Backyard Goldrush

Evidently, “There’s gold in them thar hills” is a real saying in my neck of the woods, and it wasn’t soon after hearing it that I was hit with a chronic case of gold fever!

When I purchased my 10-acre property, I didn’t even know about the Gold Rush, let alone the fact I had just bought a goldmine- literally.

Once the land was cleared and ready to build my home on, I hired independent contractors to assist in the construction process.

It was early autumn, the leaves were changing color, and the smell of wood burning chimneys was present throughout the area. I was at the nearly finished log cabin, waiting on the county inspector, when I couldn’t help but noticed a unique wedding band on the hand of one of the builders. It was a catchy mustard-color yellow gold with original carvings and personalized engravings. I complimented his ring’s design and commented on the interesting shade of gold it was. The builder replied, “That’s because it’s PURE gold, not the stuff you find in jewelry stores, the stuff you find in the ground!” Puzzled, I asked what he meant exactly. “My cousin and I are Gold Prospectors. I had my and my wife’s wedding bands custom made with 24K pure gold I panned out of the river.” He also said he wouldn’t be surprised if there was gold on my property.

Having grown up in the Northeast, with an apparent loss of memory- and attendance- from History class, I was unaware of the details surrounding our country’s mid 1800’s Gold Rush. But as fate would have it, after returning home from the construction site I noticed a school library book on my kitchen table titled, “What was the Gold Rush?” It was my son’s; he had just been given a book report assignment about the Gold Rush! Was this a coincidence or a calling?

Helping my son with his book report- which I’m proud to say it made its way to the principle’s display case, and listening to the builder’s prospecting stories, I learned that finding gold in “them thar hills” wasn’t as hard as you may think. In fact, I quickly discovered in the area I lived that it was harder not to find gold, than to find it. And the nice thing about this hobby is how affordable it is to get started. For beginner prospectors, a trip to any dollar store is all you need to get started.

Using a spaghetti strainer, with just a simple shovel and gold pan in hand, I began prospecting- and who would have known how peaceful and therapeutic it turned out to be for me. Being in nature, exploring all of God’s hidden treasures with my bare feet in moving water full of energy-producing rocks and minerals was very grounding.

Life hasn’t always been easy for me both personally and professionally. When I was 13 years old, my parents divorced after 18 years of marriage; and then history repeated itself two years ago when I divorced also after 18 years together with two beautiful children. Fortunately, my divorce went smoothly and amicable, whereas my parents’ divorce was anything but that.

During my marriage, I worked in high pressure careers as a Paramedic followed by several years as a road patrol Deputy Sheriff.

Working in Law Enforcement and EMS exposed me to many traumatic situations- situations the average person would think only happened in movies. I personally witnessed and was subjected to tragedy upon tragedy with little triumph in return, leaving me with a desire to just hibernate like a hermit for years after having to retire prematurely due to injury. As a result, I became severely depressed and developed a panic disorder with a dire need for peace and tranquility.

Gold panning and gem prospecting became my healthy outlet where I could feel safe and experience a calmness within that was previously foreign to me. I began realizing the power of mindfulness, and how the ability to heal from past trauma without using pharmaceuticals as a crutch was in me all along. I learned how to connect with the Universe as I would sift through colorful gravel beds along the creek, soaking in all the free Vitamin-D the sun had to offer, while breathing in the smell of honeysuckle and pine. And just like the classic Hymn “Down to the River to Pray”, I find being alone in the water- away from the chaos life sometimes brings- is a perfect time to talk with God because you will indeed hear Him.

Even if I don’t find any treasures, it’s the hunt I find so thrilling. You’re probably wondering about what I have found and what I do with my finds.

With the gemstones, I especially enjoy giving them away as gifts with a little note of explanation. An example would be something like this:

“This 6-sided Smoky Quartz crystal was found with love by Toni for (recipient) while prospecting in her backyard creek. Its natural healing properties are said to promote positivity, relief from anxiety, and the courage to follow your dreams.”

As far as finding actual gold, I have only found about ¼ vial of small nuggets and flakes. It isn’t much, but it’s enough to make my own wedding ring whenever I discover that “diamond in the rough” I still have yet to find.