Photo by @myselflovesupply "It’s okay to take a break☀️" Just popping in to say hello. Been busy lately with mostly appointments, seizures, and resting from seizures but some fun and enjoyable things too. Stop reading here, hashtags below. #selflovequotes #selflovefirst #selflovewarrior #radicalselflove #innergrowth #bemindful #mindbodysoul #gratitudeattitude #affirmations #dailyaffirmations #positiveaffirmations #positiveselftalk #quotestoliveby #quotestoliveby #quotesilove #quoteslover #quotestoinspire #quoteoftheday #lifequotes #anxietysupport #mentalhealthmatters #selfcarequotes #mentalhealthwarrior #chronicillnesswarrior #pnwsmallbusiness (at Columbia River Gorge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqBOiu7JXwZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

MY HAIR OBSESSION (trigger warning: mention of strang*ulation and de*ath (which I'm writing weirdly so hopefully Instagram won't flag my post)) Okay, so reading this title you probably expect me to discuss how I always do my hair nice or my hair care routine for luscious locks. And you would be so wrong because if you've been here for any amount of time you know that my hair is usually a huge mess. I'm talking about an actual obsession, as in a psychological obsession. This is a weirdly difficult post for me to share, like of all the things I've shared here this seems so small by comparison but for some reason it feels the hardest to write. I do want to share it though because I want people to know they aren't alone in whatever they're going through. Note to others though: you never need to share anything you don't want to, or before you're ready to. So here goes: I have so much trouble feeling like my hair is going to strang*le me to dea*th in my sleep. When it's long enough to, that is. So I really prefer having my hair short enough that it couldn't stran*gle me. When it's longer then the compulsion to arrange my hair on the pillow a certain way makes me temporarily feel better so I can actually sleep. But ultimately giving in to compulsions instead of fighting them makes the anxiety from the obsession worse. I feel like I'm probably the only person in the world who has this particular obsession, but I find comfort in knowing that there are definitely other people in the world who have obsessions and compulsions. I have Googled if anyone has ever died from being strang*led by their own hair and didn't find anything, and I am completely aware that Googling your obsessions makes them worse. So there you go. Note that my psychiatrist said I don't meet the guidelines for the diagnosis of OCD because I am not disturbed by it for an hour or more a day. She would say that I am probably in recovery from OCD. However it is okay and good to share my experiences because with or without a diagnosis they are still real and valid. Also the picture is from when I played around with watercolors one day. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #ocdrecovery #ocd (at Skamania County, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpTjm70v-41/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This is just a small selection of the bracelets I have for s⭐a⭐l⭐e. You might notice that they are mostly blue. I definitely gravitate toward blue in the jewelry I make (and also the clothes I wear) but I am trying to push outside of my color comfort zone at times. So what's your favorite color of jewelry? Rest assured that if you also gravitate toward blue, there will still be a lot of blue in my future jewelry designs. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #bluebracelets #bluejewelry #jeweloftheday #easyfashion #bestmadehandmade #beadjewelry #washingtonjewelry #pnwsmallbusiness #madeinthegorge #columbiarivergorge #pnwcollective #supportlocalbusiness #rusticjewelry #bohostylejewelry #rusticstyle #wild #rustic #getyourshopon #soprettythough #magicalmoments #beadsbeadsbeads #beadsfordays #makingitlovely #pursuewhatislovely #crystallove #braceletlove #ilovebracelets #bohochicjewelry #prettyblue #handmadeartist (at Carson, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CowDXttuYRo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I love giving free gifts with every order I ship out, so I did a poll a few months ago in my Instagram Stories to ask if you would prefer art prints or stickers as free gifts with orders and you answered stickers. I have been sending out stickers with encouraging sayings on them, but I couldn't resist buying these cottagecore stickers to give away with future orders. They are seriously so cute! The three in the first photo are some of my favorites. Swipe to see more of the sweet cottagecore designs. What are your favorites? Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagecorecommunity #cottagecorelife #cottagecore #cottagecoregirl #makeitlovely #soprettythough #spooniebusiness #jewelryshop #lovelygift #givehappy #handmadeisbetter #makingitlovely #pursuewhatislovely #mysmallbusiness #lovewhatyoulove #smallbizclub #instacreate #lovinglyhandmade #meetmysmallbiz #smallbusinessowners #shopsmallspreadjoy #shoppingsmallmatters #communityofchristiancreatives #joyinsimplethings #bohovibe #cozycore #smallbusinesswomen #smallbusinessbabes #thankyouforshoppingsmall (at Pacific Northwest) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co89ouQu_gb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Photo by @the_positiveway8 All of your feelings are valid and it's important to feel them all, even the hard ones. This is something it has taken me so long to learn. I spent so many years bottling up my feelings. Believe me, once you've tried to cram them down for long enough they will explode out at some point anyway. Even if you hate to cry, for example, you still have to let it out sometimes if you're really sad. But it's also really important to learn how to feel your feelings and let them out in healthy ways, not by turning to substances or lashing out at someone. For me personally it really helps to talk things through with my therapist and have her help me identify my emotions. And honestly I have learned so many ways to let my feelings out by searching on Pinterest. Let me know if you want me to make a follow-up post sometime of different ways you can let feelings out. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #goodmentalhealth #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthawareness #nostigma #mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthtips #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthhelp #mentalhealthrecovery #feelyourfeelings #personalgrowthjourney #alwayslearningsomething #quotesfordays #wordsfromtheheart #mindbodyandsoul #emotionalintelligence #emotionalawareness #growyourmind #feeltoheal #feelingsad #howtofeelbetter #feelingfeelings #feelhowyoufeel #itsokaytofeel #feelyourfeels #feelingbeing (at Stevenson, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cobd3dcOlL2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

New in my @goimagine.life s⭐h⭐o⭐p, the tea time earrings! I tried for a more Winter type of cottagecore vibe with these and to me that calls for hot drinks. I designed these earrings as a reminder to take a break if you're getting frustrated. Maybe a tea break, maybe a coffee break, maybe a reading break, whatever is relaxing for you. It's important to refresh yourself, reset your mental state the best you can, and maybe restart later. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #GImakerchallenge #cottagecoreaesthetic #makingjewelry #pinkfloral #teabreaktime #unusualjewelry #handmadejewelrydesigner #artisanjewelry #beadedjewelryofinstagram #handmadejewelry #handcraftedjewelry #quirkyjewelry #funjewelry #jewelryartist #handmadeearrings #jewelryshow #oneofakindjewelry #jewelrystore #handmadecommunity #handmadelife #handmadewithlove #meetthemaker #makerslife #makersofinstagram #spoonievillagecreatives #mentalhealthwarrior #madeinwashington #christiancreativecommunity #lovehandmade #alltheprettythings (at Carson, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnndewjvWNE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I had been searching for the perfect jumper dress for months before I found this one. I searched for a white top to wear with the dress for a little bit less time. And then I decided I wanted to wear this rose necklace with it (which is still available, by the way). Once I put it all on I realized that I looked like a Disney character but I couldn't remember which one. I was never into Disney princesses growing up so I'm not super familiar with what they wear. But then it hit me that it's Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and the rose necklace was actually the perfect choice! I paired this outfit with my incredible @crochetandclaycat earrings. Thanks to @wildflowers.in.her.hair I have been embracing dressing up for no reason except joy, and I love it! There was no place more perfect to take outfit photos than on the couch where I spend most of everyday, because chronic illness life. Blouse: Poshmark Dress: Amazon Necklace: Honeybee Alley Earrings: @crochetandclaycat Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #beautyandthebeast #accidentalcosplay #disneycosplay #bellecosplay #dopaminedressing #loveforclothes #accessorizeyourlife #womensupportingwomen #smallbusinesslove #makersgonnashare #sharesmallbusinesslove #sisterhoodovercompetition #arisingtideliftsallboats #smallshopsnetworking #gorgeousearrings #womanmade #flowerjewelry #stylehunter #stylediaries #whatiwore #choosejoy #darlingmovement #pinkjewelry #jewelrylovers #livingwithchronicillness #fibrofighter #fnd #functionalneurologicaldisorder #spooniestrong #chronicillnesswarrior (at Skamania County, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoQmsRSvICG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Rain on the rooftop, the laughter of babies, string instruments: these are a few of my favorite sounds. I'm aware that not everyone has the same ability with hearing, but if you can use hearing for self care here are some of my ideas. White noise can be relaxing and it can even help some people sleep. If you prefer nature sounds or even the sounds of being in a cafe while staying at home you can find all sorts of options using your phone. Another self care option for hearing would be unwinding by listening to your favorite music or a podcast. What ways do you use sound and hearing for self care? If you enjoyed this post, you might also like the other posts in my #selfcareforthesenses series. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #selfcare #selfcarelove #selfcarefam #mentalwellness #mentalhealthadvocate #favoritesounds #whitenoise #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthisimportant #selfcarepost #stressreduction #stressrelieving #selfcareidea #selfcareideas #selfcareactivities #selfcarematters #selfcarecommunity #selfcarepost #selfcareposts #selfcareadvocate #nothingisordinary #myquietbeauty #seekthepositive #seekthesimplicity #simpleandstill #stillswithstories #theartofslowliving #thelifestyle #thesimpleeveryday (at Skamania County, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnBTYI_OqbR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I wanted to update that my mom finally got to come home from the hospital! She was brought in by ambulance for a stroke the morning of November 19. We're both very grateful for all of your kind words and prayers. ❤️❤️❤️ It's been wonderful to get to have a visit with my fiancee after not getting to see each other for a few years! This is my last week with him here unless the roads are too dangerous for my dad to drive him back on Saturday. It was perfect timing that his visit started the same day that my mom had her stroke because he was able to stay with me while my dad went to the hospital every day. My fiancee loves to clean and he was great cooking most of our dinners too. I would have been a complete mess without having him here. Right now I'm just focusing on enjoying the rest of my time with him, so I'm maybe not listing any more jewelry for sale for the rest of this year. I will definitely still ship any orders I might receive though. (at Skamania County, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clw1KHKydmM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Seizure days are rest days. Today that's meant napping, watching Brady Bunch in a cozy blanket, then napping again in a different snuggly blanket. And trying not to think about my unlisted handmade ornaments. I think this seizure was caused by overdoing it by doing a full load of laundry yesterday instead of just a small load, but laundry mountain had been growing taller and I wanted to make a good dent in it. The good news is now I'll be able to wear my new to me secondhand clothes from @poshmark once I feel a bit better. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #cozyseason #seizure #restdays #napsarelife #sickbuthappy #disabledwoman #youarenotyourillness #chronicillnessandme #neurologicaldisorder #carryonwarrior #fightlikeawarrior #chronicillnesswarriors #lifeishardsometimes #itllbeokay #livingwithchronicillness #fibrofighter #fnd #jewelrymakerslife #makingjewelry #handmadejewelrydesigner #jewelryartist #jewelrydesigner #handmadecommunity #handmadelife #meetthemaker #makerslife #makersofinstagram #cozycore #wecandohardthings #secondhandfirstchoice (at Carson, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck1wmLIvnKJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Reposting this one because I want to finish my #selfcareforthesenses series at some pointand it's been a while. This time I'm talking about sight. Now I'm aware that not everyone has the same ability with sight, but if you can use your sight for self care here are some ideas that I have. My first one is Fall leaves. If you're somewhere that the leaves are changing colors I highly recommend looking closely at them, maybe even collecting the ones that you like best, like I do. It can be a very relaxing activity (if you are able to get outdoors; I understand that some of us aren't able to for whatever reason). Pay attention to the differences in color, shape, and size. Maybe take some photos of a leaf bouquet like I did. If Fall leaves aren't your cup of tea try looking for nice pictures with Google or Instagram. My go-tos are sunsets, wildflowers, and cute animals. You can even save a folder of your favorites for when you need that pick-me-up. Other things you could look at are artwork, a pretty jigsaw puzzle as you put it together (I am all about the jigsaw puzzles), a coloring book as you color it, or any nice craft you are making. What other ideas do you have for using your sight for self care? Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #selfcare #alliseeispretty #aseasonalshift #aseasonalyear #lookclosely #smalldetails #fallleaves #autumncolor #howihue #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #falldays #autumnlove #changingseasons #embracingaslowerlife #embracingtheseasons #nature_seekers #alovefornaturesbest #selfcareadvocate #selfcarefam #selfcarepost #mentalhealthisimportant #herpnw #madeinwashington #pnwsmallbusiness #pnwart #pnwmaker (at Pacific Northwest) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckhi8ebObHu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

