Wednesday, August 5, 2015

6 Reasons Why Women Wear Jewelry, IWSG

That's like the most random topic on the face of the planet, right?

But it's something I've been thinking about. My daughter LOVES jewelry. Me? I could take it or leave it. Most times I leave it, but I don't profess to be your average woman.


Some wear large, flashy things because they're fun loving.





Some wear earth-friendly adornment, showing they're aware of and value their environment.




Others wear classy or elegant pieces, calm individuals who place great value on traditional aspects.




One person might wear ONLY the best with the highest price tag or brand name, because value matters.




An OCD woman might wear matching sets or things that coordinate with her clothing perfectly.




And then there are people like me, who don't bother with jewelry unless it's a special occasion or sentimental. I'll wear my wedding ring, the family ring my father had made for us before his passing, a wedding anniversary necklace, a graduation bracelet from my grandmother...

So what am I getting at?

It's a big, wide earth, with every type of personality under the sun. If someone doesn't share preferences or place the same value on something (ahem, books), it doesn't mean the item/person is valueless. It means they're different, and that's okay.

Embrace your different. Find those who value you, your writing, your talents, your adorable face, and ignore the naysayers. Life is too short to get twisted up about the rest.

 

Speaking of, how about if we give away some of that awesomeness?

Last week Misha Gerieke shared with us The Vanished Knight and The Heir's Choice, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win both her books!  

Misha's Game:

1) Misha is theoretically able to speak four languages and understand at least three more well enough to find her way home if she got dropped in the middle of countries speaking them. 
2) Through her mother's side, her family is possibly the only one in existence to have two State Heads on two sides of the same war in their genes. One's Paul Kruger, the other is Queen Victoria. (The Anglo Boer War.)
3) She own two cats.



THE LIE: #3. She has 6 cats. Meow!

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Congrats, Chrys! 

And now for this week's feature... 

Zyan Star’s latest job is turning into a real nightmare.

When supernatural bounty hunter Zyan Star jets down to Rio to meet a prospective client, everything goes as planned initially. That is, until she finds out the person hiring her is Raoul Cabrera, the half demon/half faery supernatural overlord of Brazil, who rubs elbows with Lucifer himself. And that he’s hired another bounty hunter, Donovan McGregor, to work with her.

Their target is a herd of Nightmares, horse spirits that torment people with visions of their worst fears before devouring their flesh. Zy and Donovan head out on the hunt, but it quickly becomes apparent that their client hasn’t given them all the facts. There’s a pissed-off, powerful witch summoning the Nightmares, and she’s out to exact some serious revenge on Raoul. Zy soon realizes she’s caught in the middle of a lover’s spat between two immensely powerful supernaturals, and it’s not clear whose side she should stand on. As if that weren’t enough, pulling off this job is going to require her to relive her worst fears and summon her own long-suppressed magical powers. 

Let the supernatural Carnival begin.

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author? 

Alexia Chamberlynn lives in Florida. When she's not writing or reading, she can be found playing with horses, eating chocolate and other delicious things, drinking wine, traveling to the next place on her global wish list, or maybe doing yoga.


She believes SO many cheeses are earth-shattering in their deliciousness, but if she has to pick one, it's goat cheese. The soft, spreadable chevre kind, not feta. You might stumble across her eating it on crackers with some pepper jelly or other delicious topping.
Alexia gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of BLACK MAGIC & MOJITOS.

You have until Tuesday, August 18 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on August 19.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Alexia is an adept swordswoman and wishes she could carry her katana everywhere.
2. She is certified as an equine (horse) massage therapist.
3. She discovered she has a fear of heights while on the Eiffel Tower.
So sleuths, which is the lie?  Have you noticed jewelry wearing behaviors? Women--what kinds of jewelry do you love? 

91 comments:

  1. Very good point. Everyone needs to just chill and be happy. LOL

    IWSG #119 until Alex culls the list again.

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  2. Thanks so much for hosting me today, Crystal! A hostess who loves cheese as much as I do - the best :)

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  3. I usually don't go too crazy with jewelry unless I'm going out somewhere. I don't even wear my engagement ring all that much (I think I'm just afraid of something happening to it so if it's just running errands or doing the laundry, I don't bother).

