It was just a matter of time before I got around to embracing crystals. In fact, it may not be so much discovering them as returning to a minor passion of my youth, when gems and semi-precious stones caught my fancy. Back then, it was a science class where were examined the various minerals and rocks that introduced me to this world. I was obsessed with the way calcite broke into neat, uniform parallelograms, and how writing would be doubled when viewed through a thin-enough piece of it. I was transfixed with the gleam and sparkle of pyrite, happily fooling myself into trusting its golden show. I dug in the woods behind our home and found the smallest bit of rock that contained a bit of mica – shiny and flaking off in thin sheets. And I was enthralled with the tale of how a friend had found a perfectly-formed quartz crystal in his backyard, then brought it into class to show everyone. That such beautiful objects also held some sort of power was simply too good to feel true. I stopped short of the New Age worship that some crystal-lovers practiced, because I wasn’t quite ready to put all my faith in crystals.

I’m still not. My brain is too wary of such magic. Part of me understands on a fact-based level that a piece of stone has no literal power to sway my life in any way. But this isn’t about the literal. This is about the power one imbues to a talisman or object that gives it a different life, and in return it inspires or changes something in you. That can be quite literal. Sometimes belief begets transformation. I’ve done this many times – every time I walk into work for example – and it can be a powerful way of getting to where you want to be.

The stones that make up this bracelet (found at Tushita Heaven in Saratoga – a wondrous shop that you should definitely visit) are Bloodstone, said to aid in Personal Healing: “It stimulates the immune system, builds courage and raises self-esteem, teaching that all is at it should be. Bloodstone transmutes negative memories into positive actions, working gently as it cleanses and purifies. Bloodstone makes us aware that adverse conditions in our lives are often illusions.”

That sounds about perfect for what I need. What we all need. I feel better already.

We gave an hour for a little more light, and it was a sacrifice we were happy to make. Spring is on the way – it has to be. I’m working on a new project, and thus have no time for grandiose intros. On with the recap:

The week began in colorful fashion. 

The #TinyThreads category kept growing.

The Annual Ass Wednesday post. 

What kind of fuckery is this?

Pillow by Target.

Daffy is not just a duck.

Sexy Sunday studs.

Hunks of the Day included Jason Domino, Keegan Michael Key, Brian Justin Krum, Keegan Whicker, Cameron Hawthorn, and Kris Boyson.

This beautiful pillow, which goes so well with my Grandmother’s tufted green velvet couch, was procured at Target of all places. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, I’m not a complete label whore, and I enjoy a bargain and a well-lit mainstream store as much as the next person. (I still have a gorgeous Marimekko for Target beach bag that personifies summer living and summer fun.) Their clothing has not quite won me over just yet (I don’t care if Isaac Mizrahi once played a part in it or not), but this pillow is stuffed heaven. 

I like its multi-textured surface, along with its riotously-jarring collection of colors. There’s a remotely 60’s vibe to it as well, with a little garishness thrown in for good measure. It goes well with Gram’s couches. 

Strong, vibrant color makes all the difference in a dismal day. 

What kind of mad, life-sized fuckery is this bullshit? 

It’s not even Lent yet, and this bastard, towering over all, just stood in my path at Michael’s while I was trying to hurriedly pick up a few supplies for the new project. (Further evidence that nothing good ever came of Michael’s, or Pinterest for that matter. And don’t even get me started on that nightmare called JoAnn’s Fabric Store.)

Now, I thought I’d already banished the Easter Bunny ghosts from my youth, but when something like this catches you by surprise, and it’s so goddamn big… well, one recoils at the horror of it all no matter how far past it one thinks one is. 

The madness of March – herald the Return of Spring! – is in full effect as the last week brought about the turn of the calendar page. Hunkering down and getting deep into some project work is the best way to pass these last few weeks of winter. The sun is staying a little longer; the days are beginning to last. We can do this. But first, a quick look back at how we left February in the snow dust.

Let’s begin with these #TinyThreads. (Click on each #TinyThreads link at the end of each to follow the journey of nonsense.)

Lady Gaga & Madonna, together again. 

Morning meditation.

Hot pot. 

The next time you want pussy…

Marches of our world. 

Questions that need answers.

The magic of Belinda Carlisle. 

Madonna’s ‘American Life’… en route.

The return of the Jonas Brothers, all grown up. 

Madonna’s best album… to date. 

Gratuitous underwear studs.

Getting my ass out again. 

Hunks of the Day included Patrick Duffy, Brendan Patrick, Nick Dent, Adam Devine, Michael Kleinmann, and Mike Rickard.