There are no words to adequately convey the shock and disbelief over the recent Nova Scotian tragedy. None. The province, and our country, is reeling.
A virtual vigil is set up for tomorrow to honor the victims of the attack. Click on this link for the details. The following comment broke my heart:
“How do we start to rebuild, how do we start to put ourselves back together if we can’t even give a hug or receive a hug?” Tiffany Ward, one of the organizers, said.
Just soak that tidbit in for a moment. Those affected can’t even give or receive a single hug.
Ms. Ward went on to say, “I think this has the potential to at least, maybe, a little bit, offer some solace and some comfort to the families and the community”
Bless her.
That spirit inspired me to hopefully shine a little light and love on at least one of the good folks of Nova Scotia today.
Introducing a Nova Scotian gem
Dear readers, meet Dorothée Rosen. Born in Germany, she immigrated to Canada in 1989 at the age of 19. Dorothée graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a major in jewelry design and metalsmithing, and a minor in art history (focus craft). This extraordinarily talented designer goldsmith now lives in Halifax and creates her masterpieces in her backyard workshop.
Halifax is 3,599.8 miles from Vancouver, so how did I discover her? Through Vancouver’s annual Circle Craft Christmas Market where I fell in love with her one-footer silver rings.
The ring is constructed from a foot of sterling silver. It’s solid, pleasantly humble, and truly unique, as no two are the same. I’ve worn it almost daily ever since.
But my relationship with this talented woman doesn’t end there. I eventually acquired a Dorothée Rosen piece for my daughter in honor of her graduation from university and I talked Francine, our 97-year old matriarch into buying I encouraged my mother to pick up a Dorothée treasure at the Summer Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver a few years back.
Joy In the Time Of COVID-19
I follow Dorothée on Instagram and was delighted to learn that she was having a sale, with huge discounts, in honor of her 50th birthday. It was a win/win situation. I could acquire yet another treasure and I could also help one of my favorite artists. As with everyone, this is not an easy time for her. A quick peek at the events page of her website reveals that thanks to COVID-19, she’s been slammed with several cancelations. The invitation to accompany the Canadian Minister of Culture on a trade mission to Germany in May alongside 18 other artists from across Canada? Cancelled. Representation in Korea? Cancelled. The wondrous Harmony Arts Festival? Cancelled. November’s Circle Craft Christmas Market? Time will tell …
I placed an order.
This wonder arrived in under a week.
I tore into it I lovingly untied the bow and unsealed the tape … Alas. There was a problem. The item was H U G E. It positively swam on me. I leapt onto my laptop and fired off an email. She got back to me within hours and kindly agreed to take back my piece and create a smaller one within three weeks. I thanked her profusely and promised myself to be patient.
But then Dorothée phoned me with a question just a week later. Wouldn’t it be smarter to send me the smallest size? We agreed that was wise and the conversation flowed easily onto other things. I’d only ever spoken with her just briefly. The gal is a kindred spirit. Her positivity shone over those 3,599.8 miles. Despite the forced cancellations of a highly anticipated staycation with a pal in Mexico as well as a soul-lifting conference with other like-minded goldsmiths, she was bursting with ideas and energy. It left me wishing she lived closer and I could pop in for tea and a chat.
Be Kind To Yourself.
Do yourself a kindness. While the sale is now over, I encourage you to check out the Dorothée Rosen designer goldsmith website. Sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Instagram and Twitter You’ll not only possibly help out a Nova Scotian, you’ll feed your soul. And a special shoutout to my American pals. Remember those prices are in Canadian dollars. With our dollar worth but 70 cents to yours … you lucky ducks could be picking up a Dorothée original for a song…
That’s it for today. Please know that by Introducing A Nova Scotian Gem, I’m not earning a loonie or even a dime, eh. I just ached to cast some love and light onto our beloved Nova Scotia.
And again, if you can, do check out the vigil tonight.
In the words of our British Columbian Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, “Be Kind, Be Calm and Be Safe …”
12 Responses
Oh wow, Kelly,
thank you so very much for the shout-out, and for thinking about us out here.
Nova Scotia is not very densely populated, and a close-knit community, as you may know. The pain is palpable in the air here these days – the whole province is grieving.
Your kind words about my work, and the joy which is oozing from the page, truly brought a much-needed smile to my face – Thank You! I am so happy that I can bring joy with the pieces I make.
I love my job!!
I am sure I’ll be back on the West Coast one day. Maybe we could have a cup of tea then, or even a hug – imagine!
With all the best wishes from Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Dorothée Rosen
My pleasure, Dorothée. It is an honor to wear your pieces. I look forward to that cup of tea and the hug. Stay well.
What a lovely post Kelly ! I have always admired your beautiful ring, she is such a talented artisan. The people of Nova Scotia are enduring such an incredibly unspeakable tragedy, and to go through it without truly comforting each other makes it so much harder to bear. Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you, Jane. I just wish I could do more. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to stop by Dorothee’s booth at this year’s Circle Craft Christmas Market.
A heartwarming story during a very difficult time. Thank you.
Thanks, Wend. I just wish I could do more …
Thank you for introducing us to this talented Nova Scotian!
I smiled at your bit about Frankie buying the bobble for your daughter.
And may I ask if you are earning a twoonie for your troubles? I know not a loonie. 🙂 Just kidding.
Hugs to our neighbors to the north for their pain.
Mom was actually buying the bobble for herself. Tee hee. We had so much fun. The sun was setting at Ambleside Beach in West Van and I steered her over to Dorothee’s booth. She fell in love with the pieces instantly. I nudged her to treat herself.
And I’m grinning here over the twoonie reference …
The Nova Scotia incident is the largest mass shooting in Canadian history. I purposely didn’t reference that but wanted to do something. We really need light and love, especially now. Stay well, Katy.
Kelly, your message was so gracious and I am looking forward to checking out the work of this Nova Scotia gem. Buying a piece of jewelry seems like a worthy action to take during this time. It’s a win/win. I toured Nova Scotia last fall, it’s such a remarkable place. I have roots there!
Thank you so very much for popping in and leaving a comment, Julie. And yes, buying a piece of jewelry at this time is a win/win. Do check out Dorothee’s site. She’s truly worthy. John and I were fortunate to visit NS in the late 80’s. I remember dining at a small family-owned restaurant and charmingly entertaining the staff and patrons. I suspect they’re probably still chuckling over our woeful lack of lobster knowledge.
My hear breaks for Nova Scotia.
Thank you, Paul.