Team Up Thursday - Week 16 - Stones

My choice of theme this week - AND Mariette absolutely stunned me with her stunning picture of her collection of gemstones in the snow...The light and the colours are awesome - I love the concept...Well Done

Although, I have collected gemstones for many years and have "tumbled" (polished) stones similair to Mariettes, and cut gemstones (amythests and toumaline and citrine and aquamarine) and some quartz in raw form, I ended up not using any of my colletion.  Instead I chose a picture of a beautiful piece of Agate that was taken earlier this year on a visit to the Space Musuem in Jo'burg with my mom and dad (it was something my mom wanted to do on a break from hospital)...
I have always loved Agate - I think the different bands of colour and patterns are so pretty...I went on the Internet and found out that Agate is known as the "power" stone and it restores balance and harmony...I also found that whilst Agate can not change our emotions - it helps us deal with the intensity of emotion...Isn't that amazing...I have to ask the question though - How did "they" figure it out...not that I am cynical - I am not - I believe in the power of gem stones and crystals, but how do they know that Agate is also good for blood circulation...or helps us communicate with others or helps us to concentrate....
Anyway, my post is fairly short this week - Brad turned 15 today----FIFTEEN - where has the time gone..We went out to breakfast this morning and then I took him to the Audi showroom because he is trying to decide what his first car should be....I somehow doubt it will be an Audi - more likely a second hand vw or something - but he really likes the Audi Q5...and Kayla-Fern made me take a picture of her next to the Audi R8 (2.1 million Rand, if you don't mind)....
We have decided to have a late lunch at my dad's house on Christmas day - I think it was hassling me, not having a plan for Christmas day - Now at least we know what we are doing - we just need to help each other get through it - OH and Kayla-Fern and Brad put the Christmas tree the other night and it is all pretty with its lights and everything and I am getting quietly excited to see the kids opening their gifts on Christmas morning...
My family is away from boxing day until New Years Eve - we are taking a break at a resort not too far from home - and I think it is just what we all need - My dad may come and join us for a day or two and just CHILL....
Mariette and I agreed to take a break for next week, but we will be back the first week in January ---- Pop by next week anyway - Maybe I will try and surprise you with some holiday photos....So until next time...Lots of love