We are all fortunate to have met people who enriched our lives in many ways. Over the years, some have taught me the importance of small things, others have totally changed my life. It is my pleasure to share with you some amazing people.
Donna
Years ago, I met a lady who never ceases to amaze me. I was on assignment as a freelance paralegal for a large firm in town and quickly discovered that dealing with the accounting department was not to be taken lightly. There were strict requirements and deadlines for conflict checks, client billing, reimbursements, and check requests – just to name a few.
I quickly developed a respect for Donna, who managed the accounting department – she was a no-nonsense, very organized, strictly business gal.
I also learned that she was very artistic, creative and imaginative. She created wonderful handmade Christmas ornaments and jewelry and I immediately became a regular customer. I purchased several Christmas ornaments and I have used them to decorate our tree every year since – they are timeless and beautiful.
I also still wear the jewelry that I purchased back then. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation – many of them Donna created just for me. This year, for Christmas, she gave me this beautiful necklace.
After I left the firm, Donna and I kept in touch and as her handmade jewelry business began to bud, I was developing my web design business. I was thrilled when Donna called to ask for my help in designing a website to showcase her jewelry. She initially requested an online brochure that would be easily accessible to potential buyers and gift shop owners interested in her jewelry and windchimes.
She was a hands-on client who knew what she wanted – I just had to make it happen. We had so much fun designing that site – we began the project as former coworkers and finished as great friends!
This year we enjoyed some adventures and misadventures and they were all interesting and fun. Earlier this year Donna invited me to attend a bead show with her. I didn’t know much about bead shows, but I can tell you what I learned – these folks work very hard to showcase their creations.
This particular show was held in a coastal city here in Florida at a hotel on the beach. We were located in one of the 5 or 6 tents outside the hotel facing the beach. It was very hot and humid that first day. For a woman whose thermostat has been broken for years, it was a real challenge.
On the second day, the rain flooded our tent – Mother Nature vacillated between extreme heat to heavy wind and rains back to extreme heat. At the end of the day, we were totally exhausted. We covered the display, made a trip to the local market to grab some freshly steamed seafood and salad, then back to our air conditioned room where we ate sitting in the middle of our beds.
Just as we were ready to get some sleep, the folks next door started partying with loud music, loud voices and slamming doors. After I peeked out the window and shhh’d them to be quiet – they moved the party elsewhere. Unfortunately, several kids kept us up until 3:00 a.m. running up and down the hall outside our door. I finally opened the door and told them to go to bed! About 10 minutes later, Donna and I heard people yelling – when we opened the door the security guard was running from room to room screaming for everyone to leave there was a fire.
Wonderful!! 3:00 a.m. no sleep – in our pj’s – standing on the street with a couple hundred strangers – watching our hotel burn! This photo is pretty dark but I think you get the idea.
We recently took a class in pottery, and as expected, Donna’s artistic creativity was clearly evident with her very first piece. It just amazes me, how someone can take a ball of dirt and turn it into a piece of art!
I see another website on the horizon!! Does anyone know if potters have shows??????
If you are a jewelry lover, visit her website at http://www.talquin-treasures.com.
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What a surprise to discover all of our ‘07 exploits in print for all to see! It was a fun year, even if it did have its share of drama!
One could ask for no better friend than Cathy! She has been a HUGE support to me over the years in so many ways. With her ever-present encouragement, I’ve gained confidence in my own individuality and creativity, allowing me to venture into more varied media.
I’d have to say Cathy is the most talented person I know (even though she does not give herself credit for it!). I admired her tremendously when we worked together in the law firm. Talk about “no-nonsense” and “strictly business”! I think this is probably why we got along so well, though. We both have the same commitment to our work and take tremendous pride in what we do.
When we first started work on my website, this same pride and commitment were evident in Cathy’s website designing work. She was able to very quickly put together a beautiful site for me, based on only my vague notions of what I wanted. Within one short weekend, she had a great site up and running. Then she continued fine-tuning it as new photos became available, making it into not only a fine website, but a representation of the things I hold dear.
As you may have guessed from the “Bead-Show-Misadventure” she described, such an event would try the most dedicated of friends. But, as is her nature, she persevered through the whole ordeal, often helping to lift my flagging spirits. One could not ask for a more dedicated individual to be on their side. I’ve learned that Cathy will do anything and everything she can to assist others, even to her own detriment.
So, if you are looking for a website designer, Cathy is your person. She’ll do whatever it takes to make your ideas a reality! But, if you are looking for a side-kick for a bead show, I’d suggest you look elsewhere! She’ll probably turn you down!!!!