Cat In The Pumpkin Moon

What's Your Poison?

2011-11-20T12:48:00.000-05:00

How many times have you heard that phrase over the years, when someone is asking you what kind of drink you'd like to have?

Well, apparently, back in the bootlegging days, drinking alcohol was akin to playing Russian Roulette. I had no idea that so many people died as a result of what they sipped at a speak-easy! Nasty, nasty stuff in more ways than one!

I had heard a glowing interview with the author, Deborah Blum, about her book while we were in Rochester, MN. The local B&N didn't have it in stock, but ordered it for me. It was waiting for me when I got home. I truly wish that I had it with me to read while waiting for appointments at the clinic, when I had more free time for reading, because it is hard to put down.

Murders by poison was the choice way to get rid of someone in the 1800's & early 1900's, until forensic scientists learned ways of tracing the various toxic elements and compounds, and were put in charge of determining how someone died. This book follows that journey, highlighting some of the more spectacular cases, while showing how widespread the use of poisons were.

Arsenic in your lipstick? It was common for manufacturer's to use, what we now know as toxic substances in many of the cosmetics, medicines and even foods. Remember that bottle of bluing that your Mother used on the laundry? So innocent and trusting that all was safe to use.

Heck, I can remember my parents putting over-the-counter available, paregoric on my gums when my teeth were growing in, to relieve the pain. .and this was in the 50's! The "active" ingredient in paregoric, is opium. .which may explain a lot about me today. .but never mind. . .I do remember REALLY liking the taste of it! No wonder!

I know that today, we are concerned with pesticides and other toxins contaminating our water and food sources, but in comparison to what the people had to deal with back in "the good old days", we are better off, in that we are much more knowledgeable, and know what we are fighting. Those poor people had no idea. Innocence isn't always bliss. It is a wonder that anyone survived that era.

This book is a true, factual book, that reads like a suspenseful mystery novel that transports you right back in time, causing you to ignore the clock, and obligations. I highly recommend it! And, I'd love to know your thoughts about what you learn!

Wishing you all a beautiful Thanksgiving! May all of your food be poison free!!

And The Winner Is. . . .Drum Roll Please. . .

2011-09-23T07:45:00.000-04:00

I found out late yesterday, that my Mom is being transferred from the hospital, to a long term care facility to continue her physical therapy, and I have to be there this morning, to oversee taking her clothing and personal items. .sooo, that means that I don't have time to print and cut out the names, tossing them all in the cracked cauldron to have them swirl and toss out the winning name, as usual.

Instead of delaying the drawing, so the winner could start baking asap, I took the cold, unfeeling quick route of the random generator, who picked Lulu Kellogg's name!

Congratulations, Lulu! Please send me your mailing address either here (and I won't post your comment), or send it to me at snowflakesrtumblin@yahoo.com.

THANK YOU, EVERYONE, for signing up for my little Give-Away! I love doing this, and will be having another one soon. .maybe next time, YOU will be the winner!

Wishing everyone a glorious Mabon, and breathtaking beauty throughout the whole Autumn season! It is by far, my most favorite time of the year! Let the fun begin!!

Treats, No Tricks Halloween Give Away!

2011-09-13T08:10:00.002-04:00

Although my Halloween celebrating is going to be trimmed down this year, nothing says "Treats!" like homemade goodies, so I'm offering some of the fun elements to make some of your own!

These Halloween cutters aren't the flat, two dimensional kind, but have co-ordinating parts that slide together, so that your cookies can stand! They are extra fun to decorate! And, you'll get the additional holiday sprinkles and glitter gel to help you on your way.

If you'd like a chance to win this little Give-Away, please follow this blog, and leave your name in the comments, (on this blog only. .I don't want to miss your name, if you sign up elsewhere!) and please make sure that I have a way of contacting you, should your name be drawn from the Magic Cauldron on September 23rd!

Good luck, everyone!

Life's Winding Road

2011-09-02T09:09:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

Out of necessity, and to cut down on redundancy, (since I know that some of you follow both of my blogs), if you haven' read my long post already, please head on over to my Cat In The Moon blog to find out what has been going on in my life lately.

Being that it is approaching my beloved Halloween, and we are entering my most favorite time of the year, I had a number of posts planned for this Halloween blog, but obviously haven't had the time to sit down at my computer for very long.

I do have some things for a Give Away, that I hope to get put up here soon, so stay tuned!

And thank you all for hanging in here with me. I appreciate it more than words can express!

Follow-up to Masterpiece Mystery!

2011-07-06T18:29:00.001-04:00

If you missed Hallowe'en Party (it was on this past Sunday, on our PBS station), you can watch it on line until August 4th! Please click on the link to go to their website.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html

The other Poirot mysteries that have been shown this season are available, too.
Three Act Tragedy is available until July 19th, and The Clocks until July 26th.

Enjoy!

A Halloween Mystery on PBS!

2011-06-27T09:10:00.002-04:00

I've been enjoying watching this season's Masterpiece Mystery series on PBS for two weeks now, but am truly looking forward to the third Poirot installment, airing next Sunday evening, July 3rd.

They are airing "Hallowe'en Party", a perfect way to celebrate July! I may even bring out a Jack O'Lantern to light, to help set the mood! Click on the link to see the preview. .doesn't it look good? (turn off the music below, first, please)

http://video.pbs.org/video/1979166355

Check your own listings for the time in your area. This should be a good one!

BOO!! Happy Hallowe'en!

I'm Holding My Breath

2011-06-02T15:52:00.000-04:00

That I'm going to be able to post this. .I've been trying to do so, but Blogger hasn't been co-operating. Please cross your fingers for me. It is hard to type when I do. . .

I have a cauldron. .a quite large cauldron that has been in my family for who knows how many generations. .I'm the third one that I know of, and sadly, the two previous generations chose to ignore the heritage of my Great-Great Grandmother, and used it to plant petunias in it instead.

Leaving it out over winters didn't help it either, and now, Harry Potter has nothing over on me. .I've got a Leaky Cauldron, too. .only mine doesn't serve up Butter Beer. However, it does make a neat receptacle for holding names for my drawing!

There were 14 names, all neatly typed out and then folded in half.

If you notice, at the last minute, I had to hastily put a just emptied flower pot inside the cauldron. .seems the name drawer has an aversion to a little rust and spider webs! Good thing Hubs didn't mind a little potting soil!

He reached in and stirred the names around. .

And drew one out, (almost too quickly for me to get the shot!)

And the winner is. . .(this is always the hard part for me, because I'd love to have prizes for everyone!)

Judith!! Congratulations!! Please send me your mailing address, either by trying to leave a comment here (and I won't post it), or by sending it to my e-mail address. I'll try and contact you, too. We won't let Blogger stop us, any longer!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who entered! This has been fun for me, and I think that I'll come up with something else to offer, very soon, just for the fun of it!

Wishing everyone a beautiful evening!!

Do I Need To Send My Monkeys?

2011-05-28T20:38:00.000-04:00

Blogger, get your act together! The first part of the week, I couldn't log on, and part of the design page was showing up in the header, and then I started seeing messages from others on Facebook, saying that they couldn't leave comments.

Earlier, I had no problems, but just now happened to see on a blog that I follow, that she wasn't able to leave a comment for my Give-away! She mentioned my Cat In The Moon Blog, where I had left a link, leading here, and tried posting a new post there, and can't!

I tried leaving a comment on Judith's blog, Merlin's Magickal Mistress, and couldn't do that either.

So, if anyone has tried to sign up for the Give-away, and hasn't been able to do so, then write to me at suzie.snowflake@gmail.com and I'll add your name into the cauldron that way.

If this glitch doesn't get fixed with the next day, I'll extend the deadline so that everyone who wants to take part, can.

So be aware, Blogger. .I've got my eye on you!!!

What Kind Of Friend

2011-05-26T21:05:00.000-04:00

Lives three states away, goes to Florida during the winter to get away from anything to remind her of the cold weather up here in the North, and while there, buys me something that she knows I'll adore. . .

And the very best part is that she tolerates me anyway!! That's a BEST Friend, that's who!!!

Thank you SO much Pam!! He is going front and center on my Halloween tree!!

My Birthday Came Early This Year!

2011-05-24T21:50:00.001-04:00

Before I begin my little tale, I want to congratulate David Everett for his Chicken Lips article in the current issue of Art Dolls magazine! Wonderful three pages! Well done, David!! (sorry for the glare. .shiny paper, etc.)

And about now, you may be asking why I'm mentioning this on my Halloween blog. .well, please be patient, I'm getting there. . . . .

Every year, I give myself a Birthday gift of a piece of Halloween art. .sometimes I even think that I've been extra deserving of more than one, but this usually happens during the exciting Fall months, during the month that actually includes my birthdate. .HOWEVER, last year, a piece caught my eye, that I fell instantly in love with, but circumstances kept me from purchasing her. I followed her in photos from show to show, with a heavy heart, knowing that someone was going to snatch her up, and I'd give a sigh of relief, after the show, to see that she was still listed for sale on etsy.

In April, I received a little surprise windfall, and decided not to press my luck any longer. Within a few days, a nice box arrived, with this label on it.

After doing a Happy Dance, I proceeded to open it, and was met with a sea of peanuts, and a bright red envelope. .

With this card inside. .

After six hours of digging through the peanuts (ok. .I exaggerate, but it seemed like forever, when I was SO anxious, but being careful, so as to not hurt her), I arrived at some tissue paper wrapping. .

