Sandwich Generation  Created to honor the woman who is sandwiched between the needs of two (or more!) generations.  In caring for others, we mustn't lose our essential selves, or neglect to take care of our needs.  Wear as pin or necklace about 2" high.  $18.00

Don't Spare the Horses  "Sometimes you have to go all out.  Hell-bent for leather, as it were.  Take no prisoners, and don't stop to rest. . . if we rein ourselves in too often, we'll forget how to run freely.  Cameo style molded horse's head on marbled background. Pin or necklace, about 1-1/2" diameter.  $22.00

Open Heart  Designed for the woman whose heart is full of love and kindness, and who never hesitates to help others.  3" tall irregularly shaped heart is available in three color groups:  Earthtone (shown) in bronze, brick and asparagus; Bright in purple, magenta and turquoise; Pastel in white, pink and minty green.  $20.00

Hurricane  "Into each life a little rain must fall, but you've just been through a hurricane.  Everything in your life is in shambles.  The pieces of your life are lying around you, and for a time you can only stand and stare at them in a daze.  Sort through the rubble.  Throw away what is obviously lost, fix what is repairable, clean up what is salvageable.  This is just what people do after a hurricane of rain and wind, and it will work much the same way after an emotional hurricane."  3" disk of swirled green, blue and white with embedded strands of glass beads and shiny stones, fixed with a pin back and also strung on funky hand dyed fabric strands as a necklace.  $22.00

Life's Little Merit Badges® were born the day I drove and cried for four hours after seeing to it that my father would go into a nursing home.  During the drive, I saw the image of a sandwiched person as a piece of jewelry.  A short time later, I made a pin like I had visualized, and wore it to church.  Two friends commented on it, and encouraged me to "make them and sell them" and "write something to go with them".  A few years later, I have over 2 dozen "Everyday Awards of Achievement and Encouragement".  It's a wonderful way for me to combine writing and visual art, and a fulfilling occupation as women help women cope with life's slings and arrows. 

Hope you enjoy them!