Mineral Sunscreen for Kids? Cool.

Hello Inspiring Gs!

If you haven't checked out Fab.com, it's a fun way to see what's trendy in the world of product design. The biggest lesson I've learned: there is literally a market for everything! With a daily sale covering everything from kids to pets to home, and products ranging from furniture to clothing to gadgets, there's always something interesting to see.

Today, this one caught my eye enough to share: Tickle Time mineral sunblock for kids.

Designed by an actress (Anne Heche) and a make-up company (La Bella Donna), it looks easy and fun to use. And really, non-greasy sunscreen?  Great idea! I have to do a little more research of course (SPF protection, etc.), but if all pans out, I might want some for me, too! 

If you've already tried Tickle Time or decide to, let me know how you like it.  I'd love to discover an effective, non-liquid sunblock - for every day protection for Luji and me in our sunbaked environment (I'm constantly on the look out for new options that don't make us stinky or greasy), and especially when air travel is part of our sunny plans.  

Tickle Time may be just the ticket.

Rocks

I have a thing for rocks. I'm not sure when it started or why it's such an innate part of my being, but it is. Rocks hold a sort of majesty for me in a way only nature could impart. 

Maybe it is because I grew up amid ice-cut granite canyons. Maybe it is what drew me to this dramatic desert landscape I now call home. Whatever it is, I embrace it without question but never make a big deal of it. It's not my career. Not my life's focus. It just is.

From as early as I can remember, I've collected rocks. I'm sure my mom and dad had something to do with it: camping and hiking with my family when I was a kid afforded ample opportunities to acquire new specimens, which I of course discarded after a while in favor of not packing them when I moved into my new room, my first apartment, etc.  Once I settled into adulthood and began spending time outdoors again, that impulse to gather the ones that have a story to tell, the rocks that seemingly jump out at me from amid their peers with their unique colors and patterns, was reawakened. Any road trip, camping trip, or day of hiking will find me coming home with a few rocks in my pocket.

And much to my delight - Luji shares my passion for appreciating and collecting unique rocks.  Our kitchen window sill displays a collection of our favorites. It's where I've historically chosen to display them - a place where I can appreciate them during the course of a normal day, every day. And they never cease to make me feel happy inside. Why? Who knows?  I'll venture a guess though...

Perhaps it's because they are proof of the awesome power that exists in the universe, and the beauty that results when something allows itself to change with time. 

In many parts of the world, it is traditional to give small gifts. On my recent trip to China, I chose to take rocks from the canyon near our house, along with a personal message about those rocks. I was assured by friends who have worked and lived in China that the people there would be touched by this small, personal gift. My morning appreciation of our rocks on their window perch inspired me to share the personal message I included with those gifted rocks with you today:

"My daughter and I chose these rocks from many gathered near our home in Southern Utah, just a few minutes from beautiful Zion National Park.  She and I share an admiration for rocks because each one is unique. Like us, each has its own story to tell of how it came to be as it is today, and each will continue to change with time.

To me, rocks are tangible examples of the creative outcomes that result when diverse elements work together to form something unique, beautiful, and useful.

We display rocks as inspiring art in our home and offices, incorporate them into the jewelry we make, and delight in sharing their unique beauty with friends near and far. Today, my wish is that they will inspire you to share a piece of yourself and in turn, inspire someone else."

Today, from the inspiring landscape I call home, I hope you, too, will be inspired to embrace the beauty that comes with change...and share it freely with those who come across you on their hike through life.