Auld Lang Syne

A symbol of newfound friendships, laughter and growth, the blossom collection comes to mind when I think about the beginning of a new year.

May we all remember those that have touched our lives in one way or another this past year. Whether it be a spouse, a soldier, a pastor or rabbi, a neighbor, a sales person or a child - let's raise our glasses to the goodness in mankind that resides in our world. May tonight and tomorrow we celebrate the friendships we have and the ones to come in 2010.

Happy New Year!!

Fiore Blossom Ring with Peridot and diamonds. Sterling silver and 18k gold. Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

Christmas Cards

We didn't make a Christmas card this year (or last year for that matter). Not sure where the time goes but it go, go, goes!!

I remember looking at my husband while opening the mail a week into December and saying "It doesn't look like many people are sending Christmas cards this year." Then during the following two weeks the cards were arriving rapid fire, I found myself saying "OH, NO!! We didn't make a Christmas card! How does everyone have time to make a family photo and we don't?"

Art just laughed at me.

I was disappointed that we didn't take the time to have a picture made with the four of us at some point during 2009! I realized yet again, that we still didn't have a family photo! I was starting to get mad! "How can we not have a family photo! Every photo we have, someone is missing, or my hair is goofy or Lily doesn't have on a shirt or Jack is blurred!!"

We spent Christmas back in Wichita this year and it was the most beautiful white Christmas. What a treat to have our two tiny tots experience the beauty of snow together for the first time. Our family was all inside gathered around my parents kitchen (as usual), when Art suggested we go outside and take a family photo. OH WOW! It was actually going to happen! Not only were we going to have a photo with the four of us, but on Christmas Day and with SNOW! I was pinching myself!!

So here it is!! Our very first Bourque Family photo with all the trappings!! Hooray!!

Happy Holidays to everyone and a very Happy New Year!!!!

Love,

The Bourque Family
Art, Sarah Jane, Jack and Lily

On The Twelth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

TWELVE DRAGONFLIES A FLUTTERING!

The dragonfly is the most current motif addition to the Saint collection.

I named our dragonfly "Qi" (pronounce chi). Qi is a symbol of enlightment.

I am anxious about the idea of being enlightened in some way, shape or form. I am eager to evolve and develop as a person. I realize sometimes this takes discipline of my own and most of the time it takes a lot of patience!

I am captured by the elegance and gracefulness of dragonflies. I wanted to translate that feeling of grace into each piece in the collection. I love the way the dragonfly sits so delicately on the sides of faceted stones and even mabe pearls. I feel as though my interpretation of a dragonfly into jewelry is one that is very feminine but yet extremely tailored and wearable for every day occasions.

On The Eleventh Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

ELEVEN CROSSES IN SPLENDOR!!

Have you ever researched how many different kinds of crosses there are? You would be astounded! I knew I was in over my head when my niece did a report on Ethiopian crosses and showed me hundreds of different designs.

I like to think that the Casa Cross (Copyright 2009), which is the cross that Saint is most well known for is my most favorite contribution to the world of crosses. I created the Casa Cross design when I first moved to Arizona. I was so excited to be living in the desert and the inspiration was abundant! I was in the beginning stages of developing my own collection and building a new life for myself. The Casa Cross always reminds me of new beginnings, my new home and my renewed spirit.

Casa Cross Pendant

Sterling Silver

Made by hand in the United States. Copyrigth 2009.

On The Tenth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

TEN DASHING HORSES!!

Strong, handsome and steadfast are three words I would use to describe Artemus, my horse design and...my husband! Well, actually, his name is Arthur but we call him Art or mostly "Artie!" :) If he were a cartoon super hero then he would most definitely be called "Artemus."

My husband Art inspired the creation of my horse design. The meaning of the horse is to follow your heart. However, unlike, a thoroughbred running around the track, my husband Art prefers to run long distances on mountain trails. Both are born to run and have amazing will and strong hearts.

Churchhill Downs Horse Bracelet

Sterling silver and 18k gold w/ diamond accents. Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.