Surrounding a well wrapped bubble wrap cocoon (I had carefully opened it in the photo). .she was SO well wrapped, and prepared for the shipping trauma!

After huge hugs of greetings, I took her on a tour of the house, and showed her, her new home, safe inside my glass fronted cabinet, where she is safe from kitty paws, and promised to provide her with lots of clover! She wanted to see it right away, so I took her outside. .(she was hungry from her long trip!) I told her that I will cut it and bring it in for her, but she wanted me to take her photo, knee deep in the stuff. She is SO adorable, how could I say no?

May I present, Ewenice, my very own Chicken Lips, Halloween Sheep! Now she is mine, all mine! I truly think that it was meant to be! Thanks so much for creating her David! She is SO filled with happiness, she makes me grin, every time I look at her, so I'm keeping her out, to enjoy all year long!

May you all find a piece of art that makes your heart smile!

Mid Year Halloween Celebration & Give Away!

2011-05-21T10:42:00.000-04:00

Joyous Midyear Halloween Greetings!! Please look at the thickly layered dust as decorations in the making.

Some of you may remember that last year at this time, we were more than midway through a midyear celebration of Halloween, by trying to find vestiges or outright celebrations of our favored holiday, which is now only a little more than 6 months away.

I had fully planned on doing much of the same this year, with expanded plans to include other Halloween related ideas to start working on, for completion by October. I had planned on asking others to get involved too. .right up until May 1st, when I had to make the hard, sad decision to forgo everything this year. There is just too much else going on in my life right now, for me to celebrate in any sort of manner that would do Halloween the justice that it deserves.

And the fact that it is now May 21st, and I'm just now finding the time to devote to sharing, shows me that I made the right decision, no matter how much it tore me up at the time, to do so.

HOWEVER (and I do hope that you think that this is a good "However"), I had purchased something(s) to give away on May 31st, and since they are sitting here, jumping up and down, begging me to take their photo, and let them wing their way to a new home, I'm feeling compelled to listen to their demands.

So, I am offering a black bibbed baker's apron by Gravestone Artwear. It has two large pockets in front, and is approximately thigh length. Perfect for wearing while making Halloween treats, mixing papier mache, potting up some herbs, making soaps and lotions, or conjuring up a spell!

Also included in this give-away, is a well padded, orange and black cooking mitt, complete with black skull and spider webbed design. A must for pulling those cookies out of a hot oven, or holding onto a hot handled spoon, while stirring a bubbling cauldron.

And last, but not least, to read while relaxing, sipping tea and sampling treats, is the newest book by Lesley Pratt Bannatyne, "Halloween Nation; Behind the Scenes of America's Fright Night". Published earlier this year, it covers not only some of the history of Halloween, but all of the aspects of why it is now so popular. It is a fun and informative addition to any Halloween library. .or an excellent start to a new one!

If you would like a chance to win this give-away, the requirements are simple and the usual. Please be a follower, and leave a comment on this post only, on this blog. And if I don't have a way to contact you, please leave that info too.

The winner's name will be drawn on May 31st! Good luck, and thanks for entering!

Only 268 Days Away! What A Joyful Journey!!

2011-02-04T09:45:00.001-05:00

If you believe as I do, that the fun is in the journey, not the destination, then now is the time to start planning for Halloween! Actually, it is never too early to plan for the next year,(I make notes the night of Trick or Treating, of what to do differently next year) but one must being in earnest after the New Year's confetti has been swept away.

Fortunately for me, there are a lot of kindred souls out there, and news is starting to trickle in of festivities, and other Halloween related events to keep us buoyed while yearning for that ultimate season.

Last week, I got 2 messages that made my heart sing. .this year, for the first time, Ghoultide Gathering, that Halloween art show,extraordinaire, held here in Michigan each year, has expanded into a special showing on the eve of the usual Saturday show. HOW exciting, is that??? For a special admission price (which includes entry for the next day too), you can have three hours to drool over the gorgeous Halloween art. If I had MY way, there wouldn't be anything left to sell on Saturday. .and I'd be hightailing it back home to savor my new treasures!

I don't know if this next event will keep me satisfied, or fuel the fire, but there is a new Halloween book coming out in April!!! I already have my copy pre-ordered. Do you?

Lesley Bannatyne has written Halloween Nation; Behind The Scenes of American's Fright Night. The author wanted to to delve into the why and how of Halloween today, and to savor in the essence as to why so many of us share the passion that is Halloween.

She has already thanked a number of people who helped her on her quest, and I see a lot of familiar names in her listing. If their Halloween Spirits have helped influence this book, then I'm sure that it is going to be a gem!

Wow! January hadn't even closed, and I got those two great pieces of news! If this is any indication, then this year is going to be an AWESOME Halloween Year!!

Have you started working on your Halloween decorations yet?. I found that planning where I'm going place more JOL's and decorate with tiny orange lights helped make the 5 foot snowdrifts disappear. .at least in my mind!

Think Black and Orange!

Flinging Your Footwear On Halloween

2011-01-28T18:50:00.000-05:00

After the treats have been passed out, after your party guests have departed, but before the last candle in the Jack O'Lantern has flickered its last, you might want to add another tradition to your very special Halloween Day.

The Irish and Scots have long practiced a form of divination known as "throwing the shoe". There is record of it as early as the 17th Century, so it must be worthy, if it has been around that long! But be forewarned. .besides the aforementioned footwear, you must have a strong arm or/and, a low roof line.

The act itself, is quite simple. Remove one of your shoes and "toss" it over the roof of your house. .and it has to be YOUR house. .not the neighbor's, not your garage, and most certainly not the dog's house.

Then you go and find your shoe, but don't disturb it. If the shoe is pointing away from the house, the wearer will soon be traveling in that direction. If the shoe is pointing toward the house, no travel is forecast for the coming year.

Good fortune is indicated if the shoe lands with the sole down. If the shoe lands with the sole up, well. . you guessed it. .a sign of bad luck.

There isn't any provision for if your shoe lands on the roof. I am guessing it is a bit of both. .bad luck that you have to get the ladder, and climb up to get your shoe, and lucky that you don't fall off of the ladder, and you have your shoe back!

While some may think it best to try this with an old shoe in case it should find its way down the chimney, in a muck filled rain gutter, or other undesirable circumstances, but I, on the other hand, think that the proper footwear could enhance your chances of inviting only the best of luck, and to that end, have found a site where you can have your pick of a multitude of Halloween footwear! Check out Zazzle!

The only problem is. .which ones do I like the best? What pair would YOU chose?

Ummm, another problem. .getting my pitching arm in shape. .I'm in trouble. .sigh. . .

Nevermore?

2011-01-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row, the semi-legendary "Poe Toaster" didn't show up to leave roses and toast with cognac at Edgar Allen Poe's grave, on Poe's Birthday.

Has he met with his own demise? I guess unless someone steps forward to let the public know, he will always remain a rather romantic mystery.

Sometime in the 1940s, it seems, an anonymous man began the annual tribute at Poe's grave. It was first referenced in print in 1949 by The Evening Sun of Baltimore.

Those who have glimpsed the "Poe Toaster" always saw him dressed in black, wearing a white scarf with a wide-brimmed hat. But he was always very secretive. No one has seen his face, and no one knows exactly why he chose to honor Poe in this manner.

In recent years, impostors have begun showing up, but according to the caretaker of the cemetery, none of them act like, dress like, nor leave the roses in the special pattern that was a tell-tale act of the true toaster.

If indeed, this is the end of this personal tribute, it is rather sad, but I don't think that anyone should pick up the tradition. This seemed to be a very personal tribute, and no one else could continue with the mystery person's sincerity.

And it is fitting, that even in death, Edgar Allen Poe continues to have a mystery surround his name. RIP both of you gentlemen. May the roses always be at their peak of beauty and fragrance, and may your cognac be warm and lush.

They're Creepy And They're Kooky, Mysterious And Spooky...

2010-12-28T18:26:00.000-05:00

Just those few words and you know who I am talking about, don't you?

The Addams Family, of course!

Has anyone seen the Broadway musical?

I'd love to see Nathan Lane & Bebe Neuwirth, but will have to be happy with the road company whenever it comes to our area.

I've read where the tour will start in New Orleans, in the Fall of 2011. What a perfect place to begin, and in Autumn. .too cool!!

Scary Yuletide

2010-12-19T10:15:00.001-05:00

Every year about this time, I try and find something spooky or scary (aside from the obvious Spirits in The Christmas Carol) within all of the cheeriness of the Yuletide Season.

Last year, I delightfully discovered several rather dark characters associated with Santa Claus, and the mystic of gift giving.

This year, although my dear Hubs, and probably a few of you will disagree with me, I have a single scare to share. . . . .

Fruitcake.

And if this cartoon isn't enough to support my stance,

Then click here to hear a snippet of a published song (you can pay to download the whole song, if you must. . ) that is more fit for Halloween, than Christmas.

http://www.amazon.com/Fruitcake-That-Ate-New-Jersey/dp/B001BV98N2

Whether your days are fruitcake savored or haunted, I wish you all a season filled with love & laughter!

More Treats!

2010-10-30T17:40:00.000-04:00

Every Fall, right before school starts, I go to the Taylor Country Florist, in Paw Paw to have a floral arrangement sent to my daughter's classroom, in a nearby town, for her open house. Since she teaches art, I've been asking the designers at the florist to do a floral interpretation of an artist that I've picked out for that year. I make a card myself, using one of the artist's painting for the front, and then include some postcards or flashcards of that artist's work to be included in the arrangement. The fantastic and talented people at the florist tell me that they have a lot of fun with this project, and my daughter is always surprised, so everyone is happy!!

