I’m all caught up on my book reviews and thought I’d talk about something I’ve loved since I was old enough to grasp… rocks and crystals. Although this passion for collecting them hasn’t made it into my stories, I’m sure it will someday 🙂
I’m not sure when I picked up the first rock, but it was love at first sight. I kept them in my room tucked away in an old overnight case, and when I moved out, they came with me.
Since then, anytime I was out in nature, I would pick up a rock to remember my moment there. If lucky, I’d find a heart-shaped rock and add it to that collection.
One afternoon, I went through my original rocks, and thanks to the Rock Identifier on my cell phone, I learned what I had collected over the years. There were many types of jasper, rhyolite, quartz, limestone, agates, granite, chalcedony, petrified wood, and lepidolite. I was attracted to this as a child just by its beauty, but as an adult, I realized there might be some healing or protection properties that come along with them I might have needed and still do.
I display my heart collection at the front entry of the house, some rocks and crystals are by my plants and the rest is displayed in my bedroom. Some of these, I have found, others were bought or gifts, but in one why they have found their way to me. When I hold them, I feel a positive energy and love to wear jewelry that is rock/crystal adorned.
This last Christmas, I received a wonderful gift from my youngest daughter- and son-in-law, a rock tumbler. My husband added all the chemicals and did the rinsing for the required four steps. This meant going out into the snow to use an outside faucet. You don’t want any of that grit in your household pipes!
After listening to the loud tumbling in the garage for almost five weeks, the first batch that came with the machine was done! There are tiger eyes, amethyst, crystals, and many others that I will have to check and see what they are. I cleaned them up, and here they are:
The machine will get a small rest and then will start the process all over again. I can’t wait to see how some of my rocks will come out.
There are many possibilities for what to do with all these rocks I want to polish, but making jewelry and other creative projects come to mind—or simply enjoying them.
Rocks are a part of nature which has found its way into my house and became part of my life. Poetry is the easiest place to explore my love of nature which rocks and crystals are a powerful part.
blessed abundance
wrapped in minerals… crystals
nature’s healing gift
Great collection, great present from your family and perhaps best of all ….. great memories to be treasured of when and where you found each rock.👍 For me, much more interesting to read than book reviews.
Thank you, Dr. B 🙂 I loved sharing my love of rocks and I’m glad that came across as interesting.
I had a tumbler when I was a kid. It’s amazing how a little time and grit can transform rocks. There’s probably a life metaphore in there somewhere.
It is fascinating how much it changes the rocks appearance. Yes, definitely a life metaphor in that process and I should be almost polished to perfection.
You got a rock tumbler for Christmas? What a fun present! The image of your first batch of polished rocks looks cool. I especially like the square, reddish rock.
Yes, I was so excited too! The rocks are all so pretty, I am enjoying the outcome still. I believe the is a jasper, but I haven’t checked yet.
I’ve a special love for beautiful stones and crystals. In Arizona, there’s an abundance of both. Your collection is amazing, Denise. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️
I can only image the beautiful rocks and crystals you run across in AZ. I know I have a couple from there. Thanks, Gwen 🙂
You have a fabulous collection, Denise. And I love your Haiku! Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week. Hugs 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony 🙂 I sure enjoy them. Have a great week too!
My son has collected rocks and gems for years now. I love that he shares that interest with me. Your haiku was beautiful, as is your collection! Thanks for sharing it with us, Denise!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
How wonderful you can share your son’s love for collecting rocks and gems! I find it such a joy to find all that beauty in nature, Yvette 🙂
Oh, how I love this, Denise!! We share a love and respect for these beautiful stones! Your little piece of Malachite drew my eye. It’s one of my favorites. How cool to have a rock tumbler. Fun! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Jan 🙂 Yes we do share that love and respect for not only the beauty but energy nature provides. I believe I picked that up at our local Psychic Fair. I always spend time at the rock booth and pick the one I feel the most energy from, if it isn’t too overpriced. The rock tumbler adds a new dimension to the collection.
There’s something amazing about holding an object that may have been around for thousands of years. When I taught we usually could take our students on two field trips per year. Many years, a fellow teacher and I took our classes to the annual Gem and Mineral Show.
It is amazing to think of their age and how they were formed, Pete. How fun to be able to take your students on those field trips. I love going to Gem and Mineral shows.
When I was young, I was so fascinated by rocks that my parents bought me a rock and mineral book. I wish I had continued with that interest and turned it into a career, but I guess I found where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to be doing. Enjoy your rock tumbler! It looks like fun.