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  4. I'm grateful my wife isn't into jewelry. Easier on my wallet.
    I'll guess the third one is the lie.

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  5. Self expression is a wonderful thing and we all do it in our own way. :-)

    Anna from Elements of Writing

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  6. Love this - "embrace your different." :)

    I'm not a big jewelry person but I tend to like funky jewelry - when I wear any. Plus the few good pieces I have, either from my husband or passed down in the family.

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  7. I like to wear some jewelry. I like to buy small pieces when I travel in order to remind me of my trips. I like it when people wear jewelry that shows their personality like a signature ring or necklace.

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  8. I so agree about embracing our differentness and those who understand us. Like Dr. Seuss said: Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter.

    Congrats to Chrys!

    I think Alexia's lie is #1 :)

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  9. Ok, I have to admit I was wondering where on earth you were going with this post, but I loved it by the end. It's a great message :)

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  10. Embrace your different - Love this!

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  11. I love jewelry! ^_^ Differences are what makes the world go round. People get so bent out of shape! My sister got all upset one time because I didn't like a book that she loves. And I'm like, what's the big deal? There are so many other books we both love!

    There are horse massage therapists. I'm going with number one for the lie, but they all sound perfectly thesible. :)

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  12. Hi Alexia
    I don't wear much jewelry either. Thought the OCD chic suburb. I'd say number one is the lie. And, I'm almost done with my critique.
    Nancy

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  13. I love jewelry. I wear all different kinds too depending on my mood but most days I don't wear any because I'm just at home or running to the store.

    Embrace your different is a great lesson.

    YAY!!!!! I had no idea I one. Thank for for letting me know! :D

    I've never tried goat cheese....

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    1. Chrys, you MUST try goat cheese ASAP! Life changing :)

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  14. Replies
    1. LOL! You're totally welcome to talk to us both, Nancy. =)

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  15. Embrace your difference. I love that and try to take it to heart and allow others the same.

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  16. Think how much you can do as a writer with jewelry, and amounts of jewelry. At my RWA group, a writing instructor came in for a workshop and had us write out three qualities like messy, hyper, opinionated, then assign a physical attribute to each. For messy I thought of sloppy lipstick. That's a detail I wouldn't have expected.

    I saw you visited my blog.
    Here is my August IWSG post. It's the second post on my blog today because my Pitch Wars mentor bio needs to stay at the top. Thanks!

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  17. 99% of the time I only wear my wedding ring. I do wear more for special occasions. My daughter wears more and coordinates it.
    Susan Says

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  18. I thought I was the only woman on earth who doesn't care about jewelry. I usually go with leave it as well. Great point with your post!

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  19. What a great analogy! Everyone is different with different tastes in EVERYTHING, including books. I am not a big fan of jewelry either or of painting my fingernails. Toes on the other hand:) must be painted! I think the lie is #1

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  20. I'm on again, off again about jewelry. It all depends on my mood and where I am. And about that lie, I'm going with #1. I think she's an equine massage therapist.

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  21. So true we all have to be true to ourselves. Funny you're writing about jewelry. I'm getting curious about making it and am going to my first class next week.

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  22. Congrats to Misha. And I think #1 is the lie. No expert swordswoman.

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  23. I'm going with #3 just to be different. Because... we are all different and that's what makes life so interesting! Thanks for stopping by my blog, Crystal!

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  24. I don't wear any jewelry except my wedding ring. I tell people I don't want jewelry, just books! :) Ooh, AA Chamberlynn's book looks fantastic. I'm going to guess #3 as the lie (since she's standing on a high place in the photo!).

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  25. I'm rather spastic with my jewelry wearing. I think I've hit all the categories you listed at one point or another, and to top it off, mostly couldn't care less about it. Squirrel!

    I'm gonna guess #3. Just cause I've been there and I know that view!

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  26. Oh gawd I need to be happy today-- someone bring me some wine!

    I vote #1

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  27. I'm guessing #3 is the lie :)

    Oh and I'm like you, only on rare occasions I wear something other than wedding & engagement ring. Clearly we're the better kind of different . . . err . . . kidding of course. I love the message! We should all embrace our uniqueness ;)

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  28. "Embrace your different." Yes!
    And think about this - wouldn't life be BORING if we were all the same?
    Happy IWSG Day, Crystal!

