A Few Charms (Banner)

A Few Charms (Banner)

Sunday 24 July 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Pandora fans are not Grinches

Pandora recently held a contest on Instagram to win a limited-edition gold Eiffel Tower charm. Fans were asked to, "Share a photo and write why you are a true Pandora fan." I submitted a photo and write-up on five of the six days that the contest ran. And one of my submissions won! This was my entry for June 24.

For your information the contest details are at the end of the post.

Pandora fans are not Grinches


"It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags." (Dr. Seuss' version)


Clearly the Grinch was NOT talking about Pandora. And he was certainly NOT a true Pandora fan!

"Pandora's not just about bracelets. It's not just about rings. It's not just about necklaces, charms or ear rings." (my version)
 

Pandora is about being part of a community of Pandora lovers. For over four years now, I have been part of a Pandora community on Facebook, and more recently on Instagram. We buy and sell charms from each other - new, preloved, retired, or hard-to-find. Sometimes we even swap. We help each other with promos or the latest gift with purchase. We send each other display boards, wrapping paper, gift bags, and display decorations.

Small gift bags
Large gift bags
 
I try to do my part by sending ribbons, pouches or catalogues. I've helped ladies around the world buy Disney pieces that they don't have in their country, retired charms I've discovered in my city, or charms exclusive to Canada - usually taking advantage of the free bracelet promo. I'm in a group that swapped Christmas ornaments with friends around the world. I've been in a support group that grew out of a selling page. I've even been in a photography group with friends who met through Pandora. And I'm in a wonderful group that does Secret Santa, exchanges birthday gifts, and are there for me during the ups and downs of daily life.

Pink travel box (plus chocolates) from a friend in Australia
Valentine's backboard from my local store

We've shared photos of our charms and bracelets. We've admired each other's creations. And we've shared stories about the meanings of our charms. With the support of my Pandora friends during my recovery, and with their feedback on my stories, I even started a blog.


VD - Valentine's Day
Ch - Christmas
MD - Mother's Day

Pandora fans are NOT Grinches. A true Pandora fan is kind and generous, is never jealous of someone else's collection, and is pleased to see the happiness that Pandora brings to the lives of her friends. I am a true Pandora fan.

"We collect ribbons.
We collect tags.
We collect packages,
boxes and bags."
(inspired by Dr. Seuss)


My Forever Paris dangle on one of my favourite promo items, the "Love is Forever" music box.
Only my second gold charm and it does glow!
A surprising find: the four feet of the Eiffel Tower are hearts - little gold hearts in this case!
How cute is that? Even my sales associate hadn't noticed this detail.

Related Posts:

Forever Paris Contest: grieving the loss of my mom - the winning story and photo, now with more photos of my mom's trip to Paris and the surprise I discovered; my submission for June 21, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: using Pandora charms in my recovery - a story about the role Pandora has played with links to stories about some of the charms; my submission for June 22, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: the meaning of Pandora's box - a story about how Pandora has helped me and what it represents, now with photos of my Pandora's box charm and the bracelet it's on; my submission for June 23, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Ode to Pandora - a silly poem I wrote about Pandora, now with a photo for each stanza as well as a photo of my whole collection to date; my submission for June 26, 2016


Here is Pandora's description of the contest:
"To celebrate summer in the city of love, Pandora has created a limited-edition 'Forever Paris' dangle charm, and from June 20 - 26 you can win it in our #PandoraForeverParisContest. Each piece is beautifully crafted from 14K gold and features two diamonds.
 
"Because they are true collector's items, only 500 have been produced. Each dangle charm is engraved with a unique number (from 1-500) and they are only sold in selected stores in France but we have kept 10 for you!" 
 
Contest rules were available on Pandora.net.
The charm was valued at 599 € (approximately $860 CDN/$665 USD)

Forever Paris Contest: the meaning of Pandora's box

Pandora recently held a contest on Instagram to win a limited-edition gold Eiffel Tower charm. Fans were asked to, "Share a photo and write why you are a true Pandora fan." I submitted a photo and write-up on five of the six days that the contest ran. And one of my submissions won! This was my entry for June 23.

For your information the contest details are at the end of the post.


