Stormborn

So tonight is the season six finale of Game of Thrones and then we'll have to wait a long winter for new episodes. #SadDay Can the Starks hold Winterfell? Has Khaleesi overthrown the masters once and for all? Is Margery plotting something? Are the six million subplots and conspiracy theories known to those who have read the books taking shape?

So I wrote a long while back about my Aunt Gloria who is an amazingly talented artist whose iron and gold jewelry was selected for the Khaleesi on Game of Thrones. Such a cool achievement and line on a resume! Gloria is way too diverse to be defined by just a couple pieces she's made but when we started to notice cheap knock-offs of the Khleesi ring and bracelet being sold on Etsy, we encouraged her to make more of the real thing so that fans would have an opportunity to have something truly special. Well, that's easier said than done --- like all her art, the jewelry is typically bespoke, one-off pieces that are hand-forged and often experimental. To recreate multiples of the same ring and bracelet involved a long process of creating a mold, making each piece by hand, and individually finishing each one. A limited edition of 100 rings and bangles as worn by Daenerys herself is available here.

But I don't want to just give you a sales pitch because it's really not necessary. Her work is beautiful, she is the kindest and most generous soul --- and especially if you're a fan of the show, the opportunity to wear something integral to such an iconic character speaks for itself.

Since my cancer diagnosis, Gloria, like so many family and friends, has been a truly wonderful support, staying in touch even a world away and constantly offering inspiration, humor, compassion, and motivation. When she told me I had a package on the way, I was half surprised --- it certainly wasn't necessary and I know how much trouble it can be to mail something from London. And when I opened the box to find this inside, I was truly touched.

I don't mean to make this all about me, but.... well it is my blog. It's such an honor that she would send me No. 1 of 100. Everything that this symbolizes is incredibly special to me.

You can see the hallmark and number 001 inside.

Which brings me to this --- Daenerys Targaryen is my cancer spirit animal.

Each piece will be unique in its finish. 

She is born in the midst of a battle and a raging storm, just like I started this new chapter of the rest of my life in the middle of a battle my body had been waging against me without my knowing. She has to fight for her place in the world against those who doubt her, just like I am fighting for my place in this world against all the statistics, averages, and educated opinions who say that this is all but an impossible goal. She is compassionate and empathetic but committed to justice and ruthless against her enemies and well, this cancer is my enemy and deserves nothing but the absolute worst we can deliver, right?

It looks heavy and definitely feels substantial but it's totally wearable. 

And finally, she is the Mother of Dragons. Before Milo was born Enrique picked out a little stuffed dragon for him, with chewy parts and a rattle. Milo takes it in the car with him every time and I hear him shaking it in the backseat while I drive. When we were planning his first Halloween costume we decided he must be a dragon because he is so spirited and feisty, and I wore a "Mother of Dragons" shirt to go with it. E told me a few months ago that Milo is my fight --- his strong, stubborn, amazing little personality represents all the strength, faith fuel and yes, stubbornness that I am bringing to this cancer battle war. Not only does he represent how I will fight, but he IS the why I fight. A mother does not flee without her children.

ahhhhh he was such a baby!

So basically, get your hands on these incredible pieces of wearable art. Especially now while the UK is still part of the EU because who knows how shipping and importing and such will work after that all goes down....?!?!  And, if you're listening cancer, don't underestimate me because I might speak softly or am usually pretty easygoing... because I'm not going to stop the wheel, I'm going to break the wheel. 

Oh, and happy viewing of the Season Six Finale! Here's hoping Jon Snow's #manbun is here to stay.


Seven Blessings to all of you,

Happy Name Day

Today is my Aunt Gloria's birthday, so... Happy Birthday!

She moved to France to go to art school when she was like, 18 or 20 and eventually settled in London. She is endlessly creative and resourceful; and can make something beautiful and unique out of basically anything.

Installation: plaster, steel rod, bitumen

Gloria Carlos skulls on display at Knebworth House.
Skulls are carved and individually adorned with recycled antique
brass, tin and iron objectswith hand-forged stands. 

Some time back, she starting making jewelry. Really unique jewelry that contrasted forged iron and precious metals.

A ring she made me when I started college that I've worn basically every day since...
and a pair of earrings that I receive compliments on every. time. I wear them.
**Not a professional or remotely competent earring model**

And at some point a friend of hers was working as a costumer for a TV show and buying pieces to use in dressing one of the characters. You might have heard of the show; it's called Game of Thrones.

What? Oh yeah, that's just Daenerys Targaryen wearing a one-of-a-kind ring and bracelet made by Gloria Carlos.

So with Comic Con closing yesterday, Game of Thrones being more popular than ever (I am SO bummed that the line to "Survive the Realm" stretched almost around the entire block because I was actually considering getting a House Baratheon tattoo --- I'm House Stark, but I love the antlers); it's perfectly fitting that there's now an opportunity for fans and admirers to get a custom-made replica of the Khaleesi ring or bangle.

Like, not a cheap knock-off, but a limited-time, made-to-order piece of jewelry ("jewellery" as I guess they say across the pond?) made with the same attention and method as the original.

It's a pretty cool thing and awesome for her. I hope anyone reading this will also take a look at her other work --- aren't those adorned skulls amazing! You can find her website and social media below. She has an amazing perspective and eye for the beautiful and unique.

Online store where you can order a Khaleesi ring or bangle

http://www.gloriacarlos.com/ 

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So Happy Birthday, Aunt Gloria! May the coming year bring love, laughter and exciting new adventures and opportunities. Much love,