Monday, July 26, 2010

Kyanite -- Wowser, Wowser & Wowser


Yes, wowser -- if you've seen kyanite, then you understand my choice of words. I know, not a very dignified word for such a dignified gemstone; but it is what pops to mind when I see kyanite of this quality. High on my list of favs -- there is something rather mystical about this gemstone.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

National Cowboy Day


So I just read on Carolyn Pollack's FaceBook page that today is National Cowboy Day. So, in honor of all cowboys out there, I am sharing a fabulous photograph taken by my brother. Bob (that would be my brother) has a special gift -- he totally captures the spirit of the moment. I say, anyone can take a picture; but it takes a special talent to evoke an emotion.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sea Breezes and Sunshine


Sometimes I long for the beach. Well, more than sometimes, maybe more like all the time. I think that when you grow up with the beach playing a major role in your life, it becomes a part of who you are so it never quite leaves your soul. Today I am longing for all that is the beach -- salty breezes, pelicans and seagulls, the sound of the waves on the cool wet sand, foghorns and channel bells, the clanking of lines against masts of sailboats, cute boys from other places, Catalina Island off in the distance -- and just the ease of it all.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Once Again...it's the Little Things.


Those of you who know me, know that I am a BIG fan of the oatmeal. Sometimes Bob's Red Mill and sometimes Snoqualmie Falls. Sometimes steel cut and sometimes just the old-fashioned long-cooking type. But never...and I mean never, the microwavable type.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Sparkle and Shine


As you know, I love to shake things up by designing jewelry that combines the unexpected. That thinking carries through when I style my look by layering pieces from my collection that play off each other.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Jewelry for the Professional Woman


Today, one of my clients told me that my jewelry was great for the professional woman. She's an attorney in the NYC financial arena -- so her definition of professional might be different than yours. That got me thinking. Scary I know...but thinking, thinking, thinking.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Where the Fairies Live.

Over the long weekend I added a few new plants to my patio containers -- one of which, is this tiny little miniature something. I wish I knew the name; but I picked it up at one of the wholesale nurseries in the farmlands here and it wasn't marked, so I have no idea what it is. What I do know is that it is pure white, lacy and fairy-like. I can just imagine that fairies live tucked underneath it's feathery blossoms. And, when I'm not looking, dragonflies come along to give the fairies rides to other magical places in my little garden. To give you an idea of it's size, the purple flower in the forefront is only about one-inch in diameter.

Let's Hear it for Chrysocolla


Over the weekend I "listened" in to Carolyn Pollack (Carolyn Pollack Sincerely and Relios) on QVC while working in the studio. I was so happy to see that she has a few new pieces built around one of my favorite gemstones, chrysocolla.

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Happy 4th!!


I feel the need to hum, well is it really humming? It's more like dah, dah, dah, dah, dah dah and dah -- the opening notes of Stars and Stripes Forever, the well-known John Philip Sousa march, in celebration of Independence Day. Living in Small Town, USA I have learned that long time residents take their holidays seriously -- and that means decorating their homes.