The meaning of Pandora's box

 
Although most of us are familiar with the expression of "opening Pandora's box" and it's meaning, that doing so may have far-reaching and dire consequences, or release ills upon the world, what most people forget is the most important part of the story of Pandora and her box: the gift of hope.

In the ancient Greek myth about Prometheus and Pandora, Zeus orders a woman be made of clay. The gods then clothed her, adorned her with necklaces and finery (Pandora's jewellery), gave her beauty, gave her musical ability, and gave her speech. Because each of the Olympians had given her a gift, she was given the name Pandora, meaning "all gifted" or "all giving," and derived from a combination of Greek παν (pan) "all" and δωρον (doron) "gift". In my house, by the way, in my family, regardless of the occasion, all gift giving for me is Pandora. Just sayin'. In the story Zeus gives Pandora a box (a jar really) but tells her to never open it. Pandora could not understand why Zeus had given her a wedding gift but not allowed her to see it. She could not resist the temptation to peek into the box. I can totally relate to that, especially when it comes to Pandora gifts.

As Pandora's mind was consumed with thoughts about what must be kept inside her box, my mind is often consumed with thoughts about sharing sneak peeks on Instagram. Just as Pandora could think of nothing else but opening the box and unlocking its secrets, there are times when I can think of nothing else but designing Pandora bracelets. Unlike the mythical Pandora, however, opening MY Pandora box brings me nothing but joy.

Being overcome by temptation and curiosity, Pandora opened the box, as Zeus had expected she would. Out flew all the evils of the world: misery and poverty, death and disease, and sadness, sickness and strife. Pandora was able to close the box, but all that remained was Hope. When the world is full of pain and suffering, Hope makes all the difference in the world. And if you suffer from depression or anxiety, the one thing you need is Hope. That's why I'm a true Pandora fan.
 
There were days when the only thing that would get me out of bed, and in the shower, was the promise of a trip to my favourite Pandora store. There were weeks when I could barely put one foot in front of the other, but Pandora had me looking forward to the next promo or gift with purchase.  There were periods where I could not think beyond just getting through the day, and yet Pandora had me dreaming of one day getting retired charms from different countries. There were times when I was so overwhelmed I couldn't organize my thoughts enough to clean a room, but Pandora had me organizing an ever-evolving wishlist. There were times when I didn't know if I wanted to live until tomorrow, but Pandora had me believing I might still be alive come the end of August when the fall collection would be released. Pandora has given me so many things to look forward to.
 
There is always Hope. In the Pandora myth, Hope is meant to heal the wounds of the body and soul, and Pandora has certainly done that for me. When my life was consumed with sadness, grief, shame, fear and anger, Pandora gave me the gift of hope. I am a true Pandora fan.
 
P.S. Zeus actually sent Pandora as a punishment to men, and many a husband would tell you that their wife's obsession with Pandora jewellery plays the same role!


The Pandora's Box charm on my "Serenity" bracelet.
My updated two-tone "Serenity" bracelet with the chalcedony dangle, lavender cz and periwinkle star muranos.



Related Posts:

Forever Paris Contest: grieving the loss of my mom - the winning story and photo, now with more photos of my mom's trip to Paris and the surprise I discovered; my submission for June 21, 2016
 
Forever Paris Contest: using Pandora charms in my recovery - a story about the role Pandora has played with links to stories about some of the charms; my submission for June 22, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Pandora fans are not Grinches - a story about collecting Pandora promo items and the community of Pandora collectors (with some Dr. Seuss inspired rhyming); my submission for June 24, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Ode to Pandora - a silly poem I wrote about Pandora, now with a photo for each stanza as well as a photo of my whole collection to date; my submission for June 26, 2016


Here is Pandora's description of the contest:
"To celebrate summer in the city of love, Pandora has created a limited-edition 'Forever Paris' dangle charm, and from June 20 - 26 you can win it in our #PandoraForeverParisContest. Each piece is beautifully crafted from 14K gold and features two diamonds.
 
"Because they are true collector's items, only 500 have been produced. Each dangle charm is engraved with a unique number (from 1-500) and they are only sold in selected stores in France but we have kept 10 for you!" 
 