The personal perk for me is that they always have an ultra fantastic display of Halloween in place and ready for me to drool over, in September! This year, I bought a couple of Scott Smith pieces.

The lid comes off of the pumpkin so you can put a light inside, and of course, the lantern gives off a fantastic glow, too!

And, I couldn't resist one of his Skelly ornies. .while he isn't creating for Bethany Lowe any longer, Bill told me that they are still in demand (no surprise there!), so they keep making them.

Because I knew that I wouldn't be doing much decorating this year, due to us having to leave right away, I resisted buying, as much as I could, but have a feeling that I failed, more than I was successful at keeping a tight rein on myself!

I have been wanting a larger tree for some time now, and finally found the one that I wanted. In anticipation of getting it, and knowing that the ornies that I've purchased in past years wouldn't be enough, I HAD to pick up just a few more. . . . .

I can't believe that All Hallows Eve is upon us. This entire month has flown by faster than this witch is flying (note her RED hair!!)

May your Jack-O-Lanterns smile brightly!!

Some Surprises!

2010-10-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

I love having a Fall Birthday, and this year, my family tapped into my love of Halloween, getting me some things to decorate our home.

I've been enjoying these for several weeks now, and am just now getting around to getting them posted.

One special treat is a Joe Spencer doll, Madam Pletskya! She is very "substantial" shall we say, and almost 2 feet tall. She carries herself with a touch of a haughty air, and has quite the regal bearing about her.

Her one soft spot seems to be an affinity towards cats, especially this one, who appears to have adopted the role of Madam's protector. I love the hair standing up on his back!! (And my cats love Madam's feathered collar and cuffs). Madam will be finding her new home behind glass, safe from little paws.

Other treats were this plate, and a silvered candle holder. .the plate is ceramic and the votive candle holder is glass, with a "silvered" interior. .you can just make out the skull in the photo, but in person it looks SO awesome, especially in the dark!

I also got this cookie plate, and candle holder! The candle holder has bats flying, all over it,and it too looks very cool in a darkened room.

The plates will be used to hold our special treats, and the candle holders will join these in a display.

These past few days have been super exciting, weather-wise. We are still under a high wind warning, which started early yesterday morning. We had an actual tornado warning which lasted for over 2 hours, and several twisters did touch down, but fortunately not near us.

However, the straight winds knocked down a beautiful Mountain Ash across the street from us, and knocked down a huge tree behind our garage, partially landing on our garage roof, and tearing out the adjoining neighbor's fence. By the time this wind settles down, there won't be a leaf left on any tree, which will make Halloween night, extra spooky. .all of those gnarly branches reaching out for the unsuspecting. . . .

Sweet dreams, everyone!

'Tis The Hallowine Season!

2010-10-24T11:17:00.000-04:00

I recently took my darling little bug to have it winterized (it spends the cold, slushy, icy days all snuggled inside it's garage bay), and since I have to drive an hour away, I make the most of my day by going to store that we don't have locally.

One of these is World Market, and as expected, I found a lot of seasonal wines available. I started to take some close up photos of all of the wonderful labels, but a clerk came by and told me that I couldn't take photos! When I asked why, she told me that those were "the rules". .I thought about trying to sneak some in anyway, but she must have read my intent, because she kept hanging around. .so, I've done the next best thing. .short of buying all of those bottles, that is!

I came home and googled them. I found a Blood Orange Mimosa, and Bogal Phantom wine.

And a Calavaras County River of Skulls.

This Dia De Los Merlot looked enticing!

And not to be outdone, even Ed Hardy has a wine label. .any excuse to use some more of his designs!

Evil looked rather, well, wicked. . .

And Spellbound was begging me to take some home.

Trick, and Treat are sold through World Market exclusively, and even on-line they were rather stingy in sharing the labels.

I was SO tempted to by a bottle of Zombie Zin and Vampire. .and I needed some ale for the soup that I'm making, but the Witch's Brew was a golden, and I need a dark ale.

In the end, I absolutely couldn't resist buying one bottle. .one that grabbed me, and wouldn't let go. It is a German wine, and I don't think that it was meant to be a seasonal Halloween wine, but the bottle sure fits, and will no doubt be keeping me company (after it is emptied) in my creative room!

Meet the 2007 Zeller Schwarze Katz!

It is rainy here today. .an excellent day to snuggle in with a good book and a nice glass of mellow wine. .but I'll be finishing up ripping up over a century of old layers of floor coverings instead.

I hope that you are doing something fun today!

Bee-Day Surprise From Creating The Hive!

2010-10-21T21:06:00.000-04:00

A while back, I joined a very active group called Creating The Hive, where it seems that all creative interests are represented by some VERY creative people!

One such person, Joni Nickrent, started a Birthday Buzz, for Birthday people for that specific month, and my name was drawn for September! Lucky, lucky me!!!

Look at this tag that she tied onto the basket handle! That is going up on my board!

And these candles are supreme!! Not only are they rich, dark & earthy colors, but they have been grunged up with some delicious cinnamon spice scents. I didn't get my black tin candle holders out yet this year, waiting until we get back, but I didn't want to wait any longer to show you my surprise! They will be perfect together!

Thank you SO much Joni!! And thanks to everyone for their wonderful Birthday Wishes! I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!

What Would YOU Do With This?

2010-10-14T22:08:00.000-04:00

On one of our extended trips to Rochester, MN, this past summer, I stopped in at the local Pier One to pass some time, and found this!

Although it isn't "Halloween", possibilities immediately jumped into my mind!

It is made of thick green tinted glass, is VERY heavy, and hollow. The base of the neck is open, allowing you to put whatever inside. . .

One idea remains predominant in my mind, involving that mirror paint that I found, but we'll see. .I tried to find another one here at home, but they are a smaller version of the chain, and didn't carry them. .

So now. . .what would YOU do if you had this glass head sitting on your studio table?

Win A Halloween Faerie!

2010-10-14T18:59:00.000-04:00

My friend, Jeanne, is having a Halloween Give-Away!

She is sharing one of her darling Halloween Faeries with one of us! I truly hope that it flies to my home, but you too can have a chance to win.

Please click on her blog to find out how easy it is to sign up!

Wishing you good luck!

Help!!!

2010-10-14T12:55:00.000-04:00

I had another post to share, but Blogger is insisting on loading my photo sideways, even though I keep reducing it in size. The resolution is now so terrible, I'm not sure that I want to share it anyway, even if I could get it to show up correctly.

Also, since Blogger changed their format for uploading photos, I'm only able to load one photo, no more. .it won't access my photo files after the first time.

I've written to Blogger, but of course, haven't gotten any response, and looked in their pages for an answer, but haven't found it yet. .what am I suddenly doing wrong?

Thank you for any help you can give me!

Wishing you a fantastic day!

Brain Freeze!!

2010-10-13T19:14:00.000-04:00

Last week, I was given an award, and amazingly, it left me dumbstruck. .every thinking cell in my brain froze, which isn't good when you have blog posts to write, and e-mails to send out. Ironically, it is an award for the comments that I make! It stopped me in my tracks!

Will Bezek innocently, generously, and yes, Will, sweetly gave me this award, and is probably rethinking his decision about now, that I am making so much of this, but it is a good thing. .it made me think, so please bear with me.

My initial reaction, like anyone receiving a special gift, was one of stunned delight, but I then started to think about him giving me an award for something that comes so naturally to me. I'm not the one who is creating
" out of this universe" art. .he is!

I'm simply responding, with what I'm feeling in my heart and mind, to what I am seeing before me. And when you are presented with art of his acute imagination and execution, the words come forth, from where, I know not, but they do.

We all have gifts bestowed upon us before we are born. Talents to be discovered along our life path. Will was blessed with an extraordinary artistic ability, that we get to enjoy because he is kind enough to share it with us, and I can't thank him enough.

I apparently was blessed by my ancestrial Celtic God, Oghma, who was the God of Communication. His common name was Cermait, which loosely translated means " the honey-mouthed", referring to the gift of gab. (and not to be confused with blarney, thank you very much!).

My only challenge facing me now, when leaving comments on Will's blog, is the day that I run out of descriptive phrases. If I'm too redundant, soon my observations will ring hollow and untrue, even though I'm meaning what I say.

I thought of one alternative, to start leaving comments in vague foreign languages, but since I'm not even bi-lingual, that presents a whole new problem for me. And knowing Will's passion for research, would no doubt look up what I said. .or tried to say, and the result could cause untold problems!

So to stay on the safe side, I'm going to curtail any further comments here, to reserve any superlative words or phrases for future postings on his blog, to go against my inborn nature of my benefactor Celtic God, and say a nice, but heartfelt, simple "Thank you, you truly don't know what this means to me!"

Win Your Own Necklace!

2010-10-05T07:16:00.000-04:00

Last year, I received this precious little gem of a necklace from Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor:

And now you have the chance to win this one, for your very own collection!

Please click on her Gypsy Mare Studio Blog to be taken to her page,where you will learn the simple directions.

You won't believe how perfect the tiny details are, until you see it is person!

Good luck!

I've Found My Dream Bed!

2010-09-24T20:56:00.000-04:00

Do any of you get the Victorian Trading Company catalog? I always find so many wonderful things that I would love to have, but I think that they may have outdone themselves this time.

