Archive for Gender Issues Center
January 18, 2010 at 6:45 pm · Filed under Gender Issues Center
1. Submit. Give up. Make room for the miracle.
2. Inform yourself. Listen to your intuition. Examine all the options, but only use what feels right to you.
3. Accept support. Surround yourself with loving friends, healing music, special colors, prayer and affirmation. Create a ceremony of healing/wholing and invite your supporters.
4. Anoint your breast(s) with healing herbal oils such as calendula, dandelion, or poke. Visualize healing energies suffusing your tissues.
5. Maximize the healthy qualities of your diet:
- Use organic olive oil and butter to the exclusion of other fats.
- Increase your use of beans, especially lentils, and fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, tamari, homemade wines and beers.
- Include immune building and anticancer herbs in your diet:
• Daily use of a nourishing infusion, especially red clover flower or burdock root or violet leaf infusions.
• Daily use of fresh herb vinegars, especially yellow dock, burdock, and dandelion root vinegars.
• Frequent use of a long-cooked soup containing seaweed (such as kombu or wakame), astragalus root, and medicinal mushrooms (reishi, shiitake, puffballs, etc).
6. Increase you exercise level. Take a yoga or tai chi class weekly. Walk daily. Get a weekly massage. Pamper yourself with activity.
7. Use drugs (chemotherapy, tamoxifen, anesthesia, pain killers) as required but:
- consider a short trial of a powerful herb such as poke root before resorting to drugs; and
- always combine drug use with complementary herbs. For instance, protect the liver with milk thistle seed tincture.
8. Use radiation and surgery as needed but:
- always combine with complementary herbs; and
- be willing to set limits that you feel comfortable with - they can’t take your lymph glands if you say “No.”
For more information, see Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun Weed. www.ashtreepublishing.com
Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081
Visit Susun Weed at: www.susunweed.com and www.ashtreepublishing.com
For permission to reprint this article, contact us at: susunweed@herbshealing.com
Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.
Susun is one of America’s best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women’s health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at www.susunweed.com
May 22, 2009 at 8:11 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
Its a whole new season so why not kick start it with some fabulous fashion finds, a change in fragrance, and maybe even a new hairdo, and don’t forget to lighten up your makeup.
This season is full of wonderful fabrics and styles, from ultra feminine to the boldness of the ethnic prints. From short to long dress and skirt styles. From halters to cap sleeves. From tweed to pastel shades. Shoe styles vary from flip flops to wedges to stiletto heels. And be sure to check out the fabulous styles in casual and sporting sandal wear.
When choosing items for your spring wardrobe, first analyze your body shape and determine what styles will look best on you. Next decide what your favorite colors are for this season and determine what colors flatter you the most and which flatter you the least. Stay away from the colors and styles that don’t flatter. Choose clothing that is most flattering, but also be sure to step out on the limb a little bit and choose a few items that are not a traditional style or color choices you would make. Dare to experiment a little bit. It’s always nice to add a little spice to your wardrobe.
This season there truly is something for everyone. We see skirts that go from mini to ankle length. Full skirts, pencil skirts, flared skirts - they are all in style. We’ve got great selection in summer tops from open back, to halter, to baby tee’s, to strapless. And shorts are arriving on the scene in a variety of lengths from short shorts to knee length.
Your color choices are truly endless! The full spectrum of pastel shades is at your fingertips. But wait, so are the vibrant bright shades such as yellow, chartreuse, turquoise, and pink. Traditional white is still in the running and is very easy to dress up or down. This seasons’ jewelry is also large with something for everyone. We’ve got long dangles, full chandeliers, fun studs, large hoops, and more. There are plenty of rhinestones and crystals on the scene this season. And wait! Pearls have had a whole new facelift - now faux pearls are available in a wide variety of color and they don’t just belong with your formal wear. This season pearls are ever so chic with your fave pair of jeans. Now that’s progress!
Bangles are on the top of the fashion radar this season. Load your arm from top to bottom, wear a single, mix and match materials, sizes and styles.
