Lessons From a Rose
For everything that lives is holy, life delights in life.
I was on my way out of the market, purchases made in preparation for the feast I would make that night, when I saw the little rose plant. I had wanted to place something Lovely on the table, but hadn’t seen any cut flowers which spoke to me. No. This was far better, as I could watch it grow, instead of having to toss it in the trash in a few days time. And, it was so cute, in its little metal bucket! I Loved it! I picked out a sweet, rosy red coloured plant and headed back to the checkout counter, completely oblivious to the Wonderful lessons this dear little life form would impart upon me.
The first revelation occurred a month or two after its purchase. Happily settled into its place in the sunny kitchen window, my little rose plant was blossoming Beautifully! I was once again cooking for a friend, who gazed upon the plant, and remarked upon its two blooms, “This one is doing better than this one.” Hmmmm… While I understood what he was saying, as one bloom appeared to have more Life left in it than the other, I suddenly understood the circle of life in a whole new way. If all is a circle, than how can one point in the circle be any better than another point? Does God/Goddess/Source see a diamond as Better than a pebble? I’m venturing to guess not. All is equal, Beautiful and Perfect, right?
Life is a child playing around your feet, a tool you hold firmly in your grip, a bench you sit down upon in the evening, in your garden.
I have such an appreciation for babies! Don’t you just Love baby energy? They are so new and fresh and have not forgotten who they are, nor been tainted by misconstrued human thinking. *giggle* And, I so admire and respect crones, for the Beautiful Wisdom they carry and Lovingly share. Is one Better than the other? Of course not! ‘Tis all just part of the circle of what is, has been and all~ways will be.
Einstein told us that energy can be neither created nor destroyed. At the seeming end of life, where does that energy go? Perhaps all life really does end where it begins, begins where it ends and reincarnation is just eternity in slices?
In nature the life-death-rebirth cycle is clear as we watch flash fires ignited by lightning level the prairies. It may appear that all life is gone, lost to the ravages of flame and smoke, but within days, tiny green shoots begin to poke above the surface of the soil. Mother Earth has cleared the land for new life. Even in my garden I sense the seasons and the cycle of life-death-life. Perennials planted in my yard years ago go through their seasonal life span: a new green shoot, a blooming tulip, soon gone, but the bulb below the soil holds all the necessary ingredients for repeating the cycle again next spring.
The second lesson my little rose plant taught me occurred in the past few weeks. I had departed for a Holiday visit to my BeLoved Northern California and my rose plant did not fare very well while I was gone. Uhhh ohhh! Upon my return I discovered that there was very little left of my plant; there were no buds, or even leaves, only a few little branches sticking up from the dirt. Well, it is Winter after all, and surely, like the barren trees outdoors, the energy is building beneath ground, ready to burst forth in Spring, right? I had meant to transplant the little darling and now seemed the perfect time to do so.
I chose a soup bowl which, with its chipped bottom, was no longer going to grace the table, but with the words “Fleurs de Paris” across the side, seemed ideal for my little rose. I placed rocks in the bottom to ensure drainage and chose to use organic dirt (lesson learned from my herb pot date last Spring! hehe). I gave my rose some water, placed it in a new sunny location and waited. Wow!! It Thrived! Quickly! Lovely! Lovely! I knew there was Life in her! She just needed proper room for growth! Perhaps a combination of some Winter’s rest, and transplantation? And, as I am about to embark upon my 44th move, it felt like a Gorgeous reminder of how being in the right environment with room for growth can allow for blossoming.
The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.
Love and Blessings,
Antonia
Sacred Moon Art and Gemstones
While I have been making jewelry since I was a teenager, it was not until about eight years ago that my real Love affair with gemstones began. It’s a passionate Love affair, recently rekindled, birthing creations which go far beyond wearable art. I tune into the gemstones, which speak to me, allowing me to intuit the current need of the wearer. It’s not that I didn’t know of the power of gemstones, or my own abilities to read energy, but when synergistically blended, the pieces I am making are felt by the wearer in remarkable ways. It’s Wonderful to witness.
I am calling myself lucky to have a piece of Antonia’s jewelry. Her choice of colors is exquisite. They feel organic and happy and subtle at the same time. She combines different beads, pearls and crystals very tastefully, with a sense that brings out a specific energy of each piece. The shapes she chooses are very flattering and feminine with just a touch of royalty. Not least to say, her craftsmanship is of great quality and mine feels great to wear.
jeweler
Mendocino, CA
Early on in my jewelry making, I found myself working with seed beads. I was fascinated with the beautiful creations I could make using the tiniest forms, inspired also by the wide palette of colours from which to choose. What fun! After some experimentation, I came up with what came to be known as my Goddess Necklaces, in which I utilize a netting stitch, and which I accent with Swarovski crystals or a wide range of pearls. Later I realized that I could greatly add value to the lives of my clients by allowing them to experience the health benefits rendered by specific stones, adding another deeper dimension to the beauty and aesthetics they were already enjoying.
