CollectIn Texas Gal

1/5/16

January Flower...The Carnation

Early years sketch books are filled with practice doodles in watercolor, pencil and pastel mediums. As I browsed through both my sketch books and portfolios of finished pieces, I was surprised at how often my January flower...the Carnation...appeared. It is not my favorite flower. Next months flower is my favorite.

Perhaps my brush was guided by my innate January being, and the carnation simply flowed onto the paper. Some of that may be so, but it is more likely due to the fact that the carnation is one flower that is easily abstracted and still recognizable.

The carnation's history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was used in art and décor. Christians believe that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for Jesus as he carried the cross.

Meanings of the carnation include fascination, distinction and love. Light red carnations are often used to convey admiration and deeper reds express sentiments of love and affection. White carnations are associated with purity and luck, and pink carnations are often given as a sign of gratitude. In the early part of the 20th Century, carnations became the official flower of Mother's Day...white for the memory of ones Mother in heaven and red for ones Mother still living.

To this day, carnations remain a favorite flower as they are immediately recognizable flowers that possess a charm and allure that continues to captivate. In many parts of the world, carnations are the first choice over many flowers including roses. Their long lasting freshness and variety of colors make them a mainstay in the floral industry.

If your birth flower is carnation...

You are a sensitive person.

You are very protective towards your family and friends.

You are very ambitious and aim to achieve big things in life.

You are a very helpful friend.

1/4/16

Smartly Dressed In Garnets...January Birthstone Collection

As a January Gal, I have always loved my garnet birthstone, and not just because it's my birthstone. Red has been my favorite color ever since my Dad said "Sue, you look so pretty in red." I was ten.

In the last few years, as a genealogy researcher, I have come to understand and be amazed at the significance of ones birth month and date and how it relates and influences ones life. Keep in mind, I have 'Garnet Gypsy' blood running through my veins, and a Crystal Ball setting on top of my Linda Goodman Sun Signs book.

As soon as I read the 'Healing' properties of Garnets, I donned just about every piece of garnet jewelry I own. Garnets are known as a 'stone of health' and 'Crystal Healing' specialists say it can assist in healing acid reflux (GERD), assimilate vitamins and minerals, promote rapid general healing, regeneration and a host of other health related issues. Yay for Crystals and a Crystal Ball.

Garnets have been used as gemstones and in jewelry for millennia. When worn as jewelry, garnets give the wearer a sense of self esteem. Many opaque garnets are used extensively in industry as abrasives, flitration, cutting steel and in place of silica sand for sandblasting.

The Garnet is known as a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion. It enhances ones sense of security and spiritual awareness. The world's largest supply of garnets is the continent of Africa. The largest single garnet ever found measured nearly one hundred feet across and was found in Central Australia. Other sources for garnet include India, Soviet Union, Brazil and the US.