A Visit From a Dear Friend

An ornate little jewlery box and lots of beads! Thanks Marie!

Yesterday, Alan and I got to visit with Marie and her husband Jon who just returned from China. They had been there teaching English and had lots of interesting stories to share. Marie and I had kept in touch while they were in China and I was so thrilled to hear that she was back. She gave me this beautiful jewelry box and all these wonderful beads. She's been making jewelry for years and before she left for China I bought several of her gorgeous pieces. When she found out that I had started making jewelry she told me that she had lots of beads for me. I had so much fun going through all the beads, she even gave me some silver butterfly ones that will make nice earrings. In the jewelry box you can see some very 'special beads'. Jon introduced himself but I knew who he was from reading their blog. He's a very nice young man and has done quite a bit of traveling. They plan on returning to China now that they know what to expect. It was quite the adventure for them. Alan and I look forward to hearing more interesting stories from both of them. You can visit their blog and read all about their life in China and see the pictures http://jonandmariehelman.blogspot.com/ I met Marie at Starbucks last year and we became friends, she's so sweet and Jon is an interesting person to talk with as well. I feel blessed in knowing people like Jon and Marie.