Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Today is the first post in a series devoting to educating women (and men, too) on strokes. What you don’t know (or ignore) can kill you!

As readers know, my Mom (Betty of Rose of Sharon Jewelry) suffered a stroke in the wee hours of January 3rd. Thankfully she was aware enough to call a neighbor for help or this story might have a much different ending. As of today, she is getting CAT scans and a neurological check-up in preparation to be released from a care facility. She’ll be able to return home with the assistance of my brothers, niece, church members and her beloved “second family" – Bret and Theresa Anderson and their extended family.

Overall her health has returned to about 90% (happy dance here) but she has lasting conditions which require extended recovery and continued medical supervision. Her blood sugar has been erratic during this stressful event and she has memory and mental agility issues.

The plan is for her to come to our Sparks, NV home to recuperate! We are excited and think that the stimulus of working on Rose of Sharon Jewelry, exercising with me and keeping up with her great grandsons will be really good for her.

What is a stroke?

A simple explanation is that a block clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks within your brain. It is a kind of “brain attack” that cuts off blood flow to a portion of your brain.

This disruption in blood flow causes the brain to swell and cells to die.

Depending upon which part of your brain is damaged, the results can affect speech, movement, memory or even death.

Here are a 10 facts to get your attention and keep reading this series.

Stroke Facts

1. Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
2. Strokes are the #1 cause of long-term disability.
3. Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke.
4. High blood pressure is the most important (but not the only) risk factor for strokes.
5. Strokes can strike at any age. One fourth of all strokes strike people under 65!
6. Stroke symptoms are different for women than men.
7. More women (about 55,000 per year) have strokes than men.
8. African Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke.
9. Strokes cost (directly and indirectly) over $73.7 billion annually.
10. Acting fast can make all the difference in recovery and long-term prognosis.

 

• Monday’s post will cover the different types of strokes.

 

Want to learn more now? Check out the American Stroke Association.

16 days ago Mom had a stroke and this Sat. she will be released from the care home almost back to normal. When the stroke hit, her world was spinning violently but she was able to call a neighbor who summoned the ambulance.

The next day we thought she was going to be released with no significant physical or mental change. Then the swelling started and the only response was surgery to relieve the pressure and remove dead brain tissue from the base of her skull. All life-changing procedures for sure.

Days in ICU with a tube in her throat then 4 days in the Stroke Unit and now a few days in a care home and she is almost 100%. When she was released from the hospital, she still had double vision but was able to walk with a walker, handle hygiene and feed herself.

This week her strength and vision started to return to normal. The official word is she will be released from the care facility on Saturday.

As with any sudden illness and major surgery, she has an extended road to full recovery of strength, memory and stamina but your well wishes and prayers were successful. That’s why I call it the “Miracle in Oregon.”

Starting next week, I will begin a series on women and strokes this is a must read series so please be certain to subscribe by email, RSS Feed or read via the Rose of Sharon Jewelry Facebook Fan Page .

 

What I learned this crisis filled January could save your life!

Mom’s stroke conditions worsened so she had pressure-relieving surgery. I’m in Portland until ?. She’s in ICU and I have a cold so contact is limited but we got good news that the swelling is subsiding.

The blog will probably be quite lonely for a while. Thanks for understanding.

Mom and I have been spending our time creating dozens of wonderful new necklaces, charm bracelets and Christian jewelry to add to all three Rose of Sharon Jewelry venues.

AFF Jewelry at Etsy New Life Jewelry Art at ArtFire Rose of Sharon Jewelry main store

Since December is a big bridal month, we’ve create several stunning wedding necklaces – all one of a kind. We’re knee deep in Swarovski crystals and pearls. I’m enjoying adding some color to our handmade wedding jewelry as the look has become so much bolder. Mom has a magnificent pair of long, long, long freshwater pearl earrings. These would be great with a strapless gown and upsweep hairdo. I fashioned some little girl’s Christian cross necklaces in delicate faux pearls and sparkling crosses with crystal CZ accents. Adorable and a wonderful gift! Don’t forget all our products are shipped in our eco-friendly signature purple gift boxes.   Here’s one of my favorite cross necklaces – Abiding Faith. Green and gold combos are a wonderful choice for year round enjoyment.  

Don’t forget to sign up for the blog to be the first to know about all Rose of Sharon Jewelry releases.

 

Who could be blue when wearing this beautiful Before Dawn necklace? With blue shades in pale glass to deep-as-the-ocean coral, the fluorite floral pendant take center stage in this great one-of-a-kind design.

The double-strand necklace uses natural blue coral beads, are mixed with pale blue crackle glass beads.

 

The Fluorite pendant is hand carved and has dramatic blue streaks. Beaded tendrils continue the floral theme.

 

Never one to let a few leftover beads “go to waste”, Betty has fashioned a lovely coordinating pair of earrings. Both the necklace and the earrings have sterling silver findings.

Before Dawn is 17 inches long plus an additional 2-3/4 inch for the center focal.

 

 

 

 

The 2-piece Before Dawn set is available for sale at the Rose of Sharon Jewelry web site.

Did you know you can leave product reviews in the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store? Stop by today to learn more about any one-of-a-kind design and leave your personal review.

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Red Embers is a lovely illusion necklace featuring red firepolish crystals and freshwater pearls. This handmade necklace is being featured in the New Life Jewelry Art store on ArtFire.

Betty created this delicate necklace while exploring new designs and techniques for illusion-style necklaces.

Red Embers is currently 10% off (as is all of the New Life Jewelry Art products) through July 6th.

Click the picture to learn more.

 

 

I’m almost through all the emails and messages that accumulated from my mini-vacation. It was such a joy to be without any electronics nagging me – but alas it was awaiting!

Swarovski crystals and pearls still are prized for bridal jewelry - but colorful gems are gaining in popularity. Today's Martha Stewart tv episode shows a wide assortment of gowns by Vera Wang and she talks with bridal experts on D-I-Y weddings. Bridal gowns in off-white and ecru colors are popular now and brides have themes in mind which incorporate bold colors. Dawn even has a friend with a purple and orange color-scheme! We are doing amethyst and Swarovski crystals in orange for her custom jewelry. Not my idea of wedding jewelry but as long as she is happy then so am I! As bridal season is upon us, Betty, Dawn, Sandra and I have been putting together our handmade spring wedding necklaces for a new collection. i just love pearls and will be doing plenty of unique designs to give brides some additional choices. Betty is doing a variety of illusion styles which are great for strapless gowns without overwhelming the bride's face. Many of the gowns Martha premiered have a very vintage feel and several of our necklaces will be vintage in length and style. We are working on making certain that the jewelry coordinates with the most popular Spring gown designs. A lot of fun spending time in the bridal salons and reading those 10 lb. wedding magazine.

Speaking of vintage - here is Snow Bride a beautiful new necklace by Betty using vintage glass pearls. We know they are at least 50 years old (me too) and have all the luster and sparkle of a period when quality was easier to find.  We're working on a new ArtFire store that will hold all of our found object, eclectic, retro and vintage designs under a new line we are calling New Life Jewelry Art.

Watch for our Grand Opening announcement next week. The ArtFire link is on the right but the store has yet to be fully stocked.

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