I observed at a fairly young age that I was unlike many of my classmates in the simple fact that I was growing up in a two parent household. The majority of my friends in school came from divorced or single parent homes. Yes I was that "abnormal" child who had parents that actually stayed together.
I am lucky to have a warm and loving family. It was a core value growing up with out it being said or enforced. I was fortunate to live close to both sets of grandparents and grew up visiting them on a regular basis. My grandparents were part of the golden generation, survivors of the Great Depression and World War Two, I learned to value the things I have, they enriched my creativity and were always supportive of my artisitc endevours. I was guided into an artistic path at a young age, inspired by my Grandpa Barnhart’s love of oil painting. I helped my Grandma Schuld weed her garden and the blooms, blossoms and luscious foliage have an impact on my designs today.
I am lucky that I some how made a career out of being a part of family. I was fortunate to raise two boys from the ages of 15mo and 4 to the ages of 6 and 9. I am lucky that I currently help raise two girls. In both situations I truly became an integral and active part in their family. I am more then just the “nanny”. I am essential and have created a strong connection with their children. I am a part of their lives. I celebrate with them and grieve with them. That family connection a fundamental value in my life and that translates into the love and care I put into my jewelry designs.
This is a custom piece I made for one of the boys I helped raise. The family lost a loving husband, step father, coach and dear friend.
This photo is from a holiday photo shoot and I am with one of the girls I take care of along with their dog Paco.
A beautiful commissioned bracelet resembling family members.
My spinner ring was commissioned as a wedding ring and the three bands represent "our past, our present and our future"
I turned forty this year. (Hard for me to believe) I am lucky that I am healthy and that I have been losing weight and am in the best shape I’ve been in years. But here I am forty. I have never been married, I have no children. I have been asked many times if I want children but I am not going to force anything to happen and I know time is running out. Therefore, I am lucky to still have the experience of raising children. I have an understanding and appreciation for all you stay at home moms out there. It is hard work…but I also understand the working career mom. It takes a lot of faith and courage to basically trust a person to BE with your children all day while you persevere, build and grow your own career to support your family. It’s not an easy choice and I know you struggle with it. The families that entrust me with their children are lucky to have me. In turn I am lucky to have worked for successful business women who inspire and motivate me to continue to build and expand my Aprilierre brand.
All in all I feel that I have experienced LUCK as “a force that operates.. for GOOD.. shaping circumstance and opportunities.” Indeed I am a lucky woman. This week was a tough week for many in Minneapolis as the Target Corporation laid of thousands of talented hard workers. I am lucky to be where I am, embracing a creative skill that I have, working for a wonderful family while I do it. I feel I really can’t experience luck with out having an expression of gratitude. Each and every day I think of something or someone that I am grateful for. We all have our good days and our bad days and sometimes we need that little reminder to be grateful for what we have and where we are. That is why I created my “Gift of Gratitude” rings. My goal is to create a “gratitude” line of jewelry that I can use to give back and help foster and grow non profit organizations that help cultivate our community.