    Time to vote... mmm... let me see... no#2 is the lie!
    How did I work it out?
    Easy.
    Just say eeny-meeny-miny-mo and choose! LOL

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  29. #2 is the lie.

    We are all unique. Some days, I'm lucky to remember to put on my wedding ring.

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  30. I'm a special occasion jewelry wearer, though I do wear simple studs in my ears daily. I'm more into accessorizing my hair.

    I'd say #3 of the trivia is a lie.

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  31. Wednesday 5th August 2015

    Dear Crystal,

    I love jewellery!! But don't wear much. Mostly, I dream about pieces of jewellery that I would like to make.

    Thank you so much for you kind words on my post about my cats, Cajsa, Sara, Matilda and Vanessa.

    It was sad to have to let Cajsa go. But I did not want to let her suffer since there was no cure. I blame her cancer on p-pills. I let Cajsa's daughter, Sara, suffer too long. She was given p-pills too, and she also died of cancer. I don't use these medicines for my cats anymore.

    Thank you so much for commenting on my IWSG-post.

    Best wishes,
    Anna

    P.S.
    I love cheese too!

    Adornments for Dreams

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  32. It's so fun seeing all the guesses :)

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  33. I like jewelry, but don't wear a lot of it on a daily basis. Embrace your difference. Exactly.

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  34. My guess is the lie is #2.

    I love jewelry, particularly the necklaces and earrings I bought in Israel. I'm really looking forward to having quadruple-pierced ears after the summer ends, so I can have even more bling in my ears. Generally, I only wear jewelry other than earrings and my nostril stud on the Sabbath, holidays, and special occasions, as much as I love my necklaces and bracelets. It seems kind of juxtaposing to me to wear nice jewelry just to go grocery shopping or while very very casual, informal clothes.

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  35. I rarely wear jewellery, but I think it's because I'm so used to operating in hermit mode I never remember it when I leave the house. :P Congratulations to Misha!

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  36. "Embrace your different. Find those who value you, your writing, your talents, your adorable face, and ignore the naysayers. Life is too short to get twisted up about the rest." -- that is so true! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  37. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding ring, so that my wife can claim me as her property (I'm happy to oblige).

    Embracing our different sometimes gets us into trouble, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

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  38. Black Magic sounds like SO much fun. I'm guessing #1 is the lie :)

    And I wear jewelry not to make a statement or to show any kind of value or judgement. I wear it because I like it and it makes ME happy. Absolutely not because I'm trying to make a statement or show the world something.

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  39. "Embrace your different" - I like that! So true, and something to remember always. :)

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  40. That's a great comparison to wearing jewelry and books. I loved Alexia's novelette! It was so much fun.

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  41. I used to wear the necklaces my husband gave me, but stopped after I had kids. The babies liked to slam their foreheads against my chest, and I didn't want them hurting themselves on my jewelry. My husband keeps wanting to buy me more, but I'm just too lazy to really put it on. I do like looking though.

    I like how you spun it into how we're all different, not wrong, not right. :)

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  42. The chain for my pendant broke. :( Someday I'll get it repaired or replaced. Usually I only wear small hoop earrings. I'll put on my wedding rings if I go out, except to astronomize, because the cold makes them fall off.

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  43. What a boring world this would be if we were all the same. It’s our differences that make us interesting.

    Congratulations to Chrys!

    I’m going to guess #1 is the lie?

    VR Barkowski

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  44. This is some sage advice for me right now! I'm about to publish and finding those who value my writing is the number one goal over sheer numbers I think!

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  45. As my mom always says, it takes all kinds to make a world! I'm not big on jewelry myself :) And I'm going to guess #3 is the lie!

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  46. I don't wear much jewelry either, but when I do, I like classic stuff. Like I just can't get enough of pearls. But I liked what you said about people's tastes and differences. I always try to remember that I don't like every book I pick up, so I shouldn't expect everyone to like my stuff either.

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  47. Interesting topic--great analogy. I rarely wear jewelry, mainly because I forget.

    Best wishes,
    Diane IWSG #95

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  48. That was a clever way to highlight the difference in tastes and the fact you can't please everyone. So true. Congrats to Chrys on the win and to Alexia on her release!

