The Spirited Woman -- Oops!

In all my excitement at the Tucson Gem Show, I totally forgot to mention that Tanya Lochridge Jewelry appeared on The Spirited Woman's "Top 12 Valentine Picks List." How exciting is that. When I saw that Nancy, the spirited woman behind The Spirited Woman had done an earlier lengthy and fun interview with Dorothea Benton Frank, one of my favorite writers, I was thrilled to be in such good company.

Blossoms -- Could it Be?

Yes, it's true. I was taken completely by surprise yesterday when i noticed blossoms on the trees lining one of the main streets here in town. Petite little pink and white blossoms. Petite yes, but blossoms none the less. In just a few short days -- there is soft color on the cherry and plum trees all around me.

Treasure Hunt -- Part Two

It's true, a picture is worth a thousand words. My treasures have started to arrive here in my studio -- and they're lining up. I have to do everything in my power to not rip into all the boxes at the same time -- like a kid at Christmas.

Desert Oasis and Valentine's Day

Well, it's my last day here in Tucson. The gem shows are winding down and so am I! While it is so exciting to see everything and meet up with everyone, it is also hard for me to be away from home for any length of time. Yes, I am quite the homebody, it's true.

Oh, Ouch!

On my drive home yesterday this cactus caught my eye. I think it is the same variety that my brother, as a kid, once fell in at a friend's house. If memory serves, Jack (our friend) had to use pliers to pull out the thorns (are they called that on cacti?) that had impaled my brother's leg. Oh, ouch that must have been painful. I just remember not wanting to watch the procedure.

Chrysocolla -- Strutting It's Stuff

Thought I would share a few chrysocolla pieces with you -- since I did mention it in my last entry. It is really a neat gemstone (did I just say "neat" like Richie Cunningham or Annie Hall?) -- a relative of turquoise -- but in some ways I think it is more interesting. Maybe because it has more color to it -- or maybe it is the mix of color. Not sure -- I just know I have always been drawn to it.

Turquoise to the Right of Me

Turquoise to the left of me. Turquoise all around me! Yup, here in Tucson turquoise is a big deal and for good reason. This is just one tiny little vendor representing about three percent of what I have seen over the last few weeks. Sadly, I don't design with turquoise but that doesn't stop me from looking at all the rough and beads when I come upon them. I figure there are so many other designers out there doing such lovely things with this magical stone, that I just decided I couldn't compete in design or with cost.

And, the Creative Cactus Award...

Today the creative cactus award goes to this beauty -- nestled in the front yard of a beautiful home in a small community here in Tucson. Anyone who says that Mother Nature isn't a genius is just nuts. Would you look at this thing?