The “Beads & More Victoria Eve Bracelet” After 20 years working in IT (Information Technology), why a career change? Why Beads & More? Why is this bracelet called the “Victoria Eve”? Each year for Valentine’s Day my mother, Judith, gives me a piece of jewelry. In 2004 she gave me a beautiful bracelet made of Swarovski Crystal, Bali Silver, a magnetic clasp with safety chain and a charm in Light Rose Pink. I just love this bracelet and apparently many others do too. I typically receive at least three compliments every time I wear it! My mom is an extremely generous person (and I do not mean just financially); she is generous with her time, is caring and helpful towards others, has a lot of love to give, and has joy in life’s simplest pleasures. When I was given this bracelet I tried to find a matching necklace. I came across other Swarovski Crystal and Bali Silver necklaces but not in Light Rose Pink, so I had to learn to make one … which led me to beading. I quickly found out that I love to bead! It was so relaxing and therapeutic that I soon became addicted! I was driving all over Connecticut to shop for beads and when I could not find what I was looking for, I had to go search on-line. I would then have to wait several days, pay for shipping and handling, and was unsure of what would arrive (and was typically disappointed with the quality of the items ordered by mail – sight unseen). I decided to follow my passion and opened up Beads & More. My mom had a younger sister, Victoria Eve (my Aunt Vicki) who was born on VE (Victory in Europe) Day, May 8th, 1945. Aunt Vicki passed away after battling colon cancer on February 13th, 2004 (the day that I received this bracelet). Aunt Vicki had suffered from ulcerative colitis when she was 19 and was at high risk to develop colon cancer later in life. She possessed all of the same wonderful qualities as my mom – generous with her time, caring and helpful towards others, full of love, and had pure joy in the little pleasures of life. To me, this bracelet represents how to live your life, following the example that my mother and her sister have demonstrated to me. Ulcerative colitis is genetic – I was diagnosed with it in 1986 and underwent a radical surgery in 1994. For each “Beads & More Victoria Eve” bracelet class taken or bracelet purchased my husband Jack and I will donate 10% to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), which is working to find a cure for this disease which typically strikes young children. When you wear your bracelet I hope that it reminds you to live each day to the fullest and to find joy and happiness in your life - even in the little things! Fondly, Sharon Perun Beads & More (Owner) 2008 Closings Summer Vacation – June 25^th through July 8^th, 2008 Holiday Closing – December 24^th through January 13^th 2009