Going Green, Emeralds it is!

Wether its the Emerald isles or the Emerald Coast, they both get their names from May’s beautiful birthstone….you guessed it Emeralds.  These precious stones have been coveted by humanity throughout history and its easy to see why.  If you have a May birthday this is your stone.  If not the allure and beauty of the stones gives all the reason needed to add these to your wardrobe.

Symbolically, emeralds have been treasured for millennia as stones of foresight and truth. Ancient Romans dedicated the gem to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, believing it protected lovers from infidelity and deepened the bonds of commitment. Cleopatra, history’s most famous emerald enthusiast, used them not just as adornment but as political and romantic statements—each green stone a promise of power and passion intertwined. In medieval lore, an emerald held before a serpent would blind it, but held to a lover’s lips, it revealed whether their vows were true. This dual symbolism of protection and honesty makes the emerald a profound choice for engagement rings or anniversary gifts.

Colors range from light Columbian to deep Emerald.  Most are determined by mine location.  The fewer inclusions the more valuable the stone.  In times gone by these stones were thought to have powers beyond matching a gown.  Some are rumored to be cursed, while some held curative powers if ingested.  Emeralds are so coveted they even have a shape of diamonds and gems named after them.

A symbol of unending love and honesty have encouraged favoritism as wedding stones of choice.  The Regency era in particular Irish and English girls received many.  Long seen as a symbol of hope and prophecy made them very popular.  Unlike the red ruby, a statement of passionate love, an emerald conveys a complex symbolism and emotions.  Cleopatra draped herself in Emerards.  Rich luscious green color beautifully played off the violet of Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes in the 1960’s. While being most calming color green, it reflexes growth, peace, balance, and reflection.  Healing and fertility are also attributed to these very rare gemstone.  Verdant tones and inside are tempered by cool blue within the stone symbolize a steadfast bond.

Beyond myth, the emerald’s physical character reinforces its romantic message. Known for its characteristic “jardin,” or garden-like inclusions, no two emeralds are exactly alike. These internal fissures and flecks, once considered flaws, are now celebrated as the stone’s fingerprint—proof that perfection is not the goal, but rather unique, resilient beauty. Gifting an emerald says, “I see your imperfections, and I love the whole garden they create.” It is a love that accepts depth and history, much like a long-term partnership that has weathered small storms and grown stronger for them.

Moreover, green itself is the color of the heart chakra in Eastern traditions, believed to govern love, compassion, and emotional balance. Wearing an emerald close to the skin is thought to soothe old wounds and open the wearer to genuine connection. For a May birthday, receiving this stone is more than a keepsake; it is a wish for a life filled with loyal friendships and a marriage rooted in mutual growth. Just as spring’s green deepens into summer’s abundance, so too does emerald love mature—from tender beginnings to a rich, unbreakable bond.

Emeralds are often associated with strong sexuality and fertility, it was historically believed to help with difficult births or the problems bearing children.  Linked to healing and balance within the nervous, respiratory and even aid digestion.     Ancient Romans, for example, felt that the very soul of an individual was restored when they wore emerald jewelry.
So whether for your Birthstone or you just love the color, I wish you any and all luck they may contain.

NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Declared by Congress in 1999, May was selected National Military Appreciation Month as a month-long observance honoring the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.  There are more military related observances during the month of May than any other month, so it is an appropriate time to celebrate the men and women in uniform.  

Our American Military and their families sacrifice to keep our freedoms both at home and around the world. Those who served and who do so now deserve the greatest respect and admiration from all of us whom enjoy the freedoms we know today.

It is a month to honor those who are serving and those who have served.

Be sure to honor all our military by exploring more throughout the year too.

Display the American Flag at your home or business.

HOW TO OBSERVE: MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Share, like, comment, post, and re-post on social media to put a spotlight on National Military Appreciation Month events and observances.

Send a care package to a service member

See someone in uniform or know a veteran? Thank them for their service or surprise them with a coffee, dessert, or drink if they are in line with you

Honor or recognize the month on office websites, social media, Yammer sites and newsletters

Donate to charities that support veterans or their families

Reach out to a veteran or military family in need

Hire a Veteran

For more information, visit http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month 

Show your support on social media with #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

National Couple Appreciation Month

National Couple Appreciation Month in April reminds us to keep the flames of romance alive all year long. Don’t wait for a specific holiday to keep the spark in your relationship hot.

Let’s face it; relationships take work.  Whether they are romantic ones or not, they take effort.  When two people are in the early stages of love, the excitement and the hormones make us overlook all the flaws and potential obstacles the world throws at us. Fast forward to life. When we value the people in our lives, we take the time to do the little things to let them know. 

For the significant other in our life, those little things mean so much more. This person is the one we call when we’re going to be late coming home from work. She’s the person we talk to about big decisions. He’s the person who makes your coffee in the morning.

Whether the relationship is becoming long-term or has already endured the long-haul, National Couple Appreciation Month is a time to re-dedicate the little things we do for each other. Little things go a long way to sending the message that we a loved and cared about.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Spend time with your loved one and reconnect. 

Little Things
  • Leave a love note on your mate’s car.
  • Surprise your love with coffee or tea before they wake.
  • If your sweetheart is a selfie-loving type and you’re not, give in on occasion and take a couples’ selfie.
  • Let your significant other overhear you complimenting them. It’s one thing for you to tell them directly, but to know you tell others what you think means so much more.
  • Invite your love to go on an activity he or she enjoys. It doesn’t need to be expensive. If they are always pestering you to go for a walk or to the library, they will be pleased by the gesture.
  • Learn something new together.  Explore common interests where you both might have an opportunity to learn while spending time together.

Use #NationalCoupleAppreciationMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL SUPREME SACRIFICE DAY

On March 18th, National Supreme Sacrifice Day honors those who have made tremendous sacrifices for the sake and the good of others as well as those who sacrifice their lives every day for us.

We may most readily call to mind the men and women in uniform who have laid down their lives protecting their country and communities. This day also honors those who may have stepped forward during times of crisis to rescue a stranger or a neighbor and gave the supreme sacrifice that day. 

These sacrifices come in many forms. We don’t always recognize them when we see them, nor do we always expect them. Like in the case of one young Miner who saved the lives of 11-year-old Emmet and 8-year-old Myrdith when the sleigh they were in overturned during a blizzard so fierce they couldn’t see their house, though they were only 200 yards away. Wind howling so loudly, they couldn’t hear their father’s voice calling to them. On March 15, 1920, they’d set home from school in rural North Dakota and been caught up in the blizzard. Their 16-year-old sister, Hazel Miner protected her siblings with her body, keeping the blankets in place over her siblings through the night. Hazel Miner died that night, but her actions saved the lives of her siblings.

These sacrifices don’t always come in uniform and are often unsung. Often, these heroes step up when we least expect it and when we need it most. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #SupremeSacrificeDay

Honor someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Visit with their families, support them and the people in uniform who place their lives on the line, daily. Visit a local memorial and learn the names of local heroes. Participate in events around your state that support the military and first responders. Use #SupremeSacrificeDay to post on social media.