I want my jewelry to sing and dance its way into your heart, forever reminding you of the mountains you have climbed and the rivers you have crossed. You are perfect just the way you are, and I create each of my unique pieces of jewelry with my hopeful intent that you will honor your adventursome spirit and sense of wonderment.

I believe from my heart that we create our own reality, and it is therefore important to dream big, aim high and be audacious with our lives. I want my jewelry to remind you of your eternal goodness and to follow your impulses. I try to live my life that way and each piece that I forge into existence came from that higher place of awareness, my soul.

As a jewelry designer, one would think that I would have gads and gads of jewelry lying around; ready to adorn my body in response to whatever mood I happen to find myself in. But if you were to meet me on the street on an early Saturday morning in sweatpants or spot me at a friend’s gallery opening wearing a divine dress, you would see the same necklace around my neck.

When I was in Taos, NM last fall, my husband Shayne and I took a hot air balloon ride. First of all, I must mention that I am TERRIFIED of heights. The week leading up to our flight was riddled with anxiety and a fervent wish of a catastrophic event cancelling our appointment with the balloon. But the thing was, the flight was my idea. In a moment of idiocy, I thought the quintessential New Mexico experience would have to include a hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande. Of course, the decision was made with the aid of a few glasses of very good wine upon arriving in Taos. But I had voiced my opinion, and my husband decided to hold me to it.

As our early morning appointment with Pueblo Balloon Company arrived, I dosed myself with anti-diarrhea medicine in case my nerves decided to wreck my stomach. There isn’t a bathroom in a wicker basket. I didn’t even want to contemplate the ramifications of that fact with a nervous stomach. The air was clear and it was time to depart. As we drove down the long, winding, gravelly road to the launch site, I surrendered to the fact that I was now committed. One way or the other, I was going to soar like a bird on the winds of the New Mexico high desert.
And soar I did.

The ride was fantastic, stupendous, awe-inspired and FUN! It was a huge stretch for me, but in the end, my fear of heights didn’t prevent me from experiencing what has now become a highlight of my life. It made me think about some other fears I have and now I am on a fear-busting mission. To soar beyond what is holding me back is why I wear this beat-up necklace everyday, no matter what the occasion or how I am feeling. Soaring is effortless for the bird who uses his wings. I am reminded daily to use my wings too when I wear my necklace.

For more about Stacie, visit her at http://www.stacieflorer.com/