While in Bali, I took workshops that really enchanted my whole trip. Communication classes, restorative yoga -but the class that brought me the most joy was jewelry-making. I got to learn from a local silversmith and create pieces from the heart. I normally don’t wear a lot of jewelry but I couldn’t help but fall I love as I created gifts for myself and loved ones. It made me think back to days spent with my mom when I was young. She LOVED jewelry and though she would rarely spend any money on herself whatsoever, one of her favorite things to do was go visit this little jewelry shop in Wailuku where her friend Bruce worked. We would gawk over all the treasures in the shop and try them all on. Bruce knew we were never buying them but loved watching Mom gush over his pieces. She loved opals and all kinds of gems. But there was this one ring she was absolutely in love with. She would try it on every single time. One year for their anniversary, my dad snuck in and bought it. I remember showing up to the shop where Bruce apologized to my mom, breaking to her that her most prized piece had been purchased. She was devastated. I think she always had the daydream that one day she’d buy it. I remember her telling my dad later that she wished she did because “some asshole” ended up beating her to it. My dad threw a surprise dinner for their anniversary with their closest friends at their favorite Thai restaurant. Mom was so happy all night, but at the end of the night he gave her a box. It had a light in it. When she opened it, her whole face illuminated that dark restaurant and her happy tears fell. “You’re the asshole!!” she exclaimed in shock as she melted into Dad’s arms. It was a core memory for me my whole life. Over the years, we’d all buy mom jewelry on special occasions and the funny thing is that she wore them all- at the same time. My sister and I would beg her to just choose one at a time, telling her that less is more and calling her a gangstah. She’d just laugh and say, “Just keep the bling coming, girls!” As I made these pieces for myself and others, I put them all on and have to admit that Mom was right. We should adorn ourselves in all that brings us joy!