Just hangin' out daydreaming in Bangkok...

sculpture above, at the National Gallery Bangkok, immediately made me think of this back home:

(Bostonians/New Englanders-have you been to the new wing here yet? It's gorgeous.)

Bangkok Flower

At first, this flower reminded me of my favorite tree, the pink mimosa, always blooming when I am on the Vineyard (can't wait for that..the smell is heavenly).

This one, however, is mostly white, with the pink just at the tips, and tiny yellow spots that catch your eye.  It fell in a park, by the river.  Silky and and so delicate, it is no match for this city, the asphalt it fell onto, the women ready to sweep it up before another one can fall and join it. 

On second thought, this flower reminded me of here, Bangkok. It is both "showy" and sweet. The slender stems like the locals; always busy, going this way and that, somehow all coming together into a beautiful ensemble.

Most of the time.

A kindred spirit...

Far away in a city of temples, at the end of the narrowest of streets, there is a place I could feel at home.

Signs of Spring....

...actually, I just looked at the weather report for back home in the Boston area. Not pretty. I have to say, I don't miss it right now, but oh! when Spring really does come, it's so so wonderful. Here are a few pieces to help you get there....

All found right here!

Beauty in the decay....

It seems that most temples here in a continual state of decay and restoration. There is always work to do, I suppose on a three or four hundred year old structure. Wandering around a temple I'll inevitably find a pile of ancient looking debris, waiting to be reused, or just waiting.

 

I love to save old things, too.

Coming to you from Thailand.....

...soon!

 a memory of miniature elephants...

 listening to the ocean....

blossoming.... (finally, some stud earrings!)

 fireworks anytime....

 beautifully bold graphics....

and a little love for you-because you deserve that and more.

All of these are made in Northern Thailand by the Karen Hilltribe people. They are completely handmade, so have a beautiful, soft, personal feeling to them.  I can't wait to get home and start creating with these pieces and other treasures. If you see anything you particularly like here, let me know as quantities are very limited on some pieces.

Off to one of the massive weekend markets here in Bangkok-have fun whatever you do!,

Erin

Still thinking about Japan...

I lived there for two years. I lived near Tokyo, and the friends I am still in contact with are all fine for now.

Still, worried and sad for so many more.

Wishing them all peace, hope and healing.

Outside My Doorway...

Fueling my long- held lotus obsession....inspiration soon to come in wearable form!

Remember,

the entrance door

to the sanctuary 

 

is inside 

 

you. 

-Rumi

Three Little Buddhas

Sometimes when things are overwhelming (the news, for example) it's easier for me to focus on small things. The temples here in Chaing Mai are truly impressive. Some large, some small, most very old, and all completely covered in glitter and gold. It's hard not to take pictures of all that, and I do, but I end up liking the "unimpressive" details best.

These three little buddha statues were placed in random, out-of- the- way spots in various temples.

 I wonder how and why they got where they did.
I will never know, but somehow they let me feel part of a peaceful moment.

Love and Prayers to Japan

Link Love....New Designs!

Clear Quartz Vermeil Links and Champagne Quartz Briolette Earrings

Yes! This super-cool, slinky gold filled disc chain is back. 

Here it is paired with clear quartz links of varying sizes. I love the versatility of this simple piece!

One of my favorite stones-natural chalcedony-in a gold vermeil triple link earring. Perfect for Summer. 

I got some amazing pieces of Labradorite recently. Very hard to photograph as the color, iridescence and the "glow" change as it moves. Trust me, they're beautiful.


These new pieces and more will be posted on the website soon!

It's not all red and gold here.....

There is color everywhere....like these gorgeous frangipani...

Cookie Shop

Kickboxing ads.

Lantern shop in Bo Sang.

Little altar outside our guest house room.

Tiniest pies in the world and mounds of orchids for sale. A bunch costs about 65 cents!

Umbrellas in the craft village of Bo Sang and cool lanterns at the night market. I wanted to buy some until they told me I have to put it together piece by piece.

Back

well, sort of. Back here on the blog, anyway. So sorry to be away for so long....January just wasn't worth mentioning unless you happen to really be into snow. I'm not. February was busy-hopping down to Tucson for the massive gem and jewelry shows.  It was my first time and definitely overwhelming, but I found some great things for the upcoming Spring and Summer season- beautiful ammonite fossils, sparkling geodes and cool new gemstone links. Next, back to Boston and made a reservation to go to Thailand.  Where I sit right now, in the (surprisingly strong)heat and humidity. But I'll take it over the snow any day. Besides which, it's fascinating to me, so get ready for lots of pictures of buddhas, temples and exotic flowers. Oh, and a few new designs I managed to work on before leaving (I love them, and am so excited to share with you soon!).

For your viewing pleasure, Thailand Trip instalment #1:

These were all taken in Chiang Mai, a lovely city in the north of Thailand, a center for arts and crafts with about 300 amazing temples.
More to come soon...