last month we went to the mall in knoxville - it was too early to think of the crazy gift giving season to follow.

the shop windows were sporting the new holiday themes, the tiring and tired feeling of too much had not taken over, and it was refreshing to be languid window shoppers at a time when styrofoam snowflakes and holly leaves and red berries were just cropping up.

the swarovski showroom was like alibaba's cave, spots of laser sharp light beaming on rainbow facets of animals, butterflies and dolphins-none of which we wanted. we were happy recipients of those specimens back home.

in a showcase on the right, dangling from grey leather cords, hung these beautiful lumps of color and light, a lovely grown-up pink and light shapes that were quiet and dignified, yet the whole effect was fresh and striking.

however, when i was asked if i wanted it for christmas, i said no. maybe for monu.

but now with all the frenzy of "gifting" and the fun in being gifter and giftee alike, my "aasai" has snaked back to the pendant above.

when i mentioned this to husband, he said save it for next year: the "aasai" that is.

therefore i start my 2007 wishlist with this awesome rock.