Somehow, I never imagined myself as a rock collector–Annie Oakley, an astronaut, a guest at the White House, or Little Joe Cartwright’s wife, yes. But a rock collector? No.
(The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Mom!) A mail day doesn’t pass these days, it seems, without a package from some eBay seller in a far-off country. So far, I’ve gotten great stuff, at pretty reasonable prices. (In some cases, the shipping costs more than the item.)
OK, so Mom’s rocks are, well, rocks, while most of mine are some kind of mineral or gemstone–carnelian, citrine, lapis luzuli, picture Jasper, labradorite, and my personal favorite, flourite. Call me crazy (it isn’t as if I haven’t already admitted as much in the title of this blog), but when I hold certain stones, I can feel their vibration. Flourite, which I think of as a spiritual super-conductor, is practically electric for me. (Now, all these stones and thousands of others have alleged properties of some sort–healing, good luck, protection, etc.–but if you happen to intuit your own meaning for certain gemstones, that’s a GOOD thing. Run with it!) I put together a strand–I think of them as my prayer/meditation beads–consisting of: tiger eye, red carnelian, lapis, flourite, and Jasper. The thing practically sings to me, and I’m either wearing it or carrying it most of the time.
I swear, these stones soothe me in a profound way. Placebo effect? Maybe–but does it really matter?
I’m planning similar bead combinations for certain friends and family members, in fact. And, OH, the possibilities–wonderful tiger eye and Jasper for the earthy types (and also good for flighty folks like me), blue and white jade if only because they’re pretty, lapis for mental clarity, among other benefits, sodalite for ease of communication–well, you get the idea.
I spent a restful weekend; did some writing, made a few artist trading cards, ran the dishwasher, things like that. I listened to most of another Mary Roberts Rinehart book, “The Album”–I’m fascinated by these old-fashioned mysteries at the moment–and whipped up a batch of Zero Point soup. It’s tasty indeed–chock-full of good, healthy veggies. (Thanks to Weight Watchers, I’m back in my jeans.)
I’m off to Seattle on Wednesday to meet up with Debbie Macomber for some fun and some shopping–OK, a LOT of shopping–when it comes to retail therapy, Debbie and I are the dynamic duo. We’ll be attending the traditional Christmas party, with all our Seattle-area writer friends. We’re also doing a mother/daughter thing with our three girls–more on that later. If my new and smaller laptop arrives in time, I’ll be blogging (and writing a little) a few times as well. Although plans are subject to change, we hope to hit both a major outlet mall and a casino on this expedition–I don’t have the knack for finding bargains at the outlet stores, but I’m lucky on slot machines.
OK, let’s wrap this up for today–I have writing to do.
Thanks for all your wonderful reading suggestions–Mom mentioned Frank G. Slaughter. I do remember him, and Lloyd C. Douglas, too–my favorite was “Dr. Hudson’s Secret Journal”. I loved books like “The Robe”, by Thomas B. Chastain, and I’m a big fan of James Michener’s “Centennial” and other gigantic historical sagas–I really miss those big, thick books…
Ciao for now, my friends.
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LOL at least these are all Legal “STONED” items!! HAHA
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Appreciate the reading suggestions that you pass on.
You and Debbie M. must make an awesome duo. You got me hooked on Debbie’s work as well.
Waiting for your next book
Deborah
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LOL on being Joe Cartwright’s wife. I always wanted to be their long lost sister and live on the Ponderosa. Visiting that part of the USA is still on my “to do list”. I bet the Tiger Eye stones are beautiful and is that a soothing stone? How are your Italian lessons going?
Enjoy your time with Debbie shopping and with all your writer friends! And good luck at the Casino!
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Sounds like a busy weekend! You collection sounds really interesting and your ideas awesome too! Your visit with Debbie sounds like a fun filled time and you and Debbie are two awesome friends and authors so I look forward to hearing all about your adventures!! Great on the weight watchers!