Wood jewelry is the top pick to go with the ethnic prints of the season. There’s some wonderful vintage pieces to be had for a reasonable price. The beauty about vintage is the exotic woods you can find which are no longer used today because of cost.
While you are busy uplifting your wardrobe and jewelry, why not uplift your body? Perhaps a new fragrance, a new hair cut or color, add some lighter shades to your makeup.
Remember to make your fashion statement you have to pamper the whole you! Spring is a time to rejuvenate, so take some time to rejuvenate not only your wardrobe but yourself.
Make your fashion statement!
May 22, 2009 at 7:38 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
Dr. Leo Baekland, a scientist, was responsible for the discovery of bakelite. He was born in Belgian. In 1889 he immigrated the the USA hoping for better career opportunities. In 1907 he was working as independent chemist when by accident he discovered the compound of carbolic acid and formaldehyde. When he tried to reheat the solidified compound he discovered it would not melt no matter how high the temperature.
Shortly after he trademarked “Bakelite” as well as two other variations “catalin” and “marblette” which today are also referred to as bakelite. Bakelite was the first synthetic plastic. Because of its durability and beauty its uses were simply endless, it grew in popularity very quickly and within 15 years it had taken the world by storm. You could find everything from electrical plugs, to ornate jewelry made from bakelite. It was even used on the dashboard face of the Mercedes Benz car.
It could be produced in a wide array of colors, but most common where white, brown, green and red. Bakelite dating back to the 1920s-1940’s has oxidized and developed a wonderful patina that is sometime a completely different hue than the original color. For example, White is often seen as butterscotch, light blue changes to forest green, pink turns to orange.
Because of this invention, Dr Beakeland is seen as the father of the present plastic industry. The costume jewelry from the 1920’s-1940’s bakelite era is highly sought after. So how do you determine if it is actually made of bakelite? There are a couple of fairly simple tests. Although not full proof they work pretty well. Smell - When bakelite is heated it has a very strong odor which comes from the carbolic acid in the composition. On some pieces you can release the smell simply by rubbing them hard with your thumb and creating heat. Others will need very hot water to release the odor. Still on others the odor is so faint you may not detect it. Sound - When you tap two bakelite pieces together they will make a deep clunking sound, rather than the higher pitched clack of acrylic or Lucite plastics. This test is the most unreliable as it is difficult to interpret the sound because the density of the items affects the sound you hear. Hot Pin Test - Bakelite is a thermoset plastic so it cannot be remolded with heat. To test if a piece is bakelite get a very very hot pin from an open flame source, then touch the pin to the item. If it is bakelite it will not penetrate. It may give off the acid smell and it may leave a purple burn mark. If the pin penetrates or melts the plastic then it is not bakelite. Use caution when doing this test as it can devalue the bakelite piece considerable, and it may do serious damage to other types of plastic should the piece turn out not to be bakelite. If you proceed with this test be sure to find a very inconspicuous spot. Also if the material should be celluloid, it is very flammable and can be very dangerous. If you suspect the piece may be celluloid I recommend you “do not” conduct this test. When ever you are conducting this test you should wear the appropriate safety equipment such as eye goggles and gloves. Formula 409 or Scrubbing Bubbles or Simichrome - this product works very well to test whether an item is bakelite. Make sure the item is clean, wet the end of a Q-tip with Formula 409 then touch it to the piece. If the Q-tip turns yellow then the piece is bakelite. If you believe a piece is bakelite but it doesn’t pass the 409 test don’t count it out. Sometimes polished bakelite will not react or pass the test.
The best way to recognize bakelite comes with experience. After you’ve seen enough pieces you will easily recognize it. There are also some excellent books on the market that you might find helpful. • BAKELITE JEWELRY - Tony Grasso • THE BEST OF BAKELITE AND OTHER PALSTIC JEWELRY - Dee Battle & Alayne Lesser • BAKELITE JEWELRY GOOD*BETTER*BEST - Donna Wassertrom & Leslie Pina
Bakelite has always been known as the material with 1000 uses, and it surely did earn this name. Bakelite is now treasured for its unique, unreproducible beauty. When the Bakelite patent expired in 1927, it was acquired by the Catalin Corporation that same year. They began mass production under the name “Catalin. The Catalin Corporation was responsible for nearly 70% of all phenolic resins that exist today.
