Now that I think about it, it’s probably the art that goes into soapstone carving that really draws me.  Well, the art and the smell of the stone.  It really does have a nice, clean scent that’s reminiscent of soap!  I recently purchased a soapstone carving of a cat and the detail is amazing.  I haven’t taken a picture of it yet, but as soon as I do, I’ll get it posted.  In the meantime, if you want to take a look at some Inuit soapstone carvings, check out this link.

You can obtain free digital topography maps from the USGS, though, and they have several other items of interest.  This is a great source if you’re planning a rock-hunting trip, or even if you’re just heading out into a fairly remote area.  The science of mapmaking sure has changed over the last century!

I don’t have any new pictures, but I still wanted to post a picture today!  So I decided that I would show off this piece of desert jasper that I photographed awhile back.  It’s a specimen from Madagascar that has some very beautiful color combinations.  I have quite a few more of this type that I plan to photograph when I get a little bit of extra time.

Things have been so busy for me recently that I haven’t has as much time to spend here on this blog or visiting others that I love.  Nevertheless, when I was checking on a couple of things today, I saw this great little surprise from Ray at The Esoterical Journey.  Even though he refers to his site as a “petty blog”, it’s anything but that.  I enjoy visiting there - sometimes his writings make me smile, sometimes they make me sigh, but always they make me think and reflect, and I like that.  This award is something to be shared so it has a few items associated with it:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of the nominated blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

I know that some people aren’t fond of forwarding these types of things or they simply may not have the time right now.  So, if any of the blogs I am listing fall into that group, don’t feel like you have to respond.  I look at this as a way to thank some of the people whose sites I like to visit.  But if people feel obligated to respond, that takes away from the purpose of the thought.  So, I’ll repeat, don’t feel obligated!  With that being said, here are seven of my favorite places to visit in no particular order.

Melissa’s Jewely and Gemstone Blog - Melissa always has some beautiful new gemstone or lovely handmade piece of jewelry to share at this site.  On top of that, it’s easy to tell from her writings that she is a genuinely nice person who cares about the world and the people in it.  Thanks, Melissa, for sharing your knowledge and your generous spirit.

San Diego Backroads - Betchai has a way of taking photographs that make places come alive.  Everytime I visit this site, I leave with the feeling that I, too, have been to the amazing places that she shares with us through her art.  Thanks, Betchai, for reminding us of just how beautiful this world really is.

One of a Kind, Wisconsin, LLC - It’s not often that I read things that really do make me laugh out loud, but Michelle Gartner manages to make me do that on a regular basis.  I think I first found this site because I was looking for some term to describe old jewelry.  When I got there, I found a wealth of information about everything vintage (one of my secret loves).  But it’s not just the content that makes me keep checking to see what’s new there - it’s also the lovely, witty way that Michelle describes it all.  Thanks, Michelle, for letting people know to appreciate all sorts of things in life and to do so with a grin on your face.

Luxor - It’s no secret how much I love cats, and Luxor’s personality makes me want to pick him up and cuddle him even though I’ve only seen him in pictures (and what great pictures they are).  He’d probably hate that, though, because he has that sophisticated air about him.  Thanks, Luxor (and to Luxor’s mom, Elaine), for showing us how to look at the world through a different view.

Changing Seasons - I love to read and learn about other cultures, and Ruthi is so detailed of her descriptions of everyday life in the Phillipines that I can almost picture it in my mind.  Her unique perspective shares what the life of a regular person is like rather than focusing on the glamour and fame of celebrated landmarks and personalities.  Thanks, Ruthi, for reminding us that even our differences give us all something in common.

Blooms and Blossoms - This is a blog that I have only recently started reading, but I’m always enthralled by the way that Petra is able to capture the soul of a flower in her photography.  Not only am I learning more about nature’s delicate gifts at this site, but the gorgeous colors in the photos always put a smile on my face.  Thanks, Petra, for sharing the beauty that your keen eye always seems to find.

Jael’s Art Jewels - I want them all - yes, I want them all!  But if I can’t have them all, at least I can see the lovely pictures.  The amount of detail in Jael’s creations always feels me with awe.  I’m always amazed by the beauty created by artists, but these small creations, each one so exquisite really astound me.  Thanks, Jael, for letting us all see the beauty that springs from your talented hands.

Okay, I have reached my quota of sappiness for the day, but I really do love all these blogs.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit them, take some time to stop by one or two when you have a free moment.

I thought the sound was a bit bad in the beginning, too, but then I realized that the narrator was just out of breath.  It must have been some hike to get up to that location.  If you have the time to watch the whole video, you’ll also get the chance to see several nice specimens that the prospector picks up along the way.

Such specimens are often found in Nevada’s Virgin Valley.  The Royal Peacock mining site has some additional photos of a larger specimen known as the Northern Lights Delight.   Although opalized wood polishes up lovely and makes excellent jewelry, most collectors prefer to leave it untouched in appreciation of its natural beauty.  Because of the rarity of nicer pieces, it can sell for a pretty penny. 

Several years ago, I was really into soap-making, and I was recalling today all the pictures I had seen in the past from people who had created soaps that resembled gems and minerals.  In particular, I remember a great photo that someone had taken of malachite soap along with instructions on how to make it.  I wasn’t able to find that, but I did find this other post at Urban Design with a fantastic photo and a link to Amethyst Soaps on Etsy.  I love stuff like this - the only problem is I think it’s too pretty to use.  I’m still hoping to find some time this winter to try making that malachite soap, though.  If I can’t find the instructions, I’ll just have to experiment with it until I get it right.  

For some reason, this neat website on mineral identification I found reminded me of that old game show.  It basically takes you on a step-by-step process of the different things to take into account when trying to identify a mineral.  Along the way it gives basic explanations of luster, hardness, streak test, and cleavage.  The only limitations is that it assumes you are working with rocks from a kit so not every mineral is included.  It’s pretty fun to play around with, though, and it can be adapted to help identify your own minerals despite not having the kit that goes along with the exercise.  There’s a game show contest for you.  How many things do you have to check before you can name this mineral?

No matter how hot it is, always make sure to wear gloves when digging.  Preferably the gloves will be a little sturdier than the cheap blue ones I was wearing that day.  These blue ones were lightweight gardening gloves and they ripped within an hour.  Crystals can be very sharp!  At least it was only the glove that got ripped apart and not my hand - though the latter has happened, too.  I even manage to get cuts when I’m sorting through them and cleaning them at home.