Want to be brought down? It's so easy these days! Just read the news on the internet or turn on a cable news channel. Turn on a "reality" show and watch the cast rip into each other. Really want to get negative? Jump on a comment section of a political news story. Just sit back and watch people tear each other to shreds.
Why have we become so negative? So crass? What has happened to us? Maybe a more important question is "How do we return to being a polite and civil society?" Everyone has an opinion these days. This is my blog, so I'm going to share my ideas.
When I started this blog, all of a few days ago, I knew there was one thing I had to do. No matter what, no matter my mood, I want this blog to stay positive, to stay upbeat. I want this blog to inform you, my dear reader. I also want it to inspire. We have so much negativity all around us. There is only one person I can control. That person is me. Therefore, I will control my attitude and I choose to be as positive as possible.
The only person you control is yourself. Do you want this world to be a positive, civil, upbeat place? Or do you want it filled with negativity and rudeness? The choice is yours. Which path do you choose?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
A Primer in Gemstones...Yes I Said Primer
When I worked in retail jewelry, I often heard as I was explaining a piece of jewelry with a lab created stone – “Oh, I don’t want that, it’s fake.” I would also get the question “Is this real?” in regard to a piece. I always thought to myself, “Well, it’s not imaginary!”
What is the difference between a natural gemstone and a lab created gemstone? The difference boils down to where each gemstone is grown. The natural gemstone is grown in the ground over millions and millions of years. The lab created gem is grown in a lab, under perfect conditions, using Mother Nature’s recipe in a matter of months. A lab created gemstone is chemically, physically, and optically the same as its natural counterpart. Of course, since the lab created gem was grown in a perfect environment, you won’t find the inclusions you find in natural gems. Think of it this way: Homemade cookies are like natural gemstones, not exactly uniform, not "perfect", but very tasty. Store bought (mass produced) cookies are always the same and "perfect". Store bought or mass produced cookies are just as tasty as homemade; if they weren't, the Girl Scouts couldn't talk you into Thin Mints and Samoas every year (mmm, Samoas...).
It is the lack of inclusions that is the telltale sign that a gem is lab created or as I like to call them, lab grown. Most natural gemstones, no matter how clear, will have some type of inclusion or birthmark. It is the extremely rare natural gemstone that is completely flawless. These flawless natural gemstones command a hefty price.
That brings us to another difference between natural and lab created gemstones: Price. Lab grown stones are very wallet friendly. The cost to produce a lab grown gemstone is significantly less than the cost to mine, cut, and polish a natural stone. With natural gemstones, someone has to find the deposit, then a mine needs to be created and the gemstones dug out of the earth. Some gemstones can be hidden deep within the earth, so it may take a lot of digging before a single piece of rough is found.
Now that we know the only physical difference between a natural gemstone and a lab created stone is where it was grown, the question you may be thinking is “Which one is better?” I think this comes down to personal preference. My birthstone is emerald. If I wanted to get a beautiful deep green emerald of any size, it would cost me thousands of dollars. I don’t care to spend that much on a gem, so when it comes to my birthstone, I opt for lab created every time. Do you want a beautiful stone and want to know that it is natural or do you want a beautiful stone and not care that it was lab created? The decision is yours and yours alone.
I hope this installment of Random Thoughts from Melissa has, at minimum, given you more information. I hope this has given you the information to be a better educated consumer. Like I said yesterday, never stop learning. If knowledge is power then I hope this post has empowered you!
Happy Gem shopping... Melissa
What is the difference between a natural gemstone and a lab created gemstone? The difference boils down to where each gemstone is grown. The natural gemstone is grown in the ground over millions and millions of years. The lab created gem is grown in a lab, under perfect conditions, using Mother Nature’s recipe in a matter of months. A lab created gemstone is chemically, physically, and optically the same as its natural counterpart. Of course, since the lab created gem was grown in a perfect environment, you won’t find the inclusions you find in natural gems. Think of it this way: Homemade cookies are like natural gemstones, not exactly uniform, not "perfect", but very tasty. Store bought (mass produced) cookies are always the same and "perfect". Store bought or mass produced cookies are just as tasty as homemade; if they weren't, the Girl Scouts couldn't talk you into Thin Mints and Samoas every year (mmm, Samoas...).
It is the lack of inclusions that is the telltale sign that a gem is lab created or as I like to call them, lab grown. Most natural gemstones, no matter how clear, will have some type of inclusion or birthmark. It is the extremely rare natural gemstone that is completely flawless. These flawless natural gemstones command a hefty price.