Bakelite-Catalin was sold mainly to companies like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bonwit Teller, Woolworth’s, and Sears. Much of the wealthy society fell into touch times during the depression and could not longer afford the Tiffany diamonds or Cartier Jewelry. Bakelite-Catalin took up the market slack with its colorful carved jewelry adorned with rhinestones. This jewelry was within the reach of all and its popularity grew from the poorest to the wealthiest in society.
In 1942 Bakelite-Catalin stopped sales of their colorful costume jewelry in order to concentrate on the nation’s wartime needs. They produced thousands of products found their way into the military.
By the end of the war new technologies were for molded plastics had been developed. These new products consisted of plastics such as Lucite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, and Acrylic all which were molded. Bakelite and Catalin become obsolete except in the hearts of collectors who still pursue it today.
May 10, 2009 at 5:15 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
Buying sterling silver jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you’re considering a gift of sterling silver jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here’s some information to help you get the best quality sterling silver jewelry for your money, whether you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.
Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today’s fashion conscious public. You know how beautiful sterling silver jewelry is and how brilliantly it shines. Now here is the rest of the story.
Silver has been used since ancient times, but has not survived as well as ancient gold because it tarnishes and decomposes. There have been times, however, when silver was “in”; we are going through such a vogue today.
Silver is the commonest of the precious metals. Fine silver is pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Sterling silver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper, the alloy most often used. Silver weighs about half as much as gold, has greater flexibility, but is not as malleable, it has always been less expensive as well. A comparable piece of gold jewelry might cost four or five times that of a piece of sterling silver jewelry.
The current fashion trend toward black clothing has made silver jewelry more popular than ever. Silver likes to be worn; it stays cleaner & shinier through movement and friction. So sterling silver is a perfect accessory for today’s fast paced lifestyles. Much like gold, sterling silver needs to be cleaned.
May 8, 2009 at 11:52 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
The waves come and go like the feet of an unsteady woman in the house of an unfair lover.
The waves roar and clap their hands like the protestations of a woman in the hands of a Don Juan.
The waves wear down the shores like a woman dissipating over unrequited love.
Yet, the woman is bound to the man as the oceans are in covenant with the moon, for a woman needs a man.
And the waves come and go because the celestial body would not leave the seas.
That is why the oceans are full of tempests as love is replete with broken hearts!
EXCERPTED FROM “BEAUTIFUL,” A POETRY COLLECTION BY ARTHUR ZULU, TO BE PUBLISHED SOON. IF YOU ENJOYED READING THE POEM AND WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION TOWARD ITS PUBLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR.)
ARTHUR ZULU is an editor, book reviewer, playwright, and published author. He also writes short stories, scripts, essays, and poems, and ghost writes for others. For his works, professional services, and FREE helps for writers, goto: http://controversialwriter.tripod.com mailto: controversialwriter@yahoo.com Web search: Arthur Zulu
May 6, 2009 at 7:31 pm · Filed under Gender Issues Center
The Kids have all left the nest (or just about?), the house is empty and you’re wondering what you’re going to do with your time now.
Seems like it just “happened” all of a sudden for some while others knew the time was near and dreaded when the last child (maybe even the first or perhaps only?) left the nest to head off to college or whatever other plans they may have made.
So many Moms (and yes, Dads too!) have a difficult time adjusting to this time even though you know that this is all part of ‘the plan’ from the time they are born. After all we did the same thing didn’t we? Went off to college, got a job and moved out (eventually), or married and started our own life. And yet, it draws near and you find yourself almost in a panic wondering what you are going to do with the rest of your life!
