Blogs

Out of Africa

by ‎02-23-2017 03:12 PM - edited ‎02-23-2017 03:23 PM

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This past January, after nearly 20 years of separation and 2 days of flying, I stepped off the tiny single engine plane and my feet finally touched the ground where just like a bolt of lightning, that old familiar feeling came pulsating back through my heart and soul.  It was my long lost friend, Africa, and I was finally home. For me, Africa is not just a place, it is a feeling.  I can’t exactly describe it but something in my soul awakens when I’m there. 

 

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The last time we were together, I was a young twenty-something year old who thought everyday would be a new global adventure.  Today I was returning as a more introspective man, an experienced explorer with a new mission to capture the beauty of this amazing continent through my soulful JAI designs.

 

Over the next 2 weeks I trekked through the bush of Botswana by foot, jeep, and single engine planes under the expert guidance of local tribesmen.  I camped at 3 different locations throughout Botswana where I opened up my heart and soul to the spirit of Africa.

 

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Every morning at 4am I awoke to the amazing sounds of the bush coming to life.  Each morning, Africa would greet me with a new song of life, from the hippos calling in the river-bend in front of my tent, to the sounds of the elephants as they made their way passed the open field where we enjoyed our sunrise coffee, to the morning songs of the colorful birds.

 

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Every morning before we departed our camp, we would meet with our local tribal guide and discuss where, how, and what we were about to explore. Their personal stories amazed me as they shared memories of their childhood along with the knowledge of their tribal elders. 

 

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I learned how each of the 17 tribes in Botswana have a different Totem (animal) that represents that specific tribe/village.  For centuries this was an organic conservation effort by the local tribes where each tribe protected their specific totem animal and shared the legends that made their totem spirit animal so important to them.  Tribes would spread these legendary stories and teach others to honor and respect their totem.  These stories became the legends that still live on today.

 

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It is believed that this deep respect between man and animal which dates back to the beginning of recorded time is one of the reasons that the local tribes are able to communicate with the various wildlife.  Their ability to trek these beautiful creatures is like nothing that I’ve experienced.  I was amazed how the simple sound of a bird calling in the distance, was actually a specific call warning other animals of the presence of a lion or leopard or how they detailed so eloquently the importance of the vultures to the circle of life.

 

During our daily treks, I was fortunate to encounter and learn about so many of the local wildlife.  Each moment seemed to top the next, everything from a playful pride of lion cubs awaiting the return of their mother, to a stampede of water-buffalos running from a lion, a pack of wild dogs on the hunt (2nd most endangered animal in Africa), countless beautiful impalas, more elephants then I’ve ever seen in my life, (Botswana is home to over 40% of all the elephants in Africa due to their strict ban on all hunting), and the breathtaking queen of the jungle, the Botswana leopard, just to name a few.

 

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I could go on and on here in my blog, but would rather invite you to join me this Monday, at 3pm ET when I join Jill Bauer to introduce my newest Spring Collection inspired by this once in a lifetime experience.

 

The entire show will feature all NEW designs, including our newest figurative Leopard Collection along with our highly anticipated new woven mesh chain collection, just to name a few. 

 

As a special sneak peek, here is our new Leopard enhancer.  The leopard reminds us to lay down our fears and go after our dreams and desires with the passion of the Goddess that lives within you.   With the heart of the jungle, she is the queen of the night, her prowess and powers come alive at twilight.  She is both a compassionate mother and a fierce warrior.   The woman who wears the leopard awakens the warrior goddess within.

 

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I can’t wait to share all my new designs with you and the inspirations behind them.  I want to thank you again, for all of your constant support and for helping me live my dreams out loud.  I couldn’t have imagined a better life.

 

-Safe Travels /\ Scott

Facebook: JAI Jewelry for QVC

 

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