I’ve been slowly working on a few personal story pendants, trying to capture some elements and characteristics of beloved people by representing them in animal form.

They feel like prayer beads, in a way. I am definitely praying for my beloved while I’m sculpting them and will continue to pray for them every time I see and touch them. I keep my dear ones close to my heart always.

I’ve found other people who feel the same way. Its so cool to exchange stories of our dear people and how a particular animal represents them, captures their character or even is a favorite of theirs. Do you do this too?

We’ve talked about the value we find in wearing and displaying treasures such as these. Our fingers seek them out when we wear them - a touch is a moment of respite in a busy day, a catalyst for memory and prayer. Stepping into a solitude and moment of peace is a treasure in itself these days. Displaying these lovely reminders of beloved people and places keeps them before our eyes and minds, again offering a timeless moment of peace. Such is the value of art in any form: that we step outside our busy days for a moment of recollection and respite.

“Fidelis" or “Faithful", the Wolf represents faithfulness, family and persistence. The wolf alone - a “lone wolf" - is a myth meant to imply self reliance and strength. However in truth, a wolf alone does not thrive and is in fact looking for a pack family.

“Strength”, The Bear, represents individualism, strength and protectiveness.

In our own family the Bear became a part of stories I told my son of a little boy (himself of course), lost in the forest who meets a bear that becomes his protector and friend. I really should have written down these stories! I’m not sure how much of them I could remember now but at the time my young son could not get enough of them.

The Wolf and Bear portraits are reminders of beloved family members who are grown and seeking their lives in the wide world, yet are always integral members of the family, always close in our hearts, minds and prayers.

Tell me a little about your favourite ways to represent your Beloveds?