Sparkly treasures from China

Last night we went out for Pan Asian cuisine at a restaurant in Hartford called Feng. I adorned myself with two of my Chinese treasures. The first was my yellow jade necklace. I just did some research on jade on wikipedia and discovered that yellow jade is not technically jade, which is a member of the nephrite or jadeite group of minerals, but rather a member of the serpentine group . As a side note, I am glad to have found the link to mindat as August is the month I think of my father--he died August 12, 1998. He was a geologist and loved all kinds of stones and gems. I have been trying to think of ways to remember him this month and I do keep resolving to learn more about stones and minerals and wishing that I had had the presence of mind to learn from him when growing up.

But back to my Chinese treasures. Last night, I also used my little red silk bag and I am trying to remember where I actually got this. I think that it was given to me by my dear 87 year old neighbor in Philadelphia, Dr. Jamieson. She was also a world traveler and an Asia-phile. She was a medical doctor but after she retired she got her Masters degree in Asian studies specializing on Japan...I wonder how she is doing. Her phone has been out of order for so long and I really should try to make a special trip down to see her. I did call the management office a few weeks ago and they told me she was still fine so that was good to know.

Ornamented with my Chinese treasures, mbh told me that I went very well with the decor of the restaurant last night. I ordered sushi: california rolls, salmon rolls, and shrimp tempura. Mbh and I shared our delicious desserts: coconut rice pudding and apple tart with cinnamon ice cream. Such delectable delights, what luxuries we enjoy.

I realize that over the years I have been gradually collecting little Chinese treasures that I just love. I bought the yellow jade necklace in a tiny artsy shop that I just happened upon in a dirty little county town in Gansu province. The town is called Yongdeng. It is way off the tourist beaten track and the little shop just seemed so dazzling in its mundane little setting. The two young women who ran it seemed so sophisticated and yet so down to earth surrounded by their colorful treasues that they were selling so cheaply. I also bought a few of these little mobiles that have Chinese well-wishes on one side and the same thing in Tibetan on the other--this one says "xueye you cheng"--Wishing you success in your studies.

I keep my yellow jade necklace in this gorgeous embroidered silk jewelery holder that is also something i acquired on one of my trips to China.

The scarf i used for the background is also a China treasure.

I am thinking of Hannah as I lay out all of my sparklies :)