Labradorite stone was first found in Labrador, Canada on the Isle of Paul in 1770.  Similarly to the Eskimo Inuit people, the Native American Innu referred to Labradorite as the 'fire stone' because of its inner beauty and resemblance to the greatest light show on earth, the Northern Lights.

Labradorite is a feldspar stone.  It is the cleavage formation of crystalline masses that create the shimmer or flash of colors. Labradorite is a gemstone that is transparent. The colors range from yellow, orange, red, green, blue, grey and purple. Basically a rainbow of possibilities. Labradorite now comes from Madagascar, Finland, Russia, Southern India, Mexico, Canada and the US.  Spectrolite is a very high quality Labradorite is from Finland. Labradorite hardness is 6-6.5

​This stone covers every Chakra and is represented by the wind element. Considered the magic stone. Aid's in doing inner work. Awakens mental and intuitive abilities. amplifies healing in prayer and affirmations. The adventure stone refers to the inner journey this stone encourages. 

Labradorite is truly a divine stone whether it be for it's beauty or it's healing capabilities. I personally am very drawn to it for the incredible flash and sparkle in the stone. It feels incredibly deep like the ocean and draws you in to it's magic.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Labradorite. May you have a magic and peaceful day.

Dawn

Informational sources include Smithsonian Rock and Gem book and the Book of Stones by Robert Simmons, monicavinader.com, Wikipedia

Palm root, Palm wood, or petrified wood is a part of the quartz family, but can also be found as an element in opal as well. It occurs when the wood is invaded by minerals into the cavities and within the cells of the wood. It can be found as sections of a tree or entire trees. The organic matter gets imbued with silica preserving and fossilizing the wood into chalcedony and quartz and is iron rich. Palm root is from the Angiosperm trees found in the late Cretaceous period and is found world wide. It has a hardness of 6.5-7

Petrified wood can come in many shades of browns and some have rings while others have a more strand like appearances. These variations occur naturally depending on the species of tree. Palm root has a more strand like appearance with a dark layers and a creamy light area that gives it  a beautiful contrast.

Petrified wood represents the Root and Third eye Chakra. It is a Earth element. Palm root supports a gradual increase of strength and vitality. Encourages inner peace and patience. Opens awareness to the deep past. Palm root can help one advance on their quest for serenity and in the progression of one's destiny. Being an Earth element gives the stone a grounding effect. 

I personally love Palm root and petrified wood. In this form the stone is very dramatic to look at and represents the strength of the tree and yet the calm of such strength is very much grounding. It is a stone of relaxed confidence. 

I hope you enjoyed learning about the Palm root stone.  Have a peaceful and beautiful week.

​Dawn Rosell

Information sources include The book of Stones, The Smithsonian Rock and Gem book, Love is in the Earth Book.
​

For anyone who is on the fence about Copper, let me tell you about it's many wonderful attributes. Copper is probably the first metal used by humans. As we all know copper is a super conductor and we find it in ever electronic on the planet and in outer space. But did you know it has antibacterial properties as well? Yup, in fact it was used a very long time ago in medical procedures to keep down infection. surgical knives were made from copper and bandages embed with copper powder. It lost popularity simply because copper is soft and the instruments would lose there edge to quickly, plus penicillin was invented for infections. 

Copper is also very malleable and light, which makes it wonderful for making larger pieces of jewelry. You can easily shape it and reheat it when needed to make it soft again. This makes it great for recycling scrap or old copper into new pieces, in fact many of my work copper work is made from reclaimed wire, piping and sheets that were replaced or left over from my local construction companies. Copper is also what gives Rose gold it's pink color and is the key element in many stones that give them blue and green coloring as well as the metallic shine in many cases. It is a really wonderful metal. 

One of the largest Native copper concentrations can be found in the Keewena Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. It is found  also in many other places around the globe. It is considered to be a native element which means it is naturally occurring uncombined with other elements.