DEAR SMALL BUSINESS OWNER If your brain sometimes makes you think people aren't buying what you make because nobody likes your products, please know that isn't true. I personally have a very long list of small businesses I want to buy from in the future and just haven't gotten to yet. Please keep sharing your stuff, making more stuff, and putting yourself out there until the right people see it and buy it. Love, a fellow small business owner who has previously believed the lie that I'm not making sales because nobody likes what I make (Photos are of me last month before my physical therapy appointment, where I had a seizure within the first 5 minutes then napped the rest of my appointment and of just a few of the many windsurfers and kiteboarders that I enjoyed seeing on the ride to that appointment) Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #smallbizsupport #smallbusinesssupporter #smallbusinesswoman #smallbusinesswomen #jewelrymakerslife #makeyousmilestyle #makercommunity #smallbusinesslife #smallbizlife #smallbizclub #handmadelife #handmadecommunity #makerslife #shophandmade #handmadegifts #handmadegoods #makersvillage #makersofinstagram #encouragement #spoonievillagecreatives #lovehandmade #handmadeshopper #shoppinghandmade #smallbizlove #womensupportingwomen #smallbusinesslove #makersgonnashare #sharesmallbusinesslove #sisterhoodovercompetition #arisingtideliftsallboats (at White Salmon, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkUVNrkvOTe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I'm going to be opening pre-orders for these strawberry earrings when I next feel up to it. They'll be $29 including US shipping and I do ship internationally for a different rate. I'll be having 2 simpler styles of strawberry earrings as well. Please let me know if you're interested in me messaging you when pre-orders are available. I can't think of cottagecore without thinking of strawberries, so I had to include some strawberry designs in my Cottagecore collection. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #instajewelry #colorfulearrings #prettydesigns #jewelrylovers #jewelrymakerslife #makingjewelry #handmadejewelrydesigner #artisanjewelry #beadedjewelryofinstagram #handmadejewelry #handcraftedjewelry #igjewelry #handmadejewelrydesign #jewelryartist #jewelrydesigner #handmadeearrings #jewelryshow #handmadejewelryforsale #handmadejewelryshop #jewelrystore #jewelryshop #handmadecommunity #handmadelife #handmadewithlove #makerslife #makersofinstagram #spoonievillagecreatives #madeinwashington #pnwsmallbusiness #pnwart (at Skamania County, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cii292ZvTFj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

CHRONIC ILLNESS HYGIENE TIPS AND PRODUCTS (photo of my mom's garden unrelated) I'm hoping this post might be helpful as I share some tips and products that help me with personal hygiene, and if you have any tips or products that help you please share them in the comments. It can help me and others too, so I would really appreciate that! I linked all of the helpful products in my Hygiene products Story highlight. One tip that helps me is breaking tasks down into smaller bits so they don't use as much energy and are also less overwhelming - for example not washing my hair and my body on the same day, sometimes breaking it down even further and washing the top of my body and the bottom of it on separate days as well. Another one is to make a list of hygiene tasks to try to accomplish each week. I mark them off as I complete them and it helps me not to forget something, like cutting my nails. Another thing is a bit more specific to the bath/shower, which is to look up products that may help you stay safe and complete your tasks. There are a lot of options, and if you can't really afford anything new I find that stepping onto a stable (not wobbly) bathroom scale before stepping into the tub helps. I also lean against my cane or the back of a folding chair while getting in and out of the tub. Again make sure everything is stable so you don't end up falling and getting hurt. A folding chair can also be helpful for transferring into and out of the bathtub, depending on how much mobility you have. If you can afford things to aid with the tub/shower, you have options like grab bars, shower chairs, and handles that clamp to the side of the tub. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #youarenotalone #sickbuthappy #disabledwoman #youarenotyourillness #chronicillnessandme #neurologicaldisorder #carryonwarrior #fightlikeawarrior #chronicillnesswarriors #lifeishardsometimes #itllbeokay #livingwithchronicillness #fibrofighter #fnd #functionalneurologicaldisorder #spooniestrong #chronicillnesswarrior #disabilitysupport #spooniehope #chronichope #chronicallyillwarrior #chronicfatiguefighter #chronicfatiguewarrior #restandrecovery #sickofbeingsick #disabledlife (at Carson, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiMGjpHL7GA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=