A Week at the Lake

When I think of summer I often think of the time I spent with my grandparents in their lakeside cabin in Upstate New York. Waking up to eat the fresh donuts my grandfather had grabbed that morning from a local shop while reading the comics with my grandmother. The days were spent fishing, swimming, or canoeing on the lake with evenings filled with family and, when I was really lucky, a bonfire!

With both of my grandparents having passed away in last decade I haven't been back in a long while. With my daughter going off to college, I thought it was about time to relive some of my childhood memories and create some new memories with her. What would be better than a week at the old cabin?!

To make the trip even better, we had all 3 generations for the trip as my mom was able to come too! She grew up spending summers and weekends at the lake, so it was really awesome for her to relive some of her old memories as well.
 

Our Week at Conesus Lake

After over 24 hours in the car we were so happy to have finally arrived at the lake. And what a spectacular view we had to great us! The sun was just setting over the ridge line on the opposite side of the lake, creating a gorgeous mix of soft pastels that reflected off of the water. This is how you kick off a week at the lake!

 My plan was to not have a plan. Relaxation was the name of the game. This swinging wicker bench had such a great view, and since it was in shade most of the day it was a great place to sit with a book.

I spent most of my time on the dock though. First thing in the morning I would head out to the end and watch the split-tail swallowtails as the swooped and played above the water. Later in the day it was time for some sunbathing. While we had board games and cards inside, thankfully the weather stayed gorgeous so most days were spend out of doors.

One of the best things that happened was getting to see my mom reconnecting with friends from her past. Here she is with one of her besties, Donna. It's always fun to watch your parents revert to their younger, more carefree selves. It reminds me that we're not all that different at all.

No trip to the lake would be complete without the ubiquitous bonfire and the inevitable smores. I was so proud of my little fire! :)

 How did I neglect to mention the surrounding countryside?! It's so simple and bucolic. We stopped at a roadside stand (set up in a shed in someones front yard) and picked up some homemade jam and fresh veggies. And I mean fresh... the beets were still covered in dirt. Can I just tell you how tasty they were? We also spent an afternoon picking blue berries right off the vine. (or would it be bush?) I've got to say, now I get that whole 'farm to table' movement. The flavors you get from super fresh produce is amazing!

 

 

 At the end of the week I was reluctant to leave. But at least I know I can always go back. I can't wait!!

October Birthstone

Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while lucky babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone.

The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – the tanzanite was added to December.

There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.

October is another month with two birthstone choices – Tourmaline and Opal.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline has become a favorite gemstone among jewelry designer, and gem collectors the world over. Since it is available in a wide variety of colors, it is ideally suited to almost anyone's taste. Tourmaline also is known for displaying several colors in the same gemstone.  These bi-color or tri-color gems are formed in many combinations; gemstones with clear color distinctions are highly prized.  One multi-color variety is known as watermelon tourmaline, and features green, pink, and white colors bands; to resemble its namesake, the gemstone is cut into thin slices having a pink center, white ring, and green edge. 

Tourmaline is found in many localities including Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the USA.

Opal

The name opal derives from the Greek Opallos, meaning "to see a change (of color)."  Opals range in color from milky white to black with flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, and blue. An opal's beauty is the product of contrast between its color play and its background.  Opal is a formation of non-crystalline silica gel that seeped into crevices in the sedimentary strata. Through time and nature's heating and molding processes, the gel hardened into the form of opals. The opal is composed of particles closely packed in spherical arrangements. When packed together in a regular pattern, a three-dimensional array of spaces are created that give opal its radiance.

The Starfish

According to Wikipedia "Starfish or sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea. Common usage frequently finds these names being also applied to ophiuroids, which are correctly referred to as brittle stars or "basket stars".  

Well, isn't that a little dry? lol

What I've always found fascinating about the starfish is how the animal can loose a leg, then regrow a new one. How freaking cool, right?!

