I closed my eyes, more discouraged than I’d been in years.

20

SHELBY

Trepidation surged through me at the thought of delivering my jewelry to Amy-Jo. What if her response to my craftsmanship sprang from something else? I could handle opposition much easier than pity.

Early Monday morning in the gift shop, I presented her with three necklaces and matching earrings crafted from labradorite stones. The labradorite flashed gold, green, blue, and in the sunlight, some even picked up purple shades. I preferred the dark brass wire and its elegant and vintage feel, but I designed one set using blue stones and silver wire. The intricate cross on the back could actually be worn in the front. Each necklace had a two-by-four-inch white card embossed with a thin copper-colored vine and tied with a white, narrow ribbon—thanks to the advice of Edie’s web designer, a high school senior on her deceased husband’s side of the family. The card indicated each jewelry piece’s name, Hebrew meaning, and Scripture.

“These are breathtaking.” Amy-Jo picked up a necklace rich with gold and amber hues and read the card. “This is an Abigail. ‘Gives joy.’ ‘Always be full of joy in the Lord.’ Philippians 4:4.” She gingerly laid the necklace on the display case and examined another necklace in a pale-gray, purple, and taupe stone. “Bella. ‘Devoted to God.’ ‘Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.’ Psalm 86:2.” She replaced the second necklace and lifted the third with a predominantly blue stone. “Davina. ‘Cherished.’ ‘People who cherish understanding will prosper.’ Proverbs 19:8.”

Amy-Jo sighed. “Everything about them is perfect, and I love the fact they are reversible. Who knows? I might have to read a Bible.” She chuckled at her own words. “I’ll have these sold before you leave today and a dozen orders.”

All the while she examined each piece, my heart kept cadence to an invisible marching band. “You’re perfect for my ego. I’m working on other pieces, but before I start something new, do you want anything designed differently?”

She pursed her ruby-red lips. “Possibly a few more silver-wire pieces. The younger woman will prefer the silver, but the older and more sophisticated woman will snatch the gold and darker wire. I imagine some shades of stone look better with light than dark.”

“I’ll have a variety including bracelets and earrings. Some will match other pieces, and some will be separate. But all unique designs will have a name and a verse.”

“We have Spring Celebration Days coming up in May. Retail goes nuts then. A huge parade, pet show, talent contest, and people from all over fill the streets. How many pieces can you get done in eight to nine weeks?”

Paying Pastor Emory back ASAP penetrated my thoughts. I calculated the hours needed to create the jewelry and the money left from Pastor Emory’s check to purchase any supplies. “I have no idea, but I’ll work on them whenever I’m not here.”