placekeepers: another bel kai necklace for the capture collection (giveaway!)

There's almost nothing quite so steadfast as beachgrass. It digs in deep to keep beaches from washing away, holding its place through hurricanes, blizzards, and seasonal sleep. On its own a blade of beachgrass is unspectacular but together, in vast schools, they glimmer like a thousand mackerel, swishing through salt air just the same -- as one entity.

We don't pay these things enough thanks -- these proud and plain and useful elements of ourselves that keep life from washing away. They are placekeepers. They do the humble work of rooting magical things.

I'm delighted to share with you my Bel Kai Designs necklace, the newest treat added to the Capture Collection of Shutter Sisters photographic jewelery. To celebrate, we're giving one away today. Comment here by midnight PST to be eligible. Tell me this: what helps you keep your place in this life?

Update on Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Kate Inglis

All these responses were so wonderful... I love seeing all that grounds you. Congratulations to NTE, the 71st commenter and winner of the 'placekeepers' necklace from Bel Kai Designs. Thank you all for participating! ~ Kate

Comments

[Mrs Soup]

Those are gorgeous! And finding those moments of peace in my life are what keeps me going.

[Jamie Lapeyrolerie]

Definitely my faith in Jesus, my family and amazing friends!

http://lifephotographylove.blogspot.com/2010/08/light-austin-texas-international.html

[Meghan]

My dogs and my photos.

[Sivy]

That time each morning, the 10 to 15 minutes before the alarm goes off, because I am already awake and I can just lay there in the warm bed and just breathe. Usually the husband and kid along with the dogs and cat are all piled in the bed as well… and all I can hear is the deep breath of everyone else being asleep and it is just so peaceful.

[brittany]

family.

[gonzomama]

my family, hope, and perseverance.

absolutely love those colors.

[Angela]

No doubt about it: my cats.

http://angela-hemming.blogspot.com/p/flotsam-and-jetsam.html

[Christie]

My husband. My son. My parents. My books. Rest and quiet.

[Ann]

My children keep me sooo grounded.....

[Michelle]

My friends, my child, and bits of alone time.

[Tracy]

my daughter and husband.

exquisite necklace!

[Eileen]

My family, my husband, my daughter.. and my MOMS group!

[tammy b]

without doubt, my 3 beautiful girls.

[cigi]

hope and a spiritual perspective...

[Shannon]

My kiddos!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/4508945012_4ee6eb53e7_z.jpg

[Jacki]

My son without a doubt.

[Krysha Abbott]

Jesus, family, and anti-anxiety meds-in that order.

[Shannon]

Here's the appropriate link!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42202684@N08/4508945012/

[JenCoen]

My Family

[Laura O'Hanesian]

Nature reminds me to be hear now. It is a comfort to me to see the trees growing and the flowers blooming through the seasons of life. Your blog is a joy. Thanks for all you do!

[Laura O'Hanesian]

OOPS! Be here now!!! *blush*

[RebeccaFH]

My faith. (My husband does his part, too. ;) )

[amanda]

cliche maybe, but my husband and kids keep me grounded. they remind me i am strong, i am enough, i am love.

[Kat]

Time of contemplation

[Stephanie]

art + beauty

[suzy]

love. it's all about love.

[Jennifée]

Congratulations - what a gorgeous necklace!

I'm another one depending on the people in my life to help me stay grounded.

[Amy]

Words. Spoken, written, sung...it's always about the words.

[heather]

laughter

[Gail]

Like many others here, it is my family that keeps me in place. Without them I would be lost.

Yet another beautiful Bel Kai Collection necklace...I still can't decide which one I want the most:)

[stacy a]

faith and true friends

[Lindsay Garrett]

My husband def keeps me grounded.

I found my purpose in life through the birth of our daughter...motherhood. She is everything to me. Everything. I can't wait till I have a whole gaggle of children surrounding at my feet. Can't wait!

Beautiful pic. Makes me want to go lay in a hommoc on a beautiful summer day. The necklace is beautiful!

[Sylvia]

breath...

[Sheri]

absolutely my children,!

[schmutzie]

Love keeps my place in this life. The love of my husband, the love of myself, the love of my craft.

PS. That necklace is gorgeous, Kate.

[Katrina]

My wonderful loving Husband and Three Son's.

[Kylie]

Hope and Love.

[Becky Sue]

My family!

[Chelsea C]

My mom. She is my best friend and 1/2 of my support system.
My boyfriend. The extent of his love amazes me and I can't imagine life without him...the other 1/2 of my support system.
My alone time to reflect and think.
Any creative expression I do myself and any creative expression I see from others.

[JeneilS]

Beautiful necklace. Happiness helps me keep my place.

[xanthe]

You look amazing Kate! Congrats, your necklace is beautiful x.

[joey]

Certainly my husband and four boys keep me grounded, but seeing them through my lens helps me remember how precious it all is. Very cool necklace!

[not2tall1]

Being outside helps bring me peace and helps me remember I really do have a place in the world.

My husband helps keep my mind in place by helping me lose it once in a while (in a good way, mostly).

My friends and family back home help me remember that even when I feel slightly out of place in my adopted country, I will always have home and comfort and sanity and insanity and love with them.

[kelly]

I used to think that I needed solid, ordinary things to keep me rooted. But, it is just the opposite. I need the risk, the dare, the uncertainty to remember that I am present in this life, in my own skin.

[Mary]

God and my husband/best friend

[Caroline]

My faith. My family.

[Heather in Ga]

Jesus and the promise he has for me.

[Meg]

vanilla frozen yogurt topped with blueberries. Always the end to my most hectic days. One bite and I am instantly back in that, "Oooooh yeaaaa. Riiiiight" state of mind :)

[jan]

My family has always been what has grounded me in this life. And my love for learning. Thanks for all you contribute to us all!

[Evil Pixie]

Without a doubt, my little sister. She keeps me moving forward, prevents me from looking back, and helps me to laugh out loud.