I wish I could sit you down in my hotel room, pour you a chilly drink

and do show and tell time for you. I’m still here in Tucson and my jaunt to the southwest has

been a delight in every way. The fact of the matter is that I have found some positively

delicious stones and I will be sharing them with you upon my return to Idaho

but besides the stones, I’ve been filling up my creative wells, planning some creative

collaborations with a dear friend, eating good food, drinking lots of tea, sleeping with

my dogs in my hotel bed…among other things:

I’ve received fabulous news.

I’ve been disappointed.

I’ve been heartbroken.

I’ve risen up from the ashes on new wings.

I’ve transcended.

I’ve prayed.

I’ve been proud of my man, so so proud.

I’ve laughed hysterically.

I’ve been swimming in a pool warmed by desert sun.

I bought a crazy strapless sweater dress from Anthropologie for a shockingly low price.

I’ve been downright persnickety about the stones I’ve purchased.

I’ve stood, doubled over,

for a couple of hours at a time, squinting at the

fine details of jaspers, agates, rough crystals

and quartzes.

I’ve bartered.

I’ve uttered the words, “Is this the best price you can give me for these?” At least a hundred times.

I’ve walked away from horrible vendors, on principle.

I corrected a man, as kindly as I could, when he tried to cheat me.

I’ve embraced wonderful lapidary artists.

I’ve forged new business relationships.

I’ve learned.

I’ve made friends.

I’ve had tea, wine and orange juice…and a funny Korean yogurt drink AND the best

fish tacos I’ve ever consumed.

I’m ready to come home, but I have quite a lot more to do in this city.

Let’s everybody hold on.

I’m going to give you some loving when I get home

and I’m going to knock your socks of.

Be prepared.

With abiding affection,