it is not for babies! or so, daddy said. he didn't mean the lucky little ones who get to travel here and there to far flung places along with their loving parents. no; he meant that travel is so often these days not for the feint of heart. and i agree with daddy's wise words that he ushered to me when i had just returned from another teaching trip out west, in early april: it meant rushing to meet a ferry, to return the (expensive) rental car, an overnight flight with several connections (one with a very long delay, from 5:30am to 10:30am in the crazy atlanta airport), an 80 minute drive home, another 40 minute drive one way back in the same direction a couple of hours later to pick walter up from the kennel that was only open from three to five on sunday afternoons. traveling isn't easy when airlines will not be gentle or understanding with the bereaved, when they offer to do away with a penalty fee for changing a ticket but think nothing of charging an extra 500.00 for an earlier flight. it isn't easy when one is charged 55.00 one way for luggage (tools take up an entire suitcase), when meals are not included, when a pillow is no longer provided for those overnight flights. i miss the days of travel when folks dressed a little nicer than cut off shorts, when fellow travelers weren't grumpy or frazzled or disgusted with the general state of things. this, i think, is what daddy was talking about.
i've been hard at work with my design that features the words daddy thought would be a wonderful piece of jewelry; he was always my biggest fan, a staunch supporter who helped me get set up in a metalworking studio back in 1991 after i had come back from a two week metals class at penland, north carolina. i had sent out a letter to my regular jewelry customers (every christmas season while i was living in montgomery back in the late 80's and early 90's, i held a little open house and jewelry sale) telling them of my intentions to begin working in brass and silver - asking them to donate whatever they felt they could for my class fees, and promising to make them a new piece of jewelry upon my return - and daddy filled in the gap between what i was able to raise and what i needed for new tools of the trade. he saved every single book and magazine in which i was published, and faithfully kept a scrapbook of articles and photographs of my work. he was proud, so proud, of me, and the piece that i've designed is in honor of proud daddy. 
after daddy had passed away, after i returned home and was able to see a little more clearly, after i had sorted through the piles of things that had accumulated in the three months i was away, after i was able to walk into the studio and to feel that i was ready to begin, i pulled out some PMC (precious metal clay) and spent two days perfecting a heart pendant that bore daddy's words. there was much measuring and straightening, rolling and stamping and cutting and sanding, then tumbling and tarnishing and polishing before i was satisfied enough to send the prototype on its way to my regular caster. then the waiting began. ten days later, the package finally arrived after a three day delay in shipment due to horrid weather. i decided to have the heart cast in brass, since the price of silver is sky high these days, and i didn't have the funds to order multiple pieces of a heart that measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/2". so, cast it in brass they did, and i've spent much time aging them with a lovely patina that highlights the lettering and texture (the original piece was pressed into a bit of lace that i pulled from an old blue doll trunk that had been my mother's as a child). 
too, i've paired the pendant with a length of vintage 1940's brass watch chain from a roll that i purchased back in 1999 from an old costume jewelry supply factory that was closing its doors. all these years i'd held on to that chain, waiting for the right moment to come along. the heart hangs, as other charm pendants have that i've offered, from a silverplate watch fob hook, and hangs right over one's heart, where it will grow warm from your skin. i like that it can be removed from the hammered sterling ring. for those of you who've purchased charms in the past, you'll now have a chain that can be interchanged with the various pieces you've collected. i like that interchangeability, a lot.
i'm not a believer in a mass market approach to my work. having something cast into sterling or brass to use as a component in a necklace or bracelet design that i sit and pull together, alone in my studio or sitting on the sofa at my mother's house, tray in my lap - well, this is my way to make a piece that will not cost nearly as much as my usual pieces, but is many steps above what you might typically find in an inexpensive gift shop or craft supply store, something made in massive amounts overseas from parts that are cheaply produced in a huge factory line. i make each necklace myself, i twist each piece of sterling wire here to connect my signature charms and designs, and the finished product is from a limited production line that will be offered for a very short time. each piece is signed on the back, by me. little old me. assembling these necklaces has been a slow, sometimes too slow, process that has left me at times impatient, but for the most part very proud. and i know that daddy is looking over my shoulder every step of the way, nodding his head, tears in his eyes, everlasting love in his gentle heart. and this time, i've had the encouragement and approval of my beautiful, beloved mother, who always roots for me in her beautiful genteel way, right at my side every cautious step of the way.
