Peace,Hiking,Looking Your Best…and Jewelry
Peace on Earth And Look Good!
When I was younger—before I was a Santa Barbara Jewelry Designer—a friend invited me to fly to Oregon with her to march for peace with her favorite organization. She said to bring a sleeping bag and comfy clothes. We were young and we wouldn't be staying at the Ritz.
The march was great, but I have to admit…after a while, I wanted to do something more interesting. I asked the organizers if there was something else I could do. Please! Put me to work! No more marching!
Behind the Scenes with the Movers and Shakers for Peace
They gave me odd jobs and liked my enthusiasm. The next day they asked if I could drive to the airport to pick up a dignitary sympathetic to the cause. The media would be there to interview him.
Unfortunately, all I had to wear were jeans and tee-shirts. Since the press would be there recording everything, they wanted someone who looked sharp and fashionable in front of the camera. They had to choose someone else to make the run to the airport. Bummer!
It Was an Early Life Lesson
What did I learn? I learned to always bring a nice outfit or two—including jewelry!—when I travel. No matter where I'm going.
Jewelry ~ It Goes Everywhere You Do!
Later, I learned that this lesson doesn’t only apply to traveling. It applies to everyday life. It pays to look nice, especially Monday through Friday.
Being Well Dressed Has Brought me Surprising Opportunities
You might be pressed into service on the spur of the moment. I've given impromptu talks when the scheduled speaker couldn’t make it. I’ve MCed events when the regular host came down with a sudden illness.
Jewelry, it's Like the Chrome on Your Car!
It pays to look nice. As a jewelry writer, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that jewelry compliments any outfit and makes it better. Jewelry is like the icing on a cake, like the chrome on a classic car. Jewelry can elevate an outfit from “ho-hum” to “oh-yeah!”
Hiking with Our Rings
Here’s the Hiking Part:
I was hiking with my husband one hot summer afternoon in the mountains behind Santa Barbara when we encountered a group trying to find their way to “The Meadow” above Rattlesnake Canyon.
While my husband gave directions to the group leader, I chatted with another hiker. I was wearing shorts, a tee-shirt, hiking boots, a hat, and of course… my jewelry! I told the guy I was a jeweler and gave him my name and never thought I’d ever see him again.
This is the Ring I Made for the Hiker I Met in Rattlesnake Canyon
Five years later he called me to make a custom wedding ring for his bride! He had remembered my name and the jewelry I had been wearing. It just goes to show… Right?
You are so right about looking your best at all times-if you can! Having an over night cases with nice spare clothes is very smart and opens up opportunities that you might otherwise miss.
In my teens, when I was a full blown Hippie, my Dad always stressed that it was important to look your best and make a good first impression. Back then I was a rebel, and looking like the establishment was NOT cool. I thought he was nuts, but he was so right.
That was a very cool story-5 years later!!! Who would have thunk!!!!
Ali O.
Alison, thanks for your input. I was a bit of a hippee back then and thrilled that I wasn’t the only one!
Calla
You know, I recently came to the same conclusion–different logic. I so rarely get dressed up anymore, even for work, that I was never wearing my jewelry. I decided that life was too short and that I should change my mindset, I don’t have to be “dressed up” to wear jewelry. Now every day is an opportunity to wear jewelry that I love. Pearls and diamonds with a tee shirt? I say, why not?
Appreciatively,
Lynn
Dr. Lynn K. Jones, Certified Personal and Executive Coach
http://www.lynnkjones.com
Yes, yes, yes, embrace jewelry with T-Shirts! I visited a client the other day and she apologized for not having her make-up on. I hadn’t noticed because her jewelry framed her face and looked so cheerful with her nice smile!
Thanks for your pledge to wear your jewelry!
Calla Gold
Santa Barbara would be the place for you to discover all of this and more. Makeup sometimes isn’t always a necessity but looking your best can be accomplished by a pair of earrings or a ring or bracelet. Speaking of hiking in Santa Barbara; such a fan! I love going there to just hit the trails for a few days and do the nature thing. I’ll make sure to look into your jewelry the next time I am in town. I’ll be staying at the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). Too Excited!
Florence,
You’ll be staying at a great Hotel. And be nice and close to our gorgeous foothills. They are ready to hike with their alluring carpet of new minted green growth.
Bring your jewels and call me for an appointment. I’ll show you jewelry and give you the insiders lowdown on great hiking off the beaten path.
Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla
Stories of How Wearing Jewelry Makes a Difference in Life is a nice write-up. I will spend more time exploring this issue.
I’m continuing to explore it by wearing jewelry!