I am not Maria!

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the mountains, there lived a young girl named Maria. Maria was a bright and curious child, full of energy and enthusiasm. She loved nothing more than exploring the forests and streams that surrounded her home, and spending time with her family and friends.

But as Maria grew older, she faced many challenges. The village where she lived was poor, and resources were scarce. Maria's family struggled to make ends meet, and often went without the basic necessities of life.

Despite these hardships, Maria remained determined and optimistic. She knew that her future was bright, and she worked hard to overcome the obstacles that stood in her way.

One day, a terrible storm swept through the village, destroying homes and crops and leaving many families in need. Maria's family was among those affected by the disaster, and they lost everything they owned.

But Maria refused to let the storm defeat her. She rolled up her sleeves and got to work, helping her community rebuild and recover. She rallied her friends and neighbors, and together they worked tirelessly to restore the village to its former glory.

As the months passed, the village began to thrive once again. And Maria, now a young woman, was hailed as a hero and a leader. She had shown the world that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Maria's story is one of adversity and hope, of resilience and strength. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a way forward.

I may not be Maria, but I do understand the connection between adversity and hope, resilience and strength, despair and joy.  The storm that Maria experienced runs parallel with the life experiences I have endured and come through.  Part of my journey is the creation of Jewelry Queen NZ.  

Jewelry Queen NZ is more than just an "online shop", it is an expression of my essence, and it is a tribute to my ability to recover even when things were at its lowest.  So many people have crossed my path over the years, some helpful others were lessons.  

I suppose like Maria I eventually realised, Life is for living and exploration.  I have become a seeker of living.