Copper's healing properties as we all ready know from above, is it anti bacterial properties and that it conducts energy. This means it helps with blood flow and physical issues related to it as well as conducting metaphysical energy for spiritual healing. It is reported to help with arthritis and other blood flow issues. It helps stimulate initiative, optimism, diplomacy and independence. Provides harmony between the physical and astral bodies and helps align them. Reported to bring the wearer luck. Opens the base and sacral chakras advancing intuition, sexuality, desire and vitality.

The care of copper jewelry  is actually quite easy although many worry about the patina that can happen and for some the patina happens on their skin. The reason for this is because the copper reacts to acid. So if it makes you green it means you have a high acidity in your skin. You can coat the copper if you wish to protect yourself and the copper, I suggest a jewelers wax. Also any tarnish can be left as some prefer the deep brown that happens naturally over time or you can simple polish it back to it's warm glow with a polishing cloth or polish made for copper. 

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about this wonderful metal. Have a peaceful day.

​Dawn Rosell

 If you are visiting our little slice of heaven this summer and are wondering what is happening around town, just check out this amazing list of events and places to get even more info. This was compiled by the Hyannis Cultural District and is extremely well done.  Check out the information about the great Artist Shanty program that I participate in and see other terrific local art while you are visiting. Or join the drum circle or yoga classes. Whatever your taste we have something for you to enjoy.
 
Hyannis HyArts Cultural District - SPOTLIGHT
Some of the many happenings around downtown Hyannis
Main Street to Hyannis Harbor - summer, 2021!
 
Dance, dine and delight in the sights and sounds of the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District this summer, complete with visits to the Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanties, live music and DJ dance parties, outdoor movies, African drum and ukulele classes, downtown trolley rides and more.   Stroll along the mile-long Main Street with over 100 local shops and restaurants and follow the Walkway-to-the-Sea through the Hyannis Village Green, to a working water front.
 
PARK AND WALK l Main Street to Hyannis Harbor, steps away from parking lots It is easy to spend art-FULL days in downtown Hyannis HyArts Cultural District.
Complimentary and metered parking lots are steps away from Main Street & Hyannis Harbor. Visit the artist shanties, Main Street Hyannis museums, shops, restaurants and more.
Mobile pay to park available for Bismore Park and Ocean Street lots with the app:  https://www.mpay2park.com
 
WALK DOWN MAIN STREET!  
Spread out along the Pedestrian Walkway, created this summer to accommodate physical distancing while strolling along the street!
 
HYANNIS HYARTS ARTIST SHANTIES
Meet local creatives at the Harbor Overlook and Bismore Park Artist Shanties, open through October. Artists change weekly so it’s a “must stop” throughout the season to see all the latest trends.  And Cape Cod singer/songwriters provide musical delights on various days throughout the season. Both are beautiful and breezy spots along the Walkway to the Sea from Hyannis Main Street to Hyannis Harbor. 
 
HAPPENINGS ALL AROUND TOWN
ArtsBarnstable is pleased to manage the Town run Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanty program, and promote the entire goings on in Hyannis and all around town of course!  Festivals, programs, talks, tunes, yoga and other activities taking place on town properties are added to the town calendar throughout the year. Check often to plan what needs to go on your itinerary for the day!
Town of Barnstable special event calendar: 
https://town.barnstable.ma.us/departments/specialevents/calendar.asp
 
There are plenty of programs and events to keep one active and entertained year round in all seven villages in the town of Barnstable.  Search many listings at www.ArtsBarnstable.com  AND @artsbarnstable on FaceBook and Instagram.
 
Organizations with robust calendar of event listings include:
Hyannis Main Street 
https://www.capecodchamber.org/events/
https://www.hyannis.com/
https://artsfoundation.org/
https://www.capecod.com/events/
 
Many of the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District programs are made possible in partnership/or supported by other town of Barnstable Departments, and organizations including but not limited to:  the Main Street Business Improvement District (responsible for on-going programs and activities along Main Street and Village Green. They are a key partner/funder to keep family friendly activities and programs year round in the cultural district);   Cape Cod Art Center, the Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce,  Hyannis Public Library, Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, JFK Kennedy Museum and Cape Cod Maritime Museum.  Special thanks to Barnstable DPW for their ongoing efforts in maintaining the landscaping and technical needs within all of our town properties.

