J is for

Jasper.

"This mineral is known as the 'supreme nurturer'. It acts a reminder that one is not here, on this physical plane, just for oneself, but is also here to bring joy and substance to others....." and then specifically regarding Picture Jasper: " It provides scenes from the Earth, and is known as the stone for 'Global Awareness'. It stimulates the 'brotherhood' to work together to save the planet." (from Love is of the Earth by Melody)

I have long been enamored of stones. All sorts of stones. If I go on a walk, they seem to have a way of hopping into my pockets. If I am walking by a stone wall, my hand strays on its own accord to gently touch the great stones. I have a habit of carrying a small stone or two with me in my pocket, and have some in my car, and maybe one or two in my purse.... (ahem...) Some are 'ordinary' stones, selected from a beach walk, or picked up from the lake shore in Upstate New York when I was last there , and others are highly polished cut samples of geological beauty.

This particular lovely chunk of Picture Jasper sits in my kitchen window.

My collection of stones is quite numerous - they are spread through my home and office. I tend to avoid rock shows (since I would invariably end up with even more). My "stash" of stones is actually larger than my stash of yarn (and that's saying something. (smile)

When I lived on Whidbey Island, I had a couple of close friends, Kellie and Bill, who own an online stone and gem website. It's called Avalon Crystals. Going over to Kellie's for tea was a potentially expensive visit (more smiles). Their home is an amazing place filled with geological wonders. I still frequent their website and drool over their latest lovelies.

A memory that always makes me chuckle is from about 8 years ago, when I first used to drive down to visit Klaus in Yelm. There was one day, when he picked up my suitcase to help me come inside, and he remarked "what do have in here, rocks?" errrr, ummmm, "yes"  I answered quietly. (then the hilarious laughter ensued).

Have a glorious week - and if perchance a small lovely stone hops into your pocket while you are out walking, smile and think of me.

Comments

[Carole]

My SIL is a fan of jasper but I've never actually seen it before. That's really beautiful!

[margene]

I have thing for rocks, too...but they often end up with another friend who loves them. Your piece of Jasper is glorious!

[Kathleen C.]

Not about rocks per se... but this past weekend Dh and I went to the Outer Banks for a long weekend. We picked up some beautiful pieces of shell so highly polished and smooth that they looked like gemstones.
Both DH and I are unrepentant stone/shell/driftwood picker uppers.

[heatherly]

i have a chinese writing rock that i love.
rocks can be very inspiring, we have this amazing rock wall near us and i love the colourways. i want to dye yarn to match them :0)

[Josiane]

That piece of jasper is simply stunning! What a beautiful landscape it offers!
I also have a thing for rocks, and have always had, ever since I was a child - but it's always been for ordinary rocks found around me, at home or when I travel. Now, though, I think I'll be on the lookout for a piece of Picture Jasper!

[Laurie]

There are stones that speak to me, also. They usually have a shape that suits the moment, and then arrive home on my shelf.

[Ruinwen]

I love rocks, gems...crystals. Your jasper is really beautiful. Jasper comes in so many different colors and types it really is an amazing stone. :)

[Lori]

What a beautiful stone!

[Lynne]

I always had a collection of pretty stones when I was growing up, and my favorite was a piece of garnet from an elementary school teacher. I thought it was the most exotic thing I owned! Have you ever read "Glass Castles?" There is an incredible thread about stones that runs throughout the memoir, and it is just amazing...beautiful, poinant and ironic.

[Chris]

It's a joke among my friends that if you offer to carry my luggage after I return from a trip and ask, due to how heavy it is, whether I have rocks in there - the answer is "of course."

[Wool Winder]

The Jasper is so pretty. It reminds me of sand dunes.

I found a simple little stone on the beach the other day--a flat brown one with a tiny hole it in, like someone had drilled it there on purpose. I brought it home. It may become a necklace or a fob on a key chain to remind me of our visit to the beach.

[jackie]

J already! I think that I am behind!

I love rocks too. So do my kids. I usually end up with a small pile of "teeth" (white rocks from the playground at school) when I check pockets before doing laundry.