I didn't intend to pay $21.00 a pound for Welsh cheddar cheese. In fact, I wasn't planning on buying cheese at all. At the grocery store, tiny yellow cubes gently stabbed with toothpicks marched in single file at the dairy counter. "Try one," the sales lady smiled. She must have detected my wolf-like pause. I… Continue reading I Love Cheese!
Category: Life Adventures
The Bite
Marty Allenburd was a mean kid. He was a biter. He was also bigger and tougher than me. Every time my family drove for a weekend trip to Uncle Chalmer's, Marty would always be there. Did he despise me that much, or would he bite me just to get attention? From out of nowhere, Marty… Continue reading The Bite
The Coffeemaker
I am an expert on coffee makers. I've bought dozens between $10 and $100. My dream is a unit that pours the brown liquid into my mouth with my arms relaxed by my side. I'll never forget the brand that required twisting the cap to pour. How embarrassing it was to tilt the maker in… Continue reading The Coffeemaker
Careful!
Who wants to help me count diamonds to make a new ring? https://instagram.com/p/9H_BLKsVNA/?taken-by=godiamonds https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/careful/
The Empty Room
The phrase "physical limitation" has almost never been included in the Diamond Mike dictionary. I have found myself bumping into walls because my mind was not quick enough to tell me that I would slam into them if I did not stop walking. After all, aren't we created from atoms that are mostly empty space?… Continue reading The Empty Room
How to Make Purple Mike Cookies
Yield 36-40 cookies This was an experiment to create the world's most delicious flavor of little tea cookies. I mixed the ingredients and divided the dough into three bowls. The first bowl was plain. The second bowl had a sprinkle of cinnamon. The third bowl had some molasses. Ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup… Continue reading How to Make Purple Mike Cookies
Thank You, Earth. The International Dinner Party
August 16, 2015. Beginning in 1993 as a small get-together between friends to show thanks and mutual respect, the International Dinner is celebrated every year. Prepared with love, shown are some of the delicious native dishes from family and friends for the 22nd Annual Dinner. United States: American beef hamburger sliders, Ham and Cheese Ball,… Continue reading Thank You, Earth. The International Dinner Party
22nd Annual International Dinner
In 1993, shortly after I had decided to rebuild my life in California, six of my friends came over for refreshments. As we huddled together, we realized the different shades of our skin and contours of our faces. The seven of us represented six countries; Switzerland, Thailand, Iran, Israel, Guatemala, and the United States. We planned… Continue reading 22nd Annual International Dinner
Awareness
Is there a single ingredient that holds our universe together? We look deeper and deeper into outer space, trying to find the edge, searching for the substance in which we are contained. Peering inside, have we found anything smaller than a neutrino, electron, or Higgs boson particle? I used to see a tree, a hummingbird,… Continue reading Awareness
Evolution of Angels Wings
I designed the Angel Wings ring for mothers who wanted something simple but elegant. Like the unfolded wings of an angel, two brilliant diamonds accent a mesmerizing garnet or amethyst. The design is thin, but well-constructed to wear everyday for a lifetime. A heart motif was cleverly etched into the sides of the ring that… Continue reading Evolution of Angels Wings
Random Thoughts of a Jeweler with a Mission
Happy 23rd Diamond Day! Well, that was a few days ago but we are still celebrating. It was a magical day that had all the charm of the first Diamond Day in 1993. It is funny that contest panel judge, Su Wells, did not allow her picture to be taken, but she was interviewed by… Continue reading Random Thoughts of a Jeweler with a Mission
What is the value of a winning gemstone?
Do not think I am a generous jeweler that drops gemstones from an airplane for kids to scramble for. Every diamond and gemstone that we give away must be earned. A child must first think, ponder, and creatively write his or her appreciation for mom. Next, their essays are read and rigorously judged by a… Continue reading What is the value of a winning gemstone?
Mother’s Touch
Everyone loves hearts, and I like to incorporate a heart shape on many of my mothers designs. The curled symbol on each side of the shank reminded me of a stylized half-heart. Every time a mother glances at her ring, she will remember that the two symbols represent the love of her child. The center… Continue reading Mother’s Touch
Give Your Mom a Hug!
"Give your mom a hug!" This has become a commonplace expression that our jewelry store staff commands to the winners of the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest. For those that have ever been a winner or winning mom, please don't take anything for granted that takes place inside the walls of Gallery of Diamonds… Continue reading Give Your Mom a Hug!
Do Not Look Over Your Shoulder
Our lives are a miracle and a success story. The things and people that surround us are a direct consequence of the thoughts we have harbored in our minds. When I think of my own success, I attribute it to concentrating my attention on the present and the future instead of peering back at my… Continue reading Do Not Look Over Your Shoulder