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I see you had another eventful weekend, the soothing stones sounds good. I had a busy birthday weekend myself, firstmy brother’s 81st birthday on Saturday, then one of my bestie birthday on Sunday so I have to do double time on the treadmill
enjoy your day
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Just within the hour finished reading “Pirates”. Such a wonderful find. I got it along with about fifteen of your books from my favorite used bookstore. This was the last of the 15 for me to read. WoW is all I can say. Thank you for that book. Needless to say I am going back looking for some of the books mentioned in the front of that one. I especially love your older books. Nothing wrong with the new ones either. I am an addicted fan! Thank you for all you write.
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Congratulations on getting on track with the weight loss! I struggle with (unofficial) ADHD…i think I will pick up a few Lapis Stones _REALLY_! if you like thick books then I recommend Diana Gabaldon, Outlander Series, I’ve been a fan for over 20 years! Safe Travels and give Debbie Macomber Hugs from a Texas Fan!
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I would LOVE to meet you and Debbie Macomber and go shopping and to a casino with you! Enjoy
I am also a big fan of James Michener’s books . . .
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I really loved Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose and of course Jane Austen and Cervantes Don Quixote, and anything written by Mercedes Lackey, Ian Fleming or Diana Palmer. I have lots of old friends that I visit whenever I have time and such visits are always fun!
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Linda, I hope you have a good trip, and a safe one.
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Have fun with Debbie!
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Sounds like your quite busy! love the beads-have a super fun time with Debbie, love to met both you for your both my favorite authors that I read all your books! Have a wonderful time and week!
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I do so love Centennial and have the video on the
old tapes………..
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I had to smile at your blog today, as I’m a bonafide ‘stoney’ too. My granddaughter counted mine this weekend and told me I have 111. I had to laugh when she asked me why I needed so many. Every day I pick which ones I’m going to carry for whatever I may need them for too. And like you, I am frequently looking for more! Well, I hope you enjoy your time with Debbie M.
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sounds like you had a good week end. Also, sounds like you have another good trips coming up. I would like to go shopping with you & Debbie. I like her books also.
Take care & enjoy your time with her and stay safe.
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Hi Linda, I feel good when I wear my birthstone which is a ruby. It makes me feel good. Have fund on your mini trip. I have some favorite books also. I loved James Mitchner’s book ” Hawaii and the Source” I read them when i was in high school. I thought they were very interesting. Have a great day.
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I really enjoyed your blog today. I thought I was the only one that was stone crazy. Hope you have a good and safe trip.
Ruby
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Still fascinated by Centiennal that I purchased the DVD set of the mini series.
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Linda, I do have to say I have no interest in rocks what so ever except arrowheads. I do find those interesting. I’ve had a very miserable weekend. My baby dachshund Dottie of 13 years passed away Saturday and I have to say it hurts really bad. It’s amazing how
You can grow so attached to those loving animals. I know I had her for a long time and she will be forever in my heart And she will always be my baby. Never another like her. So now I need to replace the hurt so I’m looking at shelters to adopt one. Well I hope everyone has a wonderful week! God bless!
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Oh, sweetie, so sorry about your Dottie.
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Have fun in Seattle. I would love to read a collaboration between you and Debbie Macomber. Both of you are great at developing characters and stories that keep me reading.
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I need a stone today for sickness, a cough, throat thing. Suggestions? I always read the James Mitchner books too. Have a wonderful time with Debbie, what fun! Blessings.
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Moss agate or rutilated quartz.
Plus chicken soup.
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Love all those stones!! There all such pretty colors!!
Have fun shopping with Debbie!!
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So cool that two of my favorite authors are friends, you and Debbie Macomber!
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I love Centennial. I have the DVD, but I first read the book when I was in 5th grade. I loved it!
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Envious of the shopping trip with Debbie!
I think hubby and I need to get over to “Cedar Cove” soon and have bread pudding at the Victorian Rose Tea Room. Of course, we always have to bring some home for those who didn’t go with us.
