Vietnamese Coins and Others

I really like this!

I purchased the coins at a shop near the local Mall right next to "Sushi Revolution" (yum yum), drilled little holes in the coins that didn't already have holes in them, and wired on loops for stringing. The spacer beads are from Ghana, purchased at "Dava Bead and Trade" in Portland.

The center coin, with three young women shown, is one of the first coins struck by the government of Viet Nam after the French left.

The very left hand coin is actually a transportation token issued by the State of Washington.

This necklace makes a nice jingly sound and is adjustable.

$50 - c. 2009 - amalabeads@gmail.com

Amala's Silk Road Journey

This is Roman era glass from Afghanistan.

The Romans built glass making factories in various places along their trade routes making all types of objects - bottles, dishes, etc., and probably beads as well.

Some of these factories were recently excavated and the glass shards have become available through international wholesalers.

My supplier, "Hands of the Hills" located in Mercer Island, Washington, found their Roman era glass in Thailand. It is shipped to Thailand in big crates and the "Hands of the Hills" crew just had to go to Thailand to pick through the bins and bring the best pieces home. I told them that if they ever needed help just let me know - I'm ready to go!

I bought seven shards and made a necklace with matching earrings out of them. I even made the chain!

This is a beautiful set - the glass delicately jingles as you move and the colors are absolutely incredible.

The set is for sale for $150 - amalabeads@gmail.com

Point Defiance Raccoons

David and I went for a ride on the motorcycle yesterday. We rode through Point Defiance Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. The old growth forest is so beautiful and the weather was so great it was hard to believe that it was October 31st.

As we rode we saw many, many raccoons. Most of them were being fed by stupid people. If they only knew how nasty raccoons can be, besides being carriers of parasites and diseases like rabies. But they are so cute! Especially the little ones!

Urban raccoons, especially the large males (which can weigh up to 30 pounds), are not timid and they are not sweet! Just surprise a family walking across your garden at dusk. You really think twice when that big momma raccoon comes toward you, hissing!