MORE ABOUT THE HYANNIS HYARTS SHANTY PROGRAM:
Artists change weekly, throughout the season.  Over 75 will participate this year.
The shanties are located in two spots along Hyannis Harbor: Bismore Park, Ocean Street and at the Harbor Overlook, along the Walkway-to-the-Sea at the corner of South and Ocean Street. Meet Cape Cod artists working and selling their hand-made or hand crafted art.  Work includes a variety of media: photography, paint, jewelry; ceramics, wood turning, tapestry, fiber art and more.
There is no fee to browse and of course if purchases are made it is a fabulous way to shop local and support the creative economy. 
This popular attraction provides a picturesque setting for visitors to stroll Main Street to the waterfront, meet local artists,  listen to music, dine in one of several restaurants or picnic in the park, taking in all the sights and sounds of a working waterfront and thriving Main Street.  The Town run artist shanty program provides affordable rental space for Cape Cod artists and artisans to work and sell at these “seaside studios”.  This program provides prime visibility and opportunities for artists to gain and improve business, marketing and selling skills, connect with other artists and meet visitors from around the world.  
 
Weekly PROGRAMS-Hyannis HyArts Cultural District –summer 2021                                 
 *performers/programs subject to change or cancel without notice.  
MONDAYS
MUSIC MAGIC WITH THE CAPE COD UKULELE CLUB – Hyannis Village Green
5:30 pm - 6:30pm, July 5 - August 23, 2021:  A whole lot of strumming and singing for all ages! Bring chairs or blankets to watch Cathy Hatch’s Ukulele students play away, including using kazoos and noise makers too! Bluegrass, Pop, and more! 
 
TUESDAYS
ZUMBA! -  Hyannis Village Green
5:30pm -6:30pm, July 6- August 31: 
Shake, shimmy and smile!  Get a fun workout before strolling Main Street!
 
LIVE MUSIC: Hyannis Harbor free Sounds of Summer concerts – Aselton Park
6:00pm-7:30pm, July 6 – August 24
All-star schedule of Cape Cod bands Bring blankets, chairs and dancing shoes!
July 6: Clayton/Restaino Project;    July 13:  Jukin  J and the Rocker; July 20:  The Mojo Kings;  
July 27: Soul Purpose ; Aug 3:  Digney Figus Band ;  August 10:  Fred Clayton Band
August 17:  The Jazz Cabbage  August 24:  Steve Morgan and the King Fish
 
MOVIES ON THE GREEN - Hyannis Village Green
8:00pm (dusk) movie AND pre-movie from   7:00pm-8:00pm, free fun craft and green screen photos
July 6 - August 10: Bring beach chairs and a blanket and enjoy a family movie under the stars!
Come early for free green screen photos with fun background options!  hyannismainstreet.com
7/6- Tom & Jerry ;   7/13- Sonic the Hedgehog  ;  7/20- Raya and the Last Dragon
7/27- The Croods: A New Age ;  8/3- Onward  ;  8/10- Finding Nemo
 
WEDNESDAYS
TOWN BAND – Hyannis Village Green
6:30pm - 7:30pm, June 30 - August 25:  Bring blankets/ beach chairs& enjoy hometown musical charm!
 
