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Jaunty: Hello! It is I, Jaunty P. Quills, Porcupine Extraordinaire, and I am here with yet another fabulous, poignant, and awe-inspiring interview. This time I have Shana Galen, author of When You Give a Porcupine a Pine Nut. Shana, how are you?
Shana: I was fine until—
Jaunty: I’m doing well, thank you for asking. Now to the important questions: do you think my fur looks a little drab? I was thinking of having it highlighted.
Shana: Jaunty, I really don’t care about your fur, and don’t point your needles at me. I have a lot of work to do and no time for your shenanigans.
Jaunty: My—? You authors! Always using those big words. You can just say how awesome I am in plain terms, Shana. You don’t have to use a thesaurus. Now, let’s talk about you.
Shana: Great. I have a book out this month.
Jaunty: Right. And back to me. Did you know there are two dozen porcupine species? Guess which one I am.
Shana: Jaunty, I don’t care.
Jaunty: Come on, guess!
Shana: Are we going to talk about When You Give a Duke a Diamond?
Jaunty: What’s that?
Shana: My new book. The one you’re interviewing me about.
Jaunty: I thought your book was about porcupines and pine nuts.
Shana: No, you didn’t! You just want it to be about porcupines. It’s actually about a glamorous Regency courtesan who gets mixed up with some dangerous diamonds and an equally dangerous duke.
Jaunty: Snooze. Did you know porcupines can live on their own at only two months of age. Tell your Baby Galen that!
Shana: Jaunty, I’m just going to post the links to the book and the blurb, okay?
Jaunty: Are you saying this interview is over? No one tells me when my interviews are over.
Shana: Do you have another question?
Jaunty: As a matter of fact–
Shana: About my book.
Jaunty: Oh.
Shana: Ahem.
Jaunty: This interview is officially over. Go out and buy When you Give a Porcupine a Pine Nut.
Shana: (bangs head on desk) Never mind. Here’s the info about When You Give a Duke a Diamond, the first in my Jewels of the Ton series. And tell me your favorite jewel for a chance to win a copy of When You Give a Duke a Diamond. The contest is open internationally, and the winner will be posted on Sunday and notified by email.
He had a perfectly orderly life…
William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual, securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that’s the way he likes it. But he’s in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossip papers link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn’t begin to describe what happens next…
Until she came along…
Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It’s disruptive to have the duke who is the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William’s darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide…
Read an excerpt from When You Give a Duke a Diamond
See Shana’s inspiration on Pinterest
Download Shana’s free app on Apple or Android
Sep 4th
2012
12:25 am
Melody May Said:
Lol. That Jaunty. You can never keep porcupines on task. Well my favorite gem would be emeralds, after all they are my birthstone.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:55 pm
Shana Said:
melody, you must be a May baby. My sister is too. And no, we can’t keep Jaunty in line.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:16 pm
Jaunty Quills Said:
Melody, I am perfectly on task. I concentrate particularly well when eating pine nuts.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:31 am
Natalija Said:
My favorite is the sapphire, the blue one. I do not own it yet, but I’m hopeful
Another gemstone I’m very curious about is obsidian due to the black color.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:55 pm
Shana Said:
Natalijia, I have a small sapphire and diamond necklace my husband gave me when my daughter was born. Her birthstone is sapphire. I plan to give it to her when she’s older. I don’t have any obsidian. That would be an interesting gem to wear.
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Sep 4th
2012
6:07 am
Kristan Higgins Said:
Jaunty, I just want to mention that I feature a porcupine in my upcoming book, unlike any of the other bloggers here. I think that brings the total to four mentions. Just sayin’. Shane, in answer to your question, amethysts are my favorite. And diamonds, too! I ordered the book ages ago; can’t wait for the UPS man to come up my driveway!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:54 pm
Shana Said:
Sure, Kristan, point that out again! Thanks so much for ordering it
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Sep 4th
2012
8:17 pm
Jaunty Quills Said:
Hiiiii, Kristan
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Sep 4th
2012
7:21 am
Laurie G Said:
It was nice to meet Juliette and William! What a great way to start your Jewels of the Ton series! I can’t wait to meet your future couples!!
