Open House features local jewelry designer
An Open House featuring the work of Sharron Warren is set for Thursday, April 14, 7-9 pm at 484 Mountain Road, Halifax, hosted by friends of the artist. Warren works with silver necklaces, glass and beads– crafting them into unique, versatile, whimsical & affordable custom creations. She will also demonstrate how she can transform forgotten jewelry from the back of the drawer into something new to wear and enjoy.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Warren is a relative newcomer to South Boston– husband Tom Warren’s work as a process engineer for ABB brought the couple to the area in 2008. A nurse by training, Sharron Warren served many years in Hampton Roads doctors’ offices and later worked for Merck & Co. in Pennsylvania– responsible for the company’s compliance with federal regulations for new drugs.
With a longtime love for handmade lampwork glass beads, Warren started making jewelry in 2002 and found a variety of bead makers to supply her with “just the right beads,” she says. “Making jewelry is very relaxing and fills my soul with joy. I love what I do and I am happiest at my craft desk.”
Warren began showing her creations at craft shows. ”The joy of seeing people admire my work and buy pieces was so rewarding. It allowed me to meet so many new people and explain the art of lampworking and what goes into each piece.”
With her love of– and location near– the beach, Warren named her little business “Beach Babe’s Jewelry.” She set up a website and focused on making jewelry reminiscent of the beach. The wonder of the internet allowed people as far away as Germany to find Warren and own her pieces.
Her craft also has its challenges, however. “The challenges I’ve met since moving to South Boston are marketing– smaller town, smaller market. In a smaller community and with the economy the way it is now, my pricing has been lowered to allow for everyone to own something.” Still, Warren has done several local shows successfully and always enjoys meeting people.
Her outgoing nature and community spirit have made her many friends in Halifax County. Warren volunteers for South Boston “Destination Downtown” events, Third Thursdays, and music events. She did all the data entry for the Duck Race adoptions and says, “It’s been rewarding and it’s nice to be appreciated.”
Warren also belongs to a mastermind group- a small group to discuss goals and share ideas. “It’s a wonderful little group who has encouraged me to continue with my passions, no matter what they are. This group is my rock.”
Friends from this group– Chris Butterworth, Jenny Hochstein and Ami Hudson– will host Thursday’s Open House for Warren. “We wanted to introduce Sharron and her work to the larger community,” says Butterworth, whose Mountain Road home– the rectory of St. John’s Episcopal Church– is the site of the event. “All are welcome.”
“Sharron is a fun person with a lot of flair. She is inventive, practical and caring– always willing to share her know-how in many areas with people she meets,” says co-host Ami Hudson.
Co-host Jenny Hochstein says, “Sharron’s jewelry is unique. I love being able to hang one or more on a chain for a different look with every outfit.” Warren has also transformed some of Hochstein’s existing jewelry into new, updated pieces.
“When I sell a piece, I love the look in their eyes,” says Warren, “as they have bought a one of a kind creation.”
All are welcome to the Open House featuring Sharron Warren on Thursday, April 14 from 7-9 pm at 484 Mountain Road. Refreshments will be served. For directions, contact Chris Butterworth at 476-6473. For more information, visit Warren’s website at www.beachbabesjewelry.blogspot.com or e-mail Warren at slbeach703@hotmail.com.
Making Sense of Your Dreams
Are dreams nonsense or do they mean something? An April 7 workshop in Halifax acts on the belief that dreams are worth considering. Chaplain and spiritual director Ami Hudson, M.Div. will lead a process for exploring–and hopefully drawing meaning from– dreams. Attendees may participate or just observe during the one-hour workshop offered at mid-day and repeated in the evening.
“We receive guidance through dreams,” says Hudson. “Inventions, great ideas, inspiration, works of art and solutions to tough problems have come to people that way.”
But many of us don’t take them seriously. “Too often dreams are treated like junk mail or spam,” says Sister Carol Davis, OP– a counselor, teacher and retreat leader in upstate New York whose dreams-retreat Hudson recently attended at Durham, NC. “We need to pay attention or else we miss a lot.”
