Our Arts Fest Outings

My New Jewelry Set by Will Olney of Olney Originals

My sweet sixteen continues. I made it to Arts Fest again this year, as we were blessed with a cool, cloudy (and bit rainy) Thursday afternoon. Mom and I spent four hours StRolling around the festival. The joy we feel in being able to engage together again in these activities we love so much is difficult to express. Our hearts were so full at the end of the day on Thursday.

Double Ring Necklace

Last year, I mostly focused on buying artwork for my bedroom and bathroom. But towards the end of our time at the festival last year, I had seen jewelry by one artist in particular that stuck with me--and when the festival guide was published I eagerly checked to see if Olney Originals would be back again this year. And he was!

Even after four hours and probably about 150 booths--I still knew this was the purchase I wanted to make. 

When I showed my purchase to Sarah and Bob, Lana chimed in to tell me how much she liked it. :)

I have so enjoyed every piece of jewelry and artwork that I picked out last year, that I again splurged and treated myself to something special that I know I will enjoy for years and years--and that will remind me of my sweet sixteen. Until this year, I had never treated myself to nice jewelry!

Necklace with the Longer Earrings

Just as I was deciding which piece of jewelry to purchase from Will Olney, in rolled a thunderstorm. So Will joined us on the porch of one of the houses across the street while we waited out the storm. How fun to chat so long with the artist that I bought my jewelry from this year. 

I couldn't decide between the two pairs of earrings--a longer pair and a shorter pair--and in the end Will gave me the shorter ones for free! Mom bought me the matching bracelet and put it away for my birthday. I'm not sure why Will spoiled me, but he did, and I will certainly enjoy every piece of this set.

Engaging with the artists and supporting their craft is so much of what makes going to Fest such a soul-filling experience. I remember the pieces we bought at Fest over the years--whether they be hanging on our walls or a piece of jewelry like the opal ring I got for my 21st birthday. I remember the pieces we purchased and the time Mom and I spent together enjoying art and each other's company.

Love the Different Ways the Necklace Can be Worn!

After our big outing, I did not suffer from a major ANS storm--no forceful heartbeats, sweating, or other bothersome symptoms. I felt tired and happy, but not sick. I did not even need extra meds for sleep! This is definitely due to the mestinon!

I did wake up on Friday feeling very tired--and rather than following my gut to relish in what we were able to do on Thursday--I tried to go to another festival in town where we met Dad and Abbie for dinner. The festival was loud, crowded, hot, and sunny--a brutal combination for my already overtired self. I came home terribly sick, and spent all day Saturday feeling miserable. 

As I start to feel better, I struggle even more with pacing. I want to do and try everything--sometimes all at the same time! Ha! Sometimes, I need to remember not to enter every single door that opens, and instead, close them gently and give my body and soul time to renew and restore. It's okay to choose a night in--eating BLTs and watching a movie over going out to a big festival. 

Life is as much about the quiet moments as it is about the busy, active ones. I will gently remind myself of this next time my gut says 'no' and my head says 'yes'.

I'll never forget our Thursday at Fest this year. And all of the fun ways I've gotten to 'get my pretty on' this year and express my personality--with jewelry, clothes, and make-up. It's so much fun!

Blessings,

Emily