Everyone knows someone that has been affected by breast cancer.
Think about that....................................................................Let that sink in.
My college roommate was diagnosed with breast cancer and then brain tumors when she was about 36 years old. The mother of an artist friend had breast cancer. One of my high school friends fought the disease while also simultaneously fighting M.S. I work in a very small office (less than 10 employees). Over the 20 years that I have been here, two of my colleagues have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Two. So right there, I know at least five women affected. All survivors. I am sure that you might have similar stories. We are well aware that self-examinations are a key to early detection and mammograms are 100% necessary (have you had one lately? I need to schedule one). But even more important is just stopping our busy lives to remember to take good care of ourselves in all ways. I am the worst at taking care of myself. You can't escape the pink wave that is Breast Cancer Awareness month. While buying pink might make us feel good, it is not always the most helpful in the real fight. That pink ribbon campaign has increased awareness tenfold, which is great, but yet we still have this insidious health crisis and the science is still nowhere near a cure. Personally, I don't subscribe to buying pink and expecting it to fund a cure. After 30+ years of this campaign and no closer to a cure, I would much rather donate directly to causes that I know will use the money for the right purposes rather than buying pens and yogurts and hats and candles and any other manner pinkified items that promise pennies on the dollar for a "cure." I spoke with one of my breast cancer survivor friends and she agreed: we are married to pink ribbons as a symbol of awareness, but yet a cure is nowhere in sight. Makes you stop and think before jumping on the pink bandwagon. For me, I subscribe to a more holistic approach to wellness. Yes, I need to be aware of breast cancer, but I also need to just take better care of myself - mind, body and spirit. It means more to me to use this month as a time to focus on my own overall well-being, as well as honoring my friends who are survivors and affected by breast cancer in the best way possible - by being a good friend. In lieu of a Pretty Palettes partner, I am going to issue a challenge to all of you. A call to action, if you will: This October create something meaningful - a piece of jewelry, an accessory or decorative object - that you can gift to one or two friends to let them know that they matter to you and to remind them to take time out and be good to themselves. Then pay it forward. Gift it to your friend, relative - or even a complete stranger! Encourage her to take good care of herself. And be sure to take good care of yourself. Then on the reveal day, we would love to not only see your gifted creations, but we would love to hear your stories. I plan to make an accessory as a reminder for myself and two more...one for a woman in my life to let her know that she matters to me....and one as a gift to someone who participates this month. Yes. I am going to GIVEAWAY one of the pieces I make to one of you! All you need to do is join in the challenge, post on the reveal day and I will select a random winner from all entries for the reveal on October 26th. If you want to work with Halcraft Collection is wide open to you! YOU get to choose the colors for the palette (Pssst! This week the red cards are just $1.99 at Halcraft!) Keep in mind that you can select ANY Halcraft Collection in any color combination that work for your meaningful tangible message to a friend! Here are the Bead Gallery items that I have selected: 
Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection Halcraft Collection
Another meaningful option might be the Halcraft Collectionwhich works along with specific colors to convey different meanings. So, what do you think you might make? What color is calling to you? Who do you think you might surprise with this gift of love, support and awareness? Do tell! See you on October 26th for the reveal! P.S. Stay tuned for an announcement in the next few days about a new exciting interactive twist to the Pretty Palettes for November. It's going to be tons of fun!
