Arms 2 Arts

As part of Doors Open & Culture Days, there will be a number of artists in various media and subject matter showing at the Small Arms building at Dixie & Lakeshore in Mississauga, on September 28th.  I'm unfortunately not one of them, as I'm doing Art in the Park tomorrow, and felt that two weekends in a row was too much for me, but I know some of those who are participating. 

Art in the Park

On Sunday, September 22, 2013, I'll be participating in Art in the Park, at Riverwood (Visual Arts Mississauga), from 10am-5pm.  There are nearly 60 artists and various media attending, on the lawn, in the main building, and in the barn.  I will be in the barn, and will have my silk clutches, and cotton scarves with me.  

September

A few days early, it's true.  There are many things going on this time of year - back to school, soon the leaves will start to change, and August 23-September 22 birthdays fall within the sign Virgo. 

The birthstone of September is the sapphire, which is a gemstone variety of corundum, which in turn is an aluminum oxide.  It is quite a hard stone, at 9 on the Mohs scale.  Depending on which trace elements are present, the colour can vary quite widely, but the blue sapphire is the best known. 

Modern alternates to sapphire as September's birthstone include lapis lazuli, diamond, and chrysolite (see also olivine, peridot). 

Sapphire is said to clear unwanted thoughts. 
Lapis lazuli is said to promote the physical-metaphysical link.
Diamond is said to amplify strengths and weaknesses. 
Chrysolite is said to dispel negative emotions.