Tuesday, March 30, 2010

White Wednesday...the bracelet that taught me how to live.




This Wednesday I think I will stray a little from my typical white post
to share a little bracelet that I have had for a few years now.
 A bracelet that gave me a gift.
A lesson in how I view my life now.

Every time I wear this, I am taught anew about the how
 to continue to view life and how I choose to live it.
I am a bracelet person. When I saw this piece, I instantly fell in love with it. I wore it for about a year and then one day looked down at it on my wrist and realized that I had lost one of the little stones  from it's place.



I kept meaning to take it to Twin Falls to a jeweler to have the little stone replaced,
but would never remember to take it with me when I left town.
I would put it on to wear it and then remember, "gosh, I would really like to have this thing fixed'.
This was an aggravation for another couple of months.
 One day however, as I was cleaning it, I looked at it and thought how much I loved it and appreciated it's prettiness.
And then the thought hit me...good grief June, this bracelet has so many pretty stones,
 how is it that you can only see the fact that the one is missing and not in it's place. 
So I counted...it has 50 of the 51 intended stones. 
They are all there and continue to adorn the bracelet and make it a joy to wear.

I started to think about this, and realized that this little bracelet had just taught me a new way to think about the trials or 'bumps' in my life.

How many times do I let a few wrongs things in my life, steal the joy from the right things in my life? How many ways had I managed to focus on the missing stones and neglect the ones that are right before me everyday, making my path beautiful?

I no longer have the desire to have my little piece of prettiness fixed.
It is beautiful just the way it is. 
It reminds me not to dwell on the few things that make my life hard,
but to be content with the many things that make my life the blessed journey that it is.

Thank you to Kathleen at Faded Charm for hosting White Wednesday, week after week.



114 comments:

The Vintage Vagablonde said...

Great outlook and beautiful little bracelet~

BellaRosa said...

June amor, and this is why I love you :) amor, you have such a way of looking at life that you are one of a few people I try to emulate and I always think...what would June think or do about this :) Gracias for being YOU...I am soo very blessed to know & love you! besos, Rose

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Oh June what a lovely lovely lesson you have brought to my attention. Yes, I do the same thing. But now beautiful lady, I will think of your pearl bracelet and remember and enjoy the beauty of my life. You are so precious!
Blessings~Sharon

Fran. said...

God seems to always give us little reminders in special ways when we need them. Your bracelet is just one of those! God shows us in simple ways what we need. Sharing this with us is just exactly what God wants to remind all of us! Thank you for being the messenger. XO Fran.

Debra@CommonGround said...

I love that we learn lessons from daily life that are so God-Inspired. A beautiful bracelet and a beautiful lesson. God does give us so many blessings in our lives. Thank you for sharing this with us.
hugs and blessings,
Debra

oldgreymare said...

June,

One of the treasures of friendship is sharing life's lessons, and girlfriend, you do it better than just about anyone else.

hugs hugs hugs

Suzan

Carolyn said...

Hi June,
I love your positive attitude.Thank you for sharing your little pearls of wisdom and planting a positive 'seed' in us!
Take care,
Carolyn

Jane said...

Hi June,
This was a beautiful, heartfelt post and I really enjoyed reading it. It made me pause and think about all of the good things going on in my life. My husband and I have been doing that a lot lately in light of his recent diagnosis. We have learned to appreciate each day and to enjoy all the wonderful things we can still do together, not the things he can't do anymore.
Have a beautiful WW.
Jane

Miss Gracie's House said...

You are so right...and I truly need the reminder...THANKS...it is beautiful...so glad you are my friend!
Rene'
PS...I did have to laugh about the storage of medicinal chocolate:) and you *still* hiding it from the kids!

Pondside said...

Thank you so much for posting this, June. When life gets going all around us and we're stretched to the limit, sometimes it's hard not to focus on one little negative thing to the detriment of the 50 positive things. I may have reached grandparent-hood, but a post like yours is a good reminder - a boost, of a kind.

Sandi said...

