It’s been a long time since I left you without a giveaway to step to!
I’ve been extremely remiss, bellas. Let me make it up to you with some fly earrings!
If you’ve been clicking around online, you may already have heard of Peace Images. Gorgeous, timeless jewelry made by the super-talented Camille Peace, a young jewelry designer from St. Louis. I was the ecstatic recipient of a pair of her fabulous leaf earrings months ago and I’ve been meaning to feature her ever since!
Since then, I moved and Peace has gotten love from some of my favorite blogs. Chocolate Milk DC interviewed her — it’s a must read for anyone who’s interested in learning how to design their own jewelry. Cami is proof that there’s nothing to it but to do it, she started out fixing her own broken jewelry in January 2008 and look at what she’s capable of now!
YMIB gave her a fab shout out featuring inspiring images of her bold designs.
And now it’s my turn!
Peace jewelry is not for the shy. Her “peaces” tend to be bold, eye catching, and just perfect to set off your natural beauty. Check out the Coffey pendant — a mudflap girl with a big ol’ fro, intended as an homage to Pam Grier. Cat lovers will flip for the Cat’s Eye earrings — guaranteed to get you noticed in a good way! I’m obsessed with elephants, and the Di’s earrings are just BEYOND fly IMO. She’s even got Trinidad and Tobago earrings, how fly is that?
Peace Images jewelry totally fits in with Afrobella style, and here’s your chance to score a pair. Camille is kindly offering THREE pairs of leaf earrings to you bellas!
I’m gonna leave this contest open until Tuesday, and in honor of Camille and her message, here’s how to enter. Leave a comment and let me know — how do you spread peace in your corner of the world?
The bellas with the best three answers will win a pair of these fly earrings. They’re not little flimsy Claire’s type earrings, either. These are bold, sturdy, and built to last. Thanks SO MUCH to Camille for her generosity and patience.
Comment away, bellas! And happy Friday!!
Lovin the “peaces”
I am a firm believer in the
Law of attraction in that
a person recieves what
they give out.
The way I spread peace is
buy giving peace, how, I
try to spread positive
energy, praying, being
a fair person, and basically
treating others the way
I would like to be treated.
I dont judge others and
I try to lend a helping
hand to those who i see
need it.
ultimately i try to
treat others with respect
so that i can get a
peace of kindness back.
-Martamique Ngozi
I don’t have much in the way of free time or money I can donate but I can’t go through a day knowing someone can be helped by my action. I work for Safe Horizon, a non-profit victims services agency – specifically in an emergency domestic violence shelter for women and children. Everyday I interact with these women and am humbled and moved by how small gestures and simple courtesy and a smile can make their lives easier. Outside of work I help strangers on the street in need (as long as my personal safety is managed since I’m always travelling alone)on a daily basis and I thank God that He has people cross my path who I can help because I would hate the idea of (for example) a blind older man being left on a street corner alone and in need (true story.) I think positive energy and moving through live with good will makes the world a peaceful place even if it’s your own little slice of the world.
Great review of Peace Images. Thanks for the introduction to her jewelry collection. It’s wonderful! Thanks also for linking the Chocolate Milk DC site with Camille Peace’s interview.
I spread peace by treating each person I come into contact with (whether in person, on phone or online) with respect. I try to remain non-judgmental and accept them for who they are just as I wish to be accepted by them.
I spread peace by seeking alternatives to venting frustration (exercising, dancing, yoga, etc.) when disagreements do arise to prevent verbal abuse towards others…instead of putting someone down with an ill tempered tongue or harsh words, I try to talk through our differences or I resolve to focus on one of the activities mentioned above to release frustration.
Everyday I try to think positve thoughts and I encourage others to do the same. I spend my time with positive folks also I have learned that it is not my place to judge others and that makes life a liitle easier. I work with young children who are autistic and I have learned so much from them about acceptance and patience. I hang out with young and old so I learn something new everyday. These things may sound simple but they bring me peace and help to strenghten my faith.I feel like when I am at peace I spread it to others I come in contact with.
I pray for peace. I spread peace by always trying to give others the benefit of the doubt and by turning the other cheek.
