New Diet and Exercise Program

New Puppy is the first ever interactive diet and exercise program!

This little guy has both of us running and playing and so tired out that we don't even want to eat, let alone cook anything. I forgot how much a new "baby" can take up all your time and energy. *YAWN* It hasn't even been a full two weeks yet, either!

You can't tell by this picture, but he has grown longer and lankier in that short time period, too. The best part is, he didn't take very long to make himself at home. He knows his name now and comes when we call, most of the time. Andy discovered the cat. She hisses, he barks...it's funny from my point of view. The cat on the other hand is NOT pleased. Lucky for her, Andy is not allowed in the house yet. He is happy in the shop and that's where he'll be until he is fully potty trained.

Keeping an eye out for that overly-hyper fuzzy "Thing".

Portland Art Collective September Giveaway

The Archeologist's FindYou Could Win This Necklace!

If you want a chance to win it, go to Portland Art Collective and post a comment about the necklace. A winner will be picked at the end of the month and it might be YOU! We will contact you by email for your shipping info then. Good Luck! Sorry to say, PAC members are ineligible to enter this give away.

Turquoise is one of my favorite stones to work with. It is such a powerful stone and paired with copper and coral, it reminds me of ancient jewelry worn by great royalty from long gone civilizations.

History of Turquoise
Turquoise is a stone that has been prized for many years. The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry. Turquoise is greenish-blue or pale sky blue. The name means "Turkish stone" as it came to Europe by way of Turkey. Turquoise was mined more than 6,000 years ago in Sinai. The best turquoise comes from Iran, but not much is exported now. Much turquoise comes from Mexico and the United States today.

Turquoise Gemstone meaning
Turquoise is one of the oldest protection amulets, and was also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures.

Strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world

If given a turquoise by a loving friend, that stone would protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good fortune. The turquoise is the symbol of friendship. It also brings peace to the home.

This stone is a very personal and meaningful stone to one who wears it. Turquoise takes on the characteristics of the owner.

Turquoise carries great wisdom of basic truth within it. It is one of the oldest stones known. This is a stone that a person must learn to attune to instead of the stone attuning to the person. It is important that the owner of a Turquoise give it the proper attention.

Healing properties of Turquoise

Neutralizes overacidity
Alleviates rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, viral infections
Increases growth, muscular strength
Alleviates pain, relaxes cramps
Contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects
Application: should be worn on the solar plexus

Use with copper to increase the power of turquoise.


Red Coral meaning
Coral has been called the 'garden of the sea'. It was once believed to be a plant, but is now known to actually contain living animals called polyps. Coral is the result of accumulated skeletal masses from these polyps. Red is considered the most sought after color but coral also can be found in pink, white, yellow and black.

Records dating back thousands of years confirm that coral was used in decorative art objects. It was believed to prevent ill fortune and offer protection from skin disease when worn as a necklace. Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. Ancients believed that Mars was composed of red coral.

Coral is a good aid for meditation or visualization.

Healing properties of coral
Coral symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart. It is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.

Sources of coral
Locations where coral can be found include the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Australia, the South Pacific, the waters of Japan, and Africa.

Copper meaning
Any stone set in copper or used with copper with have an enhanced energy field. Copper even enhances the energy of silver and gold. There are some stones that are very powerful when used with copper. These stones are:

Azurite
Chrysocolla
Malachite
Turquoise

Copper is a healing metal
Copper has long been used as a healing metal, especially for arthritis and rheumatism. Copper has been used with blood and metabolism disorders. Copper acts as a conductor when worn on the body. Copper will help the healing effect of any stone when both touch the body.

The above information was found at Emily Gems. Search their site for further information on other gem stones you may be interested in. (I am not affiliated with this site.)

Meet Andy

After a lot of tears and the breaking of hearts, HB decided that he needed a new dog. A trip to the hardware store produced an ad with a phone number. He had to wait over the long Labor Day weekend before he would know if the puppy was still available. Tuesday was the day he was able to go pick up his new pride and joy. Andy came into our lives at 12:30, Tuesday afternoon. And what a bundle of energy and joy. This time, HB will be the teacher and caretaker of the new puppy. (I got that job with Bear, and what a job it was!) HB has his office set up for a puppy prison when it's time for bed and Andy seems to feel right at home there.

My 3 Seconds of Calm

At eight weeks, he is all GO then all STOP. He is wearing HB out and it's not even a full day, yet. We started him in a collar today and HB put the leash on him. He is learning very quickly. I think that's why I love the Aussies so much. They are so smart, even at this age.

The Cat is not so happy about this new THING. She is curious, but not to the point of actually going over to it and sniffing it. For now, Andy mostly stays in the shop with Dad and Mira stays in the house with me. I'm sure there will be a meeting of noses sooner than later and a lesson from the Cat right then.