My Grandpa (88 years and counting) has shared this journey with me from the beginning...
He watches me walk past his room every night as I carry my freshly soldered creations from my studio to the kitchen for pickling...
He lies in his bed listening to me hammering and sawing and sanding...
He asks questions, shows a quiet interest in my processes...
And the other day, he reminded me just how long I have been dreaming this dream...
He recalled taking me along to the local technical college as a wide-eyed 16 year old, hoping to sign up for a jewellery course...
He recalled the woman behind the desk wanting to sign me up for a very expensive five year course...
He recalled that I signed up for the very cheap four week course instead.
He recalled taking me along to the local hardware store, and helping me buy the tools for my short course...
needle files, wet & dry paper, saw blades, drill bits...
(would you believe I use those same needle files today...!)
Then Grandpa said to me,
'There's a lot of years between then and now. Since then you've worked, gotten married, had two children...and now you're doing it, what you wanted to do all those years ago.
So, were you thinking about doing this all that time?'
Well, yes Grandpa, I was...
14 years of dreaming and hoping and wanting...
wishing and craving and imagining...
Do dreams come true?
Why, yes...
yes,
I believe indeed they do :-)
wishing and craving and imagining...
Do dreams come true?
Why, yes...
yes,
I believe indeed they do :-)
Beautiful words Belinda...x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful indeed :) What a beautiful story Belinda, and I cannot wait until I am wearing that beauty on my finger!
ReplyDeleteYou bought a tear to my eye reading this,Belinda...I am so glad you followed your dreams. xx
ReplyDeleteJulz
What a touching story, thank you for sharing your dream and the beautiful ring you created.
ReplyDeleteTherese
You're a great story teller, Belinda! Loved reading the article - so full of emotion!!
ReplyDeleteWELL DONE for your achievements so far and I hope the future brings even more wonderful things to you :)
The ring is just breathtaking!That peach coloured stone looks delicious. Is it topaz?
Have a fab weekend,
Geanina :)
Oh B thats a lovely story ~ i found jewellery making quite by accident but an accident that fits like a glove ~ sometimes we don't even know what our dreams are ~ you my friend were born to this ♥
ReplyDeleteLoved your story, dreams do come true with time and perseverance. Hope my story will just as successful as you!
ReplyDeleteNissa
http://versatilejewelry.blogspot.com
I wish I had followed my dream from the beginning as you did, but do you know what? That as you did, I got married and had two children, but it is now that I have started to work after that dream I had 15 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI know I haven't wasted my time, as I have learned and achieved many things in life, but somehow it feels I have wasted very precious time on the learning process of becoming what I really wanted to be; a jeweller crafter.
Your grandpa sounds like a special man!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are with your grandpa. I know how much he means to you. The dream of dreams and look what you create.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Nicole/Beadwright
Maravilloso!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd as you know we are all the better for knowing you and watching you live your dream. Kiss that grandpa of yours!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing that. It made me all teary eyed. Your grandpa is a wonderful man!
ReplyDeleteA dream of mine also but your story is so eloquently put. Such wonderful memories for you and your grandpa - thanks for sharing. I hope all is going well!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful story, Belinda. And how lucky to have your grandpa there with you. Dreams can come true! The ring is delicate and perfect:)
ReplyDeleteI love you. :) ♥
ReplyDeleteAnd your grandpa. Give him a good old smacker on the cheek from me, will ya?
And me... I'm still dreaming.
Stunning work. Your love of making jewelry shows in your creations.
ReplyDeleteGreat story to go with the beauty.
I wish I had of known of silversmithing many years ago when I started in the hobby world....when I had all the time and not too much responsibility. But it's better late than never. Thanks for sharing your story, Sounds like you have an awesome g'pa! x
ReplyDelete