February is Amethyst!

February's birthstone is amethyst. You may be familiar with small amethyst pendants or rings but have you ever thought about the stone itself?

What if you are not into jewelry and you still want a piece of amethyst because it is a nice memento of you your birthday?

Amethyst is not just for jewelry!

You may want a sphere or a pocket stone or a beautiful amethyst formation -


From Galleries.com
"Amethyst is a varity of quartz and mined all over the world. Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.

However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation. "



Some examples -
North Carolina, USA -- Druzy clusters that have a bluish-violet tint.

Uruguay -- crystals are dark to medium and form in druzy crusts that line the inside of volcanic vugs that have a gray or brown exterior. The crystals are usually colored throughout, unlike the Brazilian crystals, and form with a multicolored agate that often contains reds, yellows and oranges. Often amethyst- coated stalactites and other unusual formations occur inside these vugs.

Maraba, Brazil -- large crystals with unattractive surfaces that are of a pale to medium color and often carved or cut into slices.


Did you know - the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Stop by my site Just A Tish for more amethyst choices!

Remember I am donating 20% of all sales for the month of February to Dames for Danes!!!

Dames for Danes

Dames for Danes is an all volunteer non-profit rescue for Great Danes, located in TN. I recently found out about them when my cousin posted pictures on Facebook of the "Midnight Six".

Six danes were pulled from a breeder in the Memphis. They were neglegted and used for breeding only. One full grown female was only 70 lbs.




From Fox17

A half-dozen neglected Great Danes were rescued from starvation Tuesday and one of them is still fighting for her life.

Bella is a 2-year old Great Dane in bad shape. She's 70 lbs. underweight and suffers from heart worms. But she hasn't given up hope.

“I see hopeful eyes.,” said Carolyn York, vice president of Dames for Danes. “I see a fighter. I’m just real hopeful. You know I see a girl that wants to live that wants nothing but companionship and love.”

Bella is one of six neglected and emaciated Great Danes found in Jackson Tuesday. Lexie and Midnight Shadow are already doing much better but Bella still has a long way to go.

"Bella's the worst,” said Dr. Jason Benner, veterinarian at the Village Veterinary Hospital. “She has the lowest body condition score, she's the most emaciated, everyone else at least has more muscle mass and everything too."

Dames for Danes is an animal rescue organization that specializes in helping these gentle giants. York said this is the worst case of neglect she has ever seen.

“This is a sad, sad case,” York said. “There's a chance she may not make it.”

There are thousands of similar cases of neglected and abused animals all over Middle Tennessee every year.

But just because an animal is expected to recover doesn't mean its guaranteed a good home. Which is why organizations like the Nashville Humane Association are hard at work.

”We've handled hoarding situations, puppy mill situations, neglect and cruelty that have been released by owners,” said Mary Pat Boatfield, executive director of the humane association.

Boatfield said even though everyone loves puppies, older and abused dogs like Bella also make great companions.

“If you just really want to rescue and help an animal that needs special training, special care, special attention, the older dogs work very well,” Boatfield said.

Dames for Danes is hoping to find all six rescued Great Danes a new home. York says Bella may be hurt but she's not broken.

“Most animals are known for their unconditional love,” York said. You know, you see dogs that come in from abuse cases all the time and they still love their human. They may have been starved to death but they just want human companionship. They just want somebody to love them.”



I saw this and my heart broke. I wanted to help, but am 7 hours away, what can I do?
I know!

For the month of February, I am donating 20% of all sales to the Dames to help with the costs of fostering and caring for these gentle giants.

Spread the word and the love. How cool is it to know, that when you are buying jewelry for yourself, you are also giving to these neglected animals, and giving them hope.


How can you not love a dane!?!? My Rosie girl
Yes, she plays with firewood......