My favorite jewel would be the rich gorgeous green emerald. I don’t have a lot of jewelery but I treasure an emerald necklace my husband gave me on our 5th anniversary over 30 years ago.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:53 pm
Shana Said:
That’s really sweet, Laurie. I always think gems given to me by someone special mean so much more. My grandmother has given me several pieces of amethyst jewelry.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:02 am
CrystalGB Said:
Your book sounds awesome. Love the cover. My favorite jewels are peridots and diamonds.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:52 pm
Shana Said:
Ooh, Crystal! Peridots, no one else has mentioned those. Good choice, too.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:52 am
Debra Yates Said:
My favorite gem is my birthstone. Smokey Topaz.not one for flashy gems, just a simple woman.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:51 pm
Shana Said:
Debra, topaz is such a unique gem. It’s pretty, too.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:56 am
Joy Brown Said:
Love all your books so far. They are my keepers. You are one of my favorite Authors. My favorite Gem Is the Emerald.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:51 pm
Shana Said:
Thanks, Joy. That’s so nice of you to say. Emeralds are beautiful.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:59 am
Bonnie D Said:
Diamonds are my favorite and April is my birth month too! Shana, looking forward to reading this new book. Jaunty, did you catch the new episode of Grimm last night? One of the characters was a porcupine!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:50 pm
Shana Said:
Bonnie, don’t encourage him! Next he’ll be blogging about his favorite porcupine TV shows.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:18 pm
Jaunty Quills Said:
Bonnie, sadly enough I do not own a TV. I live in a tree, more’s the pity. I hear Kristan has a nice guest room
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Sep 4th
2012
9:04 am
Diane P. Diamond Said:
Hi Shana,
With a name like mine, how can I not favor Diamonds as my most favorite gem!!!
My husband always tells me that I have the biggest Diamond that I will ever have (meaning him).
Thank you for this opportunity Shana, I love your books.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:49 pm
Shana Said:
LOL, Diane! Men aren’t known for their humility, are they? Thanks for stopping in.
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Sep 4th
2012
9:21 am
Christina Freas Said:
I would have to say diamonds, are my favorite, because they go so well with everything! You can match them up with anyother gem and it just adds to the beauty of it.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:48 pm
Shana Said:
That’s so true, Christina. Diamonds really do go with everything!
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Sep 4th
2012
9:34 am
Margo Maguire Said:
Do we need a new mascot? ahem…
Can’t wait to read WYGADAD (lol). Your books are auto-buys for me, and I know I’ll love this one as much as all the others. Just as soon as I turn in my current book…
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Sep 4th
2012
1:48 pm
Shana Said:
Margo, that’s how I feel. All these great books out this month, and I have to finish a book. They will wait, and I have to be patient.
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Sep 4th
2012
9:39 am
Ora Said:
I loved the book. I finished it last night without any husband interruptions
I can’t wait for the next one in the series. My preference would be immediately, however I know I won’t get my way so PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE dont’ make us wait too long.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:47 pm
Shana Said:
Ora, Fallon’s book, IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY, will be out in March. And thank you
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Sep 4th
2012
9:46 am
Ti C Said:
Jaunty, the other night my dog almost ate a baby hedgehog! They seem to love our garden because of all the snails and slugs that devour our pretty flowers! I like to think that hedgehogs and Porcupines are related in some way. Maybe its the sharp owie bits!
Oh Sorry Shana! I like Diamonds. Sometimes, you may find a rough odd shaped stone and when someone gives it the right attention and love you might find a diamond in the rough. Or with my luck, I get coprolite. (Dinosaur poo for those not in the know!!)
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Sep 4th
2012
1:46 pm
Shana Said:
Ha, Ti! Some people collect coprolites. It is strange to think that diamonds in the wild aren’t very pretty. I bet hedgehogs and porcupines are related. Hedgehogs are cuter, though.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:18 pm
Jaunty Quills Said:
Ti, your dog sounds like a vicious danger to society!
Poor little hedgehog. Poor baby. 
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Sep 4th
2012
9:56 am
Kaye Whitney Said:
Shana, I like Aquamarine, because my husband gave me one for my birthday, and it is the birthstone for one of my children.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:06 am
May Said:
I like Ruby. It goes with most of my dresses…
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Sep 4th
2012
1:45 pm
Shana Said:
May, you must like red or black.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:06 am
Tammy Henderson Said:
I love pearls. Not exactly a gemstone but they go with everything and 2 of my kids have it for a birthstone. Diamonds are gorgeous, just a little more expensive.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:45 pm
Shana Said:
Tammy, what month is pearls? I didn’t realize that was a birthstone. they are very classic, though. Can’t go wrong.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:25 am
Sheryl Nyary Said:
My favorite gem is the Tanzanite! Plus it’s costs a ton of money!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:44 pm
Shana Said:
Sheryl, that’s a gorgeous gem. My friend has it as her wedding ring.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:49 am
Robin W Said:
I love rubies. I also like diamonds to go with the rubies.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:43 pm
Shana Said:
Robin, diamonds and rubies together are gorgeous.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:51 am
Connie Fischer Said:
That is so funny! Did you write the part of the porcupine, Shana? I love it.
