We all have a storm within us ... and that's how we learn.

Stormy Montana agate. Hand-fabricated fine silver and sterling ring setting .                                          …

Stormy Montana agate. Hand-fabricated fine silver and sterling ring setting .                                            Lotus totem stamped on back and signed.

'We all have a storm within us and that's how we learn.' This phrase ran through my head, as I was driving back from Joshua Tree. It was storming to the north of this town, dumping much needed rain and jags of lightning were marbling the sky. I am home now and it is storming, as we speak. So, it seems the perfect time to write this overdue blog post.

It is deep summer here, a sort of retreat time...a lot of people leave for intervals to break-up their heat doldrums.  I always learn a lot about myself during the summer here.  The intense environment requires you to be more alert to how you feel and what's on your mind.  You have to take breaks, your body requires a slower, lighter-pace.

Looking at the weather in late June, it was so depressing, the forecast predicted to be over 105 for at least a month! And then, there is reality. It just can't stay that hot ...it has to storm it has to break. And, the same goes with our lives...we can only 'absorb' so much. Yoga and meditation help me so much. These two allow a personal reset, so that I am able to let it all go and erase my mind's chalkboard.  Lungs are  like clouds, if we remember to release more often, the storm is much less turbulent.  The learning happens more evenly and more often. 

The summer often puts me in a quiet period of heavy-contemplation...I feel a bit like a bear hibernating but am not sleeping away the season but studying, listening and experimenting.  Much of this learning is in jewelry techniques that I am very excited to show you, when I see you at a show in the future. I received a couple special commissions that have required me to delve deeper into places I was already planning-on reaching. Receiving those, told me I was on the right track.

I hope that you are well and are finding gems in your summertime, like I am.