Beautiful

I see a lot of blogs that post beautiful things they see in shops and boutiques in the cities they live and travel to.  I have two small children and traveling (and, let's face it, leaving the house in winter) are not really in my wheelhouse at this point in my life.  I took a tour of my office and my bedroom and took some shots of a few things that make me happy that I already have.

Monkey Lamp on my desk

My Monkey likes fezes.  Sometimes.

I've had this little box since I can remember.

I wear this every day.
I bought it about 15 years ago when I was reading The Belgariad.
It reminded me of Beldarin's necklace that Polgara gives to Ce'Nedra.
It was one of those days where I woke up and decided I needed a tree necklace, I went to Patina, and there it was in the case waiting for me.
Following are what I take it off for.

The stone from my mom's engagement ring.

Malachite.

Lapis.

Alice.
Don't judge.

Dutch Birth Tile.
4/11/1974  5 lbs. 0 oz. 2:08pm
My children have their own, too.

Malachite
Corn stalk design.
Bought in Santa Fe for my 21st birthday while visiting our family friend, Lucia di Medici.*
One of my favorite trips of my whole life.
Lucia introduced me to Neutrogena Light Sesame Body Oil and I still think about that trip every time I use it  - like, this morning.

*not her real name ;)

Charm Bracelets.
Left: Age 30 on.  Right birth to age 18.

Aquamarine.
I designed this ring myself - it was for my first Mother's Day and has since taken residence above my wedding band.

My Grandparents' dresser.
The top of the drawers were worn and my grandfather cut pieces of wood grain patterned enamel
and put them on the facade.
Beautiful work.