Look at what I found on page 33 of their current catalog, with a large Halloween section, as well as some of their regular offerings, and a peek at the Christmas season.

Oh, how I'd love to have it! I eagerly showed it to Hubs, who drew out this long breath of hesitation. .He admittedly acknowledges that he has zero creative vision, which is why he leaves it all up to me, but I get the feeling that he thinks that I've gone over the edge on this one. .I don't think so!!

Sweet dreams, everyone, including those who will have Halloween & Vine visions dancing in their heads tonight!

The Artistic Halloween Queens Giveaway!

2010-09-15T18:18:00.000-04:00

The Artistic Halloween Queens are celebrating Halloween in a huge way, having a month long, daily Giveaway! One a day, for 31 days! Now how awesome is that!!??

Please click on the link above, or on their button on my sidebar to sign up for a chance to win!

Wishing you lots of luck!

For My Walls

2010-09-12T15:32:00.000-04:00

I'm rather in a minor funk right now, since I thought that I'd be able to decorate for Halloween inside and out, then be able to stay home and enjoy it, but that is not to be. I've accepted that, but it doesn't mean that I'm happy about it, since it takes away that extra spicey glow that is so much fun!

But I still have come across some things that couldn't be ignored. .I found these at a local antique/flea market and am going to be hanging them on my craftroom wall. They are both made of brass, and the bottom one has some minor damage to it, that I'm trying to figure out if I should try and repair it, or let it be. .it is darker in the photo than what it really looks like. .the top one is the House of Seven Gables, and the bottom one is where the Salem Witch Trials took place.

And this little gem will also find permanent residence on my craftroom wall, out of direct light, since it is a piece of vintage crepe paper, put in a simple black frame. Now how simple, but clever, is that!!? (and yes, Madam Owl is a new resident too, and will more than likely keep me company throughout the year! What a cutie she is!!)

I've decided that since I can't decorate to my heart's content in my home, I'm going to decorate my blog with photos from previous years, interspersed with new things that cannot be denied, along with some seasonal recipes, etc. I realized that all of my last year's Halloween photos are on my other blog, and would be more at home here. I hope that you enjoy my trip down memory lane, with me!

Wishing you a gorgeous Autumn Day!

Doing The Halloween Happy Dance!!

2010-08-30T17:55:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've been doing some Halloween shopping. .or I should say some "more" Halloween shopping. Each year I tell myself that I have enough, and then the fever goes away, and my rational thinking returns just in the nick of time.

No need for me to ever do drugs. .just put me in a room full of artful Halloween pieces, and my eyes dilate, my pulse quickens, and I'll suck the oxygen right out of the room within seconds! I then do manage to calm down, and savor my tour, soaking in the atmosphere and thrilling in the detailed cleverness of each creation. It is often so hard to decide what to buy, I have to make several return trips. .what a challenge. Sigh. (And I thank the stars that my Birthday falls conveniently between the time that Halloween art bursts into bloom, and Halloween. .they make such lovely birthday gifts!)

So yes, I do have several new reproduction pieces to share, but first, I have to share this one that came by mail today. . .

Now, even though you knew it was coming, and you paid for it yourself, when you opened the box, and saw this, wouldn't you think that it was a very special surprise gift? That is how I felt when I opened the carton from Mandy! (Fiddlestix Studios)

When you open a package and find something so beautifully, and carefully packaged, it makes you feel very, very special, and that is a gift in itself. Thank you, Mandy!!

Mandy recently put three of her dolls up for bid on ebay, and I was stunned and dazed to find that I had the winning bid on her delightful Vampire and his pet bat. Photos just do not do him justice. .I carefully unwrapped his bubble wrapped cocoon that he was nestled in, under that delightful tissue paper and ribbon, and burst into laughter. .he is SUCH a charmer!! Even his little pet bat looks very pleased just to hang with him. .sorry for the pun. .no, I'm not! lol

I think that he was meant to come and live here, because every time I pass by, he makes me smile, and that is another gift.

Thank you SO much for making him Mandy! I'm going to treasure him for many, many years to come!

Wishing everyone as delightful an evening, as my day has been!

Look At What Is Now Available!!!

2010-08-29T19:06:00.000-04:00

Slowly, but steadily, they have been creeping up onto the racks, rubbing shoulders with cook-out issues and other Summer hold-outs. .now,more and more oranges, blacks, purples & lime greens are predominating the covers. .these are some of the first ones that were available over a week ago, and have been gathering dust, waiting for me to start reading them.

And THEN, today, I made a late afternoon trip to the grocery store for a few things, had everything all checked out, and nearly ready to walk out the door, when my eyes, like little magnets latched onto THIS cover. .of all things, it was displayed in with the outdoor sports! Was this some sort of joke, or is someone who arranges the issues, making a personal statement?

Whatever the reason, nothing stopped me from zooming over, picking up my very own copy, and buying it on the spot. .when the young cashier started roughly thumbing through it, I told her to not bend the cover! lol

Yes! You've guessed it! It is this year's Halloween Martha! Look at who she is dressed up as this year!!

I wanted to let you know, so that you can start looking for your own issue! Excuse me now, while I finally give myself a time out, and go start gently curving the pages, myself!!

Wishing you a great evening!

A Give-Away!

2010-08-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

The Sacred Oak is giving away a very special set of Runes, and I wanted to share the opportunity with you to win them.

Please click on The Sacred Oak, to read the details, and good luck!

Halloween Is Arriving At My House!

2010-08-08T07:28:00.001-04:00

It may be hot and humid, but I'm thinking crisp breezes, falling leaves, and "orange & black"!

Helping me along are some recent Halloween treats that have come to my home to live.

My dear Hubs bought me another Witchy doll for my growing coven. She is such a happy one. You can't help but smile when you look at her!

And look at those eyelashes!!! (Click on the images for a closer look!)

My next treat is one that I gave myself because. .well, I think that I deserve it! (it caught my eye and called to me. .he could not be ignored) I bought Dennis Haynes' Voodoo Priest. Photos truly do not do it justice though. The whole piece is so well made, and larger than what you think it is.

Thank you for making him, Dennis! He has found a good home!!

And, last but not least. .a little flashier than my other chapeaux, but I thought rather fetching. .I'm showing you the back. .another hat to add to my growing collection! One can never have too many hats, can one? They truly make the outfit!!

My new finds make me want to start bringing out more Halloween, but I can't. .at least not until we get back from another trip back to the Mayo Clinic. We feel like we have spent more time there in the past few months, than here at home. .and right now, we already have to go back twice in September.

I'm hoping that we will have the whole month of October to enjoy! Keep your fingers cross for us!

And in the meantime, I'm wishing you a delightful week!!

The 31st! The Final Day of the 2010 MAYniacal MAYhem Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl!

2010-05-31T05:00:00.049-04:00

Wow! A whole month's worth of Halloween that saw local temps soar into unseasonable heights of the upper 80's, even reaching into the 90's one day. Not the normal weather that I associate with Halloween. It made focusing on all things Orange and Black a little harder, but even more enjoyable.

I want to thank everyone who has hung in here with me. I do appreciate and have enjoyed your company! I know that I've missed some fantastic blogs, but if I do this again next year, I'll be sure to put them on the tour. It is always fun to find new places.

And perhaps, with some advance notice, some of you would want to get in on the fun too, planning something special for one day during the month. You have a whole year now to think about it! And hopefully next year, I'll have more time to add some of my own Halloween treats too.

For our final stop, we are jumping across the ocean (for those of us that live in the U.S.). Since my whole entire heritage comes from the British Isles (Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England), I was super excited to find this blog!

Author Richard Jones shares his journeys, along with his fantastic photographs, seeking out the haunts of the British Isles, on Haunted Britain. I hope you enjoy his blog as much as I do!

And. .one last time. . please check out my other blog for the other final Halloween treat!

Thanks again for visiting me!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl ~ The 30th Day!

2010-05-30T05:00:00.018-04:00

Today, we are heading on over to Mike's The Skull & Pumpkin blog. (Wouldn't that make a terrific pub? I can picture the hanging sign over the door!)

Mike has a terrific sense of humor and sparks some trips down memory lane, along with injecting a sense of the spooky along with the fun. Make sure and click on his "Is this your first visit" link! What a fun photo!! He also has intros to the content of his blog. Super cool!!

For your convenience, here is the link to my other blog.

I hope that you are enjoying your long weekend!!

Day 29 ~ Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-29T05:00:00.002-04:00

The two blogs today have a theme going between them. Not decorating for Halloween, but surrounding yourself with the unique and a bit of the dark, year around. Think of living in the Addams family home. Only with neater "stuff"!

Amazingly, but understandably, my favored Victorian period has strong influences in the gothic look. It is a common mistake to think that Victorian meant lots of pastel roses layered upon layer with white lace. Victorian homes were dark, rich with deep reds, greens, golds and blues. They did believe in layers. .layer upon layers of textiles. Ornate and detailed wallpapers. And heavy draperies layered over lace panels, over shades or shutters. And remember, lighting was poor. Either gas lamps on the walls, or kerosene table lamps.

And it is also very reasonable that the popular (and I think delightful and innovative) steampunk look figures into this too. The Victorian period was one of evolution, of new inventions, of mechanization, combining the rich old world decor with newer innovations, but still made with quality materials.

And so this portion of our crawl brings us to The Steampunk Home. Take a leisurely stroll through the photos. I love that kitchen with the custom stove!