...and that is why we all love you so much June! You are a precious jewel straight from Gods heart to mine.
Blessings~

Anonymous said...

Oh June you have a way of making a huge impact with just one simple message...perfect timing too:) You are a blessing to the blogging world!

Julie Marie said...

Hi June, so very pretty, both your bracelet and your post... my last few posts have been about enjoying all the beautiful things I have in my life too and how I am enjoying every moment of each precious day, and happy to be just as I am... missing a "pearl" or two myself... wishing you a beautiful week! xoxo Julie Marie

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

What a lovely bracelet ~ and a lovely analogy ~ it is so true that we often overlook the beautiful blessings in our lives, if just one little thing is missing or out of place. We are so blessed.
Thank you for sharing!
:)
~Becca~

Dusty Devoe said...

Thank you for such great words of inspiration. Words I needed to hear today. You are a blessing.

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh June, what a wonderful post sweet friend!!!! I love this way of looking at things...we truly are so very blessed!! I hope you are having a great week!! hugs and love, Dawn

Anonymous said...

I like the way you think Miss June, you are a treasure - thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts.

Jeannie B. said...

I love your bracelet and your timely reminder to see all the blessings I have in my life. Thank you.

Robin Thomas said...

June. June. June. I adore you.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

This is a beautiful post and a really good lesson for all of us to hang on too.
The bracelet is beautiful too
Love
Maggie

Rebecca Nelson said...

I knew exactly where you were going with this my friend....

What a lovely Post...my favorite of yours yet.

Love to you!

Rebecca

Caroline said...

I love your outlook on life June...one of my favorite posts. I try to teach my children not to focus on the things we don't have but be grateful for all that we do have. As well as embrace the imperfections in our lives for that is what makes our world and surroundings so unique. You blog from the heart and that is why I enjoy coming to visit you.

joanne said...

isn't it amazing how something so small can bring such joy in an imperfect world...beautiful post June.

One Shabby Old House said...

I think I just may have to pick one of the pearls out of my bracelet now. lol.. A beautiful reminder to us all my friend.
Hugs
Becky

The French Bear said...

June, this is so true, how often we let the small things in life eat away at us. We strive for perfection when we have the best of life and love right in front of us. I love your post and the bracelet. How wonderful it is to have friends like you!!! You have such wisdom, thank you for reminding me why I am blessed!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Laura said...

Oh June-
Your posts always go straight to my heart.
They are never just about what you are showing us- although always beautiful -
Your message is from the heart and teaches us a gentle lesson.

Thank you.
Have a blessed week dear friend,

Laura

Draffin Bears said...

Dear June,

So true, sweet friend and love your beautiful post, you and your bracelet.
Such a wonderful way of looking at life, not dwelling on the hard parts but to be content with the many things that make life blessed.
It is lovely to know you, thank you.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Tara said...

I am loving your philosophy June! I think when things are imperfect it makes them all the more lovable too!
Your bracelet is gorgeous!

Stacey said...

Very beautiful bracelet. Your story that goes along with it is just as beautiful. You are so right...thank you for touching me to help me look at things differently! XOXO

Paula said...

Dear sweet June,
I love your beautiful pearl bracelet and the missing pearl makes it even more special! I love every word you wrote and was so blessed by your positive and encouraging thoughts. It was just what I needed to hear. You are such a blessing to so many June! Lots of love to you!
Paula

Diane said...

June, this is a beautiful post. Thank you for reminding me of these things. You're a jewel! You brighten up my day. And your bracelet is just gorgeous. Diane

Patina said...

June, what a wonderful reminder of how we shouldn't allow our joy to be stollen my the bumps along the way.
Fun post!

Angela said...

Your posting today had lots of pearls of wisdom. It helped me realize today that we are entirely too hard on ourselves. We pick at every flaw. Grace is what we need. Enjoying beauty despite imperfection.

Kate said...

June
This post truly touched my heart, thank you endless. What a gift of a teachable moment to share with others. Its beautiful and it matches your heart. My love to you and yours this Easter Holiday!!!

