We, at the height of civilization (as we are led to believe, anyway,) are constantly balancing on the razor edge of right. Right not being that as in the political right and left, though they do banter back and forth across the blade on which we dance. Right meaning rights, as in “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…” rights. Consider if you will the pits of flames and fury on either side of our sharp steel tightrope. On the left lie the plains of Freedom, vast and wild, hedonistic and dangerous. On the right is the gulf of Security, strong and steady, icy cold in its grip on the denizens of the gulf, equally dangerous as the irreverent plains. We totter back and forth on this knife’s edge, this “pinnacle of civilization.” And today as many others, we stare into the eyes of our carrier and wonder if this is the day we fall.

A couple of days ago I looked at the "jewelry" I was wearing. Not just a glance at a necklace like, "Oh, I forgot I was wearing that," but a real look at what I wear every day and why. For lack of a better post, here are my musings on the collection of baubles.

Going from top down-
Hei Matau in silver, on an 18" silver rope chain. I have been in the process of discovering some previously unknown connection to the Pacific Islands and their cultures. This pendant somehow found its way to me within the week.

Clover pendant in iron, and cast Hamsa on a 20" steel ball chain. The clover was a gift from another late generation Irish diaspora friend before I moved far away from my home. The hamsa I traded for at a flea market with one of my carvings.

Iron Cross in steel and enamel, turn-of-the-century skeleton key, and cast metal arrowhead on a 24" steel ball chain. The cross I bought back when I was a serious "rocker." I wore it on a much shorter, heavier chain high on my chest and thought I was edgy.  The skeleton key was a gift from a dear friend some time ago, the "key to her heart." The arrowhead was givin to me by my parents when I was younger and developed a fascination with the Algonquian tribes native to the land I called my home.

On my left arm is a twisted leather braclet, the first I ever made. On that hand is a small, uningraved signet ring blank in silver, and a steel ring with enamelled black stars.

My right arm carries a hemp Turk's Head knot on the wrist, and my class ring in silver.

Anyone who actually reads my blog, I dare you to examine your adornments.