Just like with most shells, there are a number of different types of starfish... the sugar star, the knobby star, the the Egyptian star, even the Chocolate Chip star! And while we mostly think of the starfish as having 5 arms, there are species with 6, 9, or even more arms. What a fascinating animal!!


Here are some incredible images of these beauties out in the wild...

Pink short spined star (Pisaster brevispinus)  ...more...

 

 

Royal starfish (Astropecten articulatus)  ...more...

Egyptian sea star (Gomophia egyptiaca)  ...more...

Necklace Starfish (Fromia monilis)  ...more...

Bring home a natural starfish for your own home!

Sugar Starfish Nightlight  $16

Mud Sea Star Nightlight  $16

Custom Jute and Shell Pendant Lamp - Contact for more information.

Happy Birthday Libra

Libra - the Scales 

9/23 - 10/22

 
Basic Traits:

As their zodiac signs and meanings would indicate, Libra's are all about balance, justice, equanimity and stability. They easily surround themselves with harmony and beauty, but sometimes go to extremes to do so if their goals are unreasonable or unhealthy. With Venus as their ruling planet, Libra's are very understanding, caring, and often the champion of underdogs. They have keen intuitions, but often don't give themselves enough credit for their perceptions. They can be quiet and shy if not persuaded to come out of their shell. Ironically and in spite of their introverted nature they make excellent debaters, often proving a point from out of seemingly nowhere.


The Deeper Meaning:

The goal for Libra is to witness to the importance of co-operation and harmony in human life. Libra is represented by a pair of scales - the only sign to be represented by an inanimate object. This says something about the Libra objective - to be fair and balanced in everything in a detached way - it is an air sign and therefore seeks an ideal. At its best, Libra can view complex situations, maybe emotionally highly charged ones, and come to a balanced view based on a fair consideration of all the options. However, it may take a while to come off the fence! Come down in favour of one side of the scales and the other side goes up, and Libra always seeks to restore balance.

Libra is the sign most commonly associated with relationships, and justly so in the sense that one is always seeking another for balance. On one's own one is unbalanced. But like all air signs, Libra finds the emotional complexities and compatibility issues of love relationships can be difficult to deal with. Air signs have an ideal image of how things ought to be, and for Libra the ideal is of how relationships ought to be. Emotional entanglements complicate the ideal image, and Libra has to learn how to live through them. No criticism should be attached to the need to make space for oneself in relationship, as long as one is aware of the temptation to escape from facing the issues. At its best, Libra can view emotions with a helpful detachment without escaping from them.

The lessons in life which you have to learn as a Libra may be illustrated by other features of your birth chart. If you have many planets in Scorpio, for instance, you will inevitably be drawn to situations which challenge your Libra ideals, and which may give you much anguish in life until you learn how to deal with them. The Moon in Aries would give you a fiery assertive side to your nature which would form a polarity with the Libra in you, and you may feel embarrassed from time to time about how much you want to have your own way, never mind what the other wants! Venus in Scorpio would indicate a tendency to form relationships having strong emotional overtones, and which unearth buried feelings from the past which you thought were no longer an issue. Such feelings may give any current relationship a flavor which does not really belong to it, and may lead to one partner blaming the other for perceived (rather than real) faults. This would give the Libra a good opportunity to practice the detachment appropriate to all air signs, so as to see the complexities of the situation from another perspective. A good relationship could thus be saved from disaster, or a poor one adjusted, or ended, without reproach.

The Abalone Shell

I could get all technical and tell you that the abalone are marine gastropod mollusks, but really, they're just sea snails. Funny snails with gorgeous, oval shells. The shape, color and even number of holes in the shell depends on the species and the region of the abalone. And the vastness of the colors... the combinations nature dreams up are so much more complex and sophisticated than any human could ever dream up!

I've worked with shell of the abalone for years, in both my jewelry and my home lighting and decor. What I never realized was the animal was actually single shelled. I would have sworn it was more like a clam or scallop with the double shell protection. Who knew?!