Yoga. I’ve been spreading the gospel and dragging everyone I know to class. It’s so serene and calming, and everyone is all smiles at the end of the class.
I pass peace everyday with my smile. It’s a way to diffuse the tension of the day, to reach out and say “I’m okay, you’re okay, we’re okay.” It’s fabulously frugal and free. Just a simple act that can mean the world to you… and to me.
A smile.
PS: I love, love, love those leaf earrings! Rock on, Sista Camille!
I travel a lot for work, but when I’m home, I make coffee for my wife every morning. I heat up her travel mug with hot water before pouring the coffee, get the soy milk good and frothy, and deliver it to her home office where she’s hard at work on her novel.
If I win a pair of these awesome earrings, they’ll go to her–since she cut off her locs a few years ago she’s been rocking great earrings with her cute afro!
I recently purchased a pair of the leaf earrings and I love them…Perfect for summer and always get compliments when I wear them. Just wanted to say that. There are definitely some others that I want to get too.
I spread peace by looking for ways to “pay it forward” and committing random acts of kindness. We are in each other’s life for a reason and if you can find ways to create a smile or happiness in others, then the world is a much better place. I first learned about random acts of kindness on Oprah’s show years ago and have tried to make it a part of my daily routine, whether it’s something as simple as cutting my neighbor’s grass on the spur of the moment or leaving an extra $5 with the cashier to pay for the next person’s meal at a fast food restaurant. I’ve learned that it’s the little things that count and if we could all take some time to think of others instead of ourselves, we could all live in peace. Thank you for considering my entry.
I spread peace by teaching my 10,11,and 12th grade English students the purpose and power of peace. With that said I also teach them history of both violence and non violence and give them the opportunity to analyze what each has brought us. This allows them to critically think about both concepts and truly understand the power and continuum of peace. They are the next generation and it is especially important that they understand how to speak and act in peace, as they will soon lead, and no longer be followers of our bad examples.
I spread peace by doing something really simple… cooking. I feel at peace when I’m cooking a meal. The chopping, stirring and tasting (best part) always calms and focuses me. Then, when I get to share that meal with a friend or loved one, I feel like I’m sharing that peace while nourishing their bellies.
Yumm!
I spread peace by listening first, encouraging afterwards, and continual prayer. Lastly, I try to look at myself first. So many of the woes in the world would be non-existent if we just listened and let others go before us.
Before the organization that I was working with closed, I spent a year and a half as a volunteer in New Orleans. I was working with the New Orleans Survivor Council, which was dedicated to helping those who had been the most affected by Katrina, namely poor, Black, and elderly residents. I sacrificed a lot financially (defaulted on loans and credit cards, worked only enough to pay rent and energy bills), but I’m glad that I did it because I would have regretted not doing what I felt was right. I like to think that I gave them a little peace of mind and made their recovery easier, because so many residents were seriously struggling here and receiving no help.
I try to spread peace by communicating with strangers. I think conflict and separating people from ourselves comes from the fear of not knowing, where strangers or anyone different from us becomes the ‘other’.Talking, sharing stories is one of the first steps to me.
I teach people to find peace in the power and beauty of music by learning to play the violin and viola. I teach children and adults.
As a high school teacher, I spread peace by being an example to our young people. When interacting with our young people, I ask instead of demand, encourage instead of demean, converse with instead of talk to or at, and grow with instead of being the know-it-all who has all of the answers. Sometimes I wonder if I should be doing more or if I am capable of much more than this. Then I remember–what better job is there in the world than to share your knowledge, your love, and yes, your idea of peace? Thanks Afrobella, I needed to remind myself of a few things…
I spread peace through my smile and with my time. I work at the front desk of a hotel. I have guests who come from all over the world to stay at in our small college town. When they get here they are tired and weary and don’t know anyone. I greet them with a smile, and go out of my way to make their stay as pleasant as possible.
Also, Monday evenings I volunteer with a group of middle school African American girls. I’m help them with homework, talk to them about life, and just hang out. I have 12 new little sisters, and with that many girls you know that there is going to be some drama. But, I help keep the peace and encourage them to talk through their differences.
