As I promised in the September issue, this issue contains the remaining responses to the questions about how an interest in rocks, gems, minerals, fossils, and lapidary inspired people’s lives. —Antoinette, Managing Editor
My appreciation for rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils has greatly impacted my life not from a specific time, but for my whole life, going back as far as I can remember. My life has been greatly enriched by the interactions I have had with others because of my love of rocks. For instance, my aunt and my grandfather used to bring me specimens from their trips for my collection.
It is an interest that I shared with my children, and we have had many happy memories that would not have happened if not for our love of rocks and minerals. It continues to happen even though they are grown and have moved away. It helps to connect us. Not to mention the countless others I have met online and at rock shows and anywhere people who love rocks congregate. I do not make my living from anything associated with the industry. I am “just” a hobbyist. But I am a hobbyist because it enriches my life every day in ways big and small. — Joan Cook