“Challenge Chick”
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Description from KarenDe-Challenge Chick: This pick isn't so much an introduction of myself, as it is a snapshot of my mood and current path in life. After 10 long years in graduate school, I am leaving behind the teaching and the writing - without a PhD, and no job waiting! Yikes! I do get the blues sometimes, especially when people tell me that they envy me the freedom to choose what I will do next. I'm about to move back in with my parents at age 35, and I don't know what I want to be when I grow up!!! I do know that the time is here to come out of my turtle shell and I hope to come out on the other side a more confident woman. My cats, and my jewelry - inspired and named for them - will help me get there. And all of you other chicks out there have already been so helpful to me as you have shared your own stories. So I am Challenge Chick not just because I love a pick challenge, but also because right now, my whole life is a challenge - to get out of bed each day, to make beautiful art/jewelry, and to find a new path after so long stubbornly sticking to the wrong one for the sake of a broken dream.
Boulder Opal Thin Pillow 20x15mm Buy this Gemstone Bead: |
Green Girl Pewter Naked Lady 30x14mm Buy this Bead: |
Green Girl Pewter Sleeping Cat 19x12mm Buy this Charm: |
Amazonite Blk. Tourmaline Puff Coin 14mm OUT OF STOCK
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Green Girl Pewter Turtle Pendant 22mm OUT OF STOCK
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Labradorite Faceted Rondelle 5-6mm OUT OF STOCK
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Labradorite Flat Oval 20x15mm OUT OF STOCK
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Labradorite Round 12mm OUT OF STOCK
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Stormy Blue Rice 9-11mm OUT OF STOCK
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Chatter
on “Lily's Go Tigers!”:“Thanks for the kind welcome. I am envisioning this as a chain and beaded charm bracelet.…” read »
on “Teeny Tiny Owl”:“I love those acorns! Very nice pairing, especially with the new Painting with Fire bead.…” read »
- on “Medieval”:
“What an intense color combo! Very rich looking.…” read »
- on “Sunny Syracues Sista”:
“Dramatic color combo! I love the "tattered" daisy!…” read »
- on “Spring Wedding”:
“Cool! I like the gold too! It's unexpected and highlights the blue nicely.…” read »
- on “Plum Pie”:
“Pretty! I forgot how much I love plums! Sorry about the eval....…” read »
- on “Copper Can't Handle Me Now!”:
“Love this combo, especially the lamp work beads.…” read »
- on “Beauty Of Uncertainty”:
“Ohhhh! Pretty! I love everything a fav for sure!…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“Congrats on POD! I love those bead caps and the soft pinks? I envy your view!…” read »
on “Medieval”:“Thanks everyone.…” read »
- on “Eye on the Sparrow”:
“Lol, Becky, I did get dive bombed , sort of. I was out front pulling a…” read »
on “turquoise hybrid”:“Irresistible, Kate! Wonderful textures, colors and shapes! And of course, you've used three of my all time…” read »
on “turquoise hybrid”:“You are my first favorite fresh pick. I like the basic needs like the wire…” read »
on “turquoise hybrid”:“I love the looks of all the new TOHO beads, can't wait to get my hands…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“Congrats on POD. Love the rose quartz and pink opal. I think pink is…” read »
on “turquoise hybrid”:“Thanks ya'll. Anyone else thinking about that Ezel big bird laying a giant turquoise-groovy-oval egg?? hahah.…” read »
on “turquoise hybrid”:“Gorgeous pick Kate! Echoing Deb, turquoise and copper never gets old.…” read »
on “Playing in the Sunshine”:“Sunny"
…” read »- on “A Fun Pick”:
“Yep I know that song also. A very fun pick..I love the jangles birds.…” read »
- on “Eye on the Sparrow”:
“What a lovely pick for your story. I had something similar happen also. I had a…” read »
- on “Plum Pie”:
“How could you get a crap eval at work?? I wanna go smack people for you.…” read »
- on “Copper Can't Handle Me Now!”:
“For some reason the toggle now lools like hand cuffs. Good pairings with the grace lampwork beads.…” read »
- on “Industry”:
“Green Steam Punk! Big Green Machine (actually a vacuum) I do love that lime green with brown...want the…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“I could have sworn I commented on this when you posted it...I remember looking at it…” read »
- on “neon knights”:
“Wow!! That is bright & cheerful. Looks like a carnival.…” read »
- on “turquoise hybrid”:
“Glad to see them back in stock. Wanted to use them in a pick one week…” read »
on “turquoise hybrid”:“Fabulous pick, Kate! Great selections to go with the TOHO's!
…” read »- on “neon knights”:
“This pick makes me want a tall, cold glass of KoolAid!! Happy summer!…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“What a way to highlight the new C-Koop links! A fabulous pick! No wonder it was…” read »
on “Sweet Magnolia”:“such a lovely tree and pick! I love that tree and spring!…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“Congrats on POD!…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“Congrats on POD, it's a very pretty one. Wish I wasn't in beaders prison or I'd…” read »
on “Lost in Space”:“LOL, Becky! My kids (ages 10 & 15) have recently started watching Lost in Space. We…” read »
- on “Medieval”:
“LOVE this combination of color and texture! Straight to favs.
