Although I will be writing today, I’ve got packing to do, etc. , for the Vegas trip. I’ll be taking along a few clothes from Chico’s for the lunches and dinners (according to Jen, her memoirs will be titled, “The Devil Wears Chico’s” 
), and bopping around in jeans the rest of the time. Thank heaven I can wear them again–have lost not quite 20 pounds, so the difference is starting to show. Still a long trail ahead, but at least I’m headed in the right direction!
One of the best things about the NFR is seeing friends I don’t run into the rest of the year–Robyn Carr and daughter Jamie, two of my favorite people on this earth, Steve and Sammi Miller, Buck and Goldie Taylor, Steve and Robin Black, Bob and Lynn Massi, Bill Francis and Renae Kinsey, Nancy and Mike Berland, and a bunch more. My brother, Jerry, always helps out at the Western Art auction out at South Pointe; this year it’s on the 13th–I’ll double check the date–and starts at 1 pm. I’ll be there, so if you want a chance to say ‘howdy’, that’s the best place to catch up with me. (You can’t miss Jerry–he’s the tall guy holding a picture up for bids). Another idea: just look for the woman wandering around Cowboy Christmas with her debit card out and her mouth open. (Lovely picture, no? No.)
The gemstone discussion continues to draw comments–I love it. Several stones are good for depression and/or the winter blues–yellow sunstone being my present favorite. Rose quartz will soothe, as will smokey quartz. I like to use beads, but if you have stones that resonate for you, they don’t necessarily need to be turned into jewelry. I love to carry a variety of stones in a pouch, arrange them on a pretty dish, or just hold them in my hands. I even sleep with some of them. I have a little pile of moss agate on my desk as we speak–another gentle healing stone–and I like to lay my hand on it once in a while. There is always a positive charge. It’s important to say, however, that there are many different ways of connecting to stones and crystals; mine happens to be kinesthetic, or touch. Other people see mental pictures instead, and still others hear stories or music. A great deal can be learned about any stone by holding it in one’s hands and meditating. As previously stated, I even put them in my homemade bubble bath.
We are fortunate to have two VERY good bead/gemstone stores here in Spokane–Rings and Things and Wonders of the World. You can bet I’ll be checking out bead stores in Vegas, though I will have very little spare time. In the not so distant future, I will probably be making a few trips that involve visits to actual mines–(I never thought I’d want to visit Brazil or India). Keeping it closer to home, I understand Montana has several–emeralds in one place, garnets in another. And of course the Southwest, my beloved Arizona included, is absolutely rife with turquoise and many, many other lovely stones. Years ago, I visited the town of Quartzite, AZ, during their big rock show–I wasn’t into gemstones then, so the most prominent memory is of a man walking at least a dozen adorable Yorkies, tiny leashes hooked to their tiny collars. (I smile every time picture comes to mind.) There’s a very famous gem show in Tucson every year, as well, and that would be worth attending for sure, though I think it’s probably geared more to jewelry-makers, but who knows? It certainly merits investigation.
And, once again, I find myself rambling. A sure sign that it’s time to close.
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I think it’s time I check out our local bead store here in the Burlington area and get some yellow sunstone. I love this time of year for the holidays but the short days and lack of sunshine always get me down. I need a pick me up! Have fun in Vegas and we DO want to hear all about your trip when you return.
Safe travels & enjoy!
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Congratulations on the weight loss, almost 20 lbs, that’s Fantastic, well keep up the great work,until the next time enjoy your day,
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Love reading your posts (as well as your books). Everything you do sounds like you are having so much fun.
Donna
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Safe Travels and Enjoy! Oh and…. CONGRATULATIONS 20 LBS is GREAT!
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Can you recommend a good starting book on stones, their meanings and uses?
Thank you.
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Yes please! I too would like book title recommendations. And my stones are rather large to wear (a couple of inches long) so I thank you for the pouch idea. I had considered it a while back but was not sure if the pouch would limit the effectiveness of the stones.
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Yellow sunstone sound quite beautiful. Would that help to get my Christmas tree decorated? I’m thinking grandchildren might be the answer I need. We’ve had beautiful sunny days but so cold, never thought I’d be looking forward to the rain, expecially if it melts this snow thats so icy now. Have a really fun trip to Vegas, Linda. Blessings.
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Enjoyed the blog today, almost as much as reading one of your books you notice I said ALMOST!! Hope you enjoy your trip.
Ruby
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Hey Linda, have a wonderful time in LV & be sure to check out the good looking guys. Glad you have lost some weight with w.w. Just be safe
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Awesome news on the weight loss! It’s so nice to get back into clothes you love. I love hearing about your gemstones too! You are one busy lady!! Enjoy Vegas, meeting up with your friends and family and happy shopping!
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Have fun in Vegas!!
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Linda, I just finished a book by Robyn Carr. It is Wild Man Creek from the Virgin River series. I enjoyed it and would like to read ALL of them in the right sequence. I’ve read some of them as I found them in the Library, but not all in a row.
If you remember, tell her I like her books…like she’d know the difference in one more fan.
What about the crystal mines in Arkansas?, I think it is.
Have a safe and fun trip.
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Congrats on the weight loss. You have inspired me to start my own weight loss journey. Love hearing about the gemstones. Snowing here in Philadelphia today. Just beautiful. Enjoy your trip
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Love your blogs. I just finished reading Glory, Glory. I do not remember reading it before. I loved it. Have a great time in Vegas. Safe travels.