I wonder the same thing if I had followed amother path, including this love. You are right though we ended up where we are supposed to be. Interesting how many writers love rocks though!
I too love rocks–geology mostly. We live by the San Andreas Fault (huge earthquake threat) and where it cracked, there are some amazing rocks. I bought a rock at one of the stores a few years ago and have since forgotten what it is. I’ll have to try your Rock Identifier app.
Keep these posts comin’!
I fled the San Andreas fault for the foothills but agree as it opens it offers us a wealth of rocks to find. I always forget the name of rocks I’ve purchased so glad to find an app that is almost always accurate. Although the last rock I checked it went back and forth between two different results. I always double check. Still points in right direction. Thanks, Jacqui!
Five weeks of tumbling? That would make me double think the polish route. They do turn out beautiful though. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a long time to hear that tumbling and why its in garage. I open the door and always think its hailing… lol. But the results are worth it !
I would say so.
Rocks RULE!
Yes they do Annette!
I have crystals collected over the years ( three from China) – on my desk, and a large amethyst by my bed. I had never heard of a tumbler though, Denise.
How cool Judith to have collected the crystals from China and they are with you still. Petfect to have an amethyst by your bed. I find them relaxing too. The tumbler takes those raw rocks and polishes them up nicely but it is a loud process. Its a lot of fun to see the change.
It’s so cool that your phone can tell you the name of the rocks- I’ll have to try that! You have a wonderful collection, and thoughtful kids to come up with such a perfect gift!
I was excited to find the app! Its not 100 percent but close enough. Yes, couldn’t have gotten me a better gift other than my new motorcycle helmet!
My favorite rock/crystal has always been pink quartz.
I have several of those, Liz! The are pretty and good ones to have near us.
I’ve always had a fascination with rocks too, Denise, and like you, have them displayed about my house. I love the way they connect us to the Earth’s energies. A rock tumbler is a great gift! How thoughtful of your daughter and her hubby. Enjoy!
I love that same connection, Diana! They have a way of keeping writers grounded, I think. It was a very thoughtful gift and one I am enjoying 🙂 xo
I have so much catching up to do here, but when I saw the title, I had to go straight to this post, Denise. I’ve long called myself a “rock geek” because of my love of crystals, semiprecious gems, and plain old rocks. You should see the looks I get from people when I ask them to bring me back a rock from their vacation. Only one person ever took me seriously on that request.
Keep having fun with the rock tumbler. Hugs.
Yes, who could not love a beautiful rock, Teagan? I ask for rocks, too. Only my kids know to bring them…lol. The only rocks I won’t bring home are the volcanic ones from Hawaii. I don’t want the bad luck associated with that! I am enjoying my gift for sure. Hugs. xo
My husband did some geology and has some lovely finds. One of the grandchildren loves rocks, too, and has found some beautiful crystals. He also loves fossils but they aren’t really appropriate for tumbling! Love your collection and the polished ones look great! xx
There has been some great finds as the lakes and rivers have been running low. No, couldn’t tumble the fossils but they are a great find. I am enjoying the polished results, Alex xo
Hi Denise, this sounds like the perfect gift for you. I also enjoy rocks and crystals and have a collection.
It really was a perfect gift. There is something special about rocks and crystals!
Yes, I agree
There’s definitely beauty in rocks . . . so many colors, and even the odd fossil. Lovely Haiku, as well, Denise.
Yes there is, Mark 🙂 I like to think of the times they have existed through.
They could have been walked on by dinosaurs.
So glad I happened onto your site — I love anything to do with writing & would be thrilled if you’d write a guest blog post for my site! My blog is for anyone who loves writing, books, and all the arts. If you think it might be fun or helpful to have my followers (who total about 10k across my various social media) meet you, here’s the link for general guidelines: https://wp.me/p6OZAy-1eQ
I’m glad you enjoyed my post 🙂 I liked combining things I love. I appreciate the offer and will check it out.
wonderful! pls email if you have ideas &/or q’s 🙂
Your rock collection is wonderful. I love that you still have the ones you collected as a child. I did collect rocks too when I was younger but no longer have them. I do, however, still have my seashell collection which I treasure.
I tucked the rocks away in that old suitcase and they moved with me over the years. So glad i can still enjoy them.
I love you have your shell collection, most of mine I list except for the sand dollars I found, I still have those. They are nature’s art!