Continue to scroll down and you'll see new pieces that have intricate designs, and movie sets with the clutter and layer upon layer of memorabilia that Victorians favored. It wasn't uncommon to see Asian influences in their home either. They looked at other obvious cultural designs as signs of worldliness and well travelled, so sometimes their decor was more of a hodge podge of styles with the overall theme being lots of details. The more, the better.

You will also see comparisons of a modern home and what dark colors can bring to a room, over white or pastels.

I love the office too, although it brings more of an Arts & Crafts flavor into the mix. And the media room also favors that period. .I do love the heavy use of dark wood during that time.

When you have savored and noted details that you must try in your own home, meander over to my other blog for more decorating delights!

I do hope that you are having a fantastic holiday weekend!! (I myself am going to a huge antique market tomorrow, but I doubt that I'll find any of the cool stuff pictured here. .but I'm going to try!)

The 28th Day of the Midyear Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-28T05:00:00.021-04:00

Today we are going ghost haunting. .or hunting. While not specifically Halloween, Patty shares her stories and some excellent photographs that make stopping at her blog, A Haunting We Will Go, very worthwhile! I love reading the history that she supplies with her photos!

For more Halloween, please go check out my other blog!

It's almost the holiday weekend! Wishing you a fantastic one!!

Midyear Halloween Blog Crawl ~ Day 27

2010-05-27T05:00:00.023-04:00

Today we are heading over to The Shadow Farm. Dave has shared some photos of weathered tree remains that guard this old cemetary .go take a look to see if you can see anything in the wood. . . .

Then scroll down to see his latest Halloween sculpture, and see if you can give him some insights of what is happening. He has had the rare occurance of not knowing the backstory of this creation. It is time to let your imaginations soar!

For more Halloween fun, head on over to my other blog!

Have a great day!

Day 26 of the Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl!

2010-05-26T05:00:00.001-04:00

Tom should open a travel agency for the haunted, spooky, and paranormal. He seems to have a gift for finding the most interesting places that have some dark history attached to them.

At least he can steer you in the right direction on his Dark Destinations blog! Get ready for some super cool reading!!

And here is the link to my other blog for some more Halloween fun. The tour crawls on!!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 25

2010-05-25T05:00:00.034-04:00

Hang in there everyone! Only 7 more days to go!

I'm beginning to feel badly because there are some excellent Halloween artists that I know that I'm not going to have the days to include, and I truly don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm going to suggest, at your leisure to browse through the blogs on my watch list here, because I have all of the blogs that I've visited, and many more that I've been watching for a long, long time.

Today we are heading over to ShellHawk's Nest! She recently went to the West Coast Haunt Convention and has photos of her journey. Then take the time to read her past posts. I love how she writes!

After you have had a laugh of two. . you know. . .the link to my other blog is here, and also worth the trip!

Wishing you a creepy good day!

Day 24 of the Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-24T05:00:00.019-04:00

I found another "how-to" prop making blog with a delightful sense of humor. (And I love the background. .all of those eyes!!) Please crawl on over to Spooky Blue to see how to make papier mache skulls and more!

And here is the link to my other blog for more Halloween fun!

The Halloween Blog Crawl, Day 23

2010-05-23T05:00:00.017-04:00

I found another site with some amazing photos of his propwork! And make sure and look back in the archives for the instructions for making a papier mache skeleton! That's what you'll find, and more at Mr. Chicken's Yard Haunt!

Then please go over to my other blog for some neat Halloween art!

I hope that you are having a super good weekend!

Halloween Blog Crawl ~ Day 22

2010-05-22T05:00:00.015-04:00

The props this person builds are amazing, and I respect the enormity of the projects even more, since I'm having a difficult time finishing my miniscule paper clay doll! Take a peek at The Prop Shop, to see his latest papier mache creation! Then scroll down to see the glowing eyes of his Sphynx!

Then crawl on over to my other blog for a Halloween treat of a different sort!

MMTMYHHBC - Day 21

2010-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

Are you in need of Zombie Blood? Is this one of the staples that you keep on hand to answer that need that arises every so often? (Notice that I'm not asking WHAT you are planning on using it for. .that is your business. .and no, I don't know the type. .do Zombies even have blood types?)

But if you have a ~~craving~~. .errr, a ~~desire,~~ you think you might need some for your Halloween costume next October, then head on over to Season of Shadows because John is giving a whole bag away.

Good Luck!

After you have signed up, and spent a little browsing time, please go over to my other blog for a neat technique tutorial!

Day 20, Mayniacal Mayhem

2010-05-20T05:00:00.035-04:00

Today I'm pimping blogs that I am thrilled to be a part of. The women that belong to Spooky Stitchers keep Halloween in their hearts all year around, and I don't think that it is just because it takes that long to stitch a project either. That is just me that has THAT problem! (And yet I keep buying new patterns even though I haven't gotten some of the ones in my stash even started!)

These gals turn out one beautiful piece after another! It was truly hard to choose one to share on my blog, so you'll HAVE to go see the others on this group blog! (this one happens to be stitched by Shelleen, who always turns out lovely work).

When I don't think that I have the time to breathe, stopping in here, always inspires me to keep at those WIP's! Thank you girls! You're awesome!

And when you are through ooohing and aaaahing, please go over to my other blog to see another of my passions.

The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 19

2010-05-19T05:00:00.019-04:00

Another fun Halloween spot is at Adele's Spooky Art! She is not only a talented artist, but she also finds Halloween and vintage Halloween items to take us all back down memory lane.

She is fun, and she is insightful!

Please go check out her blog, then head on over to my other blog for more Halloween fun!

Day 18, Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-18T05:00:00.052-04:00

Personally, I don't care for gore in association with Halloween. I know that the chainsaw genre is very popular, but I prefer my Halloween to be vintage spooky.

But there is always room for one exception, right? Since I was a little girl, I always got the thrill of the chill whenever I read the story of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I still don't quite understand the allure for me, especially since I was always very impressionable, and was frightened out of my shoes more than once by relatively benign scariness. But it's true.

And it still remains one of my favorite spooky stories. So I was thrilled beyond words to find the artwork of Jennifer Macneill Traylor. I love all of her work. .her horses are to die for. And her Headless Horseman? Totally awesome! What a talent this woman has! Please go check out The Night Mare! You won't be sorry!!

AND, I was the lucky recipient in a drawing for of one of her darling hand painted pendants. I'm SO anxious to wear it!

Plus, as if that weren't enough, she sent me three of her gorgeous postcards! (I'll post a photo of them later ) I'm being selfish. .those aren't going out to anyone, but staying here with me where I can continue to enjoy her artwork!

Many, many thanks Jennifer!!

Please check out my other blog for another artist who delights her collectors with Halloween suprises!

MAYniacal MAYhem! The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 17

2010-05-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

Today we are going ghostly, with stories and music. This blog features the legends and lore, my other blog the melodies.

Edinburgh's Dark Side is a wealth of history with ghosts weaving their way through the tales. I don't know where Julie is getting her stories, but I'm sure happy that she is so generously sharing them with the rest of us! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, her posts still make for some very good reading!!

Wishing you a delightful week!

Day 16! The Halfway Point of the MAYniacal Mayhem H.H. Blog Crawl!

2010-05-16T05:00:00.025-04:00

Because we have reached the half-way point in our crawl, I thought that I would share a site that technically isn't a blog, but SO informative on how to create your own spooky Halloween, that it is worth bending the rules just a bit.

How To Haunt Your House is a supportive site for the book, which I don't have, but have heard a lot about. They have links to buy their book, but the website itself has lots of wonderful photos and free downloads to get you started making things in time for this year's official Halloween celebration.

And here is the link to another Halloween Haunt.

Have a beautiful day!

Day 15 of the Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-15T05:00:00.026-04:00

"It was a dark and stormy night". .well, ok. .it isn't night, but it has been dark and stormy. It has also been alternating hot and murky, with the air so thick it is hard to breathe, and an hour later, cool air rushes in. .then a thick fog settles. Then another storm rolls in, and the whole cycle begins again. The weather has been SO weird lately.

Excellent time for settling in for a spooky good story. Head on over to the Vampires of Potts Point, dim the lights, light some candles, get a glass of your favorite brew, and get comfy. Most of their entries are stand alone stories, so you can pick and choose.

And for some dark art, head on over to my other blog for a visual treat!

Sweet dreams!!!!!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 14

2010-05-14T05:00:00.020-04:00

I hope that everyone has their passports in order, because today we cross the border into Canada, to visit Crazy 4 Halloween!

Besides ideas and instructions for clever decorations and props for your Halloween Party, or Trick Or Treat Night, you'll find costume and makeup ideas (like the recipe for no-cook blood. .yuck!!! lol)

Take your time to enjoy your visit, then travel on over to my other blog, for another Halloween Treat!

Mayniacal Mayhem, Lucky Day 13!

2010-05-13T05:00:00.030-04:00

Turning from the fanciful, to the mystical and spiritual side of Halloween for a bit, we are going to go visit Blackwood.

Mary Katherine combines her own experiences, with historical phenomenon and excellent photographs to share her journey into the world of the paranormal. Her descriptive writing draws you in to share her world. Whether you believe or not, her blog makes for some very interesting reading.

Then please head on over to my other blog for some other real life Halloween celebration plans!

The Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 12

2010-05-12T05:00:00.003-04:00

I found another site of various Halloween delights! She finds Halloween in various art forms, along with sweet, and spooky. Stop by Frankenstein's Fun House for a peek.

And then head over to my other blog to continue the tour!

