While I have never been much of a jewelry person, I have always been interested in gems, minerals, and rocks in general. My dad was an avid rock enthusiast and so it was hard NOT to become interested in rocks myself. One of the gems (minerals) that has always fascinated me was turquoise. You can almost always spot turquoise throughout history due to its beautiful, distinct blue-green color. Egyptian pharaohs wore it (like King Tut’s Ceremonial Mask). Native Americans wore it and designed with it, as did many other cultures across the globe.

When I travel I like to do a wide variety of things, everything from visiting botanical gardens to historical sights to different types of museums to nature attractions to cathedrals and historic churches. One of my more recent road trips took me to St. Louis and the majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. It was amazing!

In August 2024 I achieved a personal milestone (a.k.a. Bucket list) that I added to my to-do list in 2013 - more than 11 years ago. I spent one absolutely GLORIOUS full day at The Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. To me, this place is like heaven on earth. See why!