Shiny at Dragonfly

Like a magpie after a candy wrapper in the wind, I am uncontrollably drawn to all things that sparkle and shine, so it’s easy for me to admit that I’m a jewelry junkie. When I heard about Dragonfly Imports opening a few weeks back in the Dome District, I knew I was in trouble. What my eyes beheld upon walking into the store made me feel like I had just found a new dealer with new delights. Countless display racks baring ropes of fresh water pearls, glittering semi-precious stones, stunning corals, twinkling polished and rough-hewn metals made me clutch my purse to chest. I wandered around the massive shop touching everything; high quality silks, cashmere, carved lion statues, demon masks and rich wood cabinets.



Angela Schellenberg owns Dragonfly with her brother Rollie Nelson. She made an exceptional tour guide through the many Asian import items offered. With restraint in mind, I finally settled on a sensible hard form black, green and silver silk covered eyeglass case ($10). The impulse buyer residing in my head screamed, “That’s not what you came here for. Buy jewelry, buy it now!” Not one to ignore sound advice, I fondled Dragonfly’s last pair of dangle-drop earrings ($30). Perfectly round smooth clear crystal orbs the size of large marbles with distressed centers made the base for a three-quarter inch piece of mother of pearl with a light green ball of jade resembling a carved sweet pea topping it off. Shiny silver attaches these one-of-a-kind lovelies to the ear. You see, the jewelry and many of the other items at Dragonfly are designed specifically for Schellenberg and Nelson and then crafted by vendors in China. Hearing this sealed the deal, and I wiped out my Visa.



Dragonfly’s 2,000-plus assortment of furnishings, handbags, lamps, and flashy yet tasteful baubles are quality handmade pieces that get attention, immediate compliments, and won’t make you bounce your rent check.



[Dragonfly Imports, 102 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.3200, www.uniquelydragonfly.com]

Inner Silence Studio

Ever think about what the phrase “laying on of hands” means? Inner Silence Studio is where you get the answer. Owner and healing practitioner Rob Anderson will explain it all during Sunday’s grand opening celebration. Anderson approaches change like most people approach a hot gooey double cheeseburger — with gusto. His studio will be open for but a brief time, September through December, before he changes course and heads back to India and Thailand.



Anderson practices Ayuryeda and a Thai massage style that Buddha’s personal physician used. On opening night, you can bet I’ll be booking a 90-minute massage ($60) and unlimited Yoga ($60) while Anderson is available.



Anderson also hosts live music by Andy Schaules and glass sculpture by Evans Schauss.

[Inner Silence Studio, Sunday, Sept. 9, 6-9 p.m., 715 N. Third St., Suite #4, Tacoma, 253.439.8064, www.Innersilencestudio.com]