Margaret Mary

Margaret Mary Chaffee, better known as Peg or Peggy. Was an intense woman who, though she was petite (standing all of 5’1’’) was fierce. She came to being in Ireland and while that was representative of her heritage here on Earth, part of her soul was always called to Japan. Meals at her house would often consist of traditional Irish food but with an unusual addition. “Imagine my surprise when I learned that miso soup wasn’t Irish!” Her granddaughter joked with me.

Perhaps it was the quality and attention to detail in Japanese culture, how particular that society was. The underlying threads of control that felt present. She had many facets you see, as a seamstress she was drawn to well made things. She’d work super hard and then suddenly disappear to the beach. Maybe that was the whimsy of Celtic culture at odds with the Japanese side of her?

One of the heirlooms left behind by her was a very well made cross which was inlayed with small diamonds and rubies. While beautiful and well made, it didn’t suit the tastes of my customer and so, spent much of it’s time in a box in the closet. To give new life to this, we decided that it just felt right that both of her resonant cultures be represented. Two sides of the same coin if you will.

For the Japanese side we chose a Ginko leaf. Considered by some to be a living fossil in that they are the oldest surviving tree known to exist. (In fact, one still stands after surviving the blast at Hiroshima) They are often revered for their resilience and nowadays stand for hope, timelessness, peace and long life. Three small diamonds stand for Peggy and her two twin granddaughters.

On the second side, an Awen. Known in Irish culture as the three rays of light. This symbol carries with it a few meanings. Some believe that the two outer rays are symbolic of male and female energy while the central pillar is the balance between them. While others think it is demonstrative of the 3 domains of Earth, Sky and Sea. Mind, body, spirit. A symbol of divine illumination.

We can’t help but wonder Peggy, what sort of clever saying might you have had for this piece? “The Fire feels nice said the fox…”