Love more {for Moore}

It was hard to send my kids off to school this morning.
I know they're in great care and have a staff who loves them.
But I couldn't get out of my head the parents in Oklahoma who don't get to snuggle their kids today.

Through June 1, we're giving $10 from each Love More bracelet to Convoy of Hope to help the tornado victims.
Convoy of Hope is a beautiful organization from my home town of Springfield, MO and they do amazing work.
They were there for Joplin, and now they're there for Moore.

---------

A personal note: Can I just be honest here?
Of course I can. It's my blog. I didn't want to do this.
I don't want to be the predictable "Oh, there's a disaster, let's see what The Rusted Chain is doing..." kind of company.
But I also know my life is not about me.
I've said many times, I don't do very many things well. But one thing I do well is make jewelry.
And that allows me to give in much bigger ways than I ever could on my own.

Yesterday I talked and texted with some of my assistants. "Is it too soon after Boston? I feel like we should do something but I just don't know."
I don't want the spotlight to be on US. It's not about The Rusted Chain. It's not about "ohhh, look at us, we're giving!! We're so charitable! notice us."
I was very worried about what people would think.
And I just felt like God was whispering, "Don't worry about what people think. Do what you know is right. The end."

It's absolutely not about us. It's not about me.
It's about giving more. It's about loving more. Sacrificing more.

We do a lot of giving quietly, privately.
But doing them publicly sometimes allows us to give in a much bigger way.

It's time...

Just a few weeks ago we were still getting snowed on.
But now it's time. For sunshine.
Warmth. COLOR.
Oh how I love color!


All of a sudden our yard is bursting with flowers, color, and life.
Morning and evening sun have turned to the shade of golden yellow I love so much.






Most importantly, it's time to switch from hot coffee to iced coffee.
And this, oh this, makes me incredibly happy!!
It's time!

In a magazine!

Did you know that Kansas has it's own magazine?
It's a beautiful publication spotlighting the best things in the state.
And guess what? They featured us!!
We're in the Summer issue, and the article is about the Kansas Barn Sale.



The BEST antiquing and junking around...
Also the best people. And the best atmosphere.
And the best art.
And the best cinnamon rolls.
And the best laughs.
It's a pretty great event!


Somehow my fellow Barn Sale Chick, Stacee, got left out of the article.
I'm not sure how but we are definitely a team! I couldn't do it without her.


It's always the first Saturday in October, which falls on Oct. 5 this year.

Find more on the Facebook page.

We're so flattered by the article!
And we're so honored that people love the Kansas Barn Sale so much, they just keep telling more and more people!
You want to come this year, right??

When you're the one left out.

I don't know how it happens. You're cruising along and life is good and all of a sudden BAM!
You realize how lonely you are.
Your friends have moved on without you, getting together, laughing, and having fun.
You can't seem to get accepted by those warm fuzzy encouraging supportive online women's communities that seem to reach out to everyone else but you.
You're not going to the cool kid's conferences.



You blog and get no response.
You tweet and don't have followers.
You update on facebook or other social media but it seems like no one is listening.

I don't even know what category it falls into: jealousy? pain? hurt? insecurity?
All I know is it feels... lonely.
Left out. Frustrated. Lost. Unheard.



And I wonder if Jesus is saying, "Haven't I told you to not turn to the world for your emotional needs?
Haven't I told you that I'm the only One who sticks closer than a brother?
Haven't I told you that I'm the One who is always by your side?
Aren't I the One who can bring a Peace that passes all understanding?
Yes. Turn to Me, child.
Not to flawed humans. Not to conferences or blogging communities. Me.
Turn to Me. For everything, for all of your needs. Turn to Me.
I will bring you friendship. Acceptance. Comfort.
Just turn to me."



If you're reading this, know that you're not alone.
And know that turning your eyes upon Him, releasing your struggles to Him, crying your lonely tears to Him is the only way to find the Peace and acceptance you're desperately wanting.

Junkin' and Wanderin'.

Even though we've been deep in Mother's Day jewelry orders we listed a few new designs over the weekend.

Live Uncaged


Adventure Awaits


Love, soul, rock-n-roll. (seriously?! I can't even take it! Love this exclusive guitar!!)


Not all who Wander are Lost necklace (love this one too! My new favorite with our pretty bird.)


Love More riveted bracelet


Peace, Love, and JUNK.



We have so many big exciting things in the works right now!
One of them is planning for the Kansas Barn Sale, the biggest Art & Antique fest in the state!


Over the next few months we'll have news, announcements, and secrets we'll be able to reveal.
We can't wait for October 5, 2013!

Find more on the Facebook page.

Do you go junkin'? Antiquing? Thrifting?