The handmade jewelry produced by the 9 of us, aka Rose of Sharon Jewelry, are all one-of-a-kind creations. From a simple crystal anklet to an elegant Bali silver and lampwork necklace – each original design is unique.

Our work is only sold via our online store, Etsy and ArtFire and getting the word out means that I’m always telling the story of what we have for sale. I’m tweeting, blogging, sharing updates and sending our newsletters.

As with most retailers, the Christmas season accounts for the largest percentage of our annual sales.

Faithful customers - Sorry for overwhelming you with our marketing but we have to hit all the bases to ensure a successful Christmas season.

Asking a Favor

If you’re reading this blog post, you are either a handmade jewelry lover (and hopefully a customer), family member or friend.  I’d like to ask a favor – could you please share the message of our great handmade jewelry with your network of friends, family and business acquaintances?

We’re really appreciate the support and would be grateful for the buzz. You can share this post (see the icons below) or cut and paste the web addresses to our different stores. Perhaps you can heart our Etsy store, forward a special design you love (hint, hint – hubby) or just promote our jewelry to support the handmade community.

A big thanks to you all!

Our artisan line is at http://www.roseofsharonjewelry.com

Adornable Anklets is at http://www.adornableanklets.etsy.com

A.F.F. Jewelry is at http://www.roseofsharonjewelry.etsy.com

New Life Jewelry Art is at http://www.roseofsharonjewelry.artfire.com

If you have any questions or would like to share web links, let me know by sending an email to sharon@roseofsharonjewelry.com

A great business motto is “If if you don’t ask, you’ll never get what you need.

The book is on order and we’ll be mixing, baking and blogging about our frosting adventures. If you’d like to follow along, be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed or email notice service.

To try the recipes and techniques for creating this seasonal favorite, you can pick up this book through the link below.

We’d love to see what you’ve created from gingerbread and lots of icing so be sure to post your comment and pictures here.

Betty (Mom) is a 20-year cancer survivor and Arden (hubby) has been free of lung cancer for over 25 years. Today, I’ll share a 5 tips that helped them travel successfully through cancer.

Believe in Life

The common belief that “they were not going to die” was prominent in their minds. Mom believed God didn’t want her yet and Arden felt this wasn’t how he was going to die. This focus on life instead of death can be a tough one (and may be fleeting from day to day) but it sets your mind on the right path.

Calm for Life

Multiple studies have shown that meditation has powerful benefits on our physical and emotional health. When you are dealing with a life-threatening illness, your emotions are in charge. With a body on high alert, its natural ability to heal itself is compromised.

Being able to calm your inner dialogue, lower your blood pressure, relax your muscles and keep your immune system working efficiently is extremely important when you are dealing with any type of cancer.

You can learn to mediate from a book (there are plenty available) but the best and fastest way to learn is through a class, audio book or video. Many gyms and health spas around the country offer meditation classes. You can also locate a class or tutor through a Buddhist monastery or temple.

I listen regularly to the Buddhist monk, Pema Chodron. Her voice is calming and her approach is excellent for beginners.

Walk for Life

Some of us find it difficult to silently mediate in a sitting position – walking meditation is a perfect solution (plus you have the added benefit of a mild exercise).  You’ll find easy to follow instructions on various web sites such as YogaTeacher.com and this YouTube video of the well-known monk Thich Nhat Hanh from True Sounds Video.

Google “walking meditation” along with your city and you’ll find classes, groups and churches which teach and sponsor walking meditation events.

Read for Life

Mom spent time reading the Bible for confidence and comfort. Arden discovered a book which he has given away repeatedly over the years that I’m recommending today.

The Cancer Conqueror by Greg Anderson was Arden’s bible during his cancer battle. There are multiple editions available through Amazon resellers and this book is  worth seeking out. In fact, Arden keeps an extra copy in his bookshelf to give to someone facing the words – it’s cancer.

Share for Life

Family and friends are important part of your support system; however, they are also personally dealing with your cancer. When the diagnosis is breast cancer, seek out a support group who can listen, share and give you advice without “owning” your problem.

Many women have found deep and personal connections through cancer support groups. During your physical and/or emotional weak points, you’ll have a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on and another person to listen with you as your doctor’s discuss treatments and prognosis.

Please share this post with anyone you know who is dealing with the Big C. Whether they are the patient, family member or friend, these 5 bits of advice can work wonders.

No matter what you call them – it’s hard to ignore them! Gals – take charge of your body and find the right name for your Girls! LOL While #15 is my favorite – I think I’ll refrain from naming my pair.

1. Breasts
2. Boobs (also Boobies)
3. The Girls
4. Tits
5. Titty
6. TaTas
7. Bosom
8. Knockers
9. Bazoombas
10. Hooters
11. Honkers
12. Headlights
13. Jugs
14. Boulders
15. Cha-Chas
16. Udders
17. Rack
18. Bust
19. Charleys (from the Rat Pack era)
20. Melons
21. Mosquito bites
22. Puppies
23. The Twins
24. Fun Bags
25. Thelma and Louise

Hope you consider this post a light-hearted look at breasts as an off-set to the more serious discussions we’ll have throughout October.

Having Sandra here has been a wonderful vacation from non-stop marketing of Rose of Sharon Jewelry and worrying about slow summer sales. I’ve spent the past 10 days relaxing, creating and being together. Arden took time off too; so the 3 of us have “lived and loved” fully together.

As a small business person, often my days are filled with mundane tasks and trying to get the word out on all our beautiful handmade jewelry. At the end of the day, I realize I spent most of it at the keyboard and online.  That’s why a few days away is so critical to me.

Time off makes me crave the creative, just like a long winter makes me want to start gardening on the first warm day. I’m convinced that electronics (which I’m admittedly addicted to) can actually play havoc on our health and well-being. But surprisingly enough, I find that it can also adversely affect the business.

Being an self-employed, work-at-home Grandma has a lot of pluses and having 10 days with Sandra has been one of them!

Back to full-time blogging starting tomorrow!