[smetzler]

With many regular posters now in Tucson this place is threatening to get a bit dull, resorting to pearl cleaning, etc to fill the vacuum. Even 'NaturalPearls' from Bahrain seems to have left us (think he figured out none of us owns oil wells and may not be his core customer?).

So I beg all of you in Tucson, and those on their way to see Douglas in Guaymas (Josh) to please keep us updated and well imaged! I'm hoping selfishly that this thread might provide an appropriate vehicle…

[pattye]

Hi Steve and All,

Whoa, what a day! I guess I will post first, since Caitlin hasn't had time to get home to her computer yet!

The amazing and lovely Caitlin, and her beautiful, pearl-loving daughter, Kether, picked me up at my hotel and we were off! In spite of meeting for the first time today, with so much in common, conversation was fun and easy as we headed to the Pavillion at River Park. Hoped to see Care Ehret, but folks were just setting up at that show, and nothing was going on at their booth, so we will go back there tomorrow, We did walk around checking out the other booths lining the street, more stuff than anyone could imagine. I marveled at the huge amethyst and citrine geodes, various cloth goods, carvings from all over the world, too. So much more than just gems and minerals.

Next we went to find American Pearl (correct me please, if I am wrong, Caitlin). They had a huge selection of pearls, including abalone pearls, and some Mississippi naturals. The largest display of bead nucleated fireball pearls I have ever seen. And lots of other pearls, way over 12mm. Overall very nice quality, and the prices reflected it. (So far I have not purchased any pearls,)

We then went to the J.O.G.S venue to hunt down Dr. Tom and check out his naturals--A genuinely terrific guy and awesome pearls. Low and behold there in the case is the unbelievably gorgeous Suite of Naturals, yes, the ones he posted a photo of here and I use as background on my computer. Honestly, I got goosebumps! We met his beautiful wife, Yolanda, and lingered at his booth looking at tray after tray of his huge collection of naturals. Luckily I brought my loupe. Caitlin will bring her camera and take photos later this week. So we will have a second look, too! I doubt I will ever see an occasion to see so many glorious natural pearls. I think I can speak for both Caitlin and myself; it was like having the most delicious gourmet dinner, and then wanting to sit back and reflect on the gloriousness of it all.

A wonderful first day, and my feet don't even hurt!

Pattye
*so many pearls, so little time

*has never been more true!

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by pattye

A wonderful first day, and my feet don't even hurt!

No wonder…you were clearly floating!

[knotty panda]

Pattye! Thank you so much! You're the first to report. Say hi to Caitlin. Be safe and well. We miss you all terribly and can't wait for all the wonderful stories and pictures! I zoomed over to Kari's site and picked up this photo for Steve to look at for a bit. Is Kari there? Unfortunately she didn't give any information about this other than it is called the Dragon Pearl and it's in the British Museum.

[smetzler]

Knotty,

I almost never use smilies, but I can't think of a more appropriate response than

(Second choice: Muah-hah-hah)

A bit sacrilegous for a natural pearl freak, I know. But a bit difficult to warm up to…

The sentiment was so greatly appreciated, however!

Steve

[Caitlin]

I am going screaming to my bath tub.

I just posted a long post. I took so long to write, it, my cookie timed out or something and when I submitted it, I had to sign in agaiin and the post disappeared into the void........


I can't deal with it- it was one of my best posts!!!!! Boo Hoo HOOOO!!!!

[boo]

Noooo! Oh, Caitlin, if it was one of your best posts than we are indeed bereft

Thanks for trying?!?

[knotty panda]

Yes, very ugly, the dragon that is, and losing your pics. Was it one of those long, newsy ones a la Blaire? I wonder what the dragon would look like without his clothes. Caitlin, remember the good ol' days when cookies used to fix problems, not create them?

[pattye]

Caitlin dear,

Please try to reconstruct your post---you will have so much more intelligent things to say, not all giddy like me! I promise to settle down and make some notes---------

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by Caitlin Williams

I am going screaming to my bath tub.

I just posted a long post. I took so long to write, it, my cookie timed out or something and when I submitted it, I had to sign in agaiin and the post disappeared into the void........


I can't deal with it- it was one of my best posts!!!!! Boo Hoo HOOOO!!!!

I'm crying for you! <sniff> Remember, your Tucson pearl walk posts were what brought me to Pearl Guide, so I really want to see what you think. You can do it!

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Caitlin Williams

…it was one of my best posts!!!!!

Caitlin, you did the 'write' thing, it will flow again once you've had the opportunity to mourn the lost spontaneity of the first draft. Looking forward!!

[Valeria101]

Thanks for the news! Tucson is pretty far.

Originally Posted by knotty panda

the Dragon Pearl and it's in the British Museum.

What a clump of pearls! That's the one dragon I've ever got scared of, so far! 'Guess 'Scary' is a good thing, for a dragon though.

[Pearl_dreams]

Caitlin,
If you type the post again,don't type it directly into the reply field-- create a document, then copy and paste it onto the reply field.

[Caitlin]

Hi
Here is a very short post. He have to pick up Pattye in about a minute. I am putting it in Word first. I have never lost my cookie here until I had to switch in and out of the Admin thing. Grrr.

Anyway, it is United States Pearl of Big Sandy Tennessee. They have a huge booth in the Dayz Inn. They also set up at the GLDA, but use this as their home base. US pearl is run by the Peaches James Senior and James Junior, who spent a fair amount of time with us, showing us their best pearls. And they were good ones. Very saturated strands in subtle lavender blues, as well as all the other special colors- more enormous multi-colored klonks than I have ever seen before, esp. in one place.

I have a lot to say about Tom Stern and his pearls,(he is an absolutely sweet person) but I have to go right now.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Caitlin Williams

I have a lot to say about Tom Stern and his pearls…

In the interest of keeping this thread at the top of the page and accessible to posters, I reiterate the desire for details…