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Love hearing about your gemstones Linda and when you have your trip to Vegas, have a wonderful time with all your friends. Until then, keep warm!!
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Congrats on the weight loss!!!
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I’ve always wanted to go to the NFR! Were watching it on TV. this year! Have fun! Congrats on the weight loss, been losing too so glad for I can fit into my black jeans! Have fun!
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Have fun in Vegas! Love Robin Carr I wish I could meet both of you!
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My first trip to Arkansas was a shock to this South Louisiana gal! The only other state I had been in was Texas. The back roads were full of roadside stands with ROCKS, crystals, simi-precious stones. It was wonderful!!! Being a rock hound I wanted to stop at every stand! Enjoy your stones, I do!
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So when are you going to go to Vegas, and congratulation on you 20lb you have loss and i hope you have a safe trip and a wonderful trip. Don’t loose your stones. God blessings to everyone.
As always your friend,
Norma
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Have a safe trip and have a great time.
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Would love to shop at NFR some time. The whole experience would be great!
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Looking forward to hearing all about your trip. Hope you have a great time.
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Turquoise sorry about spelling
its always harder to get the weight off then putting it on , glad your lossing
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Oh Robyn Carr is wonderful. Read every one I get my hands on as I do Debbie Macomber and YOU. Have a great trip to the NFR. Safe travels to you.
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Speaking of great mines, don’t forget the amazing sunstone mines in southeast Oregon….they are on my bucket list!
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I’m making a note of that!
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Very good comments today. I learn a lot from yours. Have fun on your trip. Glad about your weight to.
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I am so proud for your 20 pounds. That is an encouraging number. I will look forward to your 30 pound blog. I need to do the same thing you are doing, lose weight. I enjoy the information about the gemstones. That is something I am checking out after the first of the year.
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Just wanted to wish you a safe and wonderful trip. And a very Merry Christmas to one of my favorite authors
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have fun and a safe trip
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Have a fun and great trip. Stay well also! Love that you will see all of your friends.
I too love Robyn Carr’s books. The Virgin River series was amazing. So neat y’all are friends.
Enjoy, enjoy………………..
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Thank You so much for the tips on gemstones! I am going to check out the two shops in Spokane you mentioned. Safe travels. Use lots of hand sanitizer to keep away all the germ bugs so prevalent this time of year!
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Looking for gemstones – Arkansas has diamonds – and the public is welcome to dig for them in Crater of Diamonds State Park. And we have tons of quartz crystals in the area surrounding Hot Springs.
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Definitely going to look into the yellow sunstone gemstones, as I tend to get a bit of the winter blues at times. I love winter, but the blues usually come around about the time I’m really, really ready for spring, yet realize I’ve got a month or more to wait! And I LOVED your comment about Cowboy Christmas….I’m dying to go to Vegas for the NFR and take my debit card on an outing to that! Have fun in Vegas, say hi to the cowboys, and enjoy your time with great friends!
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Happy to hear you are going to Vegas for the Rodeo, but sad to just learn that you will be at the art auction and wouldn’t mind being approached by fans. Company Christmas Party that night, but had I realize sooner, I would have ditched work and the party to see you there. Only a 3 hours drive from where I live in So Cal and well worth the trip to actually met you. Hoping you have a wonderful time in Las Vegas.
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Have a safe trip and have lots of fun.
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HAVE A GOOD TRIP. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD DO A FAVOR? THERE IS A LADY THAT IS BATTLING A RARE FORM OF CANCER AND HER HUSBAND SAYS THAT THIS MAY BE HER LAST CHRISTMAS. SINCE WHEN THEY FIRST GOT MARRIED IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER HE SENT HER A CHRISTMAS CARD EVERY DAY SINCE SHE LOVES CHRISTMAS CARDS SO. HE CAN’T THIS YEAR AS HIS MONEY IS SPENT ON HER CARE AND MEDICAL BILLS. HE WANTS ANYONE THAT WILL TO SEND HER A CARD AND GIVE HER SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER. IF YOU CAN CAN YOU SHARE THIS AND ASK ANYONE TO SEND HER A CARD THAT CAN? ITS O.K. IF YOU SHARE THE ADDRESS ONLINE SO THAT SHE CAN GET LOTS OF CARDS. IF YOU WANT TO VERIFY WHAT I AM SAYING THEN GO TO 947QDR.COM AND CLICK ON CHRISTMAS WISH AND THEN FAMILY #18. IT IS PUBLISHED ON THERE FOR YOU TO SEE. SEND TO ANITA MATTHEWS @ 4158 EVANS ROAD FRANKLINTON NC 27525. HE JUST WANTS HER TO GET LOTS OF CARDS. WHILE THIS IS A TRUE STORY I WAS THINKING HOW THIS MAY MAKE A GREAT THOUGH SAD PART IN ONE OF YOUR BOOKS. HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND THANKS IF YOU CAN POST THIS.
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Judi, I went to that site and never did see CHRISTMAS WISH, FAMILY, OR #18, but did see enough for me to believe this is for real, so I will be sending a card to this lady.
I pray for a Christmas Miracle for her and that she gets to be here next Christmas, also.
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Will do!
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Envious as always of your trip to the NFR!! Have fun and know you will tell us all about it.
Hugs!!