Love Kate

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Oh I love this! Perfect for this week!

The bracelet is gorgeous...with or without the missing pearl!

Enjoy!
XOXO
Cathy

raggygirlvintage said...

What a great reminder, to dwell on what is good and lovely and honorable in our lives.
Tracey

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

I loved this post and its so true about life...Thank you so much for sharing these insights...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Val said...

thanks for sharing your wisdom ;that's exactly the lesson that I needed this week!
You're a wise philosopher!
Val

LiLi M. said...

What a beautiful bracelet and even a better post! You are such a wise person June, I'll never forget this. On the contrary; last week I bought a brooch at the flea market and when I came home with it my daughter, who has eagle like eyes, told me that there was one (tiny) stone missing and since then I lost my interest in that brooch, to tell you the truth. Now I will combine it with your story, your wise lesson and I can enjoy it again, thanks!

Muggensteekjes said...

Hello dear June,
love your beautiful bracelet and I also needed these wise words to remind me there is so many to be thankful to. Thank you for sharing this with us.
hugs, Ingrid.

Diane Mars said...

June that is just a perfect Post and those thoughts are just what this gal needed to be reminded! ox, Diane

Jenny's Place Online said...

Love the post, June. To put a bright note on it (pardon the pun), you now have one seed pearl for each State!...lol Enjoy your bracelet, and have a Happy Easter, Jenny

Scented Sweetpeas said...

Isn't it funny how we suddenly get struck by something - what a fab bracelet and a lovely post :-)

Lori said...

hey, you got a makeover June...it looks great:) what a wonderful story about your bracelet...it really is lovely...and yes, perfectly perfect just the way it is!!!

Maison Beldecor said...

Dear June,
what a wonderful post... and you are definetly right! Why thinking about things we can't change, let us enjoy the beautiful things around us.
Your braclet is really beautiful as the way it is.... one pearl more or less
Warm Hugs and enjoys the easter days,
Bine

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear June,
That was wonderful !!
I can't tell you how much I loved your words and the meaning behind them. It is so true and your beautiful bracelet looses nothing with that pearl missing. It actually enhances it and shows us that, nothing in life is 'perfect' (whatever perfect is) and, like you say, is a reminder of all the good we have in our lives.
I'm also a bracelet person. I have many silver ones and wear them everyday.
Have a lovely White Wednesday, June. XXXX

Lovey said...

Great life lesson June. As always you find a way to bring out the good in any situation. I love that about you. You inspire me...you inspire us all. Thank you June for sharing your life lessons and stories with us all...with me. Much love and respect to you...Lovey

Victoria said...

That is such a beautiful post to go along with your beautiful bracelet:) You turned a little flaw into a reminder of seeing the silver lining!

Claudia said...

What a beautiful post, June. I have a tiny diamond missing from my wedding ring - I meant to replace it - but I feel the way you do. I like it the way it is.

xo
Claudia

LemonyRenee' said...

June, you just have no idea what your posts do for me . . . though I have tried to tell you. This is something I am really, truly trying to grasp and improve upon. I believe it is the secret to deep and true happiness. As always, thanks.

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Beautiful bracelet and even more beautiful a lesson for all of us. Thanks so much for reminding me of the beauty and blessings I have. Happy Easter.

Sandy

Ana said...

Oh June, what a powerful message. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely story with us. So many times, I too, just focus on the bad and neglect to see all the good that is around me...I will carry your beautiful bracelet story in my heart. What a wonderful remimder of how to view life. Thank you my dear and sweet friend.

Much love to you,
♥Ana

Cherrie said...

Beautiful bracelet! And story!

Anonymous said...

As I am reading your story about your realization about your life via your missing pearl it makes me think about mine.
As you know the several surgeries I have had & with one more to go next week....anyway, I have been the gambit of emotion from angry (at who??) to sobbing. This week I had a gigantic epithany...OMG..God has given me this talented surgeon to find this tiny cancerous growth to remove it now before it grows. How selfish I have been!!
Now I rejoyce for I will be free of it!! God has definately worked a miracle with me even if I was too small minded to see it at first!! God does have patience with his children!!
Love you June!!
Marilyn
xxoo

Rostrose said...

