Last weekend, I spent a mini-vacation in Duluth, MN for Grandma’s Marathon & Half Marathon. I ran my first half marathon and finished in approximately 2:16:00, just under my goal time of 2:30:00! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Duluth, it is located along the shore of Lake Superior lending a beautiful view for runners this time of year. The half marathon starts 13 miles north of Duluth and finishes in Canal Park which is packed with cheering spectators. It was an amazing experience, and although I can’t say whether I will do it again, it was a true test of endurance, comittment and determination.

In addition to running the race, I was able to spend some time along the shoreline searching for Lake Superior agates (the official MN state gemstone). Lake Superior agates vary in red, orange and yellow coloration often with banding caused by the oxidization of iron. It is amazing to think that a glacier deposited these agates and the many other stones found along the shore over a billion years ago! I wasn’t lucky enough to find an agate, so I purchased a few at a local shop to take home with me. Below is a picture of the shoreline and a picture of my Lake Superior agates.

The pendant on this necklace is a natural Agate, which can vary widely in it’s transparency and coloration, making each necklace completely unique. The stones used throughout the rest of the necklace are Smokey Quartz separated by sterling silver spacers.I used to go hunting for Agates with my Dad as a child. I would add them to my rock collection that I still have stashed away at my parents house. Yes, I did have a rock collection as a child….an early indication of my love to hold and look at pieces of the earth.