Oh dear, where does the time go?  I’ve missed some posts, I know, but more about what’s been keeping me away later, let’s get to what’s important — Happy Birthday to my March-born readers!  This first epic dragon above is Aquamarine by American deviantartist AcidicArt.  I love the pattern on the scales and the intense expression!  You can find more beautiful dragons and fantastic creatures in her gallery.

From the International Gem Society:

Aquamarine … gems have a wide range of blue and blue-green colors, including a deep, yet pastel, blue and a nearly clear shade of blue. Darker stones commonly have greater value. … In the past, people attributed healing powers to aquamarine, especially for the heart, liver, and stomach. Today, this stone’s associations include youth, health, hope, and love.

Hey, it’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend — I’m sure more than just the March-born could benefit from a little “liver healing” from this stone come Sunday night, if you know what I mean.  😉  (Myself included!)

Here’s another beautiful Aquamarine dragon by American deviantartist Lisa Natchek, posting as seshat.  She calls this WIP “nearly finished,” and says she doesn’t like the background, but she never posted an update and I think it’s lovely just the way it is.  Although… it kind of looks like the dragon is peering up at my St. Pat’s comment just above and judging me… or am I imagining that?  😉  Okay, check out more of Lisa’s amazing artwork in her gallery, including some beautiful “abstract” lineart designs that would be just perfect for my next Neeka chapter (if it ever gets written…).

I do love my dragon jewelry, so I couldn’t resist sharing this next one called Sleeping Dragon Necklace by American professional crafter Amber Jeffries, posting as FoxandMoon.  She captions this, “a sleeping dragon made of hammered copper wire, with aquamarine beads … one of the biggest [pendants] I’ve made.”  Another abstract design, and a beautiful example of her metalsmithing work, that you can see more of in her gallery, and order your own from her Etsy shop SerpentsDance.

And finally, here is one last Aquamarine Dragon by American deviantartist Kassidy, posting as emptyblackdeath, with beautiful sparkly wings and details and a great pose too.  She actually has an entire line of gemstone dragons, and even a line of Pride Flag sharks (omg!) that you can find in her gallery or order from her Redbubble shop ShipwreckSketch.

I’m really happy I was able to get this monthly feature posted, but sorry I’ve been so quiet lately — I just haven’t had much time for writing!  My house looks like someone picked it up and shook it like a snow globe, with boxes and piles of stuff everywhere!  The full move-out is next weekend (eeep!), and I don’t know HOW we accumulated so many bits and bobs in seven years.

I’m not sure if I’ll be posting again before the April birthstones, to be honest, but I’m not going away completely, just taking a short break.  I currently have more non-fiction writing percolating in my brain besides my dragon artwork features, including articles from my recent exploits at the Con of the North and the fabulous local Costuming and Garb Sale I attended, plus a piece on gambling at neighborhood bars in the Twin Cities, and a feature on an amazing local folk/comedy band in the style of my earlier Marc Gunn piece.  So I hope you stay tuned!

But right now, we’re heading out to an exciting, music-filled St. Patrick’s Saturday (and we get to see that band twice!), but then it’s back to packing and moving and all of that fun stuff.  Thanks so much reading!  And as always, take care and stay creative!

Image credits:
+ Aquamarine by AcidicArt
+ Aquamarine image from the International Gem Society article What is my Birthstone?
+ Aquamarine WIP by Lisa Natchek, posting as seshat
+ Sleeping Dragon Necklace by Amber Jeffries, posting as FoxandMoon
+ Aquamarine Dragon by emptyblackdeath