D'un certain âge

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.       
~Emily Dickinson

"I've just come into my own quite late. I'm a late bloomer. You have no idea how insecure I was... I just didn't believe in myself and now I know who I am." Ilona Royce Smithkin

I saw a video on the wonderful blog StyleLikeU last week about 92 year old Ilona Royce Smithkin who is just brimming with energy, joy, color and, well, with life. I was so inspired I sent it on to a few friends who found it as uplifting as I had.

 

  

THEN, not two days later, guess who I bumped into on my very own street corner?! (these kind of wild chance encounters seem to happen on a weirdly regular basis to everyone in NYC, go figure...) Ilona!! I stopped her to say how amazing and fabulous she is and she was as kind and vivacious as could be. She also let me in on a great little secret: staying creative fuels the fires of life. Easy, peasy - just keep doing what you love and loving what you do. I love simple, sage advise.                                                                    

There really is very little attention spent on older people in the media, particularly women, and to see someone who is embracing life like it's a party each and every day, regardless of their age, makes me want to join in and celebrate also. Through this video I found another fabulous blog, Advanced Style, that is focused on creative and stylish older folks. Yay! We don't have to quietly fade and shrivel up in a corner somewhere! And remember, lots of things get better with age;

Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945, anyone?

Oh, yeah, the smellier and furrier the better!

17th century... really, really old

20th century funky - holds a top spot in my heart

   

And you know how much I love vintage wind up monkeys

            

                                             
                                           

Maybe the thing that gets the best with age........ diamonds! about three billion (yes, BILLION) years of old!

   

Cheers to embracing life to its fullest as long as possible!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

1,000 Paper Cranes

With the start of Aroc Urtu, I Do – our new bridal jewelry collection, I’ve been thinking about weddings a lot and the many symbols that have become significant in various wedding traditions. One that I find particularly beautiful is the folded paper crane.

Cranes have always occupied a special place in Asian history and culture. Cranes are considered auspicious and symbolize longevity & good health. It is believed that cranes mate for life and both male & female work together to build their nest. Thus, cranes may be the perfect wedding symbol. They say that if you fold 1000 paper cranes, then your heart’s desire will come true.

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren