have come before me, full of grace and strength.

the diamond on the back, a symbol of the one i lost, close to my heart.

the plate on the inside with coopers name and space for his siblings to come.

i know my grandmother is sitting with cooper today, telling him how i love jewelry, smiling at my mom and i, and just laughing.

14 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday! What a beautiful gift to receive.

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  2. just beautiful. i have something of my grandmothers with a good story,remind me and I will share sometime.
    have a wonderful birthday!

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  3. That is a beautiful piece of jewelry. How extra special that it also is sentimental. Happy Birthday!

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  4. Happy birthday to you, Lucinda!
    What a lovely bracelet; thank you for letting us see it.
    Dee

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  5. what a great story and beautiful gift. so much meaning both historically and for the future. happy birthday.

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  6. Happy 36th Birthday Lucinda!

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  7. Happy Birthday! I love the bracelet - I knew about it but could not imagine how it would turn out. The style and symbolism are perfect for you
    and your life. I know Nonnie, Papa and Sissy are
    all happy you have it and appreciate its history.
    I feel such a kinship with you as one of the strong, sentimental and generous women in our family.

    love,
    SunnyGC

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  8. What a fabulous metamorphosis! I know Nonnie and Sissy would be thrilled, especially since it suits you perfectly and will do so for a lifetime. And Sunny Gayle is right....we are indeed blessed to have a family of such strong, caring women (and the men ain't too shabby, either!) ;) Can't wait to see the bracelet...
    Love ya lots,
    Kay

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  9. That is an absolutely fabulous piece of jewelry. I also love the special story behind it and the connections to your family.
    Happy birthday!

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  10. Happy Birthday!! I love the bracelet its beautiful...and I cant wait till you have more names to put on it :) You are an incredible woman full of strength and courage..I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you this weekend. Love you.

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  11. From one of my favorite songs (remixed):

    Bling bling
    Everytime You come around yo city
    Bling bling
    Diamond braclet worth about fifty
    Bling bling
    Everytime you knit a new birdie
    Bling bling
    Coopers Mamma be
    Bling bling

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  12. Happy Belated Lucinda!
    I've been thinking about you a lot, following your progress on your blog. Beautiful work! I know this weekend will be very special, with all of your loved ones gathered to celebrate Cooper. I know you've worked hard to put together an absolutely beautiful memorial, and wish we could be there to help celebrate. Matt and Gus send their hugs and well wishes, as do I.
    All our love,
    Vanessa

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