Summer Splendor

These early days of Summer are some of our favorites.There are reasons for this:

The light has grown -- in both general intensity and length of days (the Solstice being the most famous example of long-light-wonder -- and the official first day of Summer),

Things that had only begun to bloom in March and April are approaching full flower,

School is out (or almost out),

Any and all nature suddenly seems especially beckoning,

And an indisputable sense of something close to (if not actually) magic

hangs in the air

(like morning mist still might for those of us in coastal places)

(like the first few fireflies you or your children spy)

(like the last bursts of pollen that coat our windowsills or outdoor tables)

And suddenly (but a soft kind of suddenly, a gentle unmistakable OH, MY, YES suddenly)

we’re more than inclined to give in to wandering impulses,

Be they the daydreaming kind

or the moongazing kind

or the beachwalking kind

or the innerjourneying kind

Or any combination of the above kinds

Or more

Wherever we find ourselves. Even (espeically) nearby home.

The last two are important -- the ‘wherever we find ourselves’ and ‘nearby home’ parts,

because this swoonymagic week or so around the Solstice

is not limited to location or particularly tied to any one place or climate.

It’s for all of us, wherever we are, whoever we are, whomever we are with, and with whatever level of wonder each of us has on hand or is game to allow.

And so are the following words:

WONDERMENT is a word we know (and love), meaning (perhaps unsurprisingly) “a state of wonder,”

WANDERMENT is a word we recently (and delightedly) learned is *actually* a word, which means “the action or state of wandering,”

SERENDIPITOUS is a word we’ve long enjoyed but never until recently knew could also be used to describe a character trait, namely “having “the faculty of making happy & unexpected discoveries by accident.”

Why share these three and why now? Because:

1) we’re in that interpolary zone we described earlier

2) WONDERMENT, WANDERMENT, and becoming SERENDIPITOUS accurately relate to something that can (if we let it) happen to any of us: moments of mini-transcendence that might happen (or are already happening) very close to home...

Like this walk I took recently with Lu Where we decided to engage in local wanderment:Where we found evidence of others being or becoming serendipitous (fairy offerings)

Where there was tangible proof that more than one someone wanted to leave a reminder of joy --

whether it was for fairies, whether it was in gratitude of rain and blooms after so much drought,

whether it was a tiny altar or a place of prayer, whether it was the grounds for a picnic of sprites,

Whether it was the work of children or the gift of a sly gardener

What matters is that we let ourselves notice

(apparently we are all already serendipitious souls, we just have to accept it)

The MOST ____ Mom.

 Everyone’s Mom is the MOST [something they know] –
every day, all the time.

Thank you for sharing your Most ____ Moms. See some of the stories shared below.

My mom is the most compassionate, loving, patient woman I know. She has sacrificed so much for me and I would love to be able to show her how much I love her and how proud I am of her.

I have attached a picture of us on my wedding day. She is beautiful everyday, but on this day I think she was glowing.

- Kayle Garcia

My mom is the most Kind Mom - every day, all the time.   My mom (parents) live between Arizona and Wisconsin while her three adult children are spread between Arizona, Wisconsin, and (me, pictured), Maryland.  I'm the oddball.  But my mother always makes time to call her kids in all 3 states to check in on us, tell us she loves us and makes sure we are well.  This has been through her own bout with breast cancer and my father's bout with prostate cancer.  She is 78 and carries herself like she is 50.  Her kindness is beyond words.  She worries about my medical condition of epilepsy.  In fact just hours after this photo was taken I had a tonic clonic seizure with my mother and she cared for me until help could arrive.

My mom is a nurse by training.  A newborn nursery nurse.  Kindness and gentleness are requirements of her job.  Now retired, my mom has retained those qualities in life and cares for everyone she encounters in life the same way.  My dad, my siblings, my aunts/uncle's, cousins, my mother's friends, everyone she cares about.  Simply said - My mom is the most Kind Mom.

- Sheri Ferguson

My mom is the most inspiring person I know. She has inspired me to be the best mom that I can be to my 2 children. Now since I am older, I have realized, all she has sacrificed to give me a good life. She has worked countless hours, and still had time to spend quality time with me.