Wow - June! What a story! And what a wise teacher this pretty bracelet is! Wonderful!!!
Lots of hugs, Traude

Kim-Fille de Fleur said...

I needed this today!
Thank you June,
Your imperfect friend,
Kim

Rebecca said...

Wow! In the midst of my husband's unemployment for the past 8 months and our uncertain future, your post about this beautiful, flawed bracelet is just what I needed to read today. Life is always full of challenges, losses, gains and victories. We have the choice of seeing the beauty in the day or the ugliness and pain. I feel that my glass is not half full, it's overflowing. I am so grateful for the gifts in my life that have eternal value. A husband (my college sweetheart), our four amazing children, a home, love, and friends, some we haven't met yet. Thank you for verbalizing what I feel and know deep in my heart!
You are beautiful.
With gratitude for the little and big,
Rebecca in Massachusetts

Anonymous said...

OMG I have never ever seen such gorgeous gardens! And I want our house too, ok??? Love your blog, I have subscribed today. Marcy
mantle@piedmontcenter.com
www.queenmarcyoriginals.typepad.com

Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh. Make Something said...

absolutely delightful! I love your 50 pearls! Happy, Happy Easter Whites!

Faded Charm said...

Very inspirational post, June. You are not only a great photographer, but a gifted writer as well. You have a way of making me think about life in a different way and that's a true talent.

~Happy WW~

Kathleen

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

The Perfect Lesson & a Lovely Bracelet ~ May Your Easter Week be Blessed & Beautiful....

Unknown said...

Hi June! What a beautiful bracelet and a truly beautiful post!!!!!! It's easy to focus on the negative when what we should really be doing is focusing on the positive...thanks for the reminder!

BTW, I am loving your new layout! Really fabulous!!!

Happy Easter!

Hugs ~

:) T

Dumpster Decorators said...

A wonderful outlook and story.

Wish on a Whisker said...

June~ Such a beautiful post to share. I think I would constantly be thinking about the person who may have found the pretty pearl. Maybe a little girl... ~Mandy (Your bracelet is lovely.)

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

What a beautiful, thoughtful post! Thank you! I'm sure you glow even more beautifully when you wear this bracelet!

Deb said...

I love your "perfectly imperfect" bracelet too June ~ and your wonderful outlook ♥
Happy Easter.

GwendolynKay said...

Wow , this is a powerful post (devotion) with a well taught lesson we could all learn from .
Blessings!
Gwen

Ann Marie said...

Love the new look of your blog!
This was such a heart-felt and beautiful post.. and what can I say other than AMEN! I agree!!

I hope this weekend brings you much joy and happiness...

You are a gem in the blog world.. and I am grateful we are friends!

Together We Save said...

Beautiful bracelet and a powerful message.

Unknown said...

First off, I am in love with that bracelet! It is amazing! Second, when I read this, it felt like I was hit with a ton of bricks! Thank you for this June. I am SO GUILTY of not seeing the beautiful pearls in front of me and letting the missing ones take over. Thank you dear friend, for opening my eyes today. I need this at this very moment.
Love and hugs,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Lovely post, June. Thank you for reminding us to look a little closer for the true gifts.
Hugs,
Zuzu

KeKe said...

I *LOVE* that bracelet!!!! You are so lucky June!!!

Vicki said...

June, your post was such a blessing to me today! What a wonderful life lesson you have taught us all. I value and appreciate your friendship for you have taught me many life lessons along the way. Have a blessed Easter week! Vicki

wendy said...

I wonder why the "flaws" stand out so much more then the perfections.
They seem to glare at me so much more.
so that was a good post to remind me....I have more GOOD things in my life then Bad, or not quite right
so wear that bracelet with pride

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR JUNE,
I LOVE BRACELETS AND THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL LESSON OF LOVE. I NEEDED TO HEAR IT AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR BRACELET. SHE IS A BEAUTY BUT THE LESSON IS LIFE.
HUGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE

Anne Lorys said...

