Growing up, my mom, the most wonderful, funny, strong woman I know, had a favorite children’s book she used to read to my sister and I. It was called Not Today, and featured a little girl and her mother on a shopping trip. Every time the little girl asked for something, a doll, a candy bar, the mother sang, “not today.” As you may have guessed, my mom loved to use this phrase when she took myself and my sister shopping. And eventually, this phrase allowed me to understand I was not entitled to the newest shiny toy, the newest gadget.
Now, the opposite of “not todays” was “just becauses.” A “just because” was an unexpected gift, not given on a birthday or holiday, but at a random time and place. And they had different meanings. Sometimes, a “just because” meant that my mom was thinking about me. Sometimes, it meant she was proud of me, not because of a certain test grade or tennis match, but just because of who I was.
When I entered into my romantic relationship with my wonderful partner, Sean, I taught him about the “not todays” and “just becauses.” Such simple concepts but they truly made life sweeter; every surprise held a little more meaning and a little less expectation. Now, Sean is the love of my life, but I will admit, at first, gift-giving did not come easily to him. Gifting was not his love language, he would much prefer a movie night in or a ball game out, than to pick out something more physical to gift.
One day, while I was visiting him in Oklahoma (we are currently long distance), we were sitting on his couch and he produced a small black box from his pocket (no, not that kind of jewelry box, not yet anyways *wink wink* ). With a twinkle in his eyes and a small smile on his face, he handed me the box, saying, “just because.” Nestled inside were the chickadee perched earrings from Beth Millner Jewelry, chickadees my favorite bird, Beth Millner, my favorite jewelry artist.
This “just because” was the sweetest surprise I never expected and for what seemed like the millionth time, my mind whispered, oh my goodness, I love this man. She doesn’t even know but Beth Millner and her team set the scene for one of our sweetest moments and most memorable “just becauses.” Now, as we live 800 miles apart, I wear these chickadee earrings nearly every other day as a reminder of our love, and the power of a “just because.”
My wife picked out the ring while on vacation in Marquette area. Had it “put aside” while she thought about how bad she wanted it. Gonna surprise her on Sweetest Day—
Every thing is great so far-I’ll let you know the outcome...
All of your jewelry is beautiful. Nice to have a piece of home
Everything about it is wonderful
Beautiful picture
Love the design and the size. Perfect.
This charm is very nicely made and a very beautiful design.
This ring for me gives me a peace of MQT summers, of the lush greens and full trees. Beth is able to share so many of her local experiences into her jewelry which I can appreciate. Leaves me peaceful...
I was raised in the U.P. and have a deep love of Lake Superior and agates, and many of my family members on my mother's side worked in the copper mines. (Plus Beth and I are both alums of NMU.) When I saw this pendant, I realized that not only did it look beautiful, but it represented so much of who I am.
When it arrived, I was stunned at how beautiful it is.
I have a number of other Beth Millner pieces, all of which I love, but this one is particularly special. I have a chain from the shop, but can't help but think that a braided copper chain would be a perfect match.
Every time I look down at this ring on my hand, I feel transported into a favorite place, the rustic U.P. woods: surrounded by green leaves & branches galore. The double band combined with a twig-like appearance really catches my eye, with a natural greenstone front & center. Well done BMJ team!
