Don't Sit Still

Flirting In Red #20121

November is all about preparing for Thanksgiving and holiday shopping and diving in with both feet into the spirit of the season. Garnets and rose colored quartz are just so very festive. And in Swarovski crystal burgundy just shines and is sure to catch the eye.  That's why we chose to focus on those warm colors of the heart.  And the charity we are pairing these works with is one close to our hearts. American gem Michael J. Fox has a wonderful record of pushing through advances in order to find a cure for Parkinson's.  We are donating 25% of all we do this month to Michael J. Fox's Foundation For Parkinson's Research.

"Orange you Glad" #20122

According to their website, as recent as November 14th they were published for their  study, published online in Annals of Neurology, the researchers interviewed 99 twin pairs in which one twin had Parkinson's Disease while the other did not. The interviews focused on each individual’s work history and hobbies. The researchers were probing for situations that would have exposed individuals to the solvents perchloroethylene (PERC), carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) — both commonly used dry cleaning agents — and TCE. TCE was banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 1977. It once was used in dry-cleaning solutions, adhesives, paints, carpet cleaners, as a metal degreaser and as an anesthetic, skin disinfectant, and coffee decaffeinating agent, among other uses. TCE is also the most common organic contaminant in groundwater, and is found in up to 30% of drinking water supplies across the United States. (In September, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that TCE was also carcinogenic.)

#20123

Several studies have linked an individual’s exposure to solvents with an increased risk of Parkinson's Disease. But the Goldman Tanner study is the first to report population-based findings data on the relationship between TCE exposure and Parkinson's Disease.

To date, no definitive cause for Parkinson's Disease has been discovered, yet environmental factors may in fact trigger the disease and have long been the focus of intense interest among Parkinson’s researchers. Michael J. Fox's Foundation (MJFF) has funded multiple studies into environmental factors believed to play a role in Parkinson's Disease research, including a portion of the work being carried out by Tanner and Goldman.

Other studies include:

• A 2006 grant to the Harvard School of Public Health was the first large scale study to examine the possible links between chronic, low-dose exposure to pesticides and PD risk. Data showed that individuals reporting exposure to pesticides had a 70 percent higher incidence of PD than those who did not.
• This past May, a team of researchers headed by Dr. Brad Racette of Washington University in St. Louis reported final outcomes of their work investigating how exposure to metals might lead to a higher risk for PD. Racette’s team studied 600 welders across the world, finding that, according to Positron emission tomography (PET) scans, welders had an average 11.7 percent reduction in a marker of the chemical dopamine compared to those who did not weld (Dopamine is decreased in certain brain regions in people with PD).

All this according to the wonderful work described when you go visit MJFF's website at http://www.MichaelJFox.org. Yay Michael. We celebrate your devotion to a cure the best way we know how: with our pledged support.  You can help too by donating directly or purchasing one of our One-Of-A-Kind pieces as a gift (or gifts) this holiday season.  Check out our latest creations at www.ebay.com by doing a search for -- Missing Links Lisa Lindo --.

Never too early to get those gifts on their way for the holidays.  And our best to you and yours.

Lisa Lindo
misssinglinksfiound@gmail.com

I Heart Snow

'I Heart Snow' (#420)

For the newest collection from Missing Links, we've collaborated with celebrity infused social action campaign 'Green Means Go' which celebrates the tenants of Earth Day, every day.

#420, 'I Heart Snow,' with its multiple strands of white crystal seed beads and Silver Heart, Silver Leaf and Crystal Hanging Pearl Pendant, reminds us that we love the bright white cuteness of a polar bear cub and treasure that they are not yet completely extinct.  The United States is blessed with a great variety of awe-inspiring landscapes from coast to coast. The National Wildlife Federation is working to protect these extraordinary places that are critical to the survival of America's wildlife so please bid generously. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270734640074

(National Wildlife Federation, 2011)

LIKE MANY PHOTOGRAPHERS, Lois Settlemeyer traveled to Churchill, Manitoba, last year to see and shoot polar bears. She writes, “Since the early 1980s, the Churchill polar bear population has decreased 22 per cent and the decline has been directly linked to the ice breakup on Hudson Bay. Polar bears depend on sea ice for food and for survival. Climate change threatens their very existence.” The Washington State resident used a Canon EOS 40D and a 70-300mm lens for this portrait.

This is just one of the many one-of-a kind handcrafted pieces you can see and read about at: MissingLinksFound.com

Missing Links, a Limited Edition line from Lindo Exclusive, was created to combine art with philanthropy and sustainability.  25% of each and every sale from the "Green Means Go" Exhibit goes to the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization National Wildlife Federation of the United States, because what better gift is there then a a necklace from Missing Links that works to protect our wildlife.

