...life steps almost straight...

we grow accustomed to the dark~
when light is put away ~
as when the neighbor holds the lamp
to witness her goodbye~

a moment~ we uncertain step
for newness of the night~
then~ fit our vision to the dark~
and meet the road~ erect~

and so of larger~ darkness~
those evenings of the brain~
when not a moon disclose a sign~
or star~ come out~ within~

the bravest~ grope a little~
and sometimes hit a tree
directly in the forehead~
but as they learn to see~

either the darkness alters~
or something in the sight
adjusts itself to midnight~
and life steps almost straight.

~emily dickinson

as usual, miss dickinson got it exactly right.  that is what has happened for me, as it always does.  "either the darkness alters or something in the sight",  just when the darkness is at its darkest.  just when i think it will never end and i will feel this way forever, the shift occurs.  in this case, i think it was my trip that helped things along.  just being away, being alone, doing my thing, it helped me remember what is right and good with my life.  and, yes, it is okay to feel sad about my loss, but i don't have to do it in the darkness.  i can still appreciate all that i have to be grateful for.

this piece features a negative space image of a luna moth, revealing an astounding laguna agate. as i have said before, the luna moth symbolizes transformation, naturally, but also soaring through the darkness. they fly at night, they embrace the blackness. and, for their brief passionate lives, they thrive. another important thing to note is that they, like all of their moth brethren, are inexplicably drawn towards the light, against all odds, right?

i've surrounded the moth with three riveted flowers, and a sweet little carnelian sits on top.

suspended below is a sweet little trio of a bezel-set carnelian teardrop, a faceted amethyst briolette, and a carved citrine flower. sexy and delectable.

the chain is so much fun! wire wrapped carnelian, citrine, and amethyst, a string of incredibly gorgeous fire agates, a bezel set fire agate, and a little laguna agate drop to finish it off.

this laguna agate is remarkable. it's kind of a pity it's hidden away, but it makes it all the more beautiful too.

(EDIT: i just noticed that the little center part of the moth is all off-kilter in the photos. oops! that has been corrected...)

i hope that everyone had a lovely easter, celebrating in whatever way you most enjoy. we had a great group of friends over yesterday for an easter egg hunt/ potluck dinner. it was wonderful.

(the sweetest little twins)

and the girls found their easter baskets this morning.

and, very exciting news! they have changed the law so that dolores in-town residents can have chickens again! i am so excited! i have always wanted to have chickens. we tried to take the girls to get them today (because what could be more easter-y than baby chicks?) but the store was closed for the holiday. i am hopefully going to go pick some up tomorrow. anyone with chicken advice, please feel free to comment; i know nothing beyond getting them here and keeping them warm and fed for the next month before they move outside...