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Choose Life in the after- after the spouse dies, after the marriage ends, after the kids leave

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Canyon Road in Santa Fe and Serendipity / Godwinks

July 11, 2016 by Sharon

Serendipity: ” luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are                          not looked for”  Merriam- Webster online dictionary

Synchronicity: “the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events                              (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image                              of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are 

                           not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality —used    
                           especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung    
                                                                       Merriam- Webster  Online Dictionary                                                                                        

Godwink: An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing 

                  that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer

                        to a prayer. 

I have written several times about the just plain weird things that have happened to me since R passed away.  The synchronicities, serendipities, Godwinks- whatever they are- and I do believe they are from God- have been such blessings in my life, and it all makes me wonder how many I’ve missed along the way.


In March, I was back in Texas visiting my parents.  I was looking at a magazine and saw and an article about a jewelry line called Bittersweet Designs.  I have used the word “Bittersweet” to describe so many things in my life over the past 5 summers and so the name caught my eye.  Then I started looking at the pieces of jewelry -some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen.  

I noticed that the artist who designs the necklaces is in Santa Fe, and since I live near there, I really wanted to go by her studio on Canyon Road and see her pieces.  I felt very drawn to the beauty of her work as well as the choice of the name.  I liked her page on Facebook and went on with my life.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the idea of living an abundant life kept coming into my mind.  I kept remembering the scripture John 10:10 “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  I thought about this a lot over several weeks and had come to the conclusion that there is a responsibility on our part to make sure that we are living our life to our fullest potential: that we are enjoying the simple things in life- we have a responsibility of action if this promise is made to us. During this time R’s dad passed away and M and C met me to attend their grandfather’s funeral.  I remember driving them around the hometown that their dad and I grew up in and telling them about these thoughts I was having about living an abundant life- which I happily feel they are both doing even though they have suffered a great loss.

 After returning to New Mexico from the funeral, one of my dearest friends, Pam, was coming to visit and we were planning a day on Canyon Road.  Bittersweet Designs always puts great quotes up on their Facebook page and just before Pam came I noticed one.  I clicked on the link to their website to find the address on Canyon Road so we could go there when she came,  and as I scrolled down to the bottom of the page there is was– the words
                                            

An ultimate “God Wink” to me!! These words that I had been using so often lately that were taking on great meaning in my life all here in the same shop that just happened to be where I live.  After the chills subsided, I thought to myself, “What could this mean?” My friends are so used to me going on and on about these unexplained Godwinks in my life. I shared all of this with Pam and she wanted to be with me on my first trip to this beautiful shop.

 Pam and I found the shop first thing on our Canyon Road excursion.  It is a delightful shop.  We were able to meet and talk to the wonderful woman who makes all of the jewelry. She has a wonderful life story of escaping Cambodia and coming to America.  It was not just a shopping trip; It was an experience!!  Pam and I both bought the same necklace, and I can’t wait to go back to find another piece to add. 

Where the jewelry is made!
What could this Godwink possible mean in my life?  I just don’t believe in coincidence, but truly feel that this experience was meant for me.  Just my personal wink from God that yes indeed, He is still on his throne and cares deeply about my life. 

If you find yourself in Santa Fe, be sure to stop by Bittersweet Designs.  You won’t be disappointed.  You can also shop online at Bittersweet Designs.

I love everything about this shop- my love of words in general, made me oooh and awwwh over all of the quotes and cards around the store.  

Pam and I with our purchases!!!  Such a fun experience with a dear friend and a memory I won’t soon forget.

And my necklace on the right!!

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After her husband’s sudden and unexpected death, Sharon McCuistian found herself a widow at the age of 48. With two grown children in college, Sharon had to find a way to live in her new reality. She turned to the things she loved to help in her grief: faith, family, and friends. Her love of words and writing became the cathartic venue by which she began to process her loss. It is through her grief journey that Now Choose Life was born. Read More

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