i'll be listing the necklaces in my little etsy shop later today. but first, i have a mama in the next room that i think i'll go wrap my arms around with a great big, nina bear hug. xo
Dear Nina, how lovely and healing that you are making something beautiful out of your memories of your father. I am sure he is smiling down upon you now, hovering like an angel at your shoulder. How blessed you are! I didn't comment on your earlier posts about his passing since by the time I had read the posts there were so many sweet and supportive comments already there. So now I am among the first today to read this new post and smile happily over how you are working and creating again. I am going through some severe tests in my own life now and must plow through before I win the space and time to create again. I really appreciate your sharing of how it goes for you, from day to day.
Posted by: Ramona | June 23, 2011 at 12:39 PM
this was so very worth waiting for. your dad's guiding hand is on your shoulder, dear one; his contented sigh is the breeze that brushes your cheek; his smile, the sun that shines on you. and the whisper you hear..."that's my girl". job well done, my friend. xo
Posted by: Tina in McLeansville | June 23, 2011 at 12:57 PM
this is such a beautiful tribute to you Daddy. I really love it, the words are very meaningful. For me I look at it as Traveling "life's road" is not for babies.... This is just beautiful and I know that your Daddy would be very proud of this piece just as he was so proud of you. xxoo
Posted by: Linda | June 23, 2011 at 01:32 PM
i love that sentiment that each necklae has with your daddys words and the old fob chain..it is the perfect talisman for everyone and is simply beautiful and this post is amazing...love you xox~kimska
Posted by: kim | June 23, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Nina your so right about *Today! I often think that things were better some years ago, well a quality that is gone now. You werent barraged with an automated system when you called a place, you had a person on the other end. There werent press English..why do we have to press one for English anyway? There was the personal touch and that is sorely lacking today! With the technology today to make life easier I think its made ppl more impatient. I dont have a critical eye but you notice these things. And wasnt life easier when everything was closed on Sundays? Thats what I feel anyway. A rest..a respite! When ever we go to Scotland I always see people some what better dressed than over here~it is noticeable. I guess I have said to much already! It is what it is but I love my husbands home country because things are slower and there is tact and decorum. Time dosent seem so rushed.
That is a really beautiful heart you made. Really beautiful! Your Daddy what a lovely man. He gave such wisdom Nina and what a gift he was in so many ways. You really have been so busy! Thats a wonderful place you can live with Walter where your Soul can breathe deep and become refreshed again! Its hard here in Houston to do that lol!
Kind wishes~Janet ox
Posted by: Janet | June 23, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I was hoping that's what you had been doing ...Lovely!
continuous hugs and love from lil' ol' me on this side of the hill
Posted by: kathy vk | June 23, 2011 at 02:57 PM
It's a beautiful design, and that watch chain.......beautiful AND perfect!!!
Posted by: gayle | June 23, 2011 at 02:59 PM
such a wonderful piece you have created Nina!! i was so glad to see a jewelry piece in your Etsy shop and had to hurry in here to see if you have posted anything. So often when i am gardening i think of you, think how very dear you are.
Posted by: delila | June 23, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Having just returned from two weeks in Alaska, I agree wholeheartedly that Traveling Is Not For Babies! Love this jewelry piece. :)
~~Judy H.
Posted by: Judy H. | June 23, 2011 at 04:03 PM
Exquisite, absolutely.......See, this is why I love Your jewellry and Your stories and how they intertwine.Unique, every single piece, and I love them and Your poetry.
Posted by: Jess | June 23, 2011 at 04:52 PM
happy to read your post and see the excitingly cool and awesome traveling heart. hope you have a chance to take some long walks with Walter the wild puppers this summer. love to your Ma, too....
*my heart is traveling, to where I know not, not now.
*soon I will land, heart intact and babied with love, traveling only in dreams.
*dreaming of travel, my tender baby heart is now landing in love.