THURSDAYS
TAI CHI CLASS
10:00am -11:00am, Hyannis Village Green
July 15 - Sept 9: Find your Zen with this slow paced, relaxing instructional class. 
Drop in friendly, no experience necessary.  FREE
        
AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASS
6:00pm -7:00pm, Hyannis Village Green
July 1 - Sept 23: Free & fun to watch! Extra drums are available for drop in’s Instructors: Sam Holmstock, co-founder of world fusion ensemble, ENTRAIN and Fugan Dineen, drummer and percussionist 

JAZZ MUSIC STROLL 7:00pm - 9:00pm, along Hyannis Main Street
July 1 - August 19:  Enjoy jazz music at different locations along Main Street each week.
 
FRIDAYS
SINGER SONGWRITER SERIES
5:30pm - 7:00pm, along Hyannis Main Street:
July 2- August 13: Stroll along Main Street to hear some talented local musicians!
 
HYANNIS SOUND, A CAPPELLA SINGERS
7:00 pm -8:00pm, Aselton Park
June 11th - August 13th   **No concert Friday, July 16th** Bring your picnic chairs and lawn blankets for an evening of music, stories, and smiles with the Boys of Summer. Hyannis Sound is a professional a cappella group based out of Hyannis made up of collegiate singers from across the United States.
 
 
EVERY DAY FUN! - Hyannis HyArts Cultural District – Main St to Harbor!
 
RIDE THE HYANNIS TROLLEY
Daily, 10:30 am – 9:00pm, full loop runs every 45 minutes –catch it anywhere along the route.
From late June through Labor Day
Just give it a wave and hop on board! Looping from Main Street to Hyannis Harbor.
 
HYANNIS HYARTS ARTIST SHANTIES: Harbor Overlook & Bismore Park
TWO LOCATIONS ALONG WALKWAY-TO-THE-SEA, OCEAN STREET
180 Ocean Street, Bismore Park AND 51 Ocean Street, Hyannis Harbor Overlook
Browse among colorful artist shanties along the Walkway-to-the-Sea from Main Street to Hyannis Harbor.  Cape Cod artists work and sell their wares in the heart of Hyannis’ working waterfront. Artists change weekly, discover new faces and work each visit! Hand-made, designed or crafted in a variety of mediums:  painting, jewelry, photography, ceramics, fiber arts, glasswork, and much more!   artsbarnstable.com   @artsbarnstable on facebook/instagram
LIVE MUSIC at the HyArts Artist Shanties:  ’LISTEN LOCAL’   Singer Songwriter Spotlight Series featuring a variety of Cape Cod musicians; July through October, schedule will be posted on ArtsBarnstable.com and @artsbarnstable
HOURS:  Artists frequently open early and stay late.
WEEKENDS through June 20, 2021
Friday-Sunday:  11:00am – at least 6:00pm.
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK:  June 21 through September 26, 2021 
Closing time till 6:00pm June & Sept, UNTIL 8:00pm July & August 
FALL WEEKENDS at the Shanties:
October 1 -2, 2021, weekends, Friday-Sunday 11:00am -4:00pm
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER: Artist Market
At Gingerbread Lane at the Harbor Overlook Artist Shanties + Bismore Park Friday, November 26 + Saturday, November 27 + Saturday, December 4, 2021
 
MUSEUMS:  
JFK HYANNIS MUSEUM
https://jfkhyannismuseum.org/
 
CAPE COD MARITIME MUSEUM:
https://www.capecodmaritimemuseum.org/
 
ZION UNION HERITAGE MUSEUM
http://www.zuhmi.org/
 
OUTDOOR, FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES:
KENNEDY LEGACY TRAIL l Main Street to Hyannis Harbor A self-guided walking trail featuring 10 sites, Hyannis HyArts Cultural District.
Informational signs uncover stories and history about the Kennedys on Cape Cod.  Trail on line at ArtsBarnstable.com
 
SMILE SPOTS | Along Main Street to Hyannis Harbor Smile and share your memories as you ‘picture’ yourself in downtown Hyannis!  Find the Smile Spots & more at ArtsBarnstable.com
 
BIRDIE RIDDLE BOXES l Cape Cod Trivia
Look for the brightly colored, birdie ‘riddle ‘ boxes as you stroll from Main Street through the Hyannis Village Green to Hyannis Harbor and learn fun facts about Cape Cod along the way. 
Designed/painted by local artist Donna Rockwell.
 