You spend so much of your time ‘doing’ for the kids from the time they are born; you find your life pretty much revolves around theirs. Even for a lot of the Moms that have worked outside the home for several years, it’s pretty much the same. Get up in the morning, get kids up make breakfast, make sure they’re ready for school, go to work only to try and make sure you get off in time to make a ball game or other school activities, (not to mention the times they are home sick from school!) your life is still pretty much revolving around the kids!
And even though, as mentioned, you know this time is coming, it’s kind of hard to just shut all of this down and go on with what amounts to a “new life”.
But, it’s here and now you have to adjust and deal with it! Much easier said then done for some.
First off do give yourself a BIG pat on the back; you deserve it. You have raised a child with the confidence to go out and face that ‘big wide world’ and now you need to give yourself some adjusting time. After all it’s almost like a time of “mourning” for some, you feel like you have lost a part of yourself, which, of course, is NOT true. Now is the time to find that “Old You” or create a “New You”!
So many think their time as “Mom” is over with, which is also not true. It just revolves into a different phase. You’ll always be their Mom, even though it might feel at times that they are shutting you out. Remember, they are going through their adjusting period too! They settle down after a while, you start adjusting to their being out of the house, then that more “adult” relationship begins which can be very rewarding when you start seeing your ‘child’ becoming an adult.
Meanwhile, it’s time to start thinking of you and what you want to do with this new phase of your life.
If you find yourself just completely baffled at what you can do, get a piece of paper and pen and start jotting down things you like to do or things you use to like or want to do when the kids were small but didn’t have time for. This may even be a good time to jot down some of the “new” projects you’d like to try. You might be surprised at how fast the paper fills up.
Do you like to sew? Cook? Go Fishing? Climb mountains? Do crafts of any kind? Some are really getting into Scrap Booking right now. Been thinking of getting a part time (or full time) job? Maybe if you’ve been working you can change jobs or go for that promotion? Possibly, you’ve been working and now want to quit? LOL, the list could be endless. It’s all about what you want to do now. Some Moms have even gone back to school and earned degrees and started all new careers.
Seems like whether we like it or not, the kids grow up and we have to move on with our lives (they certainly are!). Don’t you think it’s what they would like to see anyway, that we are adjusting and moving on, after all, we don’t really want to make them feel guilty for growing up, do we? This time of our lives can be what we make it, so let’s make the best of it!
Remember also, that a lot of us are starting to go through Menopause at this time of our lives, which doesn’t exactly help (alas, the trials of ‘womanhood’!). So if you are really experiencing a lot of depression and finding it hard to work though all of this, don’t be afraid or shy to talk to your family doctor or minister. You may even want to consider professional counseling. It’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Think of your health and well-being. Try to make the most out of your life and be happy and content.
For those of you who would like to communicate with other moms going though this “Empty Nest Phase” please feel free to check out the forum on Empty Nest Moms, “Live After the Nest Empties”. You’ll find you really aren’t alone or “going crazy” as some of the members have put it, plus you’ll receive lots of support from those that know almost exactly how you are feeling!
You’ll find many topics to choose from as we have moms that are in different phases of this Empty Nest, all ready to jump in with support and suggestions.
Don’t forget, “you’re always going to be their Mom!”
Jeanine Herrin Empty Nest Moms www.emptynestmoms.com Be sure to visit the new Empty Nest “On-Line” Magazine! www.emptynestmagazine.com
May 6, 2009 at 9:42 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
You feel a mild soreness in the breast so you checked for lumps. You felt a little bump. The next best step is to consult a doctor, you might have breast cancer. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from the cells of the breast. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women but this does not mean that men are safe from this disease.
A woman’s breast is made up of lobules, which are glands that make the milk; ducts, which connect lobules to the nipples; fat and connective tissues; blood vessels; and lymph vessels. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts. It may also begin in the lobules then spread to other tissues.
When one feels a lump in the breast, there is really no virtual worry because most lumps are benign which means that they are not cancerous. In fact, benign breast tumors are abnormal growths but do not really pose threats because they do not spread outside of the breast. However, some benign lumps increase the risk in having breast cancer.