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  49. I love seeing those psychological connections to types of jewelry. I have a lot of jewelry, but I wear the same pieces over and over again. Of course, I'm also the kind of person who orders the same thing in a restaurant every time I go. Comfort and safety? I like the familiar? :)

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  50. Crystal, what a wonderful post. Thank you!

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  51. I'm going with 3. Great cover and story line, by the way.
    Yay, Chrys!
    Well said, Crystal. Different strokes. Different folks. And I've seldom met jewelry I didn't like. grin.

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  52. Crystal I could not agree more... I love unique and different... we don't all have to like the same thing. (I'm like you, jewelry is not my thing... I only ever wanted a wedding band... oh well we can't have everything... xox ♡

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  53. Great IWSG post. Ignore the naysayers!! Check! It's the best way to stay positive and confident.

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  54. Congratulations, Chrys!
    A massage equine therapist? Sounds too cool and weird. I vote for #2 as the lie.

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  55. Hi Chrys - love the links about jewellery and people - makes sense ... I definitely am understated - I don't do gaudy. It's about the personalities and the way we are in life - act as we believe.

    Good luck to Misha - interesting about her forebears .. Kruger and Q Vic ...

    Then Alexia - fascinating hobbies ... #1 I'd guess as the lie ..

    Cheers to one and all - Hilary

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  56. Very true, Crystal. I'm teaching myself this lesson again as I wait for some reviews to come back. ;-)

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  57. I the type that doesn't wear jewelry. I don't even have my ears pierced. I will wear my wedding ring and a watch when I leave the house, but that's about it.

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  58. Before I forget (#ImAGuy) I'm going to build upon my success of last week and say that Alexia is scared of heights - mainly because I *think* that picture of her was taken in Paris... (This is why people roll their eyes at me when I play Trivial Pursuit.)

    I totally get what you're saying... I know a ton of people won't like my book, but I'm at peace because I am hopeful the people who do like it weigh more than the non-likers :)

    I don't wear much jewelry either.

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  59. That's why we shouldn't try to write a book that's for everyone. Target the type of story you want to write and write it. Fans of that story type will like it. Forget the ones who don't. thanks for the inspiration.

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  60. Can I just say how much I LOVE your jewelry analogy?! I was trying to figure out which person I was, because I really do like to wear jewelry (not all the time, because sometimes it just gets in the way when I'm with my kids) but if I'm trying to look "nice" then jewelry is a must for me. But you make a good point, we're all different and we don't all like the same things. And that's okay. We must embrace our uniqueness, our individuality. Great post! :)

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  61. Back from my lengthy hiatus with some local "scapegoat" chevre *slides plate over to Alexia & Crystal*. I'm an earthy/inspiring jewelry kinda gal, leather bands with quotes, silver pendants with favorite sayings. I'll wager #1 is just a burglar deterrent tactic, but I bet Alexia can wield a mean cheese cutter:)

    Uncharted

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    1. I can definitely wield a mean cheese cutter!

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  62. I love this post. Very timely for me! The jewelry analogy is brilliant! I will be watching to see who is wearing what:)

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  63. Heh, half the time I forget to even put on my wedding ring. Took hubby awhile to get used to that. I like the idea of jewelry, and when I do wear it I keep it simple, but I rarely get around to it. Half the time I don't even get my hair done. Hmmm, maybe taking a second or two to slip on earrings would make me feel less of a slob.

    Lets go with number three for the lie.

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  64. I'm not much for jewelry, either. The only jewelry I wear all the time are my wedding rings. (I've been wearing them for so many years, they'd probably have to be cut off!) My hubby has given me some really pretty watches, but I mostly wear a simple analogue Timex with a RED leather band. (Love it!) I'm just not a very bling-y kinda person. One exception: a garnet necklace, which I wear most of the time, and that's because my hubby and I went digging for gems for our anniversary one year, and he had that necklace made from one of the stones we found. :)

    Hmmm, I think the lie is #1.

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  65. Reminds me of the time a student asked me what I personally thought about tattoos. And then got offended when I talked about how I hated them. I didn't say I was going to tell her not to get one!

    Lie... I'll go with #1.

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  66. Well put, Crystal. Different is good, it leads to innovation and variety :)

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  67. Hmm... #2.
    I love jewellery! But never tend to wear it because who has time to stand there and choose pieces that go with one's outfit every morning? :-)
    But yes, to each their own!

