On Becoming a Curator

I have always been a curator of broken and beautiful things.

Anyone who knows me well understands that I’m quirky. I love to surround myself with pieces that carry a story. Whether it’s jewelry, lace, boots, or artwork. . . I want to know that the story behind everything in my life.

I want to know that I’m not the only one who traveled a cobbled road.

I want everything in my life to whisper to me of hope and redemption.

Photo by my dear friend Diane Bailey

I’ve been known to hunt at the side of the road and at flea markets and in my own attic for pieces of history to arrange around me.

My home is filled with yard sale finds and vintage pieces that hold memories from my childhood.

Photo by my visionary sister Tammy

The antique cabinet that once stood in my grandmother’s kitchen now stands in my front hallway, stacked with her china and quilts. She sewed those pieces of fabric by hand. She gathered feed sacks as her material~ the remnants of leftovers there on the farm in Iowa.

I love beautiful, sacred things.

Tonight I get to add another title to my name, here on the blog: Curator.

Because tonight is the beginning of a little thing I’m calling the “Beloved Shop”.

A place where redemption and hope come in the form of reclaimed wood and jewelry that was salvaged from the trash that was scattered throughout Mexico Haiti, and my own backyard.

Here is what you need to know:

I’m linking arms with my visionary friend Julie of Vi Bella Jewelry. I’ve only selected a few pieces for the shop to start, because how can I choose from beautiful treasure? I have done my best. More is to come.

Behind the scenes my daughter and my friends are helping me find more pieces to feature and we’ll be sharing. I love this jewelry. I mostly love the heart behind it

I’m also hugging close to my friend Shelley, who understands redeeming grace and how writing scripture on everything changes the surface of life. And us.