That brings us to another difference between natural and lab created gemstones: Price. Lab grown stones are very wallet friendly. The cost to produce a lab grown gemstone is significantly less than the cost to mine, cut, and polish a natural stone. With natural gemstones, someone has to find the deposit, then a mine needs to be created and the gemstones dug out of the earth. Some gemstones can be hidden deep within the earth, so it may take a lot of digging before a single piece of rough is found.
Now that we know the only physical difference between a natural gemstone and a lab created stone is where it was grown, the question you may be thinking is “Which one is better?” I think this comes down to personal preference. My birthstone is emerald. If I wanted to get a beautiful deep green emerald of any size, it would cost me thousands of dollars. I don’t care to spend that much on a gem, so when it comes to my birthstone, I opt for lab created every time. Do you want a beautiful stone and want to know that it is natural or do you want a beautiful stone and not care that it was lab created? The decision is yours and yours alone.
I hope this installment of Random Thoughts from Melissa has, at minimum, given you more information. I hope this has given you the information to be a better educated consumer. Like I said yesterday, never stop learning. If knowledge is power then I hope this post has empowered you!
Happy Gem shopping... Melissa
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Just Keep...Learning
We all go to school from kindergarten to high school. Some of us go on to college. I went to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I loved school and I loved college. I loved to learn about new and interesting things. My interests are wide. I love history, science, reading. I love to learn about bizarre things and trivial things.
I graduated in 2000 and entered the workforce. I felt a hole in my life and soon I figured out what it was. I was no longer learning. I thought about this and figured out that I did not need to go to school formally to continue my education. I've always been a "crafty" person. I think this is due in part to spending a lot of time with Grandma Mizell when I was young. She was always doing some type of craft; most of the time it involved sparkles.
I first set out to learn crochet from Grandma Creamer. She was a very skilled crocheter. I was so glad I learned from Granny C (as she calls herself). Not only was it a great bonding experience, but I discovered Granny C had learned from Great Grandma Creamer. Now when I crochet I feel like Great Grandma is looking down on me, very pleased to be carrying on an old craft.
Next I learned knitting from my mother. Then Grandma Mizell passed away. In my mourning of her, I found I wanted to wear big bold sparkly jewelry like she had. However, I couldn't find jewelry at retail that fit the ticket. How do I obtain the jewelry I desire? Well, I'd just have to learn! So began my journey into learning how to make silver jewelry.
I loved it so much and enjoyed it so much my husband built me a studio. That is how my small business of Chrysalis Jewelry began (http://www.chrysalisjewelry.com). I knew I must continue to learn jewelry techniques to keep Chrysalis Jewelry new and fresh. I took a lost wax casting class, which I enjoyed very much. I would love to add it to Chrysalis, but the start up costs for lost wax are quite great.
I have now begun to learn a technique called chain maille. All it takes is some jump rings, a couple pair of pliers, and a pattern. Much like crochet or knitting, chain maille has many exciting patterns. You must start out easy and work your way up to more complex patterns. I cannot wait to extend my skills. I get all of my jump rings at www.bluebuddhaboutique.com.
I hope I have inspired you, my reader, to just keep learning! Pick up a book on a subject you are interested in, watch a documentary, talk to an expert. What ever you do....Just Keep Learning!
I graduated in 2000 and entered the workforce. I felt a hole in my life and soon I figured out what it was. I was no longer learning. I thought about this and figured out that I did not need to go to school formally to continue my education. I've always been a "crafty" person. I think this is due in part to spending a lot of time with Grandma Mizell when I was young. She was always doing some type of craft; most of the time it involved sparkles.
I first set out to learn crochet from Grandma Creamer. She was a very skilled crocheter. I was so glad I learned from Granny C (as she calls herself). Not only was it a great bonding experience, but I discovered Granny C had learned from Great Grandma Creamer. Now when I crochet I feel like Great Grandma is looking down on me, very pleased to be carrying on an old craft.
Next I learned knitting from my mother. Then Grandma Mizell passed away. In my mourning of her, I found I wanted to wear big bold sparkly jewelry like she had. However, I couldn't find jewelry at retail that fit the ticket. How do I obtain the jewelry I desire? Well, I'd just have to learn! So began my journey into learning how to make silver jewelry.
