Berries amidst the leaves

There is change in the air.

Our frantic pace of summer has eased.

Now, there is a certain stillness.

The winds have shifted and there's a nip in the air.

Leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange mixed in with the green, creating a dazzling display for the eyes.

Birds migrate.

Animals prepare for hibernation.

Mother Nature has been busy in the plant kingdom, creating food for winter animals.

The leaves move with the wind, revealing their summer secret.

Food for the birds.

Berries amidst the leaves.

Thrills

Ice climbing.

Cliff jumping.

Shark cage diving.

Some people love these extreme, thrill seeking sports. It's the adrenal rush, it's the way the mind clears and clarity sets in.

It's about living in the moment!

Me?

No thanks!

I don't need to put myself in danger to get that thrill. Instead I take on commissions. When a client provides a stone, the fun begins. Right from the start adrenal starts rushing in. Will I design a piece to meet their desires. If the stone is extremely expensive, well I don't need to explain that! Or, as in this case the stone is soft with an extreme point. A challenge to set by any measure. As I begin to set the stone my heart pounds,I am focused only on the task at hand. My mind clears, there is intense clarity and focus.

I am living in the moment.

Once done there's an intense rush of satisfaction. The stone is set, the piece gets it's high polish and I'm done.

Delight sets in.

What a thrill!

Sweet Summer Memories

The smallest thing inspires me. Recently a conversation with friends turned to summer memories and then to fireflies. I was shocked to learn one of my friends never saw a firefly until she was a teenager. My mind wandered to the memory of joyful summer nights, flowers blooming, birds singing and at night the magic glow of fireflies.

I knew I had the perfect stone to help me create that vision of my own Sweet Summer Memory.