This is my favorite post in ages....so much simple wisdom, though it was hard earned, no doubt.

You are a treasure and a jewel, much like your lovely bracelet!

Have a wonderful Thursday!
Anne

Unknown said...

How beautiful a reminder, June ... look beyond, there is beauty surrounding.

You are one awesome lady, sweet friend.

Happy Easter!
Have a beautiful week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Oh my sweet sweet June. I so glad I'm visiting you today. This braclet is perfect and so are you.

come vist me
cindy@stitches

you can also visit me on
auntelsiestricketstreasures.blogspot.com - or click it on from Faded Charm

Vicki's Bit-o-earth said...

Hi June, Thank you for that. It just hit the spot today~ (: Vicki

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi June
Lovely post,.. such a beautiful bracelet and words to match.. It is true that sometimes we diminish the value or beauty of an object if it doesn't seem whole or perfect too us.. which is a shame.. as i am sure I myself, I am not whole.. nor perfect... have a lovely week xx Julie

Anonymous said...

June what a wonderful thought you shared today- I am such a detail person that I see the silliest things and let them bug me - I'm asking the Lord to cause me to see the 50 pearls instead!

bee blessed
mary

Pony Girl said...

Wow, what a thoughtful and reflective post. Thanks for sharing this, because it is so true and a reminder that I need myself! :)
p.s. I love that bracelet....it's just vintage and charming and classic!

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

Hi June...thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment. I'm so glad you did, so I could find you! Lovely, lovely bracelet and what a wonderful outlook. I have to remind myself of this very fact when I see the garden and see the weed instead of the hundreds of flowers!

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Oh June....
Once again you have touched my heart with your wonderful and inspiring spirit. An absolutely beautiful story!
Happy Easter!
xojanis

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Beautifully said! This is why you are so fabulous:)
~Debra
Capers of the vintage vixens

Lady Pamela said...

Dearest June,
Your gift of words and wisdom are a blessing to me. Both the little bits of encouragement you leave me on my blog and the insight you write about on yours. Now when I see a pretty bracelet, I will think about you and what you have said. It will be a good reminder to me.
*Peace*

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Hi June, I was going to say dearest, but somebody just as dear beat me to it.... I don't want you to think I'm a copy cat... hehe That was a great revelation on your part, and I only hope people can remember this on a daily basis, which is hard to do.... Humans do have the tendency to forget so easily what our true blessing are to stay focus on what really matters instead of the little things that don't matter at all!!

Big Hugs*

Debra said...

June, it is interesting how we can become so focused on the tiniest of things, only to realize that what we were focusing on doesn't really matter in the scheme of things! I loved reading this story and I love the outlook that you have on life. Don't make the little things, the big things!

My oldest daughter is a June baby just like you. What day were you born, if you don't mind my asking? My sweetie was born on the 28th.

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

OH JUNE, YOU ALWAYS HAVE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL HEART! THAT'S A GREAT LIFE LESSON AND ONE I AM SURE TO ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN I FOCUS MORE ON THE FLAWS THAN ON THE BEAUTY.

HAPPY EASTER AND MANY HUGS, JUDY

Donatella said...

Thank you for stopping by to wish me a happy birtyday... so sweet of you...

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest June,
This was such a well written and thought out post! And thank you for coming to visit with me. I have always seen your lovely face in the comment boxes of many people that I follow; you are so kind to visit with me! The bracelet story is truly a lesson to be learned all the time.

God bless and have a marvelous Resurrection Sunday! Anita

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet Junie....

Ahhhh......that brought a tear to my eye.......I'll be mulling that over, for sure. That's quite a good lesson, I think.

Blessings and hugs!
Spencer

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

June, your post is so beautiful and such a wonderful life lesson that we should all take heed of. Wishing you Easter blessings and much joy. :) Tammy

Old Time Cindy said...

