ALL OF YOU.
But that is only a part of the 'LINKED FRIENDSHIP' NECKLACE story. The other part, and the part that we hope brings day 13 of JOY, and 14, and 15..and Day 278, 3014, etc.. is the part about what the necklace represents.
The last few months, but most especially the month of December, saw Giving Tree, and specifically Rachel, utilizing the social networking site 'Facebook' to advertise various deals and specials, give aways, the quote contest etc..in an attempt to stay competitive in a really tough economy.
At least this is what we thought she was doing.. and she was. but then....something ELSE happened. It happened quietly and slowly, but very steadily too, and it was truly remarkable. It is almost to special a thing to even try to find words for, it is that magical.
And if you were (ARE) a part of it.. you already know what it is.. and if you weren't, but you are reading this now.. well you are now a part of it too. You are part of an amazing thing that happened-a connection and communion amongst a group of people that may well never 'meet' face to face.. but have come to make a difference in each others lives through the power of one very specific thing.
The power of friendship.
All of us who have been regular "post"ers on Giving Tree's facebook pages have felt it, and (I will go out on a limb here, and claim this as true for myself) have been changed for the better, because of it- in the most beautiful, effortless and organic way.
This random, diverse and eclectic- age, race, gender, occupation, lifestyle -varied group of people all found a bit of joy, in one another, and in what became our "LINKED FRIENDSHIP"
The design of this necklace is as close to expressig something that transcends the 'intellect' and goes right to the heart- as we could get.
Two separate circles, both whole, both solid and complete...
now linked.. and those two circles.. linked.. to another two circles, and another two circles...etc..
You are one circle. You link to another circle, that circle links to another circle and on and on, and we are now forever, connected.
And because of this connection, to one another, because of what happened, one one small business's facebook page, and on their website...
We truly believe there is now more JOY in the world.
In honor of all of you, the circles that connect-
we present
Our December 2009 creation: The "LINKED FRIENDSHIP"Necklace