Posted by: Vickie | June 23, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Beautiful piece-in many ways~
Posted by: donna joy | June 23, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Dearest Nina, life has kept me away for ever and a day, returning now at last, i am filled with sadness & smiles, amazement & inpsiration from your words & images. Your Daddy was very right, those words make a perfect piece x
Posted by: ruthie | June 23, 2011 at 06:38 PM
my dear nina, what a lovely piece and a lovely tribute to your father! it is also a tribute to yourself and to all of us on our travels, whether near or far, on this journey of life. i have thought of you so very often these past few months.
this talisman of love and memory and strength is one i decided i need for myself. you will likely guess at least in part the reason why, when my last trip "afar" was to be the one to crochet and knot and stitch in your company, that in the end i was unable to make.
there is much meaning for me in those words - thank you to you and to your wonderful Daddy for designing this lovely touchstone. i feel very lucky to get one to accompany me along pn my journey!
xo
laura
Posted by: Laura | June 23, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Nina, I've been thinking of you often and sending thoughts of love and healing, though I have not been able to leave comments here at this beautiful blog =-(
I love what you write here of times past in the old romantic days of traveling, and yet I believe that your father may have meant that traveling in the "Journey of Life" is NOT for babies - sadly, here in Los Angeles, I seem to be surrounded by many whiny babies! =-\
You have created a wonderful necklace for us to purchase and the one you designed for yourself is beautiful and oh! so meaningful! much luv & huggs to you Nina!
Posted by: Monica | June 23, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Wow ... an amazing tribute to your father, to your relationship with your father and his admiration and support of you and your craft. Love and Grief ... the impetus for an amazing work of art.
Posted by: Amy | June 24, 2011 at 12:34 AM
Beautiful...simply, beautiful. I love how you are keeping your Father alive through your at work. Love and work and creativity--they are the best things to keep on going at such times. I admire how you are going forward. As I love abroad, I understand your travel woes. Going "home" to see my family in the USA often feels like a huge undertaking these days. So no travel isn't for babies... LOL... But there's a deeper meaning in those words too. Much to think about. Blessings to you... :o)
Posted by: Tracy | June 24, 2011 at 07:41 AM
You should be proud, dear Nina, for creating that lovely piece. It is a wonderful tribute to your father. I was happy to purchase one (an extravagance, I thought, because I am trying to economize, but I slept on it and still wanted it) and I will wear it happily on my travels. It will be extra-special to me because you have shared the story of your creative process in making it.
Posted by: Mary G. | June 24, 2011 at 01:37 PM
I have come to value the incredible healing power that making offers us all. Through dark and light times. In confusion and in clarity. These hearts are beautiful. For me, most of all, the few words that capture the spirit of the man you honour. Journeying is indeed for the stout hearted. Those of us who can press on regardless. You have found beauty yet again. You never cease to amaze and inspire me Nina. x
Posted by: rachelle | June 24, 2011 at 01:59 PM
What a fabulous piece!! The story behind your original pendant makes it so special, and the warmth of the brass is perfect. How wonderful that everyone will attach their own interpretation to your father's poetic words.
Posted by: Cynthia | June 24, 2011 at 02:26 PM
The heart pendant is gorgeous ~ thank you for sharing some of the process with us!
Posted by: Michelle Brown | June 25, 2011 at 06:53 AM
I love that as he prepared for his final journey, your dad's comment let you know that he could do it, and that you too, would find the strength and love to fulfill your journeys as well. Travel is not for babies, but without it, we never move ahead or grow or live or love. As I take my morning walks along Moonstone Beach here in Cambria, I wish you by my side to feel the healing power and solace of the sea.
Erin in Morro Bay
Posted by: Erin Perry | June 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM
oh nina what a perfect tribute to your dad
xx
julie
Posted by: julie whitmore | June 25, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Nina, I enjoy so much reading your blog...your gentle words are like honey. I will be going to visit my father next week. He is 86 years old and has bone cancer. I will be cooking for him and keeping him company for a week or so while his caregiver takes a bit of a vacation to go visit her daughters. I so cherish my time with him - however short it may be. God bless you. denise :D
Posted by: Denise Daniel | June 25, 2011 at 09:21 PM
Yes so true... That is a wonderful strong/sensitive powerful amulet.
Posted by: sandy | June 25, 2011 at 11:20 PM
My Daddy died 5 years ago in his sleep from a massive heart attack. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. Your words and the sharing of your love of your Father with us is very special
Posted by: Angie | July 05, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Wow your jewelry is awesome and dynamic. Great work.
Posted by: Shelley Whiting | July 11, 2011 at 08:47 PM