Love those earrings!
I found that the best way to spread peace is from the inside out. Your attitude, your spirit, really does affect those with whom you interact. Therefore, you have to make sure you are at peace, in order to spread peace.
Deuces!
I spread peace by raising my young son to be a loving person. No toy guns, bombs, knives, etc. We are raising him to respect all people, appreciate art and music, love learning and strive to be the best he can be.
The way I spread peace is in my work place. I work in a high stressful environment and every day is different. When a co-worker of mine is having a bad day or just upset about a certain situation. I try to stay calm and talk too that person because just by speaking and talking in calming manner really helps. i just love seeing smiles on people faces because smiling throughtout the day makes your day go by smoother and also makes other people smile when that come in contact with you.
So ladies just keep your happy on 🙂
The most simple and most effective way I know to spread peace throughout the universe is to first be at peace within myself.
Grace & Peace.
Namaste.
I spread peace with simple smiles and hellos. It’s not easy being in a bustling city where everyone’s on “the grind”. I’m guilty of it it too. I’m only human but then I remind myself that a simple “thank you” to the driver before I get of the bus, for example, or a “How are you?” when entering it can make a difference in someone’s day. I know this because just the other day coming home I spoke to my bus driver. He was an older man who smiled and told me that I was the only one who had spoken to him. The only one.
So with that I’ll keep passing my “good mornings” on to the other riders in the elevator. Or saying “hello” to the person I’ve been spotting for a year on the same subway platform on which I’ve waited for the train every morning but oddly never spoke to before.
Some of life’s pleasures and peace come from simple things.
I believe treating people with respect would make the world a better place and more peaceful. I respect people’s differences and have an open mind to what they have to say. I raise my daughter treating her friends with love and friendly intentions.
I work with people that have been incarcerated. I help them integrate back in the community and become productive people who can lead meaningful lives.
I strongly believe in karma… what you give out to the universe not only comes back to you, but a mark is left wherever you are. I spread peace by being aware of what I contribute to the universe. Sometimes a contribution can be small, as in a smile to a stranger… or grand, as in giving vocal opposition to a wrongdoing…. it’s all love, and it’s all about peace.
I spread peace at my job constantly!
I am the Family Service Coordinator at a women and children residential rehab facility. These women and their children were used to chaotic living situations before their mothers decided they needed to enter recovery to address their addictions. I encourage the mothers to have patience with their children, who are still adjusting to having MOMMY instead of just a mother. I also encourage the women to interact with their children appropriately and not use them as an outlet for their frustrations.
Furthermore, I encourage the women to live and interact peacefully with each other because they are 17 different women with various personalities and they will not always agree or get along.
Life on the street was always hectic and dysfunctional so alot of the women attempt to duplicate the same environment in their community because they’ve never been STILL before and living in recovery means eliminating drama and chaos.
I spread the peace by remaining positive and optimistic about life. I really think everyone has the ability and control to make themselves happy no matter what is going on in your lives.
Hey Bella
I enjoy reading your blog and as a fellow Trini am really happy with what you are doing. Enjoyed the “peaces” and will be looking to purchase something for my best friends birthday, hoping I can do that online. Just as a side line, my friend in Trinidad is doing some lovely work as well and I wanted to draw it to your attention…..you can have a look at her site http://www.jendayi.freehosting.net
Much Peace to all
How I spread peace in the world is by smiling! A little smile can do wonders for people:).
Poetry is peace. The words, the emotions, the love. I write the poems that bring peace of mind. There is nothing like it.
sophistifly.
So much of our lives are inundated with negativity and limitations, some of which come from us, from others in our lives, or from the systems we interact with. The result is that most people operate from a place completely oppposite of peace: discord, anxiety, and trouble.
As a recovering cynic, I do my part to spread peace in the world by finding and highlighting the good in life– good people, good music, good quotes, good organizations, ideas, etc. I constantly seek to grow and share what I learn. In the process, I’ve become a source of positivity and possibility for others via my personal interactions with others, my blog and my Twitter feed. Over the past six months, my blog readership has jumped from 350 viewers to 1800, so I know that what started as a personal project to help me grow is of value to others seeking the same type of positive reinforcement in their lives.
