Ocean Jasper and More

The day before yesterday I decided that I had to make the drive to Traverse City.  Although I should not spend the money, it is way past time for replacing the flooring in my living room.  Not only did I inherit the carpeting when I bought my house 12 years ago, but the previous home owner had the carpeting for a while, too.  When you use your house as an art studio, it just doesn't work to have carpeting.  I wish I could afford hardwood flooring, but laminate will have to do.  I purchased a good quality laminate and got it on sale.  I am going to install it myself when I get time -- which won't be until later this winter.

Thanks to friends, Lynnette and Joan, for their hospitality while I was in Traverse City over night.  Thankfully I made it safely, despite the winter driving conditions.  At times there was snow, freezing rain, and sleet.  Most of the roads were snow covered and slippery.  But I made it...

While at my friend's house, I captured this view out my bedroom window.

 

 

Over the years, Lynnette has bought a lot of rocks and mineral art, including several awesome Ocean Jasper specimens.  As many of you know, the Ocean Jasper deposit in Madagascar has been mined out since 2006. 

 

Here are few more pictures of ocean jasper to illustrate just how variable the deposit was.....

 

 

At the Mason show, Lynnette bought this cool carving....

CITES:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2392/2480869115_005bb81209_o.jpg
http://www.samsilverhawk.com/2010gemstones/425cabs/ocean.jpg
http://www.buenavistagemworks.com/ocean_jasper/ojpics/ocean_jasper30.jpg
http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/stone_bright/previews/Ocean%20Jasper.jpg