Contest rules were available on Pandora.net.
The charm was valued at 599 € (approximately $860 CDN/$665 USD)

Forever Paris Contest: Ode to Pandora

Pandora recently held a contest on Instagram to win a limited-edition gold Eiffel Tower charm. Fans were asked to, "Share a photo and write why you are a true Pandora fan." I submitted a photo and write-up on five of the six days that the contest ran. And one of my submissions won! This was my entry for June 26.

For your information the contest details are at the end of the post.

Ode to Pandora

 

I do love you Pandora,
You are always on my mind.
Where's the latest catalogue?
On the nightstand you will find.


Every morning when I wake I think,
"What will I wear today?"
My clothes should match my bracelets
That is the only way!


I have bracelets in every colour,
And a leather one to match.
There's always at least one bangle
In amongst my daily stack.


I tie the cotton cords
And wear them with special charms.
I feel that I am naked
If there's nothing on my arms.

 
For when I need to know the time,
There's my bracelet with silver beads.
These novelty and animal charms
Tell daily lessons that I need.


All of my Essence charms
Are gifts that I receive.
My husband says, there's always hope
And that helps me believe.


"Curiosity, compassion, faith,"
He says, "I learned from you.
With happiness and trust,
Out of friendship our love grew."

 
"Health, wellness, and energy,
A peace one that is blue,
These beads represent
All the things I wish for you."


My kids picked out two Essence,
To represent me as a mom.
The affection and dedication are
From my daughter and my son.


A few Essence are from friends,
For the spiritual journey that I'm on.
To represent our friendships.
I love them every one.

 
I wear all my Essence daily
They're always on my right.
They give me strength and help me
Carry on from morn' 'til night.


There's resilience and wisdom
And on my bracelets you can see,
What I admire about my children,
And what lessons they've taught me.


For mindfulness and meditation,
Pandora meets my needs,
When I say the affirmation
I've attached to every bead.


I even have Pandora
Taped on my bedroom door!
The photos remind me
Of the ones I'm working for.


Pandora is how I express myself.
Each bracelet, a work of art.
Each charm represents a goal I've reached
Right from the very start.


Pandora is my hobby,
In case you're wondering why,
All my photos are of bracelets,
A true Pandora fan am I.

My winning entry

The three dimensional details on this charm are fabulous.
Related Posts:

Forever Paris Contest: grieving the loss of my mom - the winning story and photo, now with more photos of my mom's trip to Paris and the surprise I discovered; my submission for June 21, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: using Pandora charms in my recovery - a story about the role Pandora has played with links to stories about some of the charms; my submission for June 22, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: the meaning of Pandora's box - a story about how Pandora has helped me and what it represents, now with photos of my Pandora's box charm and the bracelet it's on; my submission for June 23, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Pandora fans are not Grinches - a story about collecting Pandora promo items and the community of Pandora collectors (with some Dr. Seuss inspired rhyming); my submission for June 24, 2016


Here is Pandora's description of the contest:
"To celebrate summer in the city of love, Pandora has created a limited-edition 'Forever Paris' dangle charm, and from June 20 - 26 you can win it in our #PandoraForeverParisContest. Each piece is beautifully crafted from 14K gold and features two diamonds.
 
"Because they are true collector's items, only 500 have been produced. Each dangle charm is engraved with a unique number (from 1-500) and they are only sold in selected stores in France but we have kept 10 for you!" 
 
Contest rules were available on Pandora.net.
The charm was valued at 599 € (approximately $860 CDN/$665 USD)

Forever Paris Contest: using Pandora charms in my recovery

Pandora recently held a contest on Instagram to win a limited-edition gold Eiffel Tower charm. Fans were asked to, "Share a photo and write why you are a true Pandora fan." I submitted a photo and write-up on five of the six days that the contest ran. And one of my submissions won! This was my entry for June 22.

For your information the contest details are at the end of the post.

Using Pandora charms in my recovery


One of the unique things that I have done, as a true Pandora fan, is using charms as rewards in my recovery from an eating disorder and depression.