What to expect
What exactly will happen in the Halifax workshop? “It’s easygoing and conversational,” says Hudson– a process participants can use among friends. “We’ll explore a dream by asking the person to tell the dream like they’re telling a story and to give it a title. Then I’ll ask some questions about the feelings involved, what they are most curious about, or what stood out.” Others from the group will be invited to share observations and impressions of the dream– not as interpretation but just as input to consider. “We don’t ‘interpret’ other people’s dreams,” cautions Hudson. “Only the dreamer can know what a dream means to them. The rest of us only help explore it.”
Mary Helen Stafford of Vernon Hill tried out the process with Hudson recently among a group of friends. ”I really enjoyed going through the dreamwork process with our group. Hearing the input of others in a constructive way was very enlightening. It was a good way to help make sense of even the most bizarre of dreams,” says Stafford.Attention to dreams started at a young age for Hudson, who got the idea to keep a cassette recorder by her bed to capture dreams. “Most of the recordings turned out mumbled and unintelligible though,” she laughs. During seminary she studied Gestalt Pastoral Care, which includes a therapeutic approach to working with dreams. In recent years she has taught about dreams locally at her Halifax office, for the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, and for The Prizery’s “Affair of the Arts” event.
A Christian spiritual director, Hudson is self-employed and meets with individuals at her Halifax office to help navigate through life. She also offers couples sessions, speaking, sermons and retreats.
If you go
“Making Sense of Your Dreams” will be offered at noon and again at 7 p.m. Light refreshments are planned and participants in the noon workshop may feel free to bring their lunch. “I’m hoping people who work nearby may be able to join us around their lunch break,” said Hudson.
The event is set for Thursday, April 7 at Hudson’s office on North Main Street in Halifax with a choice of times, Noon-1:00 or 7-8:00 pm. Participants should register for the workshop ($5) by Tuesday 4/5 by calling Hudson at 476-4111 or online at www.AmiHudson.com indicating a preference of noon or 7 p.m.
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Or call (434) 476-4111 or contact us.
Look for the good in each other
Do the best things about your relationship get lost in the shuffle of everyday life? Here’s an easy way to take a moment for the two of you every day. Just ask each other, “What did you like about our relationship today?”
Maybe you liked it when he took the initiative to call your mom. Maybe he appreciates your helping towards the household income. Maybe it meant a lot to her that you helped the kids with homework or did the shopping on your way home. Maybe he thought you looked absolutely terrific. But you both forgot to mention it during the course of the day. Well, now’s your chance– don’t miss it.
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Daily dialogue involves setting aside a few minutes to reflect on what you liked in your relationship today. It sparks discussion about the relationship, not just the day’s tasks, and reinforces your desire for communication, connection and vitality.
Turn off the TV, computer and phone and give your full attention. Focus on the good qualities in each other and share what you liked about each other today. Most of us have many good qualities and praiseworthy actions that mean a lot in relationships. But we don’t look for them and barely take time to mention them. So go ahead, ask each other: “What did you like about our relationship today?”
Fishing for compliments? Maybe. But it’s better than starving for them! Too many relationships suffer from lack of nurture. We neglect to value what we intended to cherish. Seek out what’s good between you so you won’t lose sight of it among the mundane.
While many of us discuss the activities of our day, we have a harder time communicating our feelings. Daily dialogue should focus on your feelings “about each other and your lives together,” according to Prepare-Enrich, a marriage preparation and enrichment program based in Minneapolis that promotes daily dialogue in their workbook for couples.
Another benefit of daily dialogue: knowing you’re going to talk about this keeps you looking for the good in each other. This is useful when the dishes pile up, the schedule’s tight, the garbage can’s full, the light bulb burns out, there are 8 calls to return, 3 big decisions to make, 2 projects due, and it’s time to pick up dog food again.
Want to extend the conversation constructively? Prepare-Enrich suggests two additional questions. After “What did I like about us today?” follow up with “What did I dislike?” and “How can we be helpful to each other?” While the questions may take a little courage, they are straightforward and lead to valuable discussion about your relationship.
You’ll regain each other’s affection with daily words of appreciation. And you’ll probably be surprised how much they do value about you.
