Happy Thanksgiving!

What do you give thanks to this time of year?

Thanksgiving to me is a time for reflection.  It's a time to stop for a moment and focus on what we have and our many blessings, rather than what we don't have, or where we want to be.

One of the things in my life that I am most thankful for is the opportunity to be able to turn my passion and heart into an actual business.  I love that I get to be such a big part of helping people through their grief, and keeping their loved ones close. Especially through the holidays when we feel that loss so much more - it's impossible to ignore that void at the table, or the quiet of a pet who is no longer there trying to steal a scrap off your plate, or missing that crisp fall evening ride.

I can only hope that I do as much for you as you have done for me!  I am so Thankful for you!  Without you, there would be no Verstara, and I never forget that.

Twenty-Twenty has been a strange year, life has been different in a way that we could never have imagined!  This year, more then ever, I feel that it is important that instead of dwelling on the sadness, and the fear of the past seven months we reflect on all of the amazing things that have come out of such a strange and tragic time for so many.  Families are closer then ever, we are spending time together in ways that we never have, people are talking more, we have come to appreciate the little things so much more.  A smile from a stranger, a kind word, a hug from a friend that we maybe took for granted before.

When we sit down at our dining room tables this Thanksgiving, like every other, there are sure to be empty seats.  Whether that be due to our current pandemic, or perhaps loved ones that we have lost.  No matter what your family’s situation I encourage you to enjoy those who can be there with you, be thankful for your loved ones who are still with you whether near or far, and look forward to your reunion in the future.

I gathered together some ideas on how to make this year, even with social distancing – whatever that looks like to your family, as special and memorable as possible:

• Tell the ones you love how much they mean to you, maybe go old school and write a hand written letter, call them on the phone so they can hear your voice, or even face time (something we have all been doing more then ever)
• Walk away from electronics for some one on one facetime with those who can be with you in person
• Dust off the board games and have fun! If you are in a situation where maybe you can’t be face to face with your loved ones there are amazing apps available that allow you to play virtual games with friends and family – maybe give one a try!
• Go around the table or virtual table and get everyone to say what their best memory of the past year is
• Make a craft, maybe put it in a time capsule to represent the past year and all that has changed
• Go for a walk, breath in the fresh crisp fall air, jump in a pile of leaves, enjoy!

I wish nothing but Peace and Love throughout Thanksgiving and moving forward.  Every day I reflect on how lucky I am to be a part of so many lives in such a special way.  Creating memorial jewellery for people to remember their loved ones who have passed on, being a part of weddings, and engagements, and being welcomed into peoples’ hearts through my craft is one of my biggest blessings, and something that I will never take for granted!  My biggest wish for you is to be able to do what you love, and to live your passion every day.

Our meeting is not by chance.

Here's to us,

Colleen