-Lindsay

My mom is the most giving person that I know. During health ailments with my dad, her ex-husband, she has been a constant support and caretaker for the family. She has given the most to our family and my father to make sure that he receives excellent care and that we are all getting the care that we need as family. She has sacrificed so much of her own time and life to be an amazing mother.

- KathrynMy mom is the most reliable person I know. Ever since I went away to college in 2007 I have been calling my mom everyday, sometimes multiple times a day to chat or share stories. We have lived in different states the majority of the years since I turned 18. In over ten years my mom has never not returned a call that same day, usually within the hour. She is an excellent listener and the first person I want to share good news with. She always jokes that she isn’t world’s best mom, but the fact that I can call her and know she will be on the other end of the line is invaluable to me. I love her more than she will ever know. Now that I am a mom myself I have been calling more than ever with “is this normal?” “should I take her to the doctor?” “should I stop breastfeeding?” questions and I know she will be that reassuring voice on the other end of the line and in my head all the time. She is truly the most best friend a girl could ask for.

- Emily

Welcome Springtime

Springtime summons our wandering selves

Restored by good rest and nurtured by hope and care

 we, like trailing vines or sweetpeas, extend our tendrils outward --

Everreaching towards the light,

Towards something worth entangling --

Towards our soon-to-be-known joys

We wend our way (winsomely)

Towards wonder

Towards beauty

Towards our best and brightest lives

Towards love

Grow Well, Darlings

We see you -- and gather all the beauty you can.

Initial Observations: Moms Love Being Noticed. Give Yours Proof.

This Mother’s Day, show the one who told you

That details

And noticing them matter.

How the act of paying attention

Can be a gift

more valuable

than most things.

& How

giving attention

with care about who, or what, receives it

Is a kind of everything that matters…

That she

& her particular details (in this case, her initials)

Matter beautifully

And warrant generations worth

Of love

Mamas, like heirlooms, Become.

A life is made of moments and stories,

A name is made of letters and meaning,

A monogram is made of initials

The first letter of each part of

One Particular Name

(a record of beginnings, of becoming)

…

Hers.

SHOP CUSTOM GIFTS FOR MOM

International Women's Day

Waxing Poetic is a company founded by women and inspired by women, and we’re always on board for International Women’s Day, and to celebrate who we are in the balance equation. In our business, it is an absolute honor to employ and and collaborate with women the world over, especially our beautiful Balinese cohorts, with whom we have been working for almost 20 years.Head over to our Story today to meet some of these soul-sisters and heroines who balance motherhood, artistry, and a dedication to their communities. They join us on the daily in bringing Waxing Poetic pieces to life in a way no one else ever could. Everyone benefits from gender balance -- (not just our girls) and we are HERE. FOR. ALL. OF. IT. Celebrating #InternationalWomen’sDay2019  #BalanceforBetter  #motherswhobalance #creativeswhobalance #bosseswhobalance #beautyinbalance #lovetobalance #IWD19 #internationalwomensday Balance is an ongoing quest. Coffee helps.#waxingpoetic #balanceforbetter Balance is independence. #waxingpoetic #balanceforbetter Balance is having a safe work environment where her co-workers feel like family. #waxingpoetic #balanceforbetter Balance is a steady wage #waxingpoetic #balanceforbetter Balance is having the opportunity to help provide for her family. #waxingpoetic #balanceforbetter Balance is a beautiful thing. #waxingpoetic #balanceforbetter

A rare bird indeed, just like you

We love to design. We love the unique, the intentional, the rare. Introducing our new Signature Series. Patti dreams up something special, and we hand craft it in a limited quantity, delivering to you something we hope will be treasured and valued. For Keeps. For Joy!Each Limited Edition Signature Series style is inset with poetry, bears our founder’s signature on the back, and is only available for a short time only, or until our supply is gone. 

