I’ve been blessed to have grown up with both of my grandmothers. My father’s mother, Addie and I were very close. I was her mini me. She was a source of strength when I wanted to give up. She passed away from cancer when I was a senior in college. I miss her dearly. [caption id="attachment_107" align="alignnone" width="211"]grandma Addie one of the inspirations for my addie & lillie jewelry line Grandma Addie Lee Thomas R.I.P. August 1995[/caption] My mother’s mom, Lillie is alive and kicking. She is a feisty thing. Even in her 90s, she still can give you a go with words and wit. She’s still that same lady who would dig baits and head to the creek to catch fish all day.  The funny thing is she doesn’t eat fish. [caption id="attachment_105" align="alignnone" width="212"]Addie & Lillie Jewelry line inspiration Mom Belle (Lillie Belle Harris) - Alive and Still Kicking[/caption] These two women each provided me with a wealth of memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Every so often, I’ll get a whiff of the scent my grandma, Addie would dot behind her ears and on her wrists when she’d be getting dressed for church.  I think of her every time I make cheese and eggs. I remember her taking all us grand kids to the store with her and granddaddy. I also remember the time we spent together when I took her to her appointments after her cancer surgery. Digging baits with Lillie was therapeutic. I remember her and her fishing cracking me up with their dirty jokes (yes, she still tells them) when I’d take them to the creek. We would get down and dirty with the bait and fish, but we would also get clean and pretty. She would let me put water and royal crown hair grease on her hair to make it curl up. She has beautiful hair. I love these two women. That’s why I created a line of jewelry named after them. Addie and Lillie is a pair of grandmothers any girl would be blessed to have in their life. They remind me of old times with a modern twist and funk appeal. Since the pair remind me of  traditional flair with a twist, it only makes since that my Addie and Lillie jewelry line would feature jewelry sets, – a necklace and bracelet, necklace and earrings or all three (like in the Melli Set) – that are traditional, contemporary and high on style. My grandmothers represent natural women of color. They have colorful personalities. They share the same birthday. They are beautiful country women to their core. They are bold and strong. They are loved. I created the Addie and Lillie jewelry line to reflect that. Grandma (Addie) and Mom Belle (Lillie), I love you ladies. Here’s to you! What memories have your grandmothers given you that you’ll always cherish?