December Birthstones - What do they say about you?

It is December already! I think December brings out a love/hate relationship with a lot of people:) Love it, because it is your birth month, love it because it is the holiday season, love it because of solstice or hate it because it is your birth month, hate it because it is the holiday season, and you are not ready, hate it because - where has the year gone?!?!!??!?


December is my favorite month because of solstice - that means the days begin to get longer, and I love me some sunshine.

December birth stones are turquoise and blue topaz. These stones represent a happy life that is filled with good fortune. Blue topaz is a symbol of peace and relaxation, which may help with headaches - poor December babies seem to be challenged by them.

Ancient practitioners believed that turquoise would actually change color when the wearer was ill or in danger.

I am a huge fan of turquoise, and only recently did this love affair begin. My memories of turquoise were tarnished (for a lack of better words) from the 70's and what I remember of the squash blossom style jewelry craze. It was just too much for me. I never saw turquoise unless it was large and framed in lots of silver. It always looked heavy, a chore to wear. This was my association with turquoise. It wasn't til I started making jewelry and my husband wanting turquoise did I reluctantly start to learn about the stone. I had to get over that turquoise pieces had to be over the top. The turquoise could be an accent to a design, or the core of it. The beads could be small or faceted or square or whatever.

And I fell in love.

Turquoise, beautiful sky blue, or dyed to a royal purple. 

Mixed with other stones for a beautiful compliment of color and properties.


 It has a sweet and gentle energy. It feels like an old friend.

So hats off to you December babies, and your beautiful stones that represent who you are. I am a bit jealous ;)

Celebrate February with Amethyst!

As most of us know - amethyst is February's birthstone. The colors range from a light, almost clear purple, to some that are so dark, they look indigo. It is a beautiful member of the quartz family.

Did you know there is more to amethyst than just it's beautiful color and February? It is said that amethyst is the 'sobriety stone'. It was crushed into a powder and added to liquid to protect against drunkenness.  The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness" and amethyst is believed to protect one from poison.

It is a bringer of peace, and worn by some to repel guilty and fearful feelings. It has been worn as protection from self-deception, see where the peace comes in. :)




Click the picture to go to my Etsy.com store to see more amethyst jewelry and formations!!!

I love amethyst whether set in jewelry, tumbled and in my pocket, or as a formation on my mantle, don't you :)







This has always been one of my favorites, and I am not even a February baby....hrm, I am an October baby, let's see...count back 9 mo....OMG! in a way, I am a February baby :)

My Mom's 80th B'day Party

I went home last weekend to Illinois for my mom's 80th birthday. It was a bit overwhelming. There were people there I have not seen in 20 years. It was like a family reunion/homecoming full of hugs and memories and laughter. It was really hard to leave, I wanted this to go on forever.

For part of my mom's b'day, she requested a 'show'. She wanted everyone to sing to her. So we did :)

My mother is known for her hats. She doesn't leave the house w/o a hat. So at the party, all of the center pieces were one of my mom's hats. Later in the evening, the family all got together, we all put on one of moms hats for a group photo. It is fabulous! Now my dad being the 'shit' that he is - put on one of mom's hats and then took out his teeth and smiled real big - i nearly pee'd my pants. 

One of my best friends came to the party with me. She and her husband, took pictures and filmed a lot of the singing and are putting it on a disk for my mom.  I got a sneak peak of the slide show and she did such a great job! Being the sucker I am for family photos, I  thought I would share it here :)  

I am really easy to pick out :)