Teresa

Teresa is in her mid 30’s. Works as a house cleaner. Like so many in Sicily, she is a smoker – while she works she stops frequently to rest, cool down, or smoke - but does a good job. She gets 8$ hour. She has 3 children and a husband that works far away. Struggles with money and health in an unsupportive culture. Friendly with a tinge of sadness.

Onyx is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Cryptocrystalline is a rock texture which is so finely crystalline, being made up of such minute crystals, that its crystalline nature is only vaguely revealed even microscopically. Onyx has served as a worry stone and material for rosary beads for centuries. Crystal healers believe that it has the ability to soothe fears and control overwhelming emotions. They say it can help a person maintain a positive outlook while awaiting the result of a source of anxiety. They also recommend it for improving concentration and devotion, calming sexual tension and ending marital disputes.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)gets its name because of its effect on melanocytes: skin cells that contain the black pigment, melanin. In humans, melanocytes are responsible for moles, freckles, and suntan (and, if they turn cancerous, melanoma). Melanocyte-stimulating hormone increases in humans during pregnancy. MSH released into the brain by these neurons has effects on appetite and sexual arousal. A hormone hungry for life, light and color.