In 1926, Irving Berlin composed “Blue Skies” for the first feature-length talkie, “The Jazz Singer.” One of the lines of this delightful song is: “Blue birds, singing a song; nothing but blue birds, all day long.” The song was a favorite during the Great Depression.

Imagine my surprise when, on January 4th, I came upon some blue birds in a little wood not far from home. I have learned to always take the camera when going out for a walk … you never know what wonderful things Mother Nature has in store, even in January! So, as we get ready for a wave of Arctic air to wash over Northeastern Pennsylvania, remember the blue birds, nothing but blue birds, all day long.

On the threshold of a new year, we look forward with excitement to all the beautiful new jewelry and gifts we plan to add to our inventory. Fellin’s Jewelers’ market schedule is an ambitious one! We will visit New York City several times this winter to search for the best in design and craftsmanship at the Jewelers of America Commercial Gem and Jewelry Trade Show and the New York International Gift Fair.

It has often been said, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Theoretically, that may be true but in the world of jewelry design at Fellin’s, there are always new combinations of gemstones set in wonderfully creative ways in exquisite pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings. Its our pleasure to seek out the most compelling of these and bring them to you, our valued clients.

As the world becomes a smaller place, we find the shapes, colors and textures of far-away cultures influence the things that surround us every day. Ever notice how a vase, photo frame, or pair of candlesticks can echo a particular period in the history of art? Or bring the flavor of an exotic place into a home environment? We at Fellin’s enjoy looking for truly unique decorative accessories and we take care to introduce only those with the greatest artistic integrity into our inventory.

So, stay tuned for all that’s new at Fellin’s Jewelers in 2009. Remember, the best is yet to be!

At Fellin’s Jewelers, we’re all about making your shopping experience the best one you’ll ever have! Relax, we’re here to help you find that “just right” gift. Take your time … ask our friendly staff lots of questions. Choose from an amazing array of beautiful jewelry and fine gifts in every price range.

Enjoy our festive atmosphere. Our mahogany wall cases are decked with fresh Princess Pine roping and red bows. You’ll hear beautiful, traditional Christmas carols, from Bing Crosby to Cambridge and Oxford choirs. We’ll even offer you cookies and egg nog while we lovingly wrap your special gift!

So, for old-fashioned, courteous service and value with the best of today’s style … and a shopping experience you’ll truly enjoy, visit us. It is our pleasure to welcome you!

An acquaintance of ours reports she has completely finished her Christmas shopping. Few of us are as well-organized and highly motivated to say the same. But, occasionally, there’s an advantage to waiting until the leaves fall and frost appears on the ground. For instance, an extraordinary collection of beautiful jewelry awaits you in our showcases. From sparkling diamonds to brilliantly colored gemstones to high-fashion gold and sterling silver creations. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings … all lovingly hand-selected, item by item, and displayed with care and creativity. So, treat yourself! Stop in and see all the lovely jewels. We’ll be happy to note your favorites on a wish list for you to share with Santa. He’ll be glad you did and, we’re sure, so will you!

As we begin to notice later dawns, earlier sunsets, flocking birds, and cool nights, we realize we’re on the “downside” of summer. Soon it will be Autumn. So we savor these lovely, sunny days by paying attention to things we might otherwise have overlooked.

This amazing yellow Dahlia was grown by our aunt, Giovanna Fellin, at her Drums, Pennsylvania home. An expert gardener, she artfully arranged the giant bloom in a centuries-old Japanese technique called Ikebana, emphasizing form and balance.

From time to time, we’ve glimpsed our friend, a Great Blue Heron, fishing at Brookhill pond in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania. Shy by nature, he’d take off silently and gracefully as soon as he had sensed our presence. This time, however, he was content to pose for a few portraits …

Ms. Melanie Jane Laputka is happy to share her bridal registry table! Melanie is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George M. Laputka, Jr. of Drums, Pennsylvania.

Melanie will be married on October 11th to Matthew Robert Frakes, originally of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Both Melanie and Matthew currently live in Arlington, Virginia. The couple met in 2005 and became engaged at Barboursville Vineyard on December 15, 2007. Their wedding ceremony will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with a reception at the Westmoreland Club to follow.

Bridal showers in Melaine’s honor will be hosted by Barbara Ecker on Sunday, July 27th in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, and by Susan Garret and Linda Megale on Sunday, September 7th in Winchester,
Virginia.

We offer our very best wishes to Melanie and Matthew as they begin a lifetime of happiness together!

At last, the Summer solstice has arrived! We were beginning to worry … it seemed a little late this year. But no, its here and we couldn’t be happier. So, to celebrate, we are planning to feature a new selection of lovely sterling silver “bamboo” jewelry - something specially designed with summer in mind. Our “Bijoux Bambou” is on display in our front windows and right here in our blog. Beautifully crafted of sterling silver, each exquisite piece is made to last for years to come. Choose from pendants, bracelets, and earrings - everything you need to accessorize that little linen dress or those cotton capris.

To a daughter, Dad will always be “Daddy.” Always strong … “Pick me up, Daddy.” Always generous … “May I have a dollar, Daddy?” Always kind, never harsh. Always funny and brave and smart.

It is said when little girls grow up, they look for a mate who shares all the wonderful qualities they found in their Dad. This would explain why some of us never marry.

Thank you, Dad, for everything … always.

What can we say about graduation that hasn’t already been said in countless valedictories? All the cliches about endings and beginnings, about fond memories and high hopes for the future. Graduates are told to pursue their dreams come what may and make their mark on the world.

Meanwhile, what they’re really concerned with is the minutia of everyday life: moving into a new apartment, upgrading one’s wardrobe to include something other than t-shirts and jeans, settling comfortably into a life of nine to five. Just in case your special graduate doesn’t have time, just now, to savor the singular achievement spelled out on his diploma, allow us to suggest some important gifts to remind him of this important occasion:

A Fellin’s Signature Series watch for him or her. Let’s face it, using a cell phone to tell time is all very well and good, but wouldn’t it be nice to have an attractive wrist watch to wear to that business meeting? We’ll be happy to engrave it with a monogram and date … with our compliments, of course!

Perhaps she’ll need to do some traveling in her new career. In that case, she’ll enjoy having a clever, little travel case in which to pack a few special items of jewelry. Each one is expertly crafted of embossed leather and designed to make the most of the least space. And such delicious colors … they’re irresistible!

And finally, may we direct you to our sister website, www.ivycoveredhalls.com. There you will find an extensive selection of the most wonderful desk accessories and wall art featuring almost every college, university, medical, dental, and law school in the United States! Each gift can be personalized with the graduate’s name and “class of” year. Its difficult to imagine a more relevant and impressive remembrance of such an important achievement.

Mother, mommy, mere, madre, Mutter … no matter what language, the meaning is the same. Mother, the one who sees us safely into the world, who nurtures us before and after birth. She carries us, feeds us, teaches us to walk and talk … to play and to pray. Perhaps the most difficult thing she does, after all that care and concern, is let us go. But wherever we go and forever, we carry her in our hearts.

I have often thought that mothers are the closest thing to a supreme being we’ll know in this life. Who else gives so much of themselves to another? Who else rules with such wisdom and tenderness … with the head and the heart? Who else deserves so much reverence?

We reserve a day for Mother … twenty-four hours to celebrate, to remember, to pause and reflect. To express our gratitude on a special day. Just one day for a lifetime of love.

Thank you, Mother!