Each month, we are proud to spotlight a DIFFERENT charity and focus awareness to raise funds through wearable art.  Each piece inspires and evokes dialogue about the regions and histories of these semiprecious stones.  Whether a gift for you, or someone you care about, your purchase lets you feel good about being fashion forward while making the world a more beautiful place.

Thank you for coming and learning.  And please share.  These are great causes to support.

Dax
missinglinkfound@gmail.com
www.missinglinksfound.com

February is Black History Month

Tomorrow starts our February collection, “His Story, Her Story, We all scream for History!” which will benefit the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization FOADAC (The Foundation For Orphaned, Abandoned, Disabled, African Children) supported by celebrities, including Shirley Jones, Maroon 5, Jay Leno, and Sam Sarpong. 

http://www.foadac.org 

What were your plans for Valentine's Day?  Here's your chance to spread some love while showing your love.  

(Missing Links, 2011)

 

Check out our Ebay listings this month:

Click Here For Updated Ebay Listing For Missing Links

 

We'll add new unique pieces available on auction often, so enjoy shopping.

 

Lisa Lindo ~ www.missinglinksfound.com

Being Worthy of Honey Foxy Cleopatra

Hi and welcome.

If you are just getting introduced to our work, let's get you up to speed. ;-)

Dax and I at The Four Seasons, Wailea, Maui

Back in 2003, Missing Links started off as unique jewelry pieces for my ailing furchild, Baroness Jadzia Dax of McFarland. While living in Maui, I'd been beading for myself, yet the most popular pieces I made were for doggies. At the time, my dog was a 9 year old maltese who was fabulously rounding the bend to 10. Of course, I couldn't help but spoil her to death with crystals and shells, garnets and adorable charms. She pranced when we wore them, people complimented her often, and soon enough we started getting orders for commissioned pieces whenever we went out together. 

Dax in Ohio as we drove cross country to move to D.C.

(VintageBlooms, 2011)

She had a nice setup in Maui with her own flower garden spotted with planting beds that were rimmed with volcanic oversized boulders we had found all over our property. We grew lavender, roses, pansies poking out of a forest of old tennis shoes, and gave her plenty to stir her senses. These vibrant colors influenced most of my work and bead shopping.  Dax had walking paths, a miniature statue garden of budhas, angels, ceramic frogs and even a tree tunnel made up of a combination of wild blackberries, night blooming jasmine, and a kukui nut tree. She was fenced in with a carefully designed and planted flowering medley of alchemist elements and constantly budding life.  A living fence, that she would stop at in different points, take a deep breath, generally enjoyed her Maui lifestyle. We spent alot of time there looking out at the bicoastal island view in the distance, just meditating on the meaning of life. She had had cancer surgery, had heart problems, and doctors gave her a few months at best, so I had moved her to paradise to end her days.  But no one told Dax about the schedule, and we lived there for 3 years like this before moving to Washington D.C. in 2009.  
But I digress.

(VintageBlooms, 2011)

(SketchedSpring, 2011)

The necklaces were a hit, and that led to the creation of my Pretty Paws line.  What's Pretty Paws?  Pretty Paws is one-of-a-kind fashion jewelry made from world traveled semi-precious stones for the Fashion Hound in your life.  When mommy owners realized I could make matching anklets, they stopped borrowing their dogs pieces and matched up in style. 

My wonderful best friend and all around "me too kid" passed on on November 3rd, 2011 so February 3rd will have been 3 months. It's been rough going, but when I get sad, I think of all the wonderful things she was able to do in her life.  Of course, I hadn't made a doggie necklace since November.  Now, I've been commissioned to make my first puppy blingwear for Honey Foxy Cleopatra, the neighbor's new puppy.  She's adorable. Smart, inquisitive, attentive, and breathtakingly cute.  Coming on 8 weeks now.  And her mother's from Jamaica, so the journey for the art is specific. I'm back to sparkling up four legged lives everywhere, and am creating matching anklets for the mommas out there who like to strut with their mutt.

(Pretty Paws, 2011)

Can't wait to try it on Honey.  Thanks for checking in with Missing Links.

Lisa Lindo
www.missinglinksfound.com

Missing Links Has Arrived In Washington D.C.