[Click on the links to read the full story for each of the charms highlighted]

The sea star and ocean waves charms on my Gift from the Sea bracelet

When my Pandora journey began in 2011, it started with the goal of being "symptom-free" i.e. no bingeing, purging or restricting. I used cheap knock-off charms: one a day for a week, and then one a week for a month. Finally, after one month symptom-free, I bought a bracelet and my first authentic Pandora charm: the "ocean waves." It represents my learning that it's ok to "Feel the feelings and ride the wave of emotions." The "sea star" charm encourages me to "Be like the star of the sea: strong, flexible and resilient." To mark my sixth month of recovery I had the Lucerne dangle engraved with "Healthy" and "Happy" to remind me that "I deserve to be healthy and happy."

The engraved Lucerne dangle on my Lucerne Recovery bracelet

Each charm that I earned represented something that kept me going and helped me stay symptom-free: an action, attitude or affirmation. These are just a few examples, from my menagerie:

"Sloooow down." (turtle)
"Honour the hungry hungry hippo."
"Just keep swimming." (fish)
"Be gentle and patient with yourself." (cow)
"Stop should-ing all over yourself." (scarab aka dung beetle)
"If you love your dog you walk it; if you love your body you move it." (dog)
"Stop catastrophizing." (Chicken Little)
"Use healthy assertive communication." (sideways fish) 

The photo for my submission

I also worked on "behaviour activation." Pandora charms were used as rewards for specific changes in behaviour, all essential in my recovery: making myself a healthy lunch every day ("picnic basket"), going for a daily meditative walk ("wildflower walk"), doing a Gratitude Journal every night ("treasure chest"), to name a few.
 
I've now been in recovery for over four years. As I continue to learn and practice and work on my mental health, I continue to add Pandora charms to my collection to represent lessons learned and accomplishments achieved.

My limited-edition Forever Paris #220 out of 500
The diamond is probably my favourite thing about the charm; the sparkle really adds to its beauty.

Related Posts:
 
Forever Paris Contest: grieving the loss of my mom - the winning story and photo, now with more photos of my mom's trip to Paris and the surprise I discovered; my submission for June 21, 2015
 
Forever Paris Contest: the meaning of Pandora's box - a story about how Pandora has helped me and what it represents, now with photos of my Pandora's box charm and the bracelet it's on; my submission for June 23, 2016
 
Forever Paris Contest: Pandora fans are not Grinches - a story about collecting Pandora promo items and the community of Pandora collectors (with some Dr. Seuss inspired rhyming); my submission for June 24, 2016
 
Forever Paris Contest: Ode to Pandora - a silly poem I wrote about Pandora, now with a photo for each stanza as well as a photo of my whole collection to date; my submission for June 26, 2016
 
 
 
 
Here is Pandora's description of the contest:
"To celebrate summer in the city of love, Pandora has created a limited-edition 'Forever Paris' dangle charm, and from June 20 - 26 you can win it in our #PandoraForeverParisContest. Each piece is beautifully crafted from 14K gold and features two diamonds.
 
"Because they are true collector's items, only 500 have been produced. Each dangle charm is engraved with a unique number (from 1-500) and they are only sold in selected stores in France but we have kept 10 for you!" 
 
Contest rules were available on Pandora.net.
The charm was valued at 599 € (approximately $860 CDN/$665 USD)

Forever Paris Contest: grieving the loss of my mom

This is my prize! The Forever Paris charm came in a Limited Edition box.
The leather sleeve contains the certificate of authenticity.
Pandora recently held a contest on Instagram to win a limited-edition gold Eiffel Tower charm. Fans were asked to, "Share a photo and write why you are a true Pandora fan." I submitted a photo and write-up on five of the six days that the contest ran. This was my first submission, on June 21, and the story and photo that won!

For your information the contest details are at the end of the post.


Grieving the Loss of My Mom
 
One of the ways that I am a true Pandora fan is that I have used Pandora in ways that are different than most Pandora collectors, and written stories about them. One of the unique things I've done is to use Pandora to grieve the death of my mother - and to celebrate her life.

This bracelet I call "My Unforgettable Mom - her life in charms." The process of writing stories about these Pandora charms has become part of the process of grieving - looking through her old photo albums, reading her letters and journals, and writing blog posts around the story of her life. 
 
 
This photo [above] was taken in 1952 on my mother's first trip to Europe. She brought home a charm bracelet for her younger sister with a charm from each place she visited: on this trip, Switzerland [cow bell], England [Marble Arch], France [Eiffel Tower], Italy [gondola from Venice], Holland [wooden shoe] and Scotland [highland dancer].