Have a beautiful day!!

P.S. The ghoulish image that you see is made of cake! Totally edible!

The Halloween Blog Crawl, Day 11

2010-05-11T05:00:00.004-04:00

Wow! I'd love to have the collection of Halloween decorations that you'll find at It's All About Halloween! He has one amazing photo after another!

And I love the way he decorated with the lanterns. I'd love to be able to do that too! Enjoy your tour!

Then please go check out awaits you here!!

The H.H.B.C. Day 10

2010-05-10T05:00:00.021-04:00

It says on his blog, that he will have new houses in May of this year, and I wanted to share his blog so that everyone will get a chance to buy one if that special one hits their eye!

I do love my Halloween villages, but his houses are so extra special, it would be wonderful to have at least one. .but you know how hard it is to make a neighborhood with one house? This is definitely a time when more is better! lol

Please check out his handiwork at The Haunted Construction Co!

And then you know what to do. .here is the link to see what awaits you!

Have a good, good, day!!

MAYniacal MAYhem! The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 9

2010-05-09T05:00:00.021-04:00

Because it is Mother's Day, I thought that a pretty Halloween blog would be nice. If you like vintage Halloween images (I LOVE them!), you're going to like the collages that she puts together on A Nostalgic Halloween!

SO creative, SO pretty, and SO old fashioned! It is hard to pick a favorite! And, every so often she will share some vintage images for you to click on and save.

And when you are through drooling, please go check out something rather special on my other blog!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Mother's Day!

Mayniacal Mayhem, Day 8!

2010-05-08T05:00:00.006-04:00

I can't believe I found a blog dedicated to these spooky characters! I had to double check to make sure that my younger daughter, whose inner child still dances to the tune, wasn't the author.

My son, who is two years older, and lives in a more metro area where there are more and bigger stores, sends these to his sister every Halloween. What started out years ago, as a tease, has turned into a tradition. And nothing could please me more than to see them continuing to build their own connections.

It also pleases me to see that they aren't the only ones whose inner child is alive and well! Let's all have some laughs at The Monster Cereal Blog!

Then go on over to my other blog, for another type of trip down memory lane on this Saturday.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Day 7! Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-07T05:00:00.007-04:00

Oooh, I found something super cool today! Some of you are probably already aware of this blog. He has over 1000 followers and for good reason! Skull A Day gives everyone the opportunity to either create their own, or see skulls in everyday items, and submit photos.

The author originally made a skull a day, for a year, and has now opened it up to everyone to share their creations. It is worth spending some time going back through, looking at the different entries. I could use that mosiac bistro table on my patio!

And as usual, when you are through, please head on over to my other blog to see what treat awaits you!

May you see Skellies wherever you go!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 6

2010-05-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

I found a land that I could happily live in year around. It is The Land Of Forever October! I do admit that I love living where the seasons change, and one of the reasons I love Autumn so much is the relief that the cooler temps bring from that sticky, breath sucking summer heat.

But if I had to live in a season, year around, Autumn would be my hands down favorite. And October is the prime month!

With the atmosphere, artwork and humor that this blog provides, it would be an enjoyable stay!

Please remember to check out my other blog today. Especially if you are getting hungry!

Day 5! Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl!

2010-05-05T05:00:00.027-04:00

Day 5, of our month long pursuit of Halloween in May. Are you enjoying the journey? I do hope that you're not getting tired yet. We have a long way to go!

For today's delights, I found not one, but two persons of royalty reigning in Halloweenland. It is so nice that multiple kingdoms can co-exist to spread ghoulish fun for everyone.

Please meet the Queen of Halloween! This is a new blog to me, and I'm going to be spending a lot of enjoyable time here. She has some wonderful ideas for decorating and enjoying the season! I love her dining room!!

And when you are through adding her to your list, please float on over to my other blog, for another Queenly site.

MAYniacal MAYhem! The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 4

2010-05-04T05:00:00.034-04:00

I love creative art dolls, but mostly for appreciating the work, and the interpretation that goes into them. I love studing the details. .to me, the more detail work, the better the doll. It is what sets it apart, and gives it personality.

I discovered some new work to me, at Darkrose Manor. She not only showcases other artist's work, but has some pretty enchanting dolls of her own at Filialuna Designs. These are two different blogs, with her creative work showcased on each one.

Please go check out her Twisted Poppets! Then go over to my other blog to see what awaits you there!

The Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 3

2010-05-03T08:17:00.000-04:00

Today you are getting three blogs for the price of one! Ms. Halloween Spirit, AKA The Shabby Hag is not only a talented poet, and also shares other Halloween writer's poetic prose, but she is also creative with a paintbrush and clay too!

She dedicates each blog to her different interests, with her third focused on her pursuit of graveyard history along with various other activities!

To enjoy her poetry, please click on I Dream Of Halloween.

To see her artwork, her blog is Shabby Hag Decor.

And her eclectic journey can be found at The Shabby Hag!

And then please slide over to my other blog to enjoy another Halloween find!

Wishing everyone a great day!

MAYniacal MAYhem! The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 2

2010-05-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

On this second day of our blog crawl, I found a husband and wife who each have their own Halloween Treat!

Pumpkin Rot is a fantastic visual tour of things spooky, creepy, and sometimes even warm & fuzzy in that Autumn loving way. I don't know where he keeps finding all of those fantastic, mood invoking photos, but I never tire of looking at them!

And please, then go to my other blog, to check out his wife's creations!

Wishing you a fantastic day!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 1

2010-05-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

On this first day in my search for Halloween, I have a "new blog to me" to share. How I missed her artwork before, I'll never know, but I found it an instant delight! I love her interpretations, and her humor.

Please meet Shirley, the creator of Skellyton Art! What talent! What fun! Her detailed pieces immediately bring a smile to my face!

And when you get a chance, please check out my other discovery, showcased on my other blog!

Wishing everyone a beautiful day!

MAYniacal MAYhem!

2010-05-01T13:23:00.000-04:00

I know of more than one person who would describe me as obsessively confused, especially when other people are rising to greet the dawn, weaving flowers through their hair, and preparing to dance around the Maypole, and light their Beltaine fires this evening! And I’m thinking “HALLOWEEN!!!”

While I applaud their celebrations, and completely agree with the attunement of the rhythms of Mother Earth, to me, this is the halfway point towards my most favorite time of the year! A good time to celebrate, and start planning those decorations, costumes, treats, and yes, Gifts!!

However, I can’t go on without a moment or two of mentioning something so devastating to me, that I wondered if I could find any frivolity right now. I find it rather ironic, and absolutely wrenchingly heartbreaking that on this day, thousands of wildlife are having their lives threatened, and their habit is going to be ruined forever, no matter how good the cleanup is.

When I was a child in the 50’s, a commercial airliner when down off shore in Lake Michigan, and for years after, you could not go into the water, walk along the shore, or even dig in the sand without getting gooey, sticky oily tar stuck to your skin and clothing. And even now, if you were to dig down into the sand, turn over a rock, or even find fresh driftwood on the beach, you would find layers or blobs of hardened black tar. It simply never goes away.

And this oil spill in the Gulf is of a magnitude far beyond what I personally experienced. Like I said, my heart is breaking for our fellow living creatures, and those precious habitats.

I know that money is slim for a lot of us, but if you can see your way clear to donate even a couple of dollars towards cleaning a bird, every little bit helps. And if you are in the area, and can help directly with cleaning, or whatever needs to be done, that would be even better! There are a number of organizations that have already set up funds to help our furry, feathered, scaled and finned friends. One is the Animal Rescue One Click that is my first stop every morning. And if that is too much of a burden on your purse strings, then prayers, and good energy is always plentiful, welcome, and easy to give. I firmly believe that we are all connected, and what affects one, affects us all.

I’m so upset and feeling so helpless about this catastrophe, that I almost decided to not go ahead with my plans for my Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl, but decided that I need to seek out something pleasurable, to balance the sadness that I’m feeling.

And so, each day during the month of May, I am going to attempt to find a blog that is either dedicated to Halloween year around, or is also celebrating this midyear mark! It may be lighthearted and fun, artsy, or spooky. Some may be ones that I already visit, but I’m hoping to find some new delights as well!

I’m searching on both of my blogs, so each one will be different. If you would like to decorate your blog, and post something Halloween related or a give-away, please let me know so that I can give you the proper acknowledgement, and send Trick Or Treaters your way!

Please join me in my Prowl through Blogland, in search of Halloween!

How Puzzling!

2010-04-24T22:04:00.000-04:00

Today has been cool, and raining. I'm battling the affects of both being ill, and the meds, which make me drowsy, and lethargic. .what to do, what to do. .hmmm, sounds like a good day to get out the card table and put it out in the enclosed porch, where I can snuggle into a chair filled with soft cushions and work on a jigsaw puzzle, while listening to soft music to accompany the sound of the rain. . .

Did I pick this one?

Or this one?

No, neither one this time. .this one, I have to admit, is one of my favorites. I guess because it reminds me of one of my Halloween villages that I set up each year, with all of the Jack-O-Lantern's.

There are some Halloween themed puzzles that have been made into stitching patterns. I wish that this was one.

With the cool, damp weather, if I didn't look outside to see all of the blossoming trees and shrubs, it would feel just like Autumn! Aaaahhh, I can dream, can't I? I'm almost asleep anyway!

Wishing everyone sweet dreams!

Music Give-Away

2010-03-27T07:37:00.000-04:00

If you love hauntingly beautiful music and Nox Arcana, you might want to float on over to John's Season of Shadows blog, and sign up for his drawing!

