After some of you gave me advice, I shopped...

at Etsy. I found some things that I have wanted for quite a while and decided to give it a shot looking for them at Etsy...and BINGO.

The first one is a bangle with an open fish ( an outline ). It used to be used as the symbol for Christianity and still is very often. I have always loved it because to me it represents faith that the universe provides what one needs to survive ( not just physically but mentally and strength and character to get through tough times) just as Jesus provided all the bread and fish and wine at the wedding in abundance ...( my apologies for those who are not interested or don't know the story ). A lot has happened in the last 2 years and I feel that my life is so abundant and that somehow I am always given what I need or at least have access to what I need. I had worn one for a couple of years, every day, but it broke. So I wanted another fish outline.

I also wanted a long-ish pin to hold my fly away sweaters together sometimes. Or just to use. I had an antique lovely bar pin that someone gave to me in high school and I lost that recently. Luckily, I got a skinny fish for that, too. It will also remind me that no matter how tough things are, I have abundance.

Finally, I got a necklace with no meaning,LOL, except that I saw it on the blogger from puttingmetogether and I really liked it. The necklace is pic 3 is similar to what I bought except that mine is cream with one leapord print flower.

I think more about my accessories than my clothes....hmmmmmmm

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13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Isabel the fish symbol is very poignant to me also and I love these new accessories. Simple , elegant and I love that they have meaning for you. The flower necklace is so pretty and your version sounds pretty cool.

Beth Ann

Accesories are a great way to add meaning, as well as detail to your outfits. Christian historians say that, during the early years of persecution, Christians would draw one arc of the fish in the sand. If someone drew the other half, they would be identified as another Christian --- a very personal form of communication! It was a sign of safety, community and faith.

The necklace is so very fun! I love the idea of cream/leopard even better than the pic!

Isabel

Thanks Deborah !

Beth Ann that is a wonderful history. I had never heard that before. Thank you. Growing up, it was always a sign to believe that you will have everything you need.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Any symbol that creates such peace in you is well worth it. For me it's the necklace my mother wore everyday of her life which is a cross and Episcopal medallion. Great to find a replacement for a well worn one and love that the pin doesn't at all look like the religious symbol but still delivers it to you.... Fun necklace!

Great way to take care of yourself!

Scarlet

Actually I enjoyed reading that because the fish symbol is important to my mother-in-law, although I didn't know much about it aside from that it is a Christian symbol. I wouldn't be surprised if she thinks of it in much the same way. Also I have a long thin pin that I also use in the same way for my flyaway sweaters. I inherited it from my great grandmother, who I never met, but was beloved by my mother.

rae

Nice finds! And now you have a new spot to check when you have other things on your list in the future.

Astrid

Lovely items! I also have a fish bracelet, lots of tiny fish as beads. I used to wear it regularly in the past, but the clasp is broken and it's not really worth fixing. Can I ask where you bought your bangle? It would be a great present for my sister's confirmation this spring.

Sona

Isa: so happy you found these on etsy. It really is an amazing place and many of the people are artisans/craftspeople who work from their house/small studio. In addition to enjoying the many, many items I have from etsy it is also a pleasure for me to know: oh that piece came from thailand, that indian lady painting is by a self trained french painter, that vase was made by the guy in Jerusalem and so on!

Laura

Oh, I love that sentiment, Isabel. Such beautiful pieces and as Sona said, it feels good to wear something with meaning to you.

Raisin

Glad you found some lovely items on Etsy. I love Etsy, haven't been on in a while, but I could browse it for days!

Jules

Don't apologize! It's always interesting to hear the personal meaning behind symbols, even as someone who isn't religious and doesn't "symbolize" easily, if that makes sense. I'm always curious about people's symbolic jewelry or tattoos but it's not always appropriate to ask. We don't see the fish as much in Canada either so I've never discussed it with anyone. Thanks for your post, enjoy your lovey items.

Jjsloane

How nice that you can have the added bonus of personal meaning to your pieces. I can appreciate the pin in itself, but it's that much more special when it has meaning to you. You've made some nice choices.

Anonymous

Very nice. The meaning makes the piece special. I had not thought of the idea of abundance with the fish and like the idea.

Lovely pieces and nice to here the stories behind them. I have yet to discover the joys of Etsy. As DH says 'add it to the list ' (of things to do). I hope you enjoy wearing them all.

Oh Isabel, now you made me cry! I know a little bit about what you've been through and I love that the fish will be a reminder of provision for whatever you need. The Jehovah Jirah aspect of God is particularly poignant for me, but I love the way you include the spiritual (non-material) abundance in this, such as the grace needed to endure suffering.

In a weird sort of way, I think your refined character (the person your experiences has shaped you into) exudes into your style, and makes you the woman you are. It's nice that you've found some accessories to help you express this. And a pretty necklace just for looks too!

Adelfa

Isabel, I almost always wear a symbolic pendant (cross, heart, anchor). I think they are too small to make a style statement, but they're very comforting to me! Glad you found your pieces!

Transcona Shannon

Beautiful items for a beautiful lady!

You are all so good to me, thank you !

Jules, this is such a wonderful place and I never want anyone to feel as if I am trying push anything on anyone. So I appreciate how open , you and everyone else is.

Claire, it is funny, what has happened to me over the last few years has made me more aware of the abundance in my life. Whenever I started to feel down, I loved looking at the little fish outline on my wrist and thinking of how lucky I was that I didn't have anything to worry about except getting better. That is an incredible luxury.

Adelfa, yes, I don't like my little symbols to be in anyone's face, it is about reminding myself of how blessed and lucky I am. Besides, most people end up thinking I just like fish , if they do notice. LOL ! What is that called, a Pescatarian ?

Astrid, I will pm you.

XXXXXXX to you all !!!

Ouch, I missed all the fishy action.
I love the fish bracelet especially and would love one too!
The necklace is so much fun too. I am an accessory girl:)

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