While doing the research for this post I came across some incredible images of these beauties out in the wild that I just had to share with you...

While the shells are the physical manifestation of the animal that we get to touch and enjoy for years, the 'body' of the animal is just as beautiful in such an ethereal and fleeting way. One that makes the shell even more precious for the knowledge of what unique and fragile creatures once claimed shelter from it.

Bring some of my abalone pieces into your home...

Natural Abalone Shell Lighting:

Kamkatcha Abalone Shell Nightlight

Polished White Abalone Shell Nightlight

Iridescent red abalone jewelry:

Mermaid Trinkets Abalone Bracelet

Bounty from the Sea Abalone and Pearl Bracelet

Sea Nymph Purple Pearl and Abalone Bracelet

On the Road Again

I love to travel. It's one of the main reasons I decided to become a full time artist and forgo the standard 9 to 5. I wanted the freedom to be able to pick up and go explore new towns and cities. But one of the best parts of any trip is the journey. It's the fun people you meet along the way; the cool things you get to see; and the saturated time spent with the family.

This summer I was super stoked to travel the east coast with my mom and daughter. My baby girl started college this fall so it was really our last opportunity to take a trip like this. Even though I knew she was a cool, smart and funny kid, I was able to discover that she's even wittier than I had ever suspected. Oh, and she's not nearly as scared of bats as I am. (long story, but it turns out that I'm just a big ol' baby!)

Our trip took us through 9 states from Florida up to New York. And yes, we drove. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Out on the open road with only a general plan... it was fantastic! Having 3 licensed drivers in the car didn't hurt either. :) While driving through Florida can get kinda boring (it's flat and has trees), once you get out of the state the ever changing landscapes will grab and hold your attention.

A few of the highlights from the road

Just starting off on our trip and spirits are high. Let me introduce you to the 3 generations:

Mom: Lorraine, also an artist. (driving)

Me: Vanessa, designer and artist. (passenger)

My Daughter: Cassi, currently in college. Woohoo! (backseat)

 While the drive seemed to take forever, each minute was another chance to see something new and exciting out the windows. From a stormy afternoon in South Florida to a clear morning among the mountain tops in Pennsylvania to the seaside marshlands in the Carolina's, each mile we drove brought us somewhere new and exciting. The tunnels were quite a thrill for the whole family!

Each city we passed has it's own unique skyline... what I think of as the cities 'fingerprint.'

Some of the best moments happen in the 'in-between,' those times when you're not expecting anything... when it's a total surprise. Rest stops are definitely one of those in-between moments. I saw one of the most beautiful Colonial buildings at a rest stop in Virginia while North Carolina had a fun whirlygig on offer, complete with nighttime lighting! Gas stations are another one of those stops that you'll want to keep an eye on... some have stunning views while others have tasty bites coming out of hidden restaurants in the back. It's all about being open to finding these little hidden gems when you're in one of those 'in-betweens.'

It's the company you have with you for a long trip that really determines how well it turns out. Well, I couldn't have asked for any better company than my daughter, my mom, and my puppy. 

At the end of the day though, this is what I'll remember best: hanging out, having fun, and acting wacky with my daughter. It's the memories of riding a luggage cart down the hall, giggling over roadside signs, and picking flowers from the side of the road that I will cherish. Hopefully they're moments that will bring my baby girl joy throughout her life as well.

September Birthstone

Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while lucky babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone.

The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – the tanzanite was added to December.

There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.

Sapphire

Sapphire, the September birthstone, has been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.  Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.  Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violetish blue, as well as various shades of pure blue.  The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly violetish blue.  Sapphire is a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the  rainbow.  Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known by their color (pink sapphire, green sapphire).  Ruby is the red variety of corundum.

Healing properties of the Sapphire - The gemstone of creative expression and inner peace and meditation, the Sapphire also aids in personal expression and the alleviation of pain.