Then there are lumps that are not really tumors at all which are often caused by fibrocystic changes — cysts are fluid-filled sacs while fibrosis is the formation of scar-like tissue. These changes can cause swelling of the breasts resulting to being lumpy and sometimes a fluid discharge from the nipples.
There are different types of breast cancer and knowing them will greatly help in assessing the disease.
Carcinoma in situ is a term used for early stage of breast cancer where the cancer cells are still confined to the place where it started. In particular, the cancer cells are confined in the lobules or the ducts, depending on where it started. The cancer cells have not gone into the fatty tissues in the breast nor spread to other organs of the body.
Ductal carcinoma in situ is the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer. Similar with Carcinoma in situ, the cancer cells have spread through the walls of the duct into the fatty tissue of the breasts. Almost all women with breast cancer at this stage can be cured and the best way to find is through the use of mammogram.
Lobular carcinoma in situ is the condition which begins in the milk-making glands but does not go through the walls of the lobules. This is not a true cancer but this can increase the risk of a woman to have breast cancer later. For this very reason, it is of utmost importance for women with this type of condition to follow the guidelines for breast cancer.
Infiltrating (or invasive) ductal carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk passage, breaks through the duct walls, invades the fatty tissue of the breast then spread to other parts of the body. This is the most common type of breast cancer.
Infiltrating lobular carcinoma starts in the milk glands then travel to the other parts of the body.
As of now, there is no exact cause for breast cancer but there are certain factors that are linked to the disease. Some factors that cannot be controlled are age, gender, family history, personal history of breast cancer, and race. Factors such as not having children, birth control pills, diet, exercise, and alcohol are some of the factors that can be controlled which may lessen or heighten the risk of a woman to have breast cancer.
There are several tests that may confirm and disconfirm if you suspect breast cancer such as imaging tests which includes mammography, breast ultrasound, and ductogram and biopsy which includes fine needle aspiration biopsy, stereotactic core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy.
May 6, 2009 at 5:32 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
A person’s name is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Selecting a baby’s name is an important, but often difficult decision for many parents. Follow our guide for a simple process in selecting your baby’s name.
Most people have some ideas for good baby names and have thought about it on and off throughout their entire lives. Remember that the other parent and people around you will also have opinions about baby names, so sometimes it is a good idea to consider these opinions. If by some chance you do not have enough ideas for baby names, then search the internet for a baby name directory.
Remember that your new child will be stuck with whatever name you give him or her for the rest of their lives. Common names are “normal” and “safe”, but sometimes easily forgotten, especially when you meet a lot of people all at once. Unusual names are hard to remember at first, but once remembered usually stick to memory much better. You may want to choose a name that is easily pronounced from the spelling. When trying to pick a name, decide whether you want the child to have a common name or an unusual name.
If you want a not too common name that is easy to remember, try to think of names of people that you have never met before. For example, I’ve never personally met anyone named Darien, so perhaps that name is not too common. Although this method is far from scientific, it is a good way to brainstorm.
Want to avoid common names? Check out the following website that allows you the search for the most common names by year:
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/
Once you have a list of names, you can move onto the second step in the process - picking the best name for the baby. It should be noted that in most cases, the two people who have authority of a new baby’s name are the mother and father. The opinions of friends, family members, and other associates can be taken into account as well, but ultimately the parents should make the final decision. The name should be one that both the mother and father like. Here are some methods for selecting a baby’s name:
1) The most obvious way to select a name is to just have both parents talk about it until they reach a decision. Most parents can come to agreements this way, although others may be more fixated on their own name choices. If selecting a baby name becomes difficult, try the methods below.
2) The father picks a boy name and the mother picks a girl name before the gender of the child is known (or vice versa). If either parent does not like a name, they can veto the name. For example, if the father picks “John” for the boy’s name and the mother does not like it, she can veto. The father then has to pick another name. This process continues until both parents pick names that are mutually acceptable. This method works best for parents that are not too picky about names. Otherwise, the process could last a long time.