HERITAGE TRAIL INFO KIOSKS l Information along Main Street Seven blue info kiosks with custom weathervanes dot the street from east to west end of Main Street.  Each kiosk features three panels: navigation (map); events and a heritage panel filled with interesting facts and images with historical significance of Hyannis Main Street and the surrounding community.
 
DISCOVER BARNSTABLE JOURNAL:
Fun activities for all ages, Collect summer memories!
A colorful journal filled with activities and ways to collect all your summer experiences and memories. Journals are available online and free to KIDS OF ALL AGES.  From eye spies, scavenger hunts, to fun facts and word searches, Learn and Discover Barnstable in a new way! 
https://www.townofbarnstable.us/departments/parkingdivision/Projects/discover.asp
 
DISCOVER BARNSTABLE FUN PACK:
For ages 14 and under, FREE, while supplies last.
An exciting, educational and an entertaining collection of items including a copy of the Discover Barnstable Journal, shellfish activities, Frisbees, water bottles, crayons and other fun items packaged in a drawstring bag. Perfect for exploring and discovering Barnstable! Get yours today, while supplies last at the Bismore Park Welcome Center!
 
BISMORE PARK WLECOME CENTER l Bismore Park
180 Ocean Street, Hyannis
Information Take-Out Service Window at Bismore Welcome Center:
The Gateway Greeters at Bismore Welcome Center now are safely serving all visitors through a take-out window style operation.
Stop by 7 days a week to get maps, menus, transportation schedules and other information about all the fantastic ways you can enjoy Barnstable and our neighboring communities here on beautiful Cape Cod.

Abalone shell is just gorgeous! I fell in love with it many years ago for the simple reason that it is incredibly colorful and iridescent. It has every color of the ocean and many times the natural variations look like the waves swirling and crashing, just magnificent. From the outside this shell looks boring and colorless but once you open it and polish the outer layer off the colors explode into view.  

Abalone is the shell from a snail and is fished with many restrictions here in the US in parts of California, because it is considered an endangered species. It is fished and farmed all over the world and is prized for its meat and its shell. 
The shell is made of calcium carbonate. Over time the mollusk secretes the layers to make the thick shell. It is these secretions that make the color variations and shine.  There are also pink, black, white and green abalone but these are considered off limits to fishing in the US.

Abalone is said to enhance peace, compassion, and love. It helps in difficult emotional times with gentle warm vibrations. Soothes the nerves and encourages calm. Kindness, self love and an open mind. 

Abalone is a really beautiful shell and it's hard to not fall in love with it when you see it. 

I  hope you enjoyed today's shell! Have a peaceful Day!

Information procured from the Smithsonian Rock and Gem book, Love is in the Earth by Melody and Wikepedia.com

Looking for something fun to do outside this coming weekend? Love supporting local artists and business owners? Love Cape Cod? Well I have just the thing for you to do. Visit the Hyart campus in Hyannis. It has galleries on the walk from Main street to the Harbor as well as the fantastic artist Shanties in two locations and I will be one of the local artist on sight this and next weekend!
The harbor Overlook on the corner of South and Ocean street has five artists, (one of which will be me),  and the Bismore Park location on Ocean street right on the Harbor has seven more. These are all local artisans and they have a wide range of beautiful items from paintings, jewelry, pottery and many other media. There is also something for the family to do while you shop, with outdoor games and checking out the boats or relaxing on the lush green lawns. You can even grab a bite to eat , book a cruise to see the lighthouses or grab an ice cream. Then head down to the JFK memorial and the Veteran's memorial.  You might even catch a local entertainment act at Aselton Park or right on sight at either Shanty location. So much to do and so many things to see. Come drop by and say hello and have a wonderful day here on Cape Cod!

​Dawn