Admittedly, it may seem a bit strange that I am enjoying a bonfire when it 88 degrees! But I am enjoying both the fire and a glass of wine as I am writing this. With all the hot flashes I have I can’t really tell if I am hot from the fire or not! Sitting on our screened in patio with the fans going is actually quite pleasant despite 88 degrees and a fire going! Our screened patio is one of my favorite places to relax, read, or do some work.
I was hoping to have this blog post be of some beautiful pictures of a clean and well-organized studio. Unfortunately I’m not quite there yet. Progress is being made, but I have a ways to go yet. I set some pretty lofty goals for myself to get my studio clean and organized. I’m beginning to wonder if having a clean and organized studio is even possible!
I would love to hear your organization tips and see pictures of your studio.
It is July already! Can you believe it? It seems like I blinked and it went from March to July. July’s birthstone is the Ruby. I was going through my gemstones and realized that I did not have any rubies! I have a few star rubies, a ruby that is mixed with something else and also some ruby in zoisite beads but no rubies.
Ruby is one of the 4 precious gemstones, diamond, emerald and sapphire being the other three. Faceted high quality rubies can range in price from $1,000 – $3,000 per carat. Rough lower quality ruby can be found in greater quantities and is used to make beads and carvings. I know what I will be looking for on my trip to the Franklin Gem Show at the end of July!
Ruby is red corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral with chromium responsible for its rich, red color. Until around 1800 when ruby was recognized as a variety of corundum, red spinels, tourmalines and garnets were believed to be ruby. I must admit I have some very pretty rough red garnets that I could easily mistake for ruby. Real rubies glow with a deep, vivid, almost “stoplight” red color. If the gem is more of a dark red it is probably a garnet.
Ruby is considered the stone of love, energy, passion power and a zest for life. Rubies are the perfect symbol for powerful feelings. Ruby encourages passion and a zest for life. It improves motivation and the setting of realistic goals.
Ruby is said to strengthen the heart, ventricles and coronaries. It helps to stimulate good circulation and blood flow. Ruby is useful in detoxifying the body, blood, and lymph. It can be helpful in treating fever and infections. It may also be used to assist in weight regulation.
Star ruby has the same metaphysical properties as ruby, but with increased healing and magical energies. They are most powerful at full moon. The light of the soul is reflected and grounded with the start of the ruby.
If you have passion and a zest for life, ruby is your gem!
ENJOY!!
cheryl