“We have been fans of the hummingbird for some time, and chose this magical bird as the first in our Signature Series because it is one of the most beloved and enduring representations of a free and beautiful, yet purposeful (read: Poetic) existence.  The hummingbird reminds us that the sweetest nectar lies within, and that the journey to discovering this self, this energy and knowing, and healing can and should be made with grace and ease. The dream we dare to have is just this: to be present, alive, and conscious in every moment, like this little bird.  To embrace the new beginnings that are the promise of each new day, and to live them fully. ”

Happy New Year!

The New Year of 2019 is upon is, and I have been internally noting many things that I wish to let go of, and equally many things that I’d like to bring into and cultivate in my own life.

The problem is: I tend to not keep my resolutions, not because I don’t want to, say, “get organized” in the New Year (or “spend more time with my family,” or “travel more,” or “eat better,” etc. etc.) but because I simply get swept up in living.

So, to help keep myself on track, I thought that I’d start a new tradition this year and let some of my favorite Waxing Poetic designs inspire my 7 New Year’s resolutions (because 7 is my lucky number) – this way, I can wear them all year long, and be reminded of the commitment I have made to myself.

7 Poetic New Year Resolutions for 2019 + Sneak Peek      I hope my resolutions, in turn, might create a spark for crafting your own resolutions.

We can use our Waxing Poetic pieces as reminders of who we already are (because we made the resolution), and who we might become (because we will put this into practice every time we wear the piece).

Please share with us your Poetic Resolutions, and help us keep each other on track and bring more poetry to life in 2019.

 Love to all in the New Year ahead,  

Patti

A sense of purpose from the CanSurvivor

Kelsey Smith amplifies the voices of those who have turned pain into purpose on her CanSurvivor podcast and website. Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 29, she has built a community of women using their talents to make a difference. We recently sat down with her for an interview. The Can Survivor is such a great name for your blog and podcast – it’s so perfect to have the word “can” front and center. Tell us a bit about that? Thanks so much! When attempting to name the blog, I kept seeing the term “Cancervivor,” which appeared to give ‘cancer’ too much weight. So, The CanSurvivor was born. It was a way of flipping something traumatic like facing mortality on its head, an assertion I could survive. It certainly isn’t a guarantee since one-third of early-stage diagnoses turns into Metastatic Breast Cancer. For now, cancer doesn’t have the upper hand. I CAN survive, while sharing the experiences of others who have had a direct relationship to breast cancer. Whether it is a plastic surgeon, CEO, or nonprofit organization, there’s an incredible amount of resources to help with survival.

Receiving a diagnosis at 29 must have been quite a shock. Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how sharing helped you in the beginning?

Cancer was nowhere on the itinerary, as I had just started a position in a “dream job” eight days prior to the diagnosis. In fact, I was so into the job that it took a month to call doctors about the lump I had found in my left breast. While I had gotten sick twice in September, I didn’t put two and two together. Many family members and friends were across the country during treatment and the blog started as a way to keep everyone updated. It was helpful to articulate exactly what was going on while explaining all the details so everyone would be on the same page. It also served as a testament to what someone actually goes through in treatment. You do some pretty fearless things – repelling down a 16-story building for The Victory Center is brave as can be. How do you work up to challenge?

This is true! There’s something innate where the possibility of the result is more attractive than the method of getting there. Rappelling down a 16-story building meant more money for the Victory Center, for example. It was also a trust exercise: All of the tools that allowed participants to rappel were designed for safety, and professionals were standing by. It’s important to trust the goodness in even the most negative of processes. While rappelling was definitely scary, seeing the bigger picture negated the fear.

Helping women be their most brilliant, resilient and amazing selves as they navigate Breast Cancer is a bold goal and you do it with style. What’s a favorite example of brilliant resilience from your community – or yourself? Thank you! The best examples are the individuals who have turned their pain into purpose. In the breast cancer community, there are so many people who are using their talents to make a difference. Women like April Johnson-Stearns of Wildfire Magazine or Emily Hopper of Empowerhaus, who are unapologetically inserting their kick-ass attitudes into their brands. These are women who are vulnerable and impactful.Your long-term survivor guests are fantastic. What are some of the top lessons passed along from these 30-years in ladies? Yes, they are! There’s an incredible amount of wisdom to pick up from these women, especially since their treatments were harsher decades ago. Many people don’t know that less than 40 years ago, surgeons did not reconstruct breasts. It took decades for this advancement to be a standard of care. In fact, it is so embedded within the community that women are asking specifically to go “flat,” or not receive reconstruction. It’s really amazing how much long-term survivors have endured while maintaining a sunny disposition.While we have a long way to go to cure breast cancer completely, processes are getting better every day. They’ve taught me to be appreciative of modern medicine. Older survivors have the ability to focus on what is important without letting small things ruin their day. They’re also the best at holding space during tough times of uncertainty.

