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?

Pools of Pearls

No doubt about it, I just love pearls. Weird though, while I have always loved them, what I love most is the irregular-shaped baroque styles. Little oddballs, I suppose. Being a bit on an oddball myself, I guess I always identified with the little off-round oddities. We're talking pearls here, people!

Surprises and Geodes

This afternoon I will be on the hunt for gemstones. Kyanite is at the top of the list followed by carnelian, onyx, chrysoprase, calcedony, amethyst, crystal and smoky quartz, green quartz -- so okay, maybe I should just say "I am on the hunt for anything that catches my eye."

There's a Moon Out Tonight

It's true, I was feeling stuffed after a steak, ribs and chicken cooked-over-an-open-mesquite-fire dinner with friends, including Jay King of Mine Finds fame and two of his lapidary associates from China. As full as I was on the drive home, I just had to stop to capture the mysterious full moon over the desert. It was so beautiful as it peeked in and out of the wispy clouds.

Hacienda of my Dreams

I am visualizing this super hacienda as my winter home. It would be the coolest way to beat the winter blahs of the Pacific North West. Lovely desert landscaping -- houses set on oversized lots. Wild bunnies running to and fro and curved-billed thrashers singing, singing and calling "whit wheet." It all feels like it would feel like home quite quickly. So, for now, it's a pleasant thought and one I'll keep.