We got back from Joshua Tree yesterday.  Almost unpacked.  Only the clean up left.  This is a major chore in that the show is on the open desert with wind and sand.  Such fun meeting up with friends!  We always look forward to this show.

I have to tell you about Bert and his mystery rocks!  First of all Bert is this tall man with a wispy voice from COPD after working many years in an auto body shop.  He is a gentle soul with a beautiful family.  Bert always brings large rocks to this show for me.  He doesn't usually remember  where they came from.  I am going to name them Bert's mystery rocks.  Last year it was the Chrysocolla in Quartz.  This year the selection has expanded.  First there is the beautiful pink with grey marble looking material.  It is very crystalline in appearance.  Next the is the white with a gold stringer running thru it.  Beautifull!  The most intriguing is what might be a rhyolite that has pockets of orange.  I believe all will make stunning spheres and present a challenge for me.

My friend Bill brought along some Bismuth crystals he created.  Now this is something I can't wait to see him create.  I have "geodes" that look like science fiction cities.  Once I figure out how to photograph the depth they have, I will post them.  It's hard to believe that Bismuth can be the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol.  The colors are amazing!

Well I need to get some clean up started.  More later.  Thanks for reading.