Catching Up & new kit

Things have been crazy around here this month. I had bronchitis and just as I was getting over it we had a problem with the house. The hose that connects hot water to the wwasher had burst overnight and we only discovered it when I went to take a shower and found there was no hot water. We just replaced the water heater a yer ago so the only thought we had about what might be wrong was that somehow the pilot light had gone out. But when my husband opened the door in the kitchen that leads down int o the garage we saw a geyser of water shooting out from behind the washer. There were inches of water on the floor and the water had even reached up splashing the rafters in the exposed portion of the attic! He was able to cut off the valve but then then substantial damage had been done. Neither of us is able to do the damage repair. Our grandson came over that evening and managed to get most of the water vacuumed and soaked up but there are cardboard boxes in the attic area the water reached and that needs to be dealt with. There is no mold growing on the rafters where they got wet and a few other places out there. We've been getting estimates for people who deal with this kind of thing. The first wanted $9,000! But it turned out they wanted to do unnecessary stuff. We've had two other estimates in a reasonable range but getting the people to call back with a contract and set a date to start has been like pulling teeth. Meanwhile I've been back to the orthopedic doctor who referred me on to pain management after a month of physical therapy had no effect. I have mild spinal stenosis and moderate to severe formaina stenosis in four places. Basically it means that the spaces between vertebre have narrowed and merves are being pinched. Thursday I went into the ambulatory surgery center for a procedure meant to reduce inflammation. I've had an epidural for this in the past and it wasn't bad. This time was brutal. Afterwards the doctor told me it w as because the spaces were so tight. By Monday I will be able to tell how much relief I'll have. If this doesn't ease things up the next step would be surgery. Despite things being rough, I've managed to complete the June Girls kit and I'm going to give you all the links now. Here is a page I made with the kit for a challenge at Just Art:

The kit preview:

Links: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dns6t4boy91ikld5dqi0t/ws_-JuneGirls_pprs_1.zip?rlkey=ym7qcb478gw7lgjnavbfm5hx2&st=q76g1lcj&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xyzc6i8043e7mab5wm3m3/ws_-JuneGirls_els_1.zip?rlkey=o2s0sfoekl6hib30p3n5y8hjw&st=knafb5bb&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yaj0swyx4jxeij7y8m47d/ws_-JuneGirls_pprs_2.zip?rlkey=zrbke7em8yw29g38b9u9n1r99&st=o5b7rx77&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/btgir9h8zsmh1ej54vsaa/ws_-JuneGirls_els_2.zip?rlkey=vxsh9sj388ojd3ncaqsuzd1hg&st=t9o1vzrh&dl=0 I hope you enjoy this. As things settle down I will get back to you with an addition to February along the lines of what I did for January. But consider that it will be July in just two weeks so we'll have to see what happens.

Last of January Girls add On

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2wxlta6a5qqowp8vy4ryb/ws_JanGirls_AddOn_ppr.zip?rlkey=ib4xbimce9djn5pt02h0at7t8&st=z0xo5on2&dl=0

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/384cd2kuxbe0h4d3oqgo3/ws_JanGirls_AddOn_Flowers.zip?rlkey=fhnsmfjmrjktvd66x11xwu1hj&st=8rht7nnd&dl=0

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/l1q9dowp3l4r9vir2nzqo/ws_JanGirls_Misc.zip?rlkey=1wjipkxsqd0u2e1md563hfl2t&st=zmzrga35&dl=0

That's it for January Girls. I included ladies in fancy gowns, a ton of flowers (hard to find good snowdrop but found an unusal one referred to as "filled" snowdrops - looks full blown), some of those vintage post cards I mentioned, some perfume labels related to the month's flowers, more jewels,the texts on stones and flowers and a couple images of the alternative stones. I did not do indepth research on those but you can follow the links provided if you wish to learn more. And now I can get back to work on June Girls. Hope you enjoy.

Another January Girls Add On

If you haven't figured it out by now, I get a little obsessive when it comes to research. Guess that dates back to my grad school days. In the previous post on January birthstones, I mention the alternative stones but because I do have other things going on, I had to stop myself from delving into more information on them. However, I thought you should have an image or two of the 2 familiar alternative stones. This little zip contains that plus some additional garnet jewels for your stash.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iky9o39jydi8x9gicjty3/ws_JanGirls_alternatives.zip?rlkey=k1m66sgck06y73bz183wfoz23&st=liiou3rk&dl=0

January Girls Characteristics

No preview for this one. It is those word strips I previously mentioned about characteristics January girls are thought to have. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3cowxd6zl6ctc4w08lqxh/ws_JanGirls_Characteristics.zip?rlkey=t7ips3uxwa05vpqkp0yloodaa&st=ddi0yc8i&dl=0

January Birthstones

Note: this will also be included as a text file in coming add-ons.

Garnet is the major gemstone for January. The word “garnet” comes from the Latin Granatum, which means pomegranate seed. General on colors - Garnets can be found in green, range, pinkish orange, purplish red, even blue but the deep red is the most prized representing sincerity and a strong work ethic. Pyrop is the most well-known species of garnet. This is the one that comes in the famous red color. The name Pyrop means ‘like fire’ when translated from Greek.

