Diamond Dreams

Unlucky at cards, lucky in love. How many times had she heard that? She looked at her hand and sighed. Too bad her love life wasn't any better.

"Fold."

She tossed her cards down on the table and allowed herself to daydream as the rest of the players played out the hand. Wouldn't it be fun to see a fan of diamonds . . . in her hand, on her hand . . .

Deal.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals. Hand fabricated. Tutorial available on Etsy.

Woodland Treasure

Big Sur was probably her favorite place on earth. She loved everything about it; the drive up the coast was inspiring enough, but turning away from the ocean and entering the forest was even more wonderful. The trees towered over her, making her feel safe and protected. The mosses and lichens were tiny worlds unto themselves; she felt as though she were comfortably in the middle; just the right size.

From far away, an owl called; dusk was upon her.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, Swarovski crystal, gold-filled, lampwork by NValentine Studio. Hand fabricated.

Caribbean Sea

She turned her face into the soft sunlight, relishing the breeze that gently lifted her hair and caressed her body. It was hard to believe that just yesterday she'd left snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures. The water here was so blue; blue in shades that she'd never seen anywhere else.

As she stood on the sand, she felt warm for the first time in months. She stretched languorously, feeling the sun on every inch of her skin. She started walking, slowly at first, then faster and faster as she was drawn, inexorably, to the sea. Without a worry in the world, she let herself slide beneath the gentle waves.

She was home.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, Swarovski crystals, lampwork by Melissa Vess of Wearable Art Glass by Melissa Vess. Hand fabricated.

Fissures

She'd learned a long time ago not to try to fill in the cracks. Maintaining a veneer just wasn't worth the time and effort; she was what she was, and anyone who minded could just go whistle up the tracks. She cared deeply, and all that caring left deep fissures in her soul; crevasses in the rock of her being, rough places that she took a certain pride in not hiding.

She liked to think that the structures she'd built across the ravines made them beautiful; that the tears which had brought rivers and cascades to her landscape had also nurtured the abundant wildflowers. She'd decorated herself from adversity; she wasn't pretty, but she had a presence that was undeniable.

Every blow had made her stronger; she loved them all for that.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, Swarovski crystals and components, ceramic by Lean Dog Pottery. Hand fabricated.