Antonia Hall‘s work goes far beyond the dimensions of ‘jewelry,’ and even ‘wearable art.’ Antonia clearly has her heart in the pulse of the gemstones themselves – the power they emanate, the transformation they can bring to both the wearer and the beholder. Antonia has the eye and signature style of a true artist – taking color, form, shape and pattern into every detail of her consideration. But clearly her focus is on the benefit and the value of the gems themselves – she lets them sing the song.
singer/songwriter
Maui, Hawaii
I created the Goddess Bracelet as the perfect embodiment of utilizing gemstone properties in a way which can best benefit it’s wearer. I joke that Wonder Woman’s wrist bands have nothing on the Goddess Bracelet and from the responses I have been getting, people are finding this to be very true. I recommend to clients who choose to simply wear one Goddess Bracelet that they place that bracelet on their left wrist, which is the receiving hand. They will assist you in your current life process and situation. They come in varying colours and forms, depending upon the person for whom it is made. If, for example, you are needing to get grounded, centered balanced and confident, the colours are more than likely going to be an Earthy mixture of browns and greens, utilizing such stones as Tigereye, Black Onyx, Smokey Quartz, or Agate. Perhaps you need the stone of success: Citrine, which aids in self-confidence, personal power and what no longer serves you. I have noticed that many have been needing the protection and insight Obsidian can bring, but as it’s message can be a bit intense, so I prefer to use Snowflake Obsidian, which is gentler, especially when mixed with Rose Quartz (self-Love). Or perhaps it is passionate, Loving devotion you need, in which case, Garnet is probably right for you. It will help form a bridge between yourself and the outside world, protecting you while also motivating you to be more productive and creative. Whatever the need, for both men and womyn, there are gemstones perfect for you.
Antonia’s jewelry is beautifully executed, and artfully conceived. She brings her own aesthetic to beads and materials come to life in her hands. Her creations are sure to evoke compliments and add interest to any wardrobe.
designer
Marin County, CA
I’m in the process of setting up my new business, Sacred Moon Art and Gemstones, and look forward to offering the Goddess Bracelet and other jewelry to the World at large soon! Thank you for sharing in my latest Artistic endeavors with me, BeLoved reader.
Love and Blessings,
Antonia
Let’s Get Clear on the Vision
There is nothing like a dream to create the future.
~Victor Hugo~
As we go about weaving the tapestry of our lives through our words, thoughts and actions, it is of the utmost importance that we have a very clear vision set forth for ourselves. We are the Creators of our reality and we are going to consciously magnetize our future by taking our goals, infusing our own energy into them, and birth this into a visual form. This is an incredibly powerful process, which also happens to be a lot of fun! No matter who you are or where you are in life, you have yearnings, desires, and, hopefully, clear goals stemming from that deep voice within which wishes to express the very best of it’s True Self. What do you Really want for yourself in all areas of your life? Personally, professionally, or even goals you may have for the Globe. It’s time to let that inner voice speak of what makes your heart dance, so you creatively (and consciously) manifest your goals and magnetize your future. It’s time to bring the vision to life.
Sample Vision Board, but not mine!
I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
~Henry David Thoreau~
I find the act of bringing goals into a visual, feeling form so inspiring and motivating! It’s a very powerful creational process in and of itself, and has been given quite a few names: Vision Board, Vision Collage, Dream Board, Treasure Map, Mission Map, etc. My board reflects both my personal and professional desires, but I’m here to tell you that there are no rules. That’s right! This isn’t about anyone but *you* and what *you* want for yourself and putting that into a form which inspires you and allows you to Feel your future. When embarking on this Beautiful Adventure, ask what communicates and motivates you. I began with a large poster board, colored pencils and clipped images. Draw, paint, collage, or add stickers. Don’t rely just upon images from magazines, find the exact image you want on the web and print it out. Be specific and clear. May I tell you that there were images I had clipped which I manifested prior to even getting them glued to the poster board? Yes! Awesome! And, for those of you on the go, may I suggest an Attraction/Vision Book?
Another Sample Vision Board, also not mine! *giggle*
Your Vision Creation is going to be a tool allowing you to enter into your future in a Feeling way, so specifics are very important. What does your dream home/car look and feel like? Where do you want to go on vacation? Do you want to be making X amount of money by a certain date? Seeking a book deal, new business partner, or business successes? Step into this new reality, experience it as though it has already occurred and then set that into a visual form which will allow you to bring it into a tangible form. Add certain words or phrases as well, such as “Let your life speak” and “Sacred Peaceful home”, which are among the words on my board. I chose to section my board into the more masculine/yang (right) side of myself and feminine/yin (left) side of myself. At the heart of my vision board sits the image of a Beautiful pink lotus blossom, a symbol mirroring the importance of, and desire for, my continued emotional and spiritual growth, expansion, and development. I have a corner devoted to the Beautiful, Harmonious, Loving relationship I am already creating, as well as a corner devoted to the travel I desire and will manifest for myself. But this isn’t about my vision, but yours! What is it that calls to you? Be patient with yourself and be willing to revise the vision as you go along until it represents the best of you and your deepest innermost desires.
Resolve to succeed. The greatest discovery one can make is that nothing is impossible.
~unknown~
Once your Vision Creation is completed, and Feels like a reflection of the goal, you are going to use it daily to envision and magnetize that future. Spend time experiencing the reality in as great a depth as possible. The magick lies in knowing that you can and will create the Best life for yourself, and Trusting that it will manifest. That said, we are co-creators with the Universe and sometimes what we think we want and what are best for us are not in alignment. I consciously energize that which I wish to bring forth, but ask for my Highest Good and Trust that this will be brought forth. What more could we ask for than that? You Can do it!
Love and Blessings,
Antonia
Recent Comments