I loved it so much and enjoyed it so much my husband built me a studio. That is how my small business of Chrysalis Jewelry began (http://www.chrysalisjewelry.com). I knew I must continue to learn jewelry techniques to keep Chrysalis Jewelry new and fresh. I took a lost wax casting class, which I enjoyed very much. I would love to add it to Chrysalis, but the start up costs for lost wax are quite great.
I have now begun to learn a technique called chain maille. All it takes is some jump rings, a couple pair of pliers, and a pattern. Much like crochet or knitting, chain maille has many exciting patterns. You must start out easy and work your way up to more complex patterns. I cannot wait to extend my skills. I get all of my jump rings at www.bluebuddhaboutique.com.
I hope I have inspired you, my reader, to just keep learning! Pick up a book on a subject you are interested in, watch a documentary, talk to an expert. What ever you do....Just Keep Learning!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Cats...not the Broadway play
This morning I was awakened by one of my five cats. This morning it was Anna Banana, one of my youngest cats. She's very vocal, loves to be petted and has the loudest purr known to man (I swear). Anna is one half of the Fuzzy Twins. Her sister Nina is the other half. My husband and I call them fuzzy's because for some reason, they never lost their kitten fuzz. They are short hair cats in places and long hair in others. It makes for a really cute and adorable combination.
In addition to Nina and Anna, we also have a pair of brothers name Angus (Gus) and Holstein. Like the girls, Gus and Holstein started life as farm cats. Holstein is marked like a holstein cow. Gus is all black. Our oldest cat, Yoda, we got when we move to Dallas 11 years ago. When Yoda was a kitten, her ears were huge, making her look like the beloved Jedi Master. We got Yoda from a rescue group, her mother was killed by a dog when she was about two weeks old.
Cats are always in my life. From having my mothers cat TC, to my own first cat Sugar (she was all white and I was 5. I guess my other name option could have been flour), to Cocoas I and II (you can guess what color they were), there has been a constant cat in my life. It probably doesn't hurt that my mom is also a cat person. I find a cats purr very comforting.
I know the cats I have are the lucky ones. Our shelters are filled with homeless cats and dogs. I hate that millions of good pets are destroyed each year. It's our fault. We humans tend to not be responsible stewards of just about everything we have. There is a very simple solution to this problem. Our Pets need to be spayed or neutered to prevent more unwanted kitties and puppies. I'll get off the soap box there before I begin to sound like Bob Barker.
If you own a pet, please make sure it's spayed or neutered. If you don't have a pet and can bring a pet into your life, please consider getting a shelter pet. You will have a good friend for many years to come. I'm so very glad I have the furry friends that I do. Now, if you will excuse me, Anna Banana tells me I'm not not petting her enough.
Wishing you a purrrrrfect day.
In addition to Nina and Anna, we also have a pair of brothers name Angus (Gus) and Holstein. Like the girls, Gus and Holstein started life as farm cats. Holstein is marked like a holstein cow. Gus is all black. Our oldest cat, Yoda, we got when we move to Dallas 11 years ago. When Yoda was a kitten, her ears were huge, making her look like the beloved Jedi Master. We got Yoda from a rescue group, her mother was killed by a dog when she was about two weeks old.
Cats are always in my life. From having my mothers cat TC, to my own first cat Sugar (she was all white and I was 5. I guess my other name option could have been flour), to Cocoas I and II (you can guess what color they were), there has been a constant cat in my life. It probably doesn't hurt that my mom is also a cat person. I find a cats purr very comforting.
I know the cats I have are the lucky ones. Our shelters are filled with homeless cats and dogs. I hate that millions of good pets are destroyed each year. It's our fault. We humans tend to not be responsible stewards of just about everything we have. There is a very simple solution to this problem. Our Pets need to be spayed or neutered to prevent more unwanted kitties and puppies. I'll get off the soap box there before I begin to sound like Bob Barker.
If you own a pet, please make sure it's spayed or neutered. If you don't have a pet and can bring a pet into your life, please consider getting a shelter pet. You will have a good friend for many years to come. I'm so very glad I have the furry friends that I do. Now, if you will excuse me, Anna Banana tells me I'm not not petting her enough.
Wishing you a purrrrrfect day.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thank you Veterans!
It's 11/11/11. It's Veterans Day. For some people, this might mean they don't have to go to work or school. No mail will be delivered today, some banks might be closed. Do you see Veterans Day as something that disrupts normal service, or do you understand what this observance is for?