3) If you want to involve friends and family, what you will need to do is make a list of names. Choose the names that you are most passionate about and make the list as concise as possible. Have friends and family rate the names on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being best (or rank them from favorite to least favorite). The parents can easily print out these surveys on paper or send the by email. Total up the scores and see what people around you think.
The reach a decision, parents must agree on a process and then follow it. In summary, following these simple steps can take the stress and difficulty out of selecting a baby’s name.
Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.
May 2, 2009 at 3:24 am · Filed under Gender Issues Center
There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make it antique jewelry. However, most jewelry experts have come to agree that antique jewelry predates the 1930s. Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style. It became available in large quantities during the 30s.
Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones. By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials. Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made. Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class. This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable. And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.
There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s. Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. By World War II, gold was popular again but in short supply, since it was vital to the war effort. What gold was available was made into very thin sheets and usually bonded to silver (called vermeil) before being turned into jewelry. By the 1930s rhinestones popularity was ever increasing in Europe. It was not available to the Americans until the 1940s. As a result, many of the pieces from this period tend to feature lots of metal and a single stone or a small cluster of tiny rhinestones.
Today is certainly not much different from past times. We still have fine jewelry, semi precious jewelry, and of course costume jewelry available to us. Costume jewelry can add the finishing touch and show your fashion sense. Costume Jewelry styles of past years are now becoming very fashionable and many are being reproduced. Even with costume jewelry there is a difference in quality. Many of the new pieces do not have the vibrance in the stones or the weight of the older pieces.
Antique and vintage costume jewelry are both fun to collect and fun to wear. No longer is costume jewelry simply “collectable.” It is “in style, and ” “fashionable,” and a terrific conversation starter. Dress to impress!
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.
April 24, 2009 at 2:27 pm · Filed under Gender Issues Center
Looking for a design that’s chic and at the same time unconventional? Try your luck at animal jewelry. Far from being tacky or inelegant, animal designs are actually rather distinctive. Finely crafted jewelry with animal motifs lends a mysterious air to the person who wears them.
Graceful jewelry patterns can be achieved with animal motifs. Dolphins, snakes, swans, and other beautiful beings of nature depict naked beauty and mysticism, and including images of them in jewelry inspires this “look.” Moreover, the carnal appeal of wearing nature-themed jewelry should not be bypassed; sporting nature-themed accessories speaks of someone who is in tune with an “inner animal.” If we’re going to talk sex appeal — well, animal jewelry may just be an understated way to achieve it!
Animal jewelry is also a great way of encouraging environmental awareness and love of nature — even among children. A child who has a favorite pet may appreciate having animal jewelry to remind him or her of that pet. In fact, if the pet were domesticated enough to sport a little jewelry as well — like a cat or a dog — it might be great if master and pet could have matching pieces! Like a pendant for the collar for Poochie, which could also be worn as a bracelet charm for Nancy.
In fact, not only children would appreciate jewelry that would remind them of favorite pets. If one had a favorite animal, a pet, a totem spirit or just an animal with whom s/he identifies with, a piece of charm jewelry would be a great gift. An accessory that reminds one of a pleasant thought is always something that makes one glow.
The inner strength one derives from inspiring motifs is one of the best things about animal jewelry; when a person is calmed or energized by the sight of a familiar animal, it affects one’s mood and the way one looks at things. In fact, Native American tradition believes that animals can give you strength and guidance. Jewelry symbolizing these animals may serve as a reminder for someone who desires to be stronger in one particular aspect. For example: the dragonfly symbolizes illusion, the deer symbolizes gentleness, the bear means power, and so forth.
A person may select his/her ensemble based on his/her philosophies, or simply the feelings of the moment. A person who wishes to give another the gift of animal jewelry may consider which particular animal/s the recipient brings to mind. This requires a personal touch, and this in itself makes the act of selecting animal jewelry a cherished moment indeed!