Map of Australia added by Aunt Edna after she lived Down Under and married an Australian
 
I would love to retrace her steps and do a Pandora travel bracelet, including the Eiffel Tower. But in the meantime I have this ["My Unforgettable Mom"] bracelet in her memory.


Each charm has a special meaning. From her early years in the 1920's and her childhood nickname Fishy, to playing basketball in university and earning three degrees. From her work as a research scientist to her trips to Europe in the 1950's and 60's. From visiting art galleries and becoming an accomplished artist herself, to getting married and raising a family. From becoming a teacher, and then a literacy tutor, to losing her sight and becoming blind. For standing up for what she believed in, including access for the disabled, to travelling the world, despite being blind. From a trip to Greece with me, to becoming a grandmother of three. And finally, from losing track of time to a battle with Alzheimer's which took her life eight years ago. The "amazing" charm, simply because she was not only an amazing mom but an amazing person.

My Mom shortly before she retired from teaching.
Verna Georgie (Leonard) Holmes

From the Left: Verna (my Mom age 25), Barb, Jan and Joan
I was so shocked when I enlarged this photo.
Can you see what surprised me?!!
*(If you can't guess I will tell you at the bottom of the post)

Paris June 10-14 (1952)
Barb on Champs Elysees; Garden in Reid Hall
 
From the steps of the Madeline

Jan, Barb, and Joan at Versailles; Garden at Versailles

Barb (left) and Verna (right) Palace of Versailles

Jan and Arc du Carrousel; Verna in Touleries Garden

Barb, Roz Shaffer and Jan; Roz, Verna and Jan
Roz's house in Malmaison

Touleries Garden; Getting directions to Malmaison (Pam-Pam Champs Elysees)

 Champs Elysees from Touleries Garden to Arc d' Triomphe; Eiffel Tower

Bank of the Seine near Eiffel Tower; Joan, Verna and Jan

Enroute to Eiffel Tower (Shopping Girls?); Under Eiffel Tower

Café on Eiffel Tower; Verna, Joan and Barb Paris Station

Joan and Jan; From top of Eiffel Tower Trocodero - United Nations Building

From the top of the Eiffel Tower
Arc d'Triumphe in Centre; River Seine

*Can you see what surprised me?!!
The girls all have cigarettes in their hands! I suppose everybody smoked in those days, and they didn't yet know the dangers of smoking, but still it was my MOM! I've never seen her smoke. She smoked until she was pregnant with me and then it made her too nauseous so she quit. My mom taught at a community college and I remember her having a "black lung" specimen in her lab to show her students the effects of smoking. Later in life she would tell people she was allergic to cigarette smoke so they wouldn't smoke at meetings! And there she is, plain as day, smoking on the Eiffel Tower!

Related Posts:

Forever Paris Contest: using Pandora charms in my recovery - a story about the role Pandora has played with links to stories about some of the charms; my submission for June 22, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: the meaning of Pandora's box - a story about how Pandora has helped me and what it represents, now with photos of my Pandora's box charm and the bracelet it's on; my submission for June 23, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Pandora fans are not Grinches - a story about collecting Pandora promo items and the community of Pandora collectors (with some Dr. Seuss inspired rhyming); my submission for June 24, 2016

Forever Paris Contest: Ode to Pandora - a silly poem I wrote about Pandora, now with a photo for each stanza as well as a photo of my whole collection to date; my submission for June 26, 2016

My new Eiffel Tower next to the old photo my mom took over 60 years ago.

Here is Pandora's description of the contest:
"To celebrate summer in the city of love, Pandora has created a limited-edition 'Forever Paris' dangle charm, and from June 20 - 26 you can win it in our #PandoraForeverParisContest. Each piece is beautifully crafted from 14K gold and features two diamonds.
 
"Because they are true collector's items, only 500 have been produced. Each dangle charm is engraved with a unique number (from 1-500) and they are only sold in selected stores in France but we have kept 10 for you!" 
 
Contest rules were available on Pandora.net.
The charm was valued at 599 € (approximately $860 CDN/$665 USD)