small things

French Honey {giveaway}

Today’s giveaway is from Maya of French Honey ::

3-camera bee

If you’ve been reading Ginny’s blog for a while, you may know me as Springtree Road from my yarn-dyeing days. I sold my handspun yarn starting in 2009, then hand-dyed yarn starting in 2011. In April of 2012, we added a handsome baby boy to make our family four.  And still I dyed yarn, because I love it.  I love mixing the colors, I love the smell of the wool, and I really love the people.  But sometimes things happen and you find yourself on a different path than you expected.

1-Holden

We knew before he was born that Holden had club feet.  I had time to research treatment and talk to a specialist, and I knew that club feet are usually fairly simple to treat with the Ponseti Method.  What we didn’t know until he was born is that Holden actually has Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.  This is an umbrella term for a variety of syndromes that can cause joint contractures.  There is a whole spectrum of disability that people with AMC can be on, most of which is decided by the underlying causes of the condition.

1-Mary and Baby Jesus

4-dragonfly

On the AMC spectrum, Holden is mildly affected in his hands and feet, and we don’t actually know the cause.  But that doesn’t really matter; the treatment is the same.  For the first year, we spent a lot of time with doctors and therapists.  Now we mainly just spend some time with his physical and occupational therapists.  He’s doing great and I’m sure he will improve even more in the next few years.

6-winter white tree

If you’re the mom of a child with a disability, you know there’s a tiredness that accumulates in your body and your mind.  Once you finally get into a rhythm, your new normal includes precious little time to yourself.  Any time you used to spend on your favorite creative outlet can get lost in so many doctor appointments, your own research to find the best methods of treatment for your child, your daily at-home therapy sessions, and tending to the needs of everyone else in your home.  When I could no longer keep up with the demands of running a successful hand-dyed yarn business, I prayed and God gave me French Honey.  This little shop has been just what I needed this year.

2-acorn

What I love about French Honey is that it gives me the time that I need with my family, provides me a way to get creative, and is very simple to fit into my everyday routine.  I love that I can provide my customers with quality pendants, so many design options, and the utmost affordability.  And with my “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” deal, you can take care of all the little gifts on your holiday list.  I add new designs every week, so please visit when you can.

5-giveaway necklace coffee with bean

For today’s giveaway, Maya is offering the above pictured pendant to one Small Things reader.  In addition, Maya is offering a 10% discount on all orders through Tuesday.  The coupon code is SMALLTHINGS
For your chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post.  Comments will close and a winner will be randomly selected on Monday, November 11. 

Comments are closed.  The winner is Lou Anne, “I think I must have been Louisa May Alcott in my former life!  Your pendents are lovely.”

Thanks, Maya and French Honey!


art pendants

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Yours is a beautiful story. And a testament to parents love and faith. I love that you heard the Lord calling you elsewhere and listened to His call. Sometimes we get so caught up in the doing that we don’t hear. Especially when every ounce of energy is focused on beautiful baby boys. But mostly I’m happy that Holden is doing well. God bless your journey. xo

    (Your work is lovely…must look over my gift giving list!)

  9. That pendant is amazingly appropriate for me today–my coffee grinder broke yesterday and there’s only whole bean coffee in the house! How I missed my cuppa! 😉

    Beautiful story of how your business came to be. All the best for you and your precious son!

  16. OH MY GOSH…I lOVE COFFEE, I didn’t realize my keyboard was set on caps lock, but it fits the situation.
    I love your shop full of fun necklaces! Melanie

  19. I loved reading your story. It is such a temptation for parents to fall into “comparing” mode. Your story reminded me that time is precious, that our children are all unique, and that half of what seems important now doesn’t matter later. Thank you.

  20. I loved reading the story of your business and I think you’re a very inspiring mom. I would love to be entered to win this giveaway.

  22. Such gorgeous eyes on Holden! I have a couple of birthdays this month so will be checking out the pendants. The coffee one is perfect for my friend Nora.

  26. Maya, Thank you for sharing your story. You have amazing strength, and from what I read, amazing faith. Your little boy is beautiful!!

  33. As the mother of a child with special needs, I found your post so poignant. Your Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus pendants are breathtaking!

  34. Such lovely work – I’m cutting back on my coffee ‘addiction” do I’d love to wear a sentimental reminder of my favourite drink!

  38. This post touched my heart. When your child has health struggles it makes every moment critical to learning all you can about the disease or illness. Being their advocate is a heavy weight that you cannot take lightly. We are their voice and our lack of action could affect them for the rest of their life. Yet, we are so blessed to have this burden.

    Our daughter has a rare disease also. She will be five years old Nov. 10th. I wondered if she would see this day. But she is well. Healthy. Sooo happy and full of life.

    Bless you and your little man. Thank you for sharing.

  40. WOW! Wearing these awesome necklace make sense and a connection with every awesome mother in the world! I need one! 🙂 Good luck for this nice business…