…” read » - on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“Congrats on a lovely POD!!!…” read »
on “Copper Can't Handle Me Now!”:“Great palette!…” read »
- on “Toad Stool”:
“Cute idea, clever choices, great arrangement!…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“I can smell it now! Congrats on POD!…” read »
- on “Sweet Magnolia”:
“Congratulations on your beautiful POD!…” read »
- on “The Queen's Closet”:
“This is certainly very regal and I love all the purples of course but especially that…” read »
On May 18, 2009 at 3:10 pm #
Anita QoG Funny Chick says:Challenge Chick!!! I know how life throws you curve balls (Boy can it). But you have so much going for you!! So, keep your head held high, & know that you have achieved something & your worth it!!!! I know you have to find your own WAY in life!!! You know we’re all rooting for you!!! Keep an open mind & an open heart & sense of humor & your bound to find IT!!!! Luv ya!!!!
On May 18, 2009 at 3:11 pm #
Anita QoG Funny Chick says:Very COOL pick, BTW!!! GOOD LUCK………
On May 18, 2009 at 3:25 pm #
KarenDe-Challenge Chick says:Thanks so much. I haven’t posted nearly as much as most of you, but reading through all of your supportive conversations has really been helpful to me these last few months.
On May 18, 2009 at 3:26 pm #
D D Mystic Chick says:have faith that things will work out for you… it will color your perspective…. sometimes when doors close others open.
On May 18, 2009 at 3:35 pm #
movie chick aka susan says:Karen – please know that I am thinking about you…I wish I had some magic words or some good advice to offer…I echo what Funny and Mystic have already said.
On May 18, 2009 at 7:01 pm #
Valentine Chick says:Best Wishes to you!
On May 18, 2009 at 7:06 pm #
Mary S - Sweet Chick says:May the beauty of this pick be a reflection of the beautiful life you are going to find as you journey down your new path…..whatever that may be.
Courage.
Be strong.
Have faith!
On May 18, 2009 at 8:10 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:I know you can do it. When I look at your lovely pick, I see beyond that to a talented and creative lady. Please don’t be discouraged. Life has a way of being what it will, not necessarily what we would have it be. I bet trying to force yourself into a mold not meant for you was really uncomfortable. Maybe you can see the coming days as a time to spread your wings and see what is right for yourself. I don’t mean to be trite, but I have learned a bit about new doors opening in the last few years. Just be ready to try them. And the other chicks said it all pretty well, in fewer words. Just know we care.
On May 18, 2009 at 10:49 pm #
Classy Chick JbyJill says:Karen~
You know, life is funny…. There is a master plan, it’s just that the Master doesn’t always let us in the it!! Anita is right, sometimes we are thrown the curve ball in life… And are standing there wondering why we are striking out….. I don’t know the reason for your shift in plans, but know we are all here for you.
Parents are so supportive, especially in our hour of need. They will be there to listen and help guide.
Don’t give up on your dreams. There is always a way to happiness, it just might not be the path we intended on taking. I have to remind myself of this often…Thinking of you!!
Jill
On May 18, 2009 at 11:53 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Karen — What a lovely pick! And what a brave, open woman to share this stage of her life with us! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you enter this new phase of your life, both challenging and exciting. Keep us updated on how things are going, OK?
On May 19, 2009 at 12:30 am #
Elaine aka Belly Chick says:Beautiful pick…even if it comes from a place of uncertainty. I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I was 40 and after 10 years, that idea changed. I left my job as the manager of a deli to do something completely out of my comfort zone and it has worked out fairly well! I am making more money, working less hours (so I can spend more time creating) and feeling pretty good about my decision. It’s true; when one door closes, another one opens…it’s just that sometimes it’s a different door than we expected but it takes us to a place where we need to be at that time! Hang in there!
On May 19, 2009 at 12:56 am #
KarenDe-Challenge Chick says:Thanks so much for all of your kind and understanding comments. I finally admitted to myself that I was not happy when my “creative outlet” of beading became the one thing I wanted to do ALL of the time – especially when I “should” have been working on my dissertation or grading papers! Now I may not be sure what is ahead for me, but I do know I won’t try again to shut out my creative side – whether it be picks, pictures, or Pandahlia Jewelry!
On May 19, 2009 at 1:01 am #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:Good for you, Karen! Sometimes you just have to listen to that inner voice and what it is saying to you…
On May 19, 2009 at 1:22 pm #
J Yee smart chick says:Karen,
thanks so much for sharing your ongoing transitions with such openess and vulnerability! I salute you for recognizing that your original dream of grad school didn’t have the same meaning for you in your heart any more! sure do relate to all the other stories here about life changes: I took college courses here and there for years w/o really finding what I wanted to do… changed careers from one that I hated and wasn’t well matched to (engineering), living and working for the air force in a small town on the gulf coast of nw florida… I planned for several years w/ support of my counseling group, moved out to the pacific nw w/o a job… it’s been a long 15 years later that I’m in grad school for a new profession – organizational development that is a much better match! as I go thru school I’m grateful cuz it’s felt like forever to find work that calls to me – I also really love community development work, working with both organizations and commuities around what it takes to be more effective and healthier vibrant places…
Karen, my prayers and best wishes to you in your journeys to find what calls to you, what you desire and dream to accomplish… it takes a lot of courage to do what you did, leave your program after so many years w/o a job and move back in w/ your parents! Your beautiful Pick also speaks volumes about your sense of creativity, design and enjoyment of life! thanks again for sharing, hope that you do continue to talk and let us know how you’re doing on this journey to find what you want to do in future…
On May 19, 2009 at 1:30 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:Just checking in, and we Chicks are always around. Hope today goes well for you.