How important is community in treatment?

It isn’t just community that is important, it is the right community. During treatment, it’s easy to become the center of attention, which then makes others seem or feel like spectators. It can also attract the wrong attention. People aren’t afraid to exploit the situation. Since breast cancer is such a big deal (especially under age 45—Only 11% of us have it), word spreads pretty quickly which can be isolating. Anyone who has been diagnosed should seek out cancer support groups immediately because people may rally around during treatment, then disappear afterwards. It can be mentally exhausting, daunting, and lonely. People who have been through it understand like no one else can.

You’ve turned your pain into power and created something amazing as a result. Were you a coach before your diagnosis?

I was not. The diagnosis took the wheel, as I was in product marketing previously. Young breast cancer survivorship is unique as it leaves open the possibility of making big lifestyle changes in diet, relationships, and sense of purpose. Having a coach who understands this and doesn’t think you’re “overdramatic” or “crazy” is incredibly essential in the healing process, which is uniquely individual. No two cancers are the same, but if you allow it, you can make incredible connections and move forward with optimism.

What is the funniest thing someone has said on The CanSurvivor Podcast?

The talks with fellow survivors are always funny because we are SO not modest, and nobody quite understands our struggles like each other. There were some hearty laughs on an upcoming episode regarding prosthetic nipples. Yes, there’s a prosthetic for that!

What would you like to tell us about self-exams and mammograms?

Breast cancer does not discriminate by age. Eleven percent of women under age 45 will get breast cancer, so please do not forget to set time aside the first of every month to do a self-exam. If you have dense breasts, simply look for “sisters” (similar lumps and bumps). The lump I had did not have a sister, cousin, or anything like that. Mammograms are not typically covered for younger women unless a mass has been found, so “feeling it on the first” is a great defense. In addition to that, if you have a family history of cancer, please speak with a geneticist about testing for genetic mutations. Five to ten percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are caused by BRCA mutations. Luckily, there are solutions!

What’s next for you? And where can others find you out in cyberspace?

This week, we launched the podcast in video format on YouTube! The format of the show has changed to weekly interviews, which allows for more guests involved with breast cancer initiatives. It seems to be continuously expanding, so you will just have to wait and see what’s next! There are several ways to find me: www.TheCanSurvivor.com Facebook IInstagram Twitter

We’re all pledging to take care of ourselves this month with a small step that’s easy to incorporate into every day; a walk, meditation, primal scream. What is your #mypledge?

#MyPledge is to spend fifteen minutes outside, whether it means exercise, taking in nature, playing basketball, or walking. October is a great month to watch the leaves change and fall. There’s an incredible amount lot of beauty in the Midwest!We honor Kelsey’s spirit – and the spirit of so many others – with our support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During the month of October, a donation from every sale goes to NBCF and the important work they do. Our hope is that one day there will be no more unexpected warriors.

#iampoetic - Featured Friend Carla

 FEATURED FRIENDS OF WAXING POETIC

 WHO I AM

Africa is in my blood.

I moved to Durban, South Africa from London with my family when I was young.

This is where I first developed my deep love and bond with horses.

I am a huge animal advocate and lover, and horses at that time were my life. Horses have a spiritual quality that give me a sense of being.

I rode competitively but more importantly I was living my childhood dream!

I spent most of my free time carefree, happy and at peace with my horses.

These memories of being one with horse represent freedom and joy.

I am a designer by profession, having studied in Durban, South African for 3 years and went on to do a post graduate degree in London at the Central Saint Martin’s School of Art.

I’m a creative thinker who has both held senior positions for leading companies and co-founded and built up two successful sportswear brands.