Today was originally know as Armistice Day. It was on this day in 1918 when major hostilities were ended for World War I (known at the time as the Great War). They were ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month. World War I was a nasty bloody war that ended with millions of young men killed or wounded. Later, this day of remembrance was expanded to include all of our military veterans.
I think most of us take for granted the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We don't think about how we can say what we want to say, even disagree with our government without fear a reprisal. We may go to the place of worship of our choosing. I could go through all of rights and freedoms, but you get my point. These freedoms were bought with the blood and sacrifice of our armed personnel, from the Revolutionary War to the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am so grateful that these everyday citizens heeded the call to serve our country. In my opinion, this turned our everyday citizens into heroes.
Today also makes me think about three heroes who are no longer in my life. Three out of four of my grandparents served in the military during World War II. They were members of the greatest generation. Grandpa Mizell served in the Army. Grandma Mizell was a Navy WAVE. Grandpa Creamer served in the Navy as well. I am so proud to be the grandchild of these brave men and woman.
I have many members of my family, past and present who have served our country. I'm not going to list them all, but I do want to say thank you! You've done our family proud.
Thank you to all our veterans. We are the country we are because of your service. Thank you!
Today was originally know as Armistice Day. It was on this day in 1918 when major hostilities were ended for World War I (known at the time as the Great War). They were ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month. World War I was a nasty bloody war that ended with millions of young men killed or wounded. Later, this day of remembrance was expanded to include all of our military veterans.
I think most of us take for granted the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We don't think about how we can say what we want to say, even disagree with our government without fear a reprisal. We may go to the place of worship of our choosing. I could go through all of rights and freedoms, but you get my point. These freedoms were bought with the blood and sacrifice of our armed personnel, from the Revolutionary War to the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am so grateful that these everyday citizens heeded the call to serve our country. In my opinion, this turned our everyday citizens into heroes.
Today also makes me think about three heroes who are no longer in my life. Three out of four of my grandparents served in the military during World War II. They were members of the greatest generation. Grandpa Mizell served in the Army. Grandma Mizell was a Navy WAVE. Grandpa Creamer served in the Navy as well. I am so proud to be the grandchild of these brave men and woman.
I have many members of my family, past and present who have served our country. I'm not going to list them all, but I do want to say thank you! You've done our family proud.
Thank you to all our veterans. We are the country we are because of your service. Thank you!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
My First Time...
What can I say? I'm a blog virgin. I've never done this before. So, please forgive me if I don't quite know what I'm doing. I'm an Artisian Jeweler. What does this mean? I create jewelry using traditional and non-traditional materials. Think of it as art you can wear.
The other day my husband suggested that I start a blog. I replied "who would ever want to read about me"? My next question was, what would I write about? I'm not just a jeweler. I love antiques. LOVE to the point of obsession. I have furry children (5 cats, 4 dogs, my husband and I have sucker for strays on our foreheads). The cats like to use me as a climbing frame. Nina just jumped on me for the third time. Do you have any idea how hard it is to write a blog with a cat standing on your chest? I believe she is just trying to help...or suffocate me...jury is still out on that one.
I love crafts. I love knitting and crocheting. I've made candles in the past. Hobby Lobby is one of my best friends (as long as I have a 40% off coupon in hand, of course). I love to push my creative side. I love to take items that may not have been much, but with a little of this and a little of that, wa-la! You have a masterpiece. I love find the diamond in the rough. I can see potential (even when others think I'm off my nut).
So what is this blog about? Me. What you get today might not be the same as tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the ride!
The other day my husband suggested that I start a blog. I replied "who would ever want to read about me"? My next question was, what would I write about? I'm not just a jeweler. I love antiques. LOVE to the point of obsession. I have furry children (5 cats, 4 dogs, my husband and I have sucker for strays on our foreheads). The cats like to use me as a climbing frame. Nina just jumped on me for the third time. Do you have any idea how hard it is to write a blog with a cat standing on your chest? I believe she is just trying to help...or suffocate me...jury is still out on that one.
I love crafts. I love knitting and crocheting. I've made candles in the past. Hobby Lobby is one of my best friends (as long as I have a 40% off coupon in hand, of course). I love to push my creative side. I love to take items that may not have been much, but with a little of this and a little of that, wa-la! You have a masterpiece. I love find the diamond in the rough. I can see potential (even when others think I'm off my nut).
So what is this blog about? Me. What you get today might not be the same as tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the ride!
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