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Sweet Talk– a moment for the two of you
Could the two of you use a romantic evening away to look into each other’s eyes with easygoing conversation about what matters most? How about doing so over custom-made desserts and hot coffee in a cozy setting by candlelight?
This Thursday, Ami and Brandon Hudson will lead “Sweet Talk– a moment for the two of you” held at Molasses Grill and featuring Chef Steve’s special desserts.
During dessert, Ami and Brandon will guide you in relaxed conversation between you and your date, sharing a few tips towards a sweeter forever. This is an opportunity to slow down and focus on one another. What’s said is just between you– participants will not be asked to share with the group. No matter how long you’ve been together, you’ll benefit from intentional reflection on your relationship.
“It’s easy to get caught up in a routine and take your sweetheart for granted,” says Ami Hudson. “We wanted to set aside time for couples to focus on the good in one another and to come away even closer and stronger.”
The leaders hope that the event’s impact will outlast Valentine’s Day. “The box of chocolates will soon be eaten and the flowers will wilt in days, but the intimacy will last forever,” says Brandon Hudson.
Facilitators
Ami Hudson is a chaplain and spiritual director who meets with people at her office in the town of Halifax. Brandon Hudson is an attorney and mediator with an interest in healthy relationships. Together they offer private educational sessions for couples seeking enrichment.
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Join us
“Sweet Talk” will be held at 7:30 pm Thursday, February 10 at Molasses Grill in Halifax. Pre-paid registration is required ($15/person) by 2/9. To register, contact Ami Hudson at 476-4111.
Payment
Please CALL BEFORE PURCHASING (476-4111) to make sure space is available. You may also call to arrange bringing payment by our office.
“Power Thoughts” workshop to focus on better thinking
UPDATE: Due to weather, the “Power Thoughts” Workshop is RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, January 18 at Noon and repeated at 7:00 p.m. Both groups are currently FULL but please call (434) 476-4111 to check for cancellations.
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Can “power thoughts” help you towards your goals and make you happier and healthier? Ami Hudson thinks so, and will host a free “Power thoughts & Affirmations” workshop Tuesday to show you how. “Affirmations can be goal-specific, so bring your New Year’s resolutions and try it out,” Hudson says.
“Over the years we can take on limiting ideas and negative beliefs - about life and about our ability to achieve things. Affirmations are positive statements and beliefs that inspire us and bring better experiences to our lives. They replace doubt, cynicism, or defeat. They assert the best of who you are and how you want to experience life,” says Hudson.
Examples? Replace ‘It’s too late’ with ‘There is plenty of time.’ Or change ‘I’m overweight” to ‘I am becoming my perfect weight.’ “It’s a small change in words, but a different way of thinking,” says Hudson. “Most of us could benefit from speaking more kindly to ourselves–and besides, it works. Our words and beliefs matter, so why not make them positive and affirming?.”
“Power thoughts & Affirmations” will be offered at noon and again at 7 p.m. Participants in the noon workshop may feel free to bring their lunch. “I’m hoping people who work nearby may be able to join us around their lunch break,” said Hudson.
Hudson is a Christian spiritual director which she described as “your personal chaplain to help you navigate through life.” She has taught religion and lifelong learning courses at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and has served as career coach at Halifax County High School. Her website is www.AmiHudson.com and her office is in Halifax.
This workshop is the third in a monthly “Best Self” series hosted by Hudson. Topics for upcoming months include: 5 Things for Couples, Getting Serious about Laughter, and Making Sense of your Dreams. “I chose topics that have benefitted me, and I hope they will contribute to others’ well-being too,” said Hudson. Recent workshops were “Balance your Life” in November and “20 Minutes of Quiet” last month.
“Power Thoughts & Affirmations” is set for Tuesday, January 11 at Hudson’s office on North Main Street in Halifax with a choice of times, Noon-1:00 or 7-8:00 pm. Participants should register for the free workshop by Friday, 1/7 by calling Hudson at 476-4111 or by e-mail to ami@pure.net, indicating a preference of noon or 7 p.m. Leave an e-mail address if you want notification of upcoming workshops, which run through April.
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