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  68. I'm more of the classic jewelry kind of person. It is interesting to see the jewelry choices people make.

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  69. Congrats to Chrys. I think 3 is the lie.

    I have jewelry but often forget to wear it. I like silver and beads. I don't wear necklaces, but I'll wear everything else. It's always interesting to see what people are wearing as far as jewelry, makeup, and clothes are concerned. It makes everyone unique.

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  70. Much as I generally agree with what you've said about peoples' preferences and values and differences, I don't think I've ever been able to truly relate to someone who doesn't like books or like to read. But that's just me. ^_^

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  71. Great job making the point that everyone is different and has their own taste in things and that includes necklaces and books. :) I have special pieces I like to wear, but at home I don't usually wear any jewelry.

    I think the lie is #3. I was happy to see I got the last lie right- even if I didn't win. :)
    ~Jess

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  72. Excellent points as related to jewelry--and books--and people! And Alexia's book is great; I've read it already! Best wishes to her with her novelette. :)

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  73. Takes all sorts. I'm definitely in the books camp rather than jewellery though!

    I'll go for #3 as the lie, because Alexia looks like she's in quite a high spot in that photo and she's smiling.

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  74. It certainly does take all sorts. I wear the amethyst ring Jim gave me, my late mom's band, and two tiny bracelets, Jim gave me before his passing in May. Oh, and when I'm on stage for a concert, I add a pair of pearl studs, given to me by my oldest friend. I'm not much of a jewelry person, although I was married to a man who loaded me up with the stuff, but got a girlfriend when I got sick, so, you'll forgive me if I'm not impressed by all that. I'm not a thing to be adorned like a Christmas tree.

    Anyway, enough editorializing. Off to eat some cheese! I'm guessing #3 is the lie, Crystal. Take care! #205 on Alex's list.

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  75. As a guy, we have it easy. A wedding ring if it applies, and maybe a watch.

    That's about as accessorized as I'll ever be.

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  76. when it comes to jewelry, i'm a minimalist like you - but i do like to wear my bracelets that i make for my books...
    yay for chrys! and Alexia's books sounds magically wonderful =)

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  77. I never wear jewelry or at least I haven't in years. I'm way too lazy. I think #3 is a lie, but if it's true, really bad timing.

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  78. I'm in the middle with jewelry. I like it, but don't go out of my way to wear it very often. Love how you brought it around to books and tolerance! :)

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  79. I love earrings! That is my thing. When I was in high school I wore two of everything - two necklaces, two rings, two bracelets and believe it our not, two watches. It cracks me up when I think about it. I agree with you on embracing individuality. Some women can be dressed so beautifully and not have an ounce of jewelry. Others can have the right green necklace that brightens up a neutral outfit. With me, it's my earrings, got to have them. Lovely post. (#1 is the lie)

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  80. I love jewelry. Fiddling with the pendants and such helps calm my nerves when I'm out in public...

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  81. I'm going to say #1 (weapons) is a lie, just because the other two things refer to elements mentioned in her bio.

    I rarely wear anything other than my wedding ring, yet my daughter loves jewelry. When she was a baby, she used her link-a-doos as bracelets, and would stack them on her list and show them off. Who knew a love of jewelry could be innate? I never wore bracelets, so I don't know where that came from.

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  82. I've never cared for jewelry and perhaps to the chagrin of my wife I rarely buy jewelry as a gift. I lean toward practical things and to me jewelry is impractical and merely prideful adornment. Oh, I appreciate the beauty of well designed jewelry, but more than anything it seems to be more of a show-off thing or an invitation to theft.

    ON the other hand I've tended to spend my money on things like books, audio recordings, or DVD's. I'd rather spend money on experiences than things that are merely for show. But like you say, it's a big varied world out there. If we all liked the same things then things would be kind of dull.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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  83. I'm a sentimental jewelry wearer too; my wedding ring, necklaces made by my daughter who loves to bead, and a few cross necklaces that I found at craft sales for world-wide service organizations (missionaries, World Vision, etc). are the only types of jewelry I normally wear. We all need to celebrate our unique style and gifts that we bring to this crazy thing called life, and to our writing. :)

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Hit me with your cheese!