Very Special Stones

Last year around this time, I, like so many of my fellow bloggers participated in the Wellness Tree project that was hosted by the lovely and inspiring Nicole (Gardenmama).  We all got to know and love Kelly and follow her on her journey, while sending her handmade ornaments for her tree.

When I returned to this space last month, I was so very saddened to hear of Kelly's passing, and touched by the way others were responding with handmade gifts for her husband and young son.  When Nicole announced that she was hosting an "artful stone swap" in honor of Kelly's birthday, I knew I wanted to participate.

Noah and I took to the beach one warm, gray autumn afternoon last week to find just the right stones.  It was such a sweet time, just the two of us. I kept thinking of Kelly & Ari, and how lucky I was to share this time with Noah.

 I wanted to take some photos to show my new friends where their stones came from.

At first, I wasn't sure what to do with them.  It was important to me to do something special in Kelly's memory, and right around the time I received my list of swap partners,  I remembered this tutorial that I saw not too long ago, and decided to give it a try. 

For the first stone, I used pink, knowing that this is the color that represents breast cancer awareness.  For the others, I was inspired by the colors at the shore the afternoon we found them.  Margaret's instructions are very clear, and I'm so happy with how they came out.  

They are on their way now to new homes with new and old friends, and I look forward to receiving their stones in the coming days.  This is such a grounding, meaningful way to connect with others, and honor a beautiful mother who left us far too soon.  Thank you Nicole for including me in this very special group.

Peace,

~Michelle