History - Beaded garnet necklaces have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back thousands of years ago. The oldest known is from 3800 BC The Egyptians referred to this gem as the symbol of life. Some ancient cultures used to place the garnet directly into wounds to activate its alleged healing powers. Rings carved garnet emblems used in ancient Rome to stamp wax on important and official documents. Bohemia has long been considered the center of garnet industry, however nowadays it is found in many parts of the world including New York City metro area. One of the largest specimens was found in Herald Square and is now in the Natural History Museum. In fact, thousands of garnets were found on Manhattan Island. Rockhounds often search for these gems after big storms as they get washed out and can be spotted gleaming against rock and sand. Some peoples in middle Asia used garnets as bullets, for example during the Kashmir rebellion against British troops in 1892. Many soldiers actually kept those precious bullets as souvenirs. Because garnets are softer than gems like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, they were often used for engravings. They were also carved into heads of emperors or gods. In Persia this birth gem was considered a talisman from nature's forces like storm and lightning. It was widely accepted that garnet could signal approaching danger by turning pale. During the middle ages this birthstone was its own protection against theft, bringing misfortune to the thief until the stone was returned to the rightful owner. Ancient legends attributed to garnet calming influence over hot tempered individuals. Psychoanalysts used garnets in their sessions. The garnet crystal is a gemstone that has been used for centuries to ward off evil, promote good health, and encourage the wearer’s inner strength. It was believed in ancient times to have healing powers because of its deep red color which symbolizes love and life. Today people around the world believe it can help with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual issues. Called the “stone of health,” it was believed to give its wearer energy and protect against illness. Because garnets were considered the stone of health and strength, they have been used to strengthen a woman’s milk supply and for fertility. Garnets were also worn by young girls as a charm to protect them from evil spirits. In ancient times, Egyptians used it as a symbol of fertility and long life. Others used it as a stone of rebirth for people who had already passed on. In the Middle Ages, kings wore garnets on their crowns as a symbol of strength and protection from evil.

As symbol - In ancient times, Egyptians used it as a symbol of fertility and long life. Others used it as a stone of rebirth for people who had already passed on. In the Middle Ages, kings wore garnets on their crowns as a symbol of strength and protection from evil. Today it is seen as a symbol of creativity and individuality This dazzling January birthstone symbolizes affection, trust and spiritual devotion. Garnet empowers the individual, increasing will-power and self image while aiding in soothing nervousness. The Garnet pushes you to challenge adversity by providing directional guidance and is believed to protect the traveler. It could enhance foresight and bring fortune. It is considered to be energizing, cleansing, and provide courage. It has been highly prized as an engagement ring gem. Parting friends would often present garnets to each other as it was supposed to preserve friendship.

Healing use - It is, or has been, thought to help heal physical ailments by offering relief from pain caused by arthritis, skin disorders, muscle aches, gout, neuralgia (a chronic pain disorder), or rheumatism (inflammation of joints). It is said to provides protection against heart disease because it strengthens the heart muscle over time. Wearing garnet can lower the risk of liver disease because it has strong antioxidant properties that help to strengthen the organ over time. It also helps your heart, lungs, and blood. Other conditions it is thought to help with include: anxiety or depression, increase sexual desire, stimulate metabolism for effective weight loss. regenerate DNA, so it’s useful for treating genetic disorders. Additionally it is said to help you think more clearly, restore positive energy and dispel negative emotions , boost self-esteem , reduce inhibitions, encourage kindness, generosity, and nobility. It is a stone of protection and provides courage to face your fears, bring good luck, and help gain your spiritual goals If that weren't enough it can help you attract your true love as well as help you recall your past lives and learn from any mistakes made. In short, you could call it a miracle stone if these beliefs were true.

Alternatives - January major and alternative birthstones are Garnet, Onyx and Jasper. In addition to that Amethyst, the Aquarius birth gem, and Chalcedony, a Capricorn birthstone, can be considered. All January birthstones make up a choice of at least 4 gems. Onyx - guardian angel birthstone for January Jasper - January special apostle birth rock ( for apostle Simon Peter, aka St. Peter) Chalcedony - Capricorn birth gem Amethyst - Aquarius January birthstone

A little taste of January add ons

In the past birthday postcards featuring the month's birthstone and/or flowers were very popular. Where possible I will share these vintage copies with you.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5jq38t9ftuojbfskq9s94/ws_JanGirls_postcards.zip?rlkey=rjrjh0tfr4k5dwlo8relt3mkm&st=9tgh8qnx&dl=0

As promised some birthstone information

General Information about birthstones Each month has a tradional birthstone, also referred to as as the major birthstone. There are also alternative birthstones. From my reading it seems that the major reason for alternative birthstones is affordibility. Jewelers wanted to sell more birthstone jewelry so they are largely responsible for offering the idea of alternates. Additionally, in some cases the major stone is hard to come by because of such things as accessibility ( that is, finding the deposits and mining it) or scarcity due to over use (more on this as those instances come up).

Further, there are cultural, Biblical and astronomical (zodiac) reasons for the assignment of stones to different months and zodiac signs. In a book published in the late 1800s by George Frederick Kunz, he writes : "The Jewish superstitions relating to gems were probably derived from earlier races and adopted by the Arabian philosophers in their works, by which they became known throughout Europe. The influence of gems was believed in until early in the 17th century, and in regard to some gems up even to the present century. The association of a special gem with each month was probably suggested by the original breastplate of the High Priest, which contained twelve gems, one for each of the tribes of Israel. The original breastplate was a span long and a span high: 1 span = 8 inches. The arrangement by months came in vogue during the 15th and 16th centuries, but was first suggested in the seventh century, although it is attributed to the Jews, Romans, and early Arabians."

Although I used a variety of sources and, shame on me, failed to document all (as originally the notes were for my personal use), there is one favorite source I want to recognize as you might enjoy reading more. The author(s) "used the 4 most unique arrangements of birthstones: by birth month, guardian angel birthstones, by zodiac sign, and special apostle birthstones list." Link: https://www.birthstone.guide/january-birthstones Another interesting site, one that deals more with the healing aspects is: https://www.crystaldigest.com/crystals/ and https://www.gempundit.com/ If you want to learn about really rare stones and crystals, try this site which focuses on healing aspects of stones in alternative therapy and spiritual growth. https://www.crystaldigest.com/crystals/