The Naked Thumb

When it comes to jewelry, I've never been the type to want anything fancy or expensive. To me, it's not what it is that's important, its the gift/giver that makes a piece special. Or maybe its the reason for the piece -- call me sentimental (I know I am!). In fact, one of the lines to a Tom Waits song is " ... he gave her a dimestore watch and a ring made from a spoon ... ", and to me that's it exactly. It wasn't a 1 carat diamond in some fancy setting - spending money on a gift is easy; giving someone something from the heart is much harder. And means that much more.

So how did my thumb get naked?

Almost a year ago, to celebrate a turning point in a relationship, I bought a second thumb ring (the first one celebrated something in my own life! see post here ) Thursday at work, I had to do some maneuvering and cleaning and somehow it slipped off. I looked and looked, to no avail. And went with a naked thumb the entire day. It wasn't about losing the ring itself, as it wasn't expensive; I was more upset with losing the symbolism that went with the ring.

When I got to work today, our jewelry dept had a duplicate of the ring, so of course, I had to get it. And requested a txt message to have the sentiment "restarted" again!!

I'm so happy my thumb isn't naked anymore!

Talismans- What's yours?

As most of you know, I'm an avid amateur photographer; as such, there's a group on Flickr that gives out a daily assignment to grow our skills with topics that take us out of our comfort zones. Yesterday's topic: "Some carry a talisman, amulet, "lucky charm", or just a comforting thing in our pocket. What do you carry? "

It took me only seconds to think what that would be for me, as I wear a gold thumb ring on my left hand. The only time I take it off is when its forced (like for surgery; when that happens, my best friend 'holds it' for me until I return).

But more than a picture of the item, what fascinates me are the stories behind how it became some sort of talisman to a person. Was it something that was found? Is it associated with something, or someone, for a reason? Of course, my thumb ring has its own story.....

After my divorce, I was worried, and a little depressed, about being alone, having to start over, afraid no one would want me again. (typical feelings for that situation, I hope!) When I started chatting with my friend, my Prof, my mentor (You know who you are!!); he convinced me that I needed something to symbolize my freedom, to remind me I'm a good person, that I can do anything I set my mind to... in short, the Goddess within me!!! So after some discussion, we settled on the thumb ring -- something I can wear that doesn't get in the way, and is always there to remind me that I'm special!

A short story, but simple and effective. I never go without my thumb ring, and when I'm having doubts, a little nudge with my other fingers and I know its there, not letting me forget my Goddess within!!

What's your lucky charm or talisman ???

HUGS to everyone!!