I spread peace by being the light I wish to see. I find the good and am constantly inpsired to create more of it.
I make a point to make hold the door for the next person. Let someone out of a driveway or lot when everyone else keeps closing them off. Say thank you and have a good day to every customer service person that helps me.
We have to stay connected and be real with and to each other because we are not alone on this earth.
Hello Bella!
My way of spreading peace in my home, family and community is simply to choose my words wisely. I believe the power of words is underestimated, and that speaking with respect can often turn a bad situation or day around. I try to be patient enough to think before I speak and not fly of the handle! When Someone is using words to hurt you, saying a kind word instead of attacking them back can make ALL THE DIFFERENCE 🙂 Your unexpected response just might change the person’s mood and before you know it, you may have inspired someone else to choose peace and respect instead of put -downs and anger. Its hard, no doubt, but making this change in my life has lifted a kind of weight off my shoulders. I believe the more we can inspire people to speak respectfully to one another, the more at peace we all can be.
Thanks!
Erin
Those earrings are simply divine! Bella, I spread peace by raising my lovely daughter in a household free of drama, intolerance, or prejudice. I work to teach her that everyone has something to contribute to this world, no matter what their personality is like. We are all different, and that’s okay.
I keep peace in my life my chanting and meditation. To spread that peace I work with youth ages 13 and up. I teach design and photography as a form of self expression countering fights and conflict that our young people deal with daily. They are certainly trying with their balled up angst but I try to extend the peace that I have to them so they can experience an alternative. I spread peace by spreading love to “my kids” and helping them navigate the beginning of the rest of their life.
Well, I am not trying to win a pair.. because I already own one. But these earrings always get me attention. They’re definitely not flimsy, and the backing is a coconut shell. Camille does a wonder job, and she’s got a wonderful spirit. I was very happy to see her get some shine on your site… and thank you for everything YOU do Bella! peace and light.
WHAT PART OF THE WORLD IS KNOWN FOR PEACE? NEW ORLEANS is probably not on the top of the list but it is my home… good or bad. When I returned home after the hurricane I wanted to spend some time in the city and hurry back out. But since I have been here for 3 years now I know that in the midst of DARKNESS that covers my PART OF THE WORLD I must be a LIGHT and COVER each being I meet with LOVE. My dance students are my fertile ground as I shine my LIGHT on them through ENCOURAGMENT and REVELING the HEALING aspects of dance to counter the stress that face in their lives. Enlightening my students will cultivate peacable human beings so that change makers will have longevity in this every evolving word.
I spread peace by praying and keeping calm (as well as others) in times of craziness. Although it’s not always easy, I’ve found that keeping positive and having positive people around you can make the world of difference. Like Mary J said “No more drama”. 🙂
When my college roommate and I were social chairs of our theater, we established a sort of “open door policy” among the community. People could come in and hang out or study or just talk; whatever they needed to do. We did our best to make our space a space where everyone felt comfortable and to foster a sense of community. Now that I’ve graduated (only a week ago, I can’t believe it!), I’m working at a summer enrichment program for teens, helping them to develop leadership – and occasionally conflict management skills. I try to be a positive role model for them and keep calm, even when circumstances are frustrating the hell out of me.
Essentially, I just like creating safe spaces for people; I think the world needs more of those.
I spread peace in my neck of the woods as the Community Service Liason for my region in the Student National Medical Association. I work with children in underserved areas to show them that their are other ways to gain respect among their peers besides acting a fool and spreading violence. I work to show them that a future in science, especially medicine, can allow them to fill the void that society needs.
I spread peace in the world by keep a postive attiude and offering a smile to others. You never know how much a smile can uplift someone who is down. I try to remain optimistic in spite of circumstances which tends to rub off on others. I absolutely love the earrings 🙂
Instead of trying to convince people to put trust and faith in the “powers that be” to usher in an atmosphere of peace and security, I spend my time directing people to the only true source of peace…the Bible. Phil. 4:6,7 states: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” Real peace will be bestowed upon mankind by way of God’s kingdom mentioned at Daniel 2:44.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this. :O)