Riki Schumacher: Grateful

I have been extremely busy this winter with my jewelry business. Busier than I have ever been. I should be grateful for this, and I am. But it has kept me from some very important quality time with friends and family for many months now.

But my grateful message isn't about that! It is about this moment, on a calm Sunday morning, sitting in front of my fireplace, the rain pouring outside our windows, that I am over flowing with appreciation.  We just got a phone call from our son, he checks in every Sunday, we love that. And while my husband is filling him in on the week, I hear the conversation being about how busy I am, and how cool it is, and how he is so proud of my accomplishments. My heart swelling with love, I was reminded of how supportive my husband is.  Not complaining that we don't go play, or go do things, just always there to help me in my endeavors.

How did I get so lucky to find such an amazing and generous man? I don't know the answer, but I am so very grateful.

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You can learn more about Riki on her blog, Riki Jewelry

Riki Schumacher: Thankful

Funny thing about age. It sneaks up on you. I’m hitting a milestone this year, another decade beginning. So why am I grateful about this? I am turning the same age my mom did when she had a major stroke. It had a lasting affect, losing mobility in her right side. The family started pointing fingers at each other, about how she was over worked, too much stress, her weight, yadda, yadda. Sad, but it woke all of us up about our health.

She struggled to come back from the stroke, with amazing patience and fortitude, daily doing her therapy. But she was never the same. Her speech was slurred, her right leg and arm very sluggish. The very saddest thing about her new physical state was that she was completely cut off from playing her sweet piano and her beautiful ceramics ever again. Here’s where the grateful part comes in for me. I am so grateful I was able to have her for another 12 years after the stroke. She never complained, was always in good humor, and continued to find a reason to display her newly crooked smile at us whenever we could visit her. 

I am grateful for each and everyday I have in a healthy state. Health is not something I take for granted. The brave, adorable woman I spoke of above, was my aunt. She adopted us when my birth mother died at age 36. She, and my uncle, were truly angels in our lives, there were three little girls that they rescued. My mother died from cancer, years after being deserted by my father, and just couldn't handle the stress of raising three little girls in the 60’s with little income.

But we all made it through those tough times. All sisters are now living full, loving and healthy lives, with wonderful husbands. We are all so grateful for the angels who rescued us, and for having our health. People say “if you have your health, you have everything”. I’m not sure that is entirely true, but I believe there is a lot of truth to it.

Best of health to each of you.

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You can learn more about Riki Schumacher on her blog, Riki Jewelry

Riki Schumacher: Gratitude Is the Best Attitude!

I think about writing a post for Molly’s new blog almost daily.  Why? Because I am grateful for so much,  every single day.  I let life get in the way of expressing that gratitude.  So thank you Molly for reminding us to put the word to paper. 

Recently, I attended another artist retreat.  That makes two for this year. Am I grateful for that?  Yes. 

Am I grateful that our son opened up his home to us for four nights, so we wouldn’t have to buy a hotel room?  Which allowed me learn and play?  Yes. 

Am I grateful that our two grand daughters got to spend three of the four nights with us at his apartment? Yes.  I can never get enough of them.

Am I grateful that we were all able to have fun and party in this one bedroom apartment, with the girls sleeping on a blow up mattress in the living room, and our son on a cot in the kitchen? Yes.  Feeling guilty, but grateful!

Am I grateful they love dogs and Maddie was not only welcome, but was played with and loved on constantly? Yes.

Small gestures reap huge rewards.  I am so grateful we have that kindness that runs so freely in our family.  I never take it for granted.

Hugs to all,

Riki

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You can learn more about Riki Schumacher on her blog, Riki Jewelry

Riki Schumacher: Lucky Girl

I recently returned from a fabulous art retreat, Art Is You in Petaluma, CA.  I don’t get to go to a lot of retreats, due to expenses involved and usually distance.

But what I was reminded of, aside from the amazing teachers, absolutely fun classes and projects, and the beautiful facility, was that being there, was about being with friends.

It wouldn’t have been the same if my friends weren’t there with me, to bring the sugar free chocolates…to supply that last little something needed for a project in class, and to say a warm good night, when missing my loved ones at home.

Yep! Friends.  I’m a lucky girl to have them.

Thank you Connie, Diana and Susan for making that trip richer.

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You can learn more about Riki Schumacher on her blog, Riki Jewelry