Have fun!
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Hi Linda,
If you wonder why i hadn’t been on here for over a week, we had a fire in the apartment building, we have 3 apartments together. The last apartment is the one that caught on fire, he had a skillet with grease on the stove and left it to go down the lane to check his mail, when he came back and opened the door it blew windows caught the roof and the whole apartment fire, we all had to get out, but with my COPD i couldn’t go back for over a week. Didn’t have but the clothe that i had on, they let my daughter go back in the next day and get my medicine and a change of clothes.
I like little Joe Cartwright too. Have fun with your gemstones.
Hope everyone has a great week and God blessings.
As always your friend,
Norma
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My goodness, Norma! Thank heaven you weren’t injured.
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Thank you Linda, we were out in the cold from 7:00 PM till about 12midnight when the red cross but us up in a Hotel i was in my pj did have a coat. I just praise GOD that no one was hurt the EMT they had to treat me for the smoke. All the dogs got out, my granddaughters dog kept running back in the apartment.
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Have a wonderful time and be safe while you are on you expedition.
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Linda, have you ever heard of Bluejohn or Blue John stone?
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No–I need to check those out
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I used to love collecting rocks, and somehow, my son now loves it, and I never even told him… Some are so beautiful. You have the neatest hobbies Linda!
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Congrats on getting back in your jeans! That is an awesome accomplishment! I collect rocks but nothing like yours. I live near the beach and I like to collect the nice smooth rocks that wash up. I have quite a shell, sea glass, and beach rock collection. Hope you have a great week!
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Wishing you a safe an Happy Trip with Debbie M. I also read her books.
Have great fun with your stones also.
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I love your books. They are so real. I have been a devoted reader since the 1980’s. My first “set” was t he orphan train trilogy. As much as I love your writing, I take exception w/ the way some of the women are written, in certain situations. The main complaint is that the gals are always getting upset and don’t want to eat. I just feel this is the wrong message to send to girls, especially impressionable ones who feel that a bite of anything will add a ton of weight. I realize I am nitpicking. Your books are highlight of my reading!
‘
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Thanks for all the reading suggestions! Hopefully I will be able to read some of them once I get my husband home from the hospital. He had a major heart attack on 10/8 and has been in the hospital ever since. We are in hopes of him being released next week! Much therapy to be done, but at least he is still here with me! God is Great! You have given me much to think about with some of your books you have suggested in the past. Thank you for all your suggestions. I have to go back on the blogs to find the ones I want to read, but that is a small price to pay to find the titles and get them ordered! Best wishes to you and Debbie for a fun shopping/casino trip!
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Blessings to you and your husband.
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My future son-in-law makes jewelry from mineral stones….I laugh because I didn’t know he did that and my daughter kept saying he collected “rocks” so one day a few months ago I saw the “rocks” and I said what kind of rocks are these!? Then I found out and saw the jewelry he makes and I said these are not just “rocks”…she then says, well he calls them minerals! It was funny, but he makes some beautiful stuff. I told him he needs to get them displayed somewhere and sell them, they are very unique and beautiful.
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Have a great trip, blob all the details, we love to hear it all.
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Have a wonderful Girls Weekend and give my best to Ms. Macomber!
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Hi Linda,
My husband, kids and I love stones we have several all around the house we each have a bag we carry with us at all times, I always have one around my neck depending how my health is or if I need that extra little pick me up. I use lapis for my headaches if I get they get to bad I put a lapis in its own bag and use my bra strap (on the shoulder) to hold the bag there and I will leave it there when I am at home and will sleep with it there I believe they help big time. the one I am wearing around my neck is blue lace agate (I think) and it has helped me big time, it stopped a really bad sore throat and now its just little bits of coughs left from it. Also, I enjoy reading your novels I own almost all of them I need about 7-9 books and then I have all of them.
thank you for the great reads they are super awesome. 