He is giving not one, but four CD's away! (I truly want one for myself, but since there are 3 others, I'm sharing the news.)

Good luck!

I've Been Tagged!

2010-03-19T10:49:00.000-04:00

You've probably seen the game of tag floating around blogland. It gets warm, and everyone wants to play games! Thankfully, with this version, I don't have to do much running! lol

Dede, over at Brightest Blessings Wiccans got me before I could hide. .oops! Different game. .no wonder I wasn't any good at it!

So ok. .first photo folder, 10th photo. This is one that I only took for me, not intending on sharing it with anyone.

Some years ago, I was in an on-line group where we did a lot of exchanges of hand crafted things. This was either for Mardi Gras, or Halloween, but we were to make a half mask and send it to the name we had been matched up with.

I had never made a mask before, and didn't even know how to properly put one together, so I winged it. .pun intended, since I decided to make a Snowy Owl.

After I was done, I was sorry that I had to send it away. .after all, it was my first! lol And, my only! It was a lot of fun to do though. I should do some more sometime.

So it was, that just as I was ready to carefully wrap it in tissue paper, then bubble wrap, etc. I realized that I hadn't taken a photo of it, and I had to rush, so I grabbed my sweatshirt, wadded it up, laid the mask on it, and took my photo. With tag games like this lurking around, I'll never make that mistake again! lol

And now to tag 5 other people. . .

Ok. .this is going to be an easy one for her. .she had LOTS of wonderful photos, and stories to go with them.

Sarah! (I'm sending this to her Garden Studios Photography blog. Please go check out her images!)

Jeanne! over at The Candy Corn Chronicles always has some wonderful photos on her blog

Kat! She is a fantastic artist, and you'll find her work, plus photos of her new puppy, and other magical collections at Antics Of A Tameran Witch

I can't let the Frog Queen hop away. She always has some intriguing photos to share on her Frog On A Pumpkin blog.

And last, but no less fun and interesting, is Jeannine, on her By Way Of Salem blog. She flies a very creative path, so it will be interesting to see what she has stashed in her photo files!

Thank you for thinking of me Dede, and have fun ladies!!

My New Skelly!

2010-03-12T14:54:00.000-05:00

I love buying things from crafty artists. Not only do I get something very original and well made, but it is often wrapped in, or something special is included that I can make good use of, or enjoy too.

Case in point, I just bought something from MarZel, over at The Play Of Light And Shadow, and she not only sent it in a very well wrapped, secure package, but the inner wrapping looked like this!

What wonderful fabric!! That is a definite saver! And the little rubber cutouts are so cute too. .Those are going in my Halloween embellishment drawer, along with the Autumn leaf, for sure!

And my purchase? Something that I thought would be perfect for my Skeleton Pirate Crew that I set up each Halloween. Dept 56 has come out with another skelly with a fedora, so I've got to get that to add to the tableau. .and this piece? She is so spooky with a touch of vamp in her, she is going to have those skelly guys shaking in their bones.

Thanks for offering her for sale, MarZel! She is perfect, and I love her! I may just have to set up my Pirate cove this Spring instead!

Go Ask Alice, When She's Ten Feet Tall

2010-03-08T13:08:00.000-05:00

But I doubt that even she could give me my infinitive answer, no matter if she were tall, or small.

However, it is because of her, and her darn White Rabbit that I have resurrected swirling thoughts that repeatedly have no place to land, so I let them vaporize away, unsettled until once again, like on last Thursday, they come back to haunt me.

Last Thursday was the first warm and sunny day that we have had in quite a while, and my darling Hubs had a Barnes & Noble gift card from Christmas burning a hole in his pocket. Not wanting to have to buy him another pair of pants right now, I thought we’d take advantage of the day, and go browse books.

At some point in the previous days, along with all of the gathering attention to Tim Burton’s Alice opening that Friday, Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit popped up out of his hole and made a quick dash into my mind, where he stayed, whirling around and around., repeating the lyrics over and over. (Now admit it, who of you over the age of say. . 40, haven’t thought of that song within the past week? And for those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ve heard that it is used in the movie)

And so it happened that during the hour drive to get to the store, my mind was once again filled with the almost continuous droning feed of:

One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all
Go ask Alice, when she's ten feet tall. . . .and so on. . .all 4 verses, over and over again.

I had a bit of de je vu when I realized that in the background, an author on NPR was describing the horrors that she saw while embedded with a military company in Iraq, and I had a flashback of riding along in my Mustang, humming White Rabbit over the background of news broadcasts of another atrocious war. But that wasn’t the last of my spooky moments.

As we approached the double front doors of B&N, I’m trying to mentally stuff the rabbit back down into his hole so I can enjoy the heady experience of books, but the second I stepped inside, what greets my ears, but the very song that I’ve been trying to escape from! Which finally leads me to the point of my quandary.

I found out that that track is part of an album that has been released with a number of songs all related to the story of Alice In Wonderland, by that master of merchandisers, Disney, and is separate from the soundtrack of the movie. At that very moment, the Rabbit took a mighty leap from my mind. Looking around me, I discovered display after display of everything “Alice” and everything remotely related to Alice.

Being that we were in a place of business whose whole purpose is to sell things, I wasn’t surprised. What was unsettling to me what to the extent some had gone to, to latch onto the current Alice craze.

The various books were fine. Some more than others, but I loved looking at the different illustrator’s interpretations of the familiar characters. The compositions of the individual original songs that are on that compilation CD are fine too. They are each a creative interpretation from a known reference, just as all of the dolls, and paintings that are popping up here on the internet. Alice and especially the other characters are ripe for creative juices to flow, and I delight in seeing the various forms.

So why does a compilation CD, and the other mass merchandise bother me so much?

Maybe it is because I’m looking forward to seeing the movie from an artistic point of view. I want to soak in the costumes, makeup, props and sets, to discover what makes the whole atmosphere. .the sum of its parts. Even though it, in itself, is a commercial endeavor, I’m still looking at it as a form of art, and for some reason, all of the exploitation of that version of Alice into mass merchandising, somehow tarnishes the magic for me, and I’d like to know why. Maybe to understand it, will lessen its power over my thinking and feeling.

I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by art, not only from the artist’s view, but I also worked in a boutique art gallery for quite a few years, so I know the business end of it too.

And throughout the years, I often wondered at what point does the commercial aspect of art take on a life of its own, and in doing so, does it overshadow the art itself? I know the formal definition of commercial art is using a creative process to promote or sell another product, and in “fine art”, the art itself is the product. But the minute you put a price tag on it, it becomes commercial too. To make prints, even limited editions from that original, you are putting one more toe into that commercial pond. To begin merchandising with notepads, coffee mugs, refrigerator magnets and such, and to my way of thinking, you are now treading water. (I’m not going to get into the marketing of collectibles here. That is a related, but whole other topic) But does that diminish, not the monetary value of the art, but the intrinsic value? Maybe this is an arbitrary thing, or it can be subjective from one instance to another or one patron to another. Maybe there is no cut and dried answer. I’m not an art snob. I buy prints because I can rarely afford an original, and if I enjoy something so much, that is the only way that I’m going to have it in my home.

Maybe it is because I look at art as living, breathing entities. An artist leaves his or her imprint that remains with the piece, and in cold reproductions, there isn’t any personality at all. (I’m not going to get into working conditions here either. That is a soapbox topic) At least with me buying signed and numbered prints, I console myself that the artist has thoroughly inspected it, and given approval. In acting, and in musical composition, or a vocalist’s song, we are the recipients of that person’s interpretation.

And maybe in my heart, I’m hoping that the artist would still create, the composer would still write, and musicians and singers would still play, just for the pure joy of it, even if they knew that no one was ever going to buy one of their pieces, or hear their music. (I’m obviously leaving the need to make a living out of the equation, but hopefully you know what I’m inadequately trying to say)

So while I’m trying to sort this all out, maybe you can share some of your insights. Do you create your artwork with selling in mind, or do you ever create something where you have put so much of yourself into it, that you know that you’ll never be able to part with it?

I know of one person who will give me a resounding “Yes!’ if she reads this. She lost her beloved horse last year, and poured so much sorrow into a doll, it radiates through the computer monitor. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to learn that the doll sheds real tears when no one is around. It also didn’t surprise me to learn that she will never part with that doll either.

And what about mass merchandising? How do you feel about it, and do you have a comfort zone as far as what you find acceptable, and what is exploitation? And how do you feel it affects art?

I’m truly interested in your viewpoints, and maybe concentrating on what you are saying will help me ignore that White Rabbit that has once again taken up residence within my head. So please ignore the humming. Maybe I should have heeded the doormouse’s advice.

Think Fall! Think Halloween! Think Ghoultide!

2010-03-07T15:53:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, everyone that I talk to is thinking Spring. Everyone is sick of the snow, and wants to see green things growing.

Truth be known, and I'll probably lose some people here, but I'm always sorry to see Winter go. Oh, once warmer weather is here, I get out to mingle among my plants, and love to see the blooms, but my mind immediately jumps right into Autumn.

It could be that I'm not a "pastel person", and for some reason, Springtime is represented by the sickly sweetness of pales. This has to be a relatively new association, because the grand Victorians depicted their rabbits on their papier mache eggs, wearing primary colors. Now those, I could live with. In fact, I do!

But I know that I'm in the minority, and I almost silently (dear hubs probably has my litany memorized by now) endure bombardments of pastel laden merchandise every time I step into a store.