My husband is a huge rockhound and collector of beautiful gemstones. I accompany him to gem shows and have become quite a fan of gems. Seeing them all displayed under bright lights is awesome. Trying to select a favorite is difficult, however, I do love the blue diamond. The shades can vary but they are all just lovely. I once saw a display in the Smithsonian Museum of every color diamond found and they were all so beautiful. There is a yellow diamond and even a fiery orange one. Can you imagine owning one of every color? Sigh…..
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Sep 4th
2012
1:43 pm
Shana Said:
Did I write the porcupine part, Connie? What, you don’t believe we have a porcupine mascot who can actually type?
I saw a show on the largest blue diamond once when I was a teenager, and I always remembered that and wanted to see a blue diamond. I finally saw one about ten years ago in a museum.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:55 am
Carey Said:
My birthstone is a topaz but I would have to say that I prefer Emeralds.
I cannot wait to read this one!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:41 pm
Shana Said:
Carey, I like emeralds better than topaz, too, but I do think topaz is a little more unique.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:58 am
Jennifer L Said:
I love diamonds and emeralds.
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Sep 4th
2012
1:41 pm
Shana Said:
me, too, Jennifer, especially together!
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Sep 4th
2012
11:11 am
Gayle Cochrane Said:
Loved When You Give a Duke a Diamond. My favorite jewel is the Amethyst, though it is not my birth stone. Poor, Jaunty.
Were there even porcupines in Regency England?
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Sep 4th
2012
1:41 pm
Shana Said:
Purple is my favorite color, Gayle, so I have a fondness for amethyst. I don’t know if there were porcupines. I could look it up, but I’m stubborn that way. He likes Kristan best anyway.
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Sep 4th
2012
12:26 pm
catslady Said:
I like stones of all kinds but if I had to pick one it would be the diamond. After 25 years of marriage, I lost the stone in my wedding ring while raking leaves and my husband had a pear shaped diamond ring made for me special
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Sep 4th
2012
1:39 pm
Shana Said:
Oh, no! You lost it? That’s just awful. I’m sure it’s at the bottom of some compost pile. They’ll find it in 300 years. But that was lovely of your husband to get you another. It was time anyway.
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Sep 4th
2012
12:37 pm
Kathleen O Said:
I like Diamonds, after all they are a Girls best friend, but Emeralds are my fav… What can I say, Green has always been one of my fav colours…
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Sep 4th
2012
1:38 pm
Shana Said:
Kathleen, you know what looks great next to emeralds? Diamonds. Yep. Problem solved!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:19 pm
Jersey Lou Said:
Love topaz and sapphires… Honestly? Diamonds are a little ho-hum as far as I’m concerned…
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Sep 4th
2012
1:37 pm
Shana Said:
I love sapphires too. Jersey Lou, between you and me, the last book is going to have sapphires in the title. Shh!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:31 pm
Patricia Schmitt Said:
Great “interview.” I needed a laugh today! I have always loved Rubies. Both of my sisters were born in July so they get to claim it as their birth stone. I, however, was born in October. So Pink Tourmaline or Opal is my stone. I’m not a fan of either!
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Sep 4th
2012
1:37 pm
Shana Said:
I always like emeralds, Patricia, and my sister has emerald as her birthstone. I do like opals, though, and amethyst.
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Sep 4th
2012
2:33 pm
Gwen Said:
I like sapphires because they match my eyes.
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Sep 4th
2012
4:10 pm
Shana Said:
Oh, how pretty Gwen!
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Sep 4th
2012
2:48 pm
Alyn Yang Said:
I like Emeralds. I’m a sucker for green.
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Sep 4th
2012
4:11 pm
Shana Said:
And they are such a pretty shade of green, Alyn.
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Sep 4th
2012
2:58 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Congratulations on the new book, Shana! It sounds fabulous. I’m a traditional diamond and pearl lover. I wouldn’t turn down an emerald or a sapphire, though!
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Sep 4th
2012
4:12 pm
Shana Said:
Not too many (or any) jewels I’d turn down either, Nancy.
