Teaming Up to Make A Difference

Kim Svoboda of North Shore Clay and Patti Rowray, Owner of the Mocha Moose, just south of Two Harbors, Minnesota on Scenic 61 have teamed up to help fight the leading cause of pain and disability in America, arthritis.

I was surprised when I learned that there are over 100 forms of arthritis and have realized that most people aren't aware of the devastation that chronic pain can bring not only to the individual living with arthritis, but also to the community at large.

I live with three forms of arthritis myself and what started as a therapy has turned into a passion named North Shore Clay. As I work the clay with my hands I am often inspired by not only my journey through physical and emotional pain, but also the pain of millions of others who live with chronic pain on a daily basis from arthritis like me.

My hope is to inspire others to believe that some measure of healing can be achieved through art. Art will not cure chronic pain, but it can give you an outlet for the expression of your pain and your feelings.

When I met Patti Rowray of Mocha Moose and she saw my clay necklaces and pendants, she wanted to have them in her gift shop! And as fate would have it, Patti has a personal connection with arthritis as well, her father has arthritis and her sister-in-law has rheumatoid arthritis and Patti completed a 26.2 mile marathon on December 5, 2000 for Joints in Motion raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation.

So North Shore Clay and The Mocha Moose are teaming up to make a difference in the lives of those with arthritis and inspire others that live with chronic pain that some measure of healing can begin with art!

A portion of the proceeds of these beautiful handmade clay necklaces made by Kim of North Shore Clay and sold at the Mocha Moose will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.

"I may have pain, but it doesn't have me."

Kim Svoboda

North Shore Clay

A Long Winter

Oh my, blogging to be done and no time to do it...yikes, better make time tomorrow. Lots of beautiful pictures to post and lots of stories to tell. Visit my personal blog at http://whathealsme.blogspot.com to read about my inspirational journey through pain and what perserverance can do for you!
Thanks, Kim

Portrait of a Preacher

When I found this black and white photograph in this wonderful old mat and frame I had to have it. There were so many things that I loved about this picture, the gentleness that seemed to just emanate from this man and the way I could be transported to a much different time and place just by looking at a photograph.

I wondered if this man is someone who was loved very much by many or cherished by only a few. I couldn't help but wonder about the things that might have made his hair gray or the children that he undoubtedly held in his hands. I wondered what book he was reading and found myself believing that it was the Bible even though I cannot tell for sure. And I even hoped it was my favorite passage.

As I search this old photograph for clues that might satisfy my hunger to know this man I wonder if he was a vessel for God's work and restored souls as his photograph was restored.

I have looked at this photograph for weeks now and my thoughts and feelings haven't changed. This is a photograph of a gentle soul who was loved. I will never know who he is, but I will always know how he made me feel...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20983713

Mississippi Mud Bakelite Bangles

Ah, the art of shameless promotion~I must admit, I'm not very good at it. I'm much better at selling others items. But, a girls got to eat so here are some new additions to my vintage shop and I must tell you that they are pretty. I know, it's hard to think that something called Mississippi Mud will be pretty, but trust me on this one, okay?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20641094

And as always, thanks for visiting. Comments are always welcome. I'll visit your blog too, just tell me where you are and how you found me!

Introducing My New Line of Garden Charms

Spring is finally on it's way. I think we've blown away the darkness of the winter and I'm introducing my new line of North Shore Clay Garden Charms. I tested these in my own garden for the past year before putting them on the market to be sure they would stand the test of time in yours. I live in Northern Minnesota where the temperature can drop to 30 below and the winds really do howl out loud...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20649295

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20650029

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20545990

Take a look at these pretty garden charms and let me know what you think of them. Watch for more colors and styles to come soon. And, if you would like one in a special color let me know, I would be happy to oblige.
Until next time...Come on spring!

Be Excellent!

Some tips for excellence not only in business, but life.

• You're not learning anything when you're talking


• Be a part of excellence, not critical of it.


• Be open to change


• Get up early and work late


• If you're not changing, you're not in first place


• If you're doing the same thing this year as last year you're losing ground


• If you follow up, you will be a hero


• Motivation is what turns knowledge and skill into success


• Aim high, you normally hit what you aim for.

A big Thanks

Thanks to those who answered the call to be featured! You will be notified by the end of next week! Things have been busy in the North Shore Clay, http://northshoreclay.etsy.com studio this past week. I've been busy making Garden Charms. I know spring and summer are light years away yet, but I couldn't help myself. I hope to post some pictures tomorrow and you can tell me what you think of them.

Things are busy on the vintage front as well and I have made some great vintage finds and have listed some wonderful new items in my vintage Etsy store. http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com/ a couple of vintage map prints that are so beautifulhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20082913 and of course, where my heart really is, vintage jewelry. I hope you find something you love. Take good care, my friends. I'll talk to you soon!

p.s. I'm a Grandma, again...a little girl this time...her name is Zoe...YES!