Pics of shop circa 2006 and Bubba

Monday Morning Thoughts

Every Monday morning I think the same thoughts. Which shop will kick off my week? Rock shop, Bead shop or the Jewelry shop. I have three departments here at The Desert Beckons and they compete with each other. Some days the action is all in one of these shops, and other days, the activity is divided. I guess each Monday which shop will be the first to "make a sale". I've never kept track of which shop wins more of these silly bets I make, it just gets my brain in the game and motivates me. Maybe I should keep track, better yet, I'll leave that for my assistant that I will hire one day. See? When you own a business, there are sooooo many decisions to make. Ah, me!

New Ideas

This morning, I woke up thinking about my sister, Missy.

She's a very important person in my life and I'll probably be mentioning her a lot.

She is the first to sign on to my blog as a follower! (Thanks, Miss, for everything)

She's got great ideas for my blog, and I'll likely be taking them for a spin. She suggested a section titled "Rocks For Jocks" . . . Great title, huh?

The idea is to post pictures of specimens for identification and add some info about the metaphysical properties/healing properties. I'll probably include other tidbits & stories about the specimens too.

So, I'll be taking lots of pics for this section and roll it out asap!

I invite everyone to send me their ideas/thoughts. I welcome the input, need the input, can't do it without you.

Getting ready to head South tonight for a full day of buying tomorrow. The season is on top of us now and the bead shop needs . . . well, beads.

Yours in rocks and beads,

Kathy

First Blog Dedication

Are you a rockhound or a beader? Well, I am. I have been a rock collector all my life. Love rocks and shells and seaweed and dirt & sand. I've been rock hunting since I was a kid. I never thought about my fascination with rocks and the earths' treasures in any way. I just loved them for there beauty and an occasional souvenier from a vacation. Now, I am surrounded by them everyday and I'm living my childhood dream of owning a rock shop!

Years ago, I would tag along with my sister D (pronounced Deeeeee), to bead shops. She beaded with needle and thread. Intricate pattern work, peyote stitches and such. Very impressive and beautiful, but I never took to it. The patience required for that kind of beading skipped over me in our family. I like projects that use stone beads (of course, rocks!) and don't take 6 months to complete. But that's just me.

I've had the pleasure of meeting so many people that share my enthusiasm about rock collecting and beading/jewelry making since opening my store. So I'm dedicating my blog to my treasured customers. You all have taught me so much about my lifelong passion. So, here's a forum, for anyone interested, let's talk Rocks, Beads, Creative Arts, etc., and let's share our stories with each other. I've got some doozies!

We'll be heading South on Monday to do holiday bead buying. My shopping list is huge this year and there are a number of personal requests to fill this go around. I'm so excited, because shopping for beads is one of the funnest things I get to do in this business. I always come away from a buying trip inspired and ready for new projects.

On the lookout this trip:

• Chiastolite (Cross stone)
• Charoite
• Blue Topaz (lots of requests)
• Bali beads that fit the Troll bracelets
• Graduated bead strands in various stones

Shop will be closed on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th

Reopen Thursday 29th and back to usual schedule . . .

Mon - Fri 12:00 - 6:00
Tues PM bead class 7:00 - ?
Sat 10:00 - 5:00
Sun closed

Yours in rocks and beads,

Kathy