June,
It is truly a blessing to visit your blog and experience your appreciation of life and its special moments and many lessons. Thank you!
Blessings,
Cindy

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Dear June,

Normally I wouldn't add on a 95th comment to a post, figuring it would have all been said before, but . . .

This touched me deeply. As a perfectionist I struggle so with lost "pearls" in my life -- and I seem to have more than 1/51 missing (*giggle*). I have learned (the hard way) to wear my life with delight despite the missing pearls.

Your words flowed so beautifully and encouraged me so.

It has been a loooooong winter for me (on many levels) and more snow predictions fall from the headlines; but I arise each day, don the bracelet of life, and smile . . . I've learned . . . I'm blessed so abundantly -- I can afford to lose a few treasures.
: D

I always enjoy "a visit with June." Though my blogging life has become sporadic at best these days, I still manage to find beauty and encouragement every time I step across the thresholds of other hearts.

Happy Easter, kindred friend. XO!

Patty said...

It's still so beautiful even with one missing!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

This post couldn't be more truthful in its beauty. Thank you for the reminder June. It's such a joy to know you.
Beautiful, blessed Easter to you!
xoxo

Melanie said...

Such a beautiful message, June. Hope can be found in the strangest places, can't it? :-)

I have visited you blog so many times and thought I was a follower already... Apparently, I was wrong. But I AM a Follower now!

Happy Easter to your sweet Family!
Melanie

Lisa said...

June,
This post is why you have 98 comments. You are a beautiful soul. If your ears where burning yesterday Jodie & I were talking about how awesome you are. Have an amazing & imperfect Easter June. Lisa

koralee said...

Love your words ...love your images... love your braclet. Happy Easter Sweet friend.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Deaest June...Now I know where I have seen your pretty face so frequently....over at my sister-in-law's blog, Fête et Fleur! I was just there and VOILÀ! Nancy is our darling...

Have a lovely and blessed Easter! Anita

Barbara said...

It's such a sweet bracelet, June! And your life analogy is so appropriate, especially at Easter, a time of renewal.
This post I why I love visiting you, my dear friend...as do all of those commenting before me!
Happy Easter to you and yours, June!

Suzanne said...

Thank you for the inspiring post, June. For me, it is much too easy to dwell on the burdens instead of the blessings in life. This is a beautiful reminder to focus on the positive. I hope you and your family have a blessed Easter.

Fete et Fleur said...

Powerful post June!

Hugs!
Nancy

Unknown said...

Happy Easter, sweet friend.

Have a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Weißer Vintagezauber said...

Dearest June,
to you and your whole family a wonderful and happy Easter!!!!!
Enjoy the days with all your loves.
It greets you completely warmly,
Elke.

LiLi M. said...

Hello June, I'm just hopping over to wish you and your lovely family a very happy Easter! hugs LiLi

Mary H said...

~~Oh, June~~...you always inspire me!! Wow, what a beautiful post and thought to bring home to all of us, especially me. I wandered to my meager blog today to post a happy Easter greeting and came over to visit yours, I am coming away with so much more. Thank you dear friend for the reminder to focus on those things that are right in front of us and their importance. Love your post today....have a wonderful Easter with your family!! Hugs, Mary

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a beautiful post, June. You are so right. Inspiring. Happy Easter! xoxo Lidy

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi June, You are so right! Sometimes we just need to be reminded and your beautiful bracelet is a wonderful piece to do so.
Hugs and love,
Julia

Alaina said...

I was sent to your blog by Tracie-My PetiteMaison. She was right I do love your blog. What a wonderful story about the bracelet. The pictures of your garden are beautiful. I am now a follower and when I get a moment I will be back to check out more.

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

What a beautiful post, June. Truly words to live by...

Lynn said...

June,
What a wonderful attitude! So true that we all tend to take our eyes off Him and onto whatever trials we are going thru. Such a lovely bracelet and as I love "word picture I will remember the blessing of your bracelet and try harder to keep my eyes on Him for everything. Thank you for such an inspiring post.
Hugs,
Lynn

The Rustic Victorian said...

Oh, a most excellent post. God is blogging too...through you.
Love
Marcie