I write a jewelry blog -- for consumers, for industry members, for everyone.  Normally this space wouldn't contain any commentary on current events, because as a social and political activist, I give myself plenty of alternative outlets. But I feel compelled to express my horror at the events that have unfolded across the world over the weekend, particularly as I experienced the live updates about Paris while frantically attempting to contact my parents as they slept in their hotel beds in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Once I ascertained their safety, my thoughts turned as they always do to a piece of music that expresses my personal feelings about the world in which we live.  

Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be

I took the featured photo last Wednesday, never dreaming it could be used to represent one of the many nations currently mourning the loss of life. There is beauty in all things, and I am positive that there is beauty yet to be discovered in this world, regardless of the actions taken by those who attempt to remove it.

Je crois en la paix.

My regularly scheduled posts will begin again tomorrow.