Thursday, January 6, 2011

Creative HomeFires: Blue Room Gems

Creative HomeFires is a series which highlights the value that creativity offers to family members of a deployed spouse/significant other.  We offer stories of the creative life and the beautiful benefits experienced during some of the most difficult seasons. 

Jennifer Avery is the shop owner of Blue Room Gems. Here's her experience:

 Colorful multi gemstone bracelet By Blue Room Gems

 Surviving a deployment is never easy.  My husband recently returned from a year in Iraq, and I have to say, creating jewelry and running my shop definitely saved my sanity while he was away.  I am a stay-at-home mom to three boys, who were all under the age of five at the time of the deployment.  To say it was hectic is an understatement!

I actually opened my shop only a few weeks before he left, and it quickly became a much needed distraction. It filled in the emptiness of the evenings, giving me structure and purposeful activity to pass those lonely hours. 

It also gave me something to look forward to each day.  I would frequently wake up with a new design in my head and couldn’t wait to get into the studio and make it real.


But, the thing I am most thankful for, was that it connected me to others, lessening the feeling of isolation.  I am still truly amazed at all the wonderful people I have met through Etsy.  They are such a blessing.

So now I am onto the next adventure, balancing kids, business, and a husband!  Good thing military spouses are always up for a challenge!

Thank you so much Jennifer for sharing your story! If you would like to submit a story for this series please contact us ("Contact" tab at the top of the blog) for consideration.  

7 comments:

LilacAve said...

Fantastic post!!!!

Robin@creations-anew.com said...

I think most of us can relate!!! Your work is beautiful; thanks for sharing with us.
Robin

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

jennifer, your work AND your heart is AMAZING!

Jess said...

Amazing, I really admire your strength!!!!

Anonymous said...

Completely agreed! Having such a distraction really helps those lonely times go by much faster.

Blue Room Gems said...

Thanks so much for letting me share!

Olga said...

Very nice shop and congrats on your husband getting back safely! I can relate, I've been through 3 deployments already and it doesn't get any easier.