I have an entrepreneurial spirit, and live life with passion.

I’m purpose driven and care deeply about social and environmental causes.

BEING POETIC

Being poetic for me is about how one lives one’s life.

Seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Seeing beauty in nature.

Living with love and kindness

It’s authentic self-expression, being true to yourself.

Self-expression is the heart and soul of creativity.

It’s about imagination.MY LIFE / VALUES / INSIGHTS

In 2006, my husband, Shaun and I tragically lost our only beloved son, Mathew.

Men and women heal differently.

I felt so alone.

The unspeakable pain and grief led me to question my value and meaning in life at that time.

Soon after, I was introduced to The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

TBCF supports families that have a child with cancer providing financial, emotional and educational support.

I threw myself into volunteering for them, finding helping others was emotionally healing to myself.

Giving back benefited me ……. knowing that I could make a difference in the lives of others in some small way, allowed me to begin a new life, living with gratitude.

TBCF gave me a sense of family and a sense of belonging.

It was life changing and powerful!

I continue to be committed as an Ambassador for Teddy Cancer Foundation and advocate for children in Mathew’s honor.

I’m so lucky to have Shaun by my side, and to have been given a second chance at being a family.

I believe in miracles ….

I believe in the power of prayer ….

I trust in the universe, have hope, humility and know love triumphs

Family connection matters most.

Luke, our second born son, is now 8, and I like to think we bring poetry into all aspects of our lives.

I value every minute of every day with him.

We share stories and I’m planning on writing a book about our dearly loved dog Buddy, who is our four-legged family.

Luke is going to illustrate the book which will be called “Buddy Belongs”.

Friendships are also pivotal to my existence, and enrich my life.

I'm surrounded by a circle of phenomenal friends here in Santa Barbara. Dreams – we all have dreams

But what makes our come alive … believing in ourselves …

being divinely aware, our faith and love.

My dream is to love and be loved, to follow my own path, living a life of purpose.

The ocean heals my mind, body and spirit.

It makes me calmer and more creative.

We are a family of ocean lovers, so protecting our ocean and coastline is vital for humankind, and those we care about for future generations.

2013 I began volunteering for grassroots organization, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and subsequently became a board member after a couple of years.

Channelkeeper protects the waters in the Santa Barbara Channel through science-based advocacy, education and enforcement.

The climate crisis affects all of us and we need to protect our environment!

Knowing that we belong to something bigger than ourselves and that all life on earth is connected to our oceans, protecting the beauty of our ocean and beaches for a better future is a commitment we can all make.

We have the personal power within us to share our inner most thoughts, our vulnerability and deepest emotions. Sharing our ideas, our journey, is not only magical for the writer/ artist/musicians/advocate, but can have an impact and help others.

Each and every one of us have the power to inspire and be a positive influence in this world.

It’s about doing something that matters. The first piece I bought was a necklace with an initial M on the one side and an astrological sign on the other side – gosh it was maybe about 15 years ago.

What drew me to it was a heart connection – this piece is a remembrance now it is my love.

My old favorite piece that I wear stacked is a simple bangle that a close girlfriend gave me for a gift, many years ago that is inscribed “LOYAL AND FIERCELY SO."

I fell in love with this piece and went into the store and bought a few for my girlfriends.

My most complimented piece is small gold crest necklace on leather that I that Luke loved so much that I bought him one too.

My new favorite is the large silver ring I am wearing in the shoot!

Whether WP are gifts for yourself or for others, whether to bless, inspire, encourage, or motivate I love the personal flavor.

FAVOURITE POEM

Maggie and Molly and Molly and May by E. E. Cummings

maggie and milly and molly and may

went down to the beach (to play one day)

and Maggie discovered a shell that sang

so sweetly she couldn’t remember her troubles, and

milly befriended a stranded star

whose rays five languid fingers were;

and molly was chased by a horrible thing

which raced sideways while blowing bubbles; and

may came home with a smooth round stone

as small as a world and as large as alone.

For whatever we lose (like you or me)

It’s always ourselves we find in the sea

Hhhhhm so many beautiful quotes – this one today - "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart.”  Helen Keller