Natural Beauty

It's no secret that I love to wander. New cities, new countries, new neighborhoods... If I haven't explored it yet, I soon will. On Wednesday, I happened upon another justification for my wanderings...

On a side street bordering Little Italy and Chinatown, I passed a shop window full of stunning beads, stones, statues, and trinkets. I doubled back and stepped inside Sun Wind, Inc. 

The woman standing behind the counter wasn't simply selling jewelry. She spent a good 45 minutes explaining all of the stones I inquired about, and even reading my energies and knowing my own preferences and needs. It was enlightening and exciting. 

I've always been interested in the powers and energies (not to mention the appearance) of natural stones and natural stone jewelry. In *many* previous posts and photos, you may have noticed the jade bangle and rings I permanently wear. As the most protective stone of physical health, jade is a key component and reminder of my years of battles against various health issues, all of which have more or less been overcome. 

I can't wait to return to her shop when I have more time to spend, but below are a few beautiful things I picked up to add to my existing collection.

These natural, uncut quarts earrings pictured below were irresistible to me. 

I was immediately drawn to this ring. As the woman who owns the shop explained, it is Botswana Agate, and it believed to be a sort of Evil Eye. It protects not only against spiritual evil, but also against natural disaster. As a lover of survival, and its beautiful vintage setting and look, I just had to have it.

So many gorgeous rings. It was hard to pick just one.... (for now)

I've acquired a lot of natural stone jewelry over the years. In fact, I gravitate towards it. I love the lack of "perfection" and symmetry, and the idea that every single piece is natural and unique. 

My cat, of course, wanted to be in this photo. 

My three favorite natural stone neckaces. From left to right: 

Pyrite (fools gold): Helps the wearer tap into their creativity

Lapis Lazuli: Healing and protecting the mind, & a stone native to my sign, Sagittarius

Agate: Balances yin and yang, good for artists and students

I could rant on and on about this topic all day, but I'll exercise a shred of self control.

Do you have any favorite stones that you are drawn to? 

Word of the Week

Curiosity. 

I was such a curious child. Always exploring, always roaming, always wondering. 

Spending time with my family this weekend really made me stop and really appreciate the curiosity that children have for the world and everything in it. 

I want to try to embody that word this week; I want to be curious again. Abandon doubt. Chase a butterfly. 

Live for now. 

Great Escape

I have to admit, I'm a bit biased when it comes to nature. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania left a lasting, unshakable impression - and to this day, I think it's the prettiest place in the country, if not the world. 

Well, to me, at least. 

When I need a break from the city, the perfect stress release, or just want a quiet night of sleep....

This is the perfect setting for a campfire, a dirt road, and a night under the stars. 

Not to mention, you'll probably get some amazing photos without really having to try. 

I'm exhausted from my journey back to NYC tonight, but I can't wait to share more photos, memories, and the new additions to the store! Head over to www.shopdisowned.com to check out the first brand-spankin-new listings :) 

After the Rain

This extreme heat has given way to several torrential downpours in the past week. Sometimes they catch you when you least expect it, and you don't have an umbrella or chance to duck under shelter. You're drenched, sticky, inconvenienced, and frustrated for a few moments...

But afterwards, the air is cooler, less humid, and the sky glows with a grey and yellow radiance that you can only have after a storm as the sun peeks through a crack in the dark clouds. 

And sometimes, if you're lucky, you see the rainbow at the end. 

This is just what happened to me the other day, and I found it to be so inspirational and a reminder that there can always be a rainbow after a storm, no matter if its literal or metaphorical for things that pop up in day to day life. 

Look for your rainbow at the end. 

Our Town.

This post really isn't about "my town," or anywhere I've lived. While traveling about this beautiful, timeless island, a certain quote has crossed my mind. It's a line from the play, 'Our Town,' by Thornton Wilder.
So ask yourself the following, and as frequently as possible, to remind yourself:
----------------------------------
"Does anyone ever realize life while they live it...every, every minute?"

"No. Saints and poets maybe...they do some.”
― Thornton Wilder, Our Town