Woke up to find this fabulous write-up on our philanthropic jewelry line on the Front Page of Washington Life:

(Missing Links, 2011)

http://www.washingtonlife.com/2011/01/26/get-out-and-give-back-glamorous-giving/

Now, I've finally arrived, in fashion, in Washington D.C.  And since you are visiting my blog, you get a sneak peak at some video we caught on the Flip of the interview itself:

(Washington Life Interview, 2011)

Since then, our email box has been full and the phone's been ringing off the hook (not that we have hooks anymore, lol) with requests to set up private viewings.  We'll be working on a piece for a client's wedding, and companion sister pieces for her family.

It's the best job in the world when you love what you do.  Let me know if you have any broken baubles that mean alot but can't be worn anymore, and we'll see if we can turn them back into a wearable family heirloom.

I'm off to finish a doggie necklace for the neighbors new 7 week old puppy.  ;-)

 Honey Foxy Cleopatra at 7 weeks

She's going to be beautiful in hot pink crystals. More to come...

Lisa Lindo
Linking Art To Philanthropy and Sustainability
www.missinglinksfound.com
Ebay keyword search:  'Lisa Lindo Missing Links'
or email us at
missinglinksfound@gmail.com

Why Global Green USA?

Did you know...

"Global Green USA has been working to rebuild New Orleans with their Holy Cross Project.  Global Green has assembled a highly skilled and dedicated project team of national experts paired with local professionals with the goal of transferring knowledge to ultimately make green expertise indigenous to New Orleans. Through the Holy Cross Project, Global Green is committed to:

• Creating a green model or showcase for development and rebuilding for New Orleans, and green affordable housing in the US;
   
• Ensuring the sustainability and long term affordability of the Project’s housing units for residents, and socioeconomic fabric of the neighborhood through the center;
   
• Educating NOLA residents, the Gulf Coast and broader American public through the Project’s visitors center, NOLA resource center, and website about the benefits of green building.
   
• Advancing smart solutions to global warming that both benefit communities and engage stakeholders in building will for action

(Global Green, 2011)

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the inadequate response of the US Government, Global Green made a dedicated commitment to sustainable building in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.  Through their green affordable housing community the Holy Cross Project, our Build It Back Green initiative - they are educating residents on how to rebuild in a healthy green way, and through their work on greening schools throughout the area, Global Green is committed to creating a green model for the development and rebuilding of New Orleans.

Learn more...

Lisa Lindo
Missing Links supports Global Green USA
www.missinglinksfound.com
Ebay key search words:  'Lisa Lindo Missing Links'
25% of each purchase during the month of January goes to Global Green USA

Global Green USA: Our Spotlight For January

What a crazy beginning to this year. Good things and sad news things and all I can think of to do is put one foot in front of the other and work to make things better every day.  Spreading messages of hope and sharing whatever I learn with others brings a yin to the loud yang of the news, helping to feel like we can still make a difference.  Like I can make a difference.

So far in 2011, we've had private showings in Los Angeles, Maui, New York and D.C. for the pieces being auctioned to benefit Global Green for the month of January.  Global Green USA (www.globalgreen.org) is the only national environmental non-profit headquartered in Southern California with offices in New Orleans, Washington DC, and New York, and is one of over 31 national GCI affiliates throughout the world to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment.

We look forward to your continued suggestions of causes we should spotlight in the future, and communities that you would like to see carry Missing Links.

Traveling around, it is so clear that everywhere I go we are universally sharing the need for Peace, calling out to an end to senseless violence.  Yes, I'm a peacenik.  It's more important than ever to speak loudly these days about your beliefs, your hopes for change.  Or at the very least, incorporate your beliefs into the way you choose to make money.  Right?

Well, it turns out, without really meaning to do so, I've been collecting things.  In my desire to learn about what kind of good is already being done in the world, I collected stories, shopping adventures, jars, and containers, and tools and books.   Wherever I went, I always managed to make time to dash away and discover whatever vintage jewelry shop or local beadery might be open. 

I made a hobby out of working with semi-precious stones (since 2003 actually), and started sitting with artists and beaders from Holland to Hawaii, studying color choice and adding bags of brightly colored beautiful bits to my collection.  Gathering seed beads, hammered silver, items of pewter, beach glass and gems that make me just blush, like Garnets and Citrine.  My first teacher started out the first class by saying, "Never go shopping for beads unless you have a lot of time, and a lot of money."  Lucky for me, I had both.  And I'll go more than a few extra miles to find that intimate item I can add to our collection of odds and ends, ribbons and starfish, dreams and causes. Often pleasantly surprised that the walk itself swept me into adventures I would never have had otherwise.  But those stories are for another time.