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Sep 4th
2012
3:05 pm
Molly Said:
I like emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and topazes. Oh, and amethysts! I can’t pick just one. What do you suppose a porcupine’s favorite jewel would be? Sparkly pine nuts?
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Sep 4th
2012
4:13 pm
Shana Said:
LOL, Molly! Yes, I think Jaunty has much more use for pine nuts than jewels.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:19 pm
Jaunty Quills Said:
Molly, sparkly pine nuts? Are they edible?
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Sep 5th
2012
9:54 pm
Molly Said:
Yes, they taste a bit like Pop Rocks.
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Sep 4th
2012
3:37 pm
Lora Patten Said:
My favorite would be blue sapphire, it is my hubby’s birthstone and that is what he got me as an engagement ring
My second favorite would be peridot (my birthstone and that of my youngest three children). One of these days when I have money to spare (which may be never but I can dream right 
)I want to get a new wedding set made for my husband and I with our birthstones (for him a blue sapphire with a peridot on either side of it, for me a peridot with blue sapphires on either side of it)!
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Sep 4th
2012
4:14 pm
Shana Said:
Lora, that sounds like a gorgeous ring set. I love rings with meanings or histories.
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Sep 4th
2012
6:23 pm
Cathy P Said:
I prefer real sapphiress and diamonds. I have 2: a blue one and a ruby red. Both of them have diamonds in them.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:09 pm
Shana Said:
Cathy, I bet that red sapphire is amazing!
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Sep 4th
2012
6:31 pm
Barbara Elness Said:
Jaunty’s interviews are always such fun.
My favorite jewel is a blue topaz – they’re such a beautiful color, especially when surrounded by diamonds. 
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Sep 4th
2012
8:10 pm
Shana Said:
Barbara, my birthstone is blue topaz! It’s very pretty.
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Sep 4th
2012
6:36 pm
Nahal Momin Said:
my favorite is sapphire and diamond. Nice interview.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:11 pm
Shana Said:
Sapphires and diamonds are so classic, Nahal. Thanks!
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Sep 4th
2012
7:20 pm
donna ann Said:
a lovely interview, and Shana you persevered quite well though next time instead of hitting the desk with your head you might want to hit jaunty with the desk
congrats on the release
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Sep 4th
2012
8:11 pm
Shana Said:
Donna Ann, I like how you think! Next time Jaunty gets hit on his furry little head.
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Sep 4th
2012
8:20 pm
Jaunty Quills Said:
Donna Ann, no pine nuts for you!
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Sep 4th
2012
8:38 pm
bn100 Said:
Fun interview. Diamonds
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Sep 5th
2012
7:08 am
Shana Said:
I agree, bn100. Diamonds are always classic and beautiful.
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Sep 4th
2012
9:56 pm
Maria D. Said:
Haha! This “interview” really made me laugh, actually, their was no interview in the first place ;p. I would love to adopt you Jaunty
and teach my cat (if possible) to be talkative since he just sleeps all day and eat. Anyway, my favorite stone is Turquoise, not just bec. it’s my birthstone, but I like the color which borders between green and blue, a very refreshing color.
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Sep 5th
2012
7:10 am
Shana Said:
Maria, just FYI, Jaunty IS up for adoption. I love turquoise too. I have a few pieces, one that my grandfather set for me. It’s just so vibrant and bright. I like it paired with white or black.
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Sep 5th
2012
7:13 am
Jaunty Quills Said:
Maria, even I cannot work miracles. Cats CAN talk–yes, even yours. But they are stubborn and mysterious. Your cat doesn’t want to talk, and trust me, if you heard what they have to say when they do, you would be glad yours keeps silent.
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Sep 4th
2012
10:06 pm
Kathryn in Montreal Said:
Oh I love purple, so amethysts are a big hit with me. Rich blue sapphires, too… my birthstone, but I don’t have any jewelry with sapphires. I think citrines (when combined with diamonds) are very striking. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with nice big diamond,is there?
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Sep 5th
2012
7:11 am
Shana Said:
Purple is my favorite color, Kathryn, and I love amethysts. They’re supposed to be good for you to wear too, some kind of spiritual thing.
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Sep 5th
2012
12:27 pm
Karen H in NC Said:
My favorite gem is a diamond. I don’t care for my birthstone which is a topaz. I like my son’s opal birthstone better.
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Sep 6th
2012
2:04 am
Cynthia D'Alba Said:
Wonderful Interview, Jaunty! Oh! and you too Shana
Favorite gem? Diamonds of course!
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