Tanya? Tanya Lochridge? Who's that...should we know her?
"Think rockhound geek meets girly-girl chic and you pretty much know who I am." TRL
And, now a not-so-short stroll down memory lane...
It's funny, as I sit here and think about how it all started, I am taken back to 1967. Yes, it's true, I am that old and more! I can remember the very first piece of jewelry I sold. It was a macrame bead bracelet in red and white and some very kind person bought it at the Sunset Beach Art Festival. That sale surprisingly led to the next and the next. As one can do in SoCal, most of those transactions took place between classes in a sunny warm spot on the lawn between the LA4 and LA5 buildings at Cal State Long Beach (then known as Long Beach State). I just opened my little case and presto, I was open for business. And, so the story goes.
Back to the present -- One locale at a time.
Since I am constantly surprised by the things around me, many of my pieces are inspired by my "life" in diverse cities across the country. I had the good fortune to grow up in SoCal -- so needless to say, the beach plays a significant role in many of my designs. The colors, the textures, as well as the shapes from that locale all show up in some form or another. Then moving to NoCal, I worked on Maiden Lane in San Francisco and lived just north of the city in what was then somewhat of a sleepy hamlet, Mill Valley. Living in a glass tree house (yes, it's true); the sound of raucous raccoons on the deck put me to sleep at night while I woke up each morning to the squeal of squirrels jumping from redwood to redwood. On hikes, I marveled at the colors of green in the verdant ferns and leaves in the woods, juxtaposed with the browns and the reds of the trees -- a veritable feast for the senses. While living in Mill Valley, I experienced the most magical moonrise of my life on a drive home from Stinson Beach one summer evening -- it was so intoxicating, we had to pull off the road and just sit in awe, speechless, watching the golden glow touch the skyline of the city while it completely transformed the bay below. I drove away that night with a heightened understanding that we were just small players in this thing called life. It is an experience that I will never forget.
In a crazy twist of fate, it seems like I fell asleep nestled among the redwoods one night and woke up the next morning to the sounds of honking horns, screeching brakes and sirens in New York City. My life had jumped onto a new path, one that was full of a different kind of energy -- sights, sounds, tastes and yes, even smells, some of which, I might add, weren't always that pleasant. I feel so fortunate to have called New York City home for ten plus years. Life was good to me in that crazy place and I was able to experience so many things that are unique to that city -- stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, the always amazing Central Park and the ability to rub elbows with the very poor and the very rich on a daily basis. It was an enlightening process that reconfirmed my level of gratitude and one I would not change for anything.
These days I am calling Oregon home -- never in my life would I have imagined me saying those words...again. You see, I did live here many, many years ago for a very busy but short period of time during which I opened and sold two antique and decorative accessories stores, started a soft goods company, renovated an early 1900s home, and bravely ended a long-time marriage. Maybe too much information, but they are all experiences that color who I am today, which makes me grateful for them all. Living here this time around I love that I am closer to my brother and his wife, and their kids and grandkids -- they're a fun bunch. So, that's it -- me in a nutshell. (Well, yes, a very big nutshell!)
I hope you continue to enjoy my designs and wear all your jewelry with laughter and in good health. I am having so much fun scouting for beads, coming up with new creations and making them, I honestly appreciate your encouragement and support over the years. Who would have thought that I would rediscover and, in turn, share the joy of and passion for, something that got its start way back in 1967?
Hugs to all -- TRL
I know it is a lot of words; but hopefully you'll be kind by remembering I am also a writer!
You can reach me by email at tanya@tanyalochridge.com.