When I moved to D.C., I decided to round up all the different hiding places I had filled with my sparkly divalicously decadent loot.  Now, surrounded by rainbows of carvings and facets, I have to say, I could open a bead store myself and probably not run out of stock for years.  ;-)

I believe in working with sustainable materials, stones I've carried around with me as I go, adding to my jars and baskets, bowls and boxes of stones, pearls, glass beads and art beads and Czech glass, and silver lined beads, and blown glass pieces, items made from discarded elk horn, just amazing how the wide range of colors and textures grew and grew.  It's from these elements and intentions that all of our Missing Links items are born and seeing the response from all of you is so very encouraging. 

Our next private showing (snow or shine) will be Wednesday, January 12, 2011 in Baltimore, MD.  To receive an exclusive invitation, or even if you are unable to attend, please "like" our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MissingLinksFound

and visit our blog frequently at:
MissingLinksFound.blogspot.com

Happy New Year & eBay auction

Happy New Year to you and yours! May 2011 bring health, wealth and happiness.

For those of you who I haven't spoken to in forever, I've moved to Washington D.C. to produce Shepard Fairey's VOTE FOR CHANGE Redux. It's been exciting and worthwhile work, juxtaposing all these incredible clips of celebs sharing what their hopes for change were back in 2008 against what we've accomplished so far. With so much Change manifesting at the end of 2010, I am approaching the 2 years ahead of us with relish!

November 3rd a great deal changed with the passing of my animal companion of 16 years, Baroness Jadzia Dax of McFarland, who most of you knew as Dax. In her later days, I took to making her glamorous necklaces to wear when she would gad about town. Little purse dogs all over were visited by Pretty Paws Presents and adorned with one-of-a-kind fashion jewelry made from world traveled semi-precious stones and they were pitched as perfect accessories for the "Fashion Hound" in your life. They were elegant and she would get compliments all the time, leading to commission pieces and word of mouth orders.

That was just a couple months ago now and so many beautiful cards and thoughtful sentiments have come from all directions from those who remembered my gorgeous furchild. Dax had traveled everywhere, been backstage at The Lion King on Broadway, loved going to the theatre, lived in Maui, drove cross country, and was such a personality she received her own invitations to parties. The very loved and very famous Baroness Jadzia Dax has been memorialized by contributions from friends to veterinary schools, various animal charities, and the Humane Society.

December came, I turned 46 smashing all champagne records with really good old chums and lifelong pals in Manhattan, NY, and made all sorts of resolutions to start machining my intentions into action items of activism moving forward.  To that end, in lieu of any other gifts and donations, I would like to focus your support on my newest philanthropic venture in both mine and Dax's names:

Missing Links 

Missing Links, a Limited Edition line from Lindo Exclusive, was created to combine art with philanthropy and sustainability. 25% of each and every sale from the our first January collection, the "She Sells Seashells By The Seashore" Exhibit, goes to the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Global Green USA, supported by some of our favorite celebrities, including Sheryl Crow, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham, Rosie Perez and Maria Menounos.

Each month, we are proud to spotlight a DIFFERENT charity and focus awareness to raise funds through wearable art. Each piece inspires and evokes dialogue about the regions and histories of these semiprecious stones. Whether a gift for you, or someone you care about, your purchase lets you feel good about being fashion forward while making the world a more beautiful place.

So, my friends old and new, if you are feeling generous and looking for a perfect sentimental, heirloom gift, you can bid for these one-of-a-kind wearable pieces of art, handcrafted by yours truly, on eBay NOW at http://cgi.ebay.com/Lisa-Lindos-Missing-Links-Pearl-4-Strand-Necklace-444-/270687169602?pt=Handcrafted_Artisan_Jewelry&hash=item3f06366c42: 

Missing Links eBay charity auction

Keyword search: Lisa Lindo Missing Links

Please feel free to email me personally at missinglinksfound@gmail.com to commission a custom piece, recommend a philanthropic cause close to your own heart, or to volunteer some good old-fashioned spin-doctoring to help put Missing Links on the top tastemaking trends of 2011!

Other ways that you can show your support that won't cost you a thing:

*Follow our blog -- www.missinglinksfound.blogspot.com

*Follow us on twitter -- http://twitter.com/MyMissingLinks

*"Like" our Facebook Fan Page -- http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Missing-Links-Found/117607254975937

*Or Tell A Friend... ;-) -- (you could always hit forward on this email... ;-)...)

Lisa Lindo

Former National Administrator for USACAN

Producer: Shepard Fairey's VOTE FOR CHANGE Redux

http://www.MissingLinksFound.com

Linking Art to Philanthropy & Sustainability