Out Door Rock Art -Step It Up A Notch

The mild winter of Southern Arizona entices part-year residents and “locals” alike to the outdoors where they revel in sunny cool days and ideal conditions for patio living. Yet the landscapes they go out to enjoy might be no more interesting than those left behind under a carpet of snow

However, there is no need to suffer a dull and boring winter landscape. With careful planning, art decoration and plant selection, you can create attractive combinations that glow in the lovely rich light of the cool season.

Since I’m from Southern California I was always surrounded by green trees, beautiful flowers and lush lawns. Now that I have moved to Arizona I decided to give my yard a boost with colorful yard paintings and RiverRock Critters that just seem to make it come alive. The homes out here are mainly landscaped in rock with underground water lines. Since I was surrounded by a large amount of rock I came to ponder why not paint them. Giving Mother Nature a boost I have since transformed the ordinary into something special and memorable. I planted some fruit trees and the plants I chose to place in my yard are starting to bud and paint a picture of desert colors.

These our some art pieces to enhance my yard and give me the look and feel of the animals we share this earth with.

Since my yard is quite big there is plenty of room for lizards, turtles, rabbits, deer, raccoons, birds, and the list goes on. I enjoy painting so this project will be a gift of love to my surroundings and Mother Earth who so graciously gave me the canvas to work on.

There is nothing like creating your own haven with the things you love. A retreat, a quiet place to enjoy the wonders of nature and be thankful we are lucky enough to create our surroundings in any art form we choose. Tranquil, peaceful, a place to rest, a "Place You Can Call Your Own".



Pauline Libutti , Artist & Writer
http://www.riverrockcritters.com/

Gemstones & Their Healing Power

Crystal & Gemstone Healing

I was first introduced to gemstone healing from my daughter. It was a delightful gift of beauty and healing. She explained that there were literally hundreds of different types of stones that represented different energies. So I thought I would share with you the stones I have received over time. I call them Mother Nature’s natural healers for mind and body.

Rose Quartz – is a heart healer whether physical or emotional. This gem is offered to someone who desires to learn self-love.

Fluorite – is a guard against negativity. It is important to cleanse it at least once a week if you are using it as a protective helper.

Amethyst – this is a highly spiritual stone associated with The Christ Consciousness and Violet Flame of Transmutation. This stone helps one tune into a higher awareness of knowing.

Turquoise – this is a teaching stone that can be used to help one learn spiritual lessons through meditation and/or dream visions.

Hematite – this is a grounding stone silver gray metallic in color that is often used as grounding tool to aid those who tend to avoid worldly tasks/events by out of body flight.

Kyanite– this blue colored stone is best worn near the throat chakra. It helps facilitate channeling and open communication centers to enable contact with your guides and angels. This stone is best known to align the chakras. No need to cleanse this stone, it clears itself automatically of negative energies.

Lapis – this stone has been said to unlock mysteries as it helps one move through confusion and emotional blocks and to root problematic issues.

Snowflake Obsidian – all varieties of obsidian are grounding and protective agents. The snowflake in particular helps us surrender or to let go of negative habits. It will bring about opportunity for change, serenity, and clarity.

Yellow Topaz – is the birthstone for November/Scorpio. It is a stone of optimism and mental clarity. Wonderful healing stone for anyone who is easily distracted, confused or prone to depression.

I feel these stones represent all sorts of healing powers we can use in our daily lives. Remember that shiny rock plucked from the dirt when you were a child that was one of the first treasures you discovered on your own.

Rocks, a natural resource of earth, are everywhere. We pave our streets with gravel, our beach sands are made from the smallest crystals. We adorn ourselves with gold rings and silver bracelets set with colorful gemstones. Whether or not you realize it, within each gemstone and crystal is housed healing properties.

Ever wonder why you are attracted to a particular stone and not another? Nature finds a way to get the stones that carry the healing and spiritual properties that are most needed to us.

(This article is dedicated to my daughter, Lisa, who opened a whole new world to Me)

Pauline Libutti
Artist & Writer

http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/