Mind Matters is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring to high school students from low-income families. With chapters located in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, and Portland, OR, they reach children across the country and help to change their lives.

I beleive strongly in the power of education and found out about this organization only recently, when I was sent information about a silent auction they're having.  I was thrilled to participate and made a necklace speficically for the occassion.

 Man has long been compelled by roses. The most popular flower, they are use to show emotion in the most passionate, yet sophisticate way.

In nature, green roses are captivating. As green symbolizes life, growth and constant renewal the green rose is the very example of these forces. It brings to mind the newness of spring and the reward of its showers.

This necklace is comprised of Green rose beads, in the style of ancient Asian lacquer. They are complimented by smooth and faceted black onyx beads. The rich dark tones showcase the delicate tones in the carved beads.

Created specifically for Mind Matters, this necklace is one-of-a-kind.

ind out more about Mind Matters, go to their website.

So it's back to work today.  After a couple weeks away I feel completely and utterly inspired.

I'm not one to just sit around, so the time was incredibly well spent.  Starting with a visit to the Like the Spice Gallery in Wililamsburg for the It's A Small World show.  As mentioned before, my friend Abby was showcasing her menagerie of animal hybrids.  I've seen them on her site and in photographs, but on display they're amazing.  Her die-cast rings were also available and I don't know what was more impressive, the rings themselves or their displays. 

My friend Chris Frederick was also in attendance.  He's continuing to work on his film.  Right now, he's offering a unique opportunity for people to become a part of the film by making a donation through the non-profit organization Fractured Altas.

The gallery event was followed by dinner with my former roommates Lauren and Clara.

Years ago, I met Clara and then Lauren through Craigslist.  We each needed roommates, that was all we knew when we first met.  Something in the cosmic cards must have aligned correctly.  When I met the lovely ladies, I was at a vulnerable period in my life ... just starting to get my life together.  The fun, nurturing environment we fostered in our apartment, "the bottom bell" (so named for the location of the buzzer) or "house of healing" (so named for the welcoming and nurturing environment), became a real sanctuary.  When the time came and we all were ready to leave the nest, we did so with amazing strength and support.

I've been thinking back to those days, the bottom bell days, during which I was completely content no matter what was going on in my life.  I've been reaching back to the person who felt so secure and was so creative constantly.  It's funny how a few trials and tribulations can move you from center.

Robert was home for a week, so we were able to spend some actual quality time together as well as address the needs of our apartment.  Suddenly my space seems workable again. 

In all of my rush to get my business going, it's really important to remember the other aspects of your life. I've said it before, but perhaps it needs to be repeated like a mantra.  A night out on the town, a night out dancing, a great movie (review coming soon) can really have a lifting affect.

As well as saying yes to the world, in 2009 I'm going to experience as much as I possibly can.  I'm going to reach out as much as I can.  I'm surrounded by so many amazing people.  Seeing myself through their eyes is just about the most inspirational thing I can find.

Planning for Wednesday's event had consumed my thoughts for about a week. My marketing strategy went from a small idea to execution in a matter of days. I had a first instinct about how to display my goods, but tried to come up with alternatives. One thing that I've really learned by now: go with your instincts. Preparing my display, I thought "I've spent a lot of time on this, what happens if it doesn't work out? I'll be calling it close to the deadline." Those thoughts of self-doubt are really unproductive. Of course it came out beautifully. In addition, I had the satisfaction of knowing my instincts were correct.

The event wasn't all about sales, it was also for networking. The National Organization for Women Business Owners is just that, an organization supporting and bringing together women who own there own businesses. Once my table was set up and I was situated, it was nice to remove my mental focus from myself.

Over the course of the evening I had the opportunity to meet women who are doing some exciting things:

• Deb Steinhart was there with her Infinite Wishes necklaces. This is the second event I've attended with Deb.  It's so wonderful to see her, she has such a great attitude. We're at the same level with our businesses, so it's exciting to share experiences, concerns and questions.  I also love to hear her talk about her necklaces.
• Karineh from Bel Biscotto was also there.  I've tried her biscotti before, Laura Allen is a fan and brings samples to her workshop.  It's delicious.  Friends of mine hold an annual biscotti festival in which we taste different versions from around the city.  I've baked my own for the group.  Hers takes the cake (no pun intended).
• Margaret Zox Brown was helping Deb with her table.  She's a painter in Manhattan whose work has been shown around the world.  She's been a successful artist for years.  Speaking with her reminded me that every successful person started where I am today.
• Jennifer Toussaint-Cali had her Vannuzza dolls on display.  Speaking with her, I thought he had the most genius of concepts.  Her collection is similar to the American Girl doll concept, except hers promotes multi-culturalism and learning.  It's great to see people bringing positive and empowering ideas to young girls.
• Linda Levine brought the Arbonne skin and cosmetics line.  Arbonne products don't have animal extracts and are not tested on animals. They are also paraben free.  When I was in Wisconsin, we were looking for products that are free of carcinogens and cruelty-free.  Finding her answered my quandary.
• Mary Ann Walsh, Executive Coach came to my table as well.  She's an executive coach who specialises in cross-cultural training.  She is able to assist people making the transition between Asia and the USA.  Given the current economic climate, I thought this sounded genius.

All in all, it was a successful evening.  It's so exciting being in a city where there are so many unique ideas that can grow.  It's the people of this city that make it so spectacular.