So I was overjoyed to discover that Scott Smith of Rucus Studio, and organizer of Ghoultide has posted a video on You Tube of last year's event.

Sit back, or lean forward for an even better view, and let the best of Halloween absorb into your mind. What delectible eye candy!! (and please turn off the music below so you can enjoy Scott's music with the video!)

We couldn't make it last year, due to appointments conflicting, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this year, on October 2nd, it will work out so that we can go!

I get excited just thinking about the possibilities!

Wishing everyone a super week!

A Beautiful Award!

2010-03-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

One of the sweetest people you'll ever want to meet has given me a beautiful gift.

Dede, of Brightest Blessings Wiccans, has given this gorgeous bloom which is guaranteed to make you smile just by looking at it! But even more meaningful, it is given to people whose positive outlook, and creativity inspires others.

That is pretty heady to think about, and I'm truly humbled to think that I fit into that category! (Maybe it was that cure for her skunk scented dogs that swayed her thinking!)

I jest, but it truly does touch my heart that she would think of me, and every time I see it here, I'll remember her thoughtfulness.

Now, I'm supposed to pass it along to some other worthy people, but that would be nearly impossible, because there are so many of you! I'd be here forever!

You all continue to inspire me daily, and keep me uplifted when challenges here at home get tougher. You'll never know what that means to me. So I offer the intrinsic beauty of a single perfect flower as a symbolic thank you. Please accept it, and let it shine on your blog.

Wishing you all a very creative week,

Tea Anyone?

2010-03-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

There is going to be a grand tea party this Friday. Is anyone going to attend? Please make sure that your gloves are sparkling white, and don't be late!

I had just posted the Mad Hatter on my other blog, when I saw what Will Bezek had done, and now I have to share. You will be awe-struck.

Now I'm off to check out my closet. .what does one wear to a Mad Hatter's tea party?

What will you be wearing?

What Does A Deer Have To Do With Halloween?

2010-03-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

I ask for your understanding in this duplicate post to my other blog. There are a few people here, who don't follow the other one, and may actually find the more spiritual nature to be in tune with their interests. Samhain may be the time of year when the Veil is the thinnest, but this is a testament to me, that it can be lifted any time of the year.

Because my blogs are a diversion for me, I try and stay away from things of a more serious nature, but I think that the time has come for me to share a very personal, but meaningful experience that happened not only to me, but my family.

It seems that lately, so many people that I know are having to say painful goodbyes to loved ones that are leaving this life, this earth, and if my true story brings some measure of comfort to them, then it is worth this shift in focus.

And it doesn’t matter what spiritual or religious path you follow. My family is quite diverse in that area, and we were all there to see this with our own eyes. Just please keep an open mind, and an open heart.

My Step Dad Travelled On in 1999, as a result of exposure to Freon gas, an unknown hazard at the time, but an integral part of his refrigeration business. But to get the true meaning of my story, we need delve just a little into his history, back to 1964 when he became an important part of our family, back before he became the beloved Grampa to my children.

He married my Mom in June of that year, and that following November, he started gathering up his gear, announcing that he is going deer hunting! I, who grew up with a Dad who never hunted, and loved animals, was appalled! How could my Mom have married a hunter!!?

But that year, and every year after that, when November rolled around, he would head for the North woods, but never came home with a deer, only gifts for everyone from the local crafts shops. It got to be a running joke that he had to remember to take his gun, just to keep up his image. If the truth be known, yes, he loved going up to Munising, in the U.P. to visit with some friends who lived there, swap stories at the local pub, and sit out in the woods, being a part of nature. He thought that deer were one of the most beautiful creatures. Why he had to go through the façade of being the hunter, I don’t know. I’m guessing it was because it was the way that he was raised, but he never said.

Back here at home, their home edged on woods that banked a river, with tall grassy fields extending past their mowed garden area, so deer were a familiar sight moving in the shadowy perimeter of their patio and glass enclosed porches.

He loved nothing better on quiet summer evenings, to sit out and watch and count the number of deer grazing their fields, or lazily making their way down to the river bank. Like all of us deer watchers do, he could recognize and point out the regulars, and looked forward to seeing the fawns each year.

Sometime during those years, they decided that their home was too big for the two of them, so they sold it, keeping the tall grass fields that were dotted with apple and oak trees. They built a smaller home; still keeping some land that went down to the river. Deer would sometimes meander through, looking for acorns or fallen apples, but they became more of a treat to see, rather than familiar friends, when for various reasons, my folks started having the remaining trees removed, and the extended fields mowed. My Mom didn’t like having to rake all of the leaves, the acorns messed up her patio, and she didn’t like the apples rotting in her yard. So sadly, the trees disappeared, and so did the deer. My parents were left with a sterile, completely mowed surface that turned brown under the hot summer sun. Not an inviting habitat for wildlife.

I know that my Dad missed having the deer around, but contented himself with his yearly trip up North, and then, after we bought a home up in the upper tier of the Lower Peninsula, coming to our home.

We had a mechanical feeder that sprayed corn out in a wide radius, and we had a healthy deer herd that came to feed every night. During the day, they would bed down in the shade of our house, or under the many trees.

My Dad would sit out in a lawn chair, with the biggest grin on his face as he watched the deer come down our long curving drive through the pines, walking right toward him, only veering off to go eat. In the few years of his illness, he sat with his portable oxygen tank at his side, still able to be out with the deer.

But toward the end, even that became too much for him to do, and he remained at their home, where on a hot July day, he slipped into a coma, and within a few hours, took his final labored breath.

My Mom, who had been his sole caregiver, and preparing herself for this moment, was suddenly shaken with this huge concern that he was in a good place. She was to the point of being frantic, with not knowing.

The next morning, after a very sleepless night, I sat her down, and told her that I knew that she was going to get a sign, but that she had to be aware of it, so that she would recognize it for what it was. I wasn’t telling her that, to make her feel good. I really did feel it. But she was so distraught, I had to keep reminding her.

Just as the afternoon had settled into another hot and steamy afternoon, with the sun shining it’s brightest, all of the immediate family had gathered in the family room once again to discuss the plans for a memorial. Adjacent to the three walled glass enclosed porch, we were able to look out over the huge expanse of open lawn.

I had my head down, composing his obituary when my son said, “Mom! Look out the window!”, and of course, 10 pairs of eyes turned toward the bank of windows. There, standing in the bright afternoon glare of the sun, stood a solitary deer, early antlers wrapped in velvet. He not only stood in the open yard, but calmly walked up to the porch windows and stopped, looking in. While everyone else was oohing and aaahing over the sight of a deer in this stark surrounding, I quietly came up behind my Mom and whispered to her that there was her sign.

I could feel the tension and stress whoosh out of her with her next exhaled breath, as she quietly made her way across the room, and up to the window. She stood there, reaching her hand out toward the window pane, with the deer’s nose only inches away on the other side of the glass. The buck didn’t run, but stood there, looking at my Mom. What transpired between them, I don't know. It was a very personal moment. He was there for her, with us as witnesses. Then, with a bow of his head, he slowly turned, and ambled across the huge expanse of open lawn, heading back into the distant tree line. Once there, he turned to look back, then disappeared into the trees.

Then with a collective exhaling of held breaths, all of the chattering inside started. My grandkids were excited to see a deer! My kids were talking about how strange it was that one showed up in the middle of the day, when none had been around for years. My hubby and I looked at each other with knowing smiles, and my Mom looked at me with tears in her eyes, saying that a huge weight had been lifted from the middle of her chest.

My older daughter sadly thought that her Grammie had lost any threads of rational thought, fearing that she thought that the deer was Grampa. I told her “No, it is the miracle of the deer showing up now”, but personally, I keep an open mind because I don’t know for sure. If it is possible, that is definitely the form he would take. But what I do truly feel, is that the deer was a Messenger, especially considering in all of the years since, no deer has shown up in my Mom’s yard. Believe me, she has looked, and hoped.

I remind her to be thankful for that very special gift that she received, and she is. She also admits that if she were alone, she probably would have missed the significance of it until maybe a long time later, which would have made her feel even worse. So the timing was key, as was the awareness to look for it.

We may have received a special gift, but I know that we weren’t special in being gifted. In talking with others, some have their own stories of the Veil being lifted. I think that it happens more often than we are aware, and we should keep our senses finely tuned, so as to not miss that true magical moment.

Do you have an experience of receiving a sign from the Other Side? I would love to hear your story. Thank you for reading mine.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day!

Looking Glass Paint Update

2010-02-14T22:15:00.000-05:00

Remember those few drips that I mentioned this morning? A few minutes ago, I was looking at them, then reached inside the globe and easily flicked them off of the glass with my finger! Now I'm left with tiny clear spots, but that will easily be remedied tomorrow when I venture down into the dungeon again, spray can in hand.

So. .the good thing is that is is easily repairable if there is something you don't like, and the bad thing is, that it isn't super durable, so be careful not to scrape it unless you want to do some re-spraying.

Lastly, I erroneously steered you in the wrong direction to buying some paint on line. I didn't get it from Dick Blick. They don't carry it at this time. I bought it from Mister Art. I buy from both of them, and obviously got them confused. I didn't want anyone to be frustrated because they couldn't find it!

Wishing everyone a beautiful evening!

Instant Glass Aging; An Experiment

2010-02-14T11:45:00.001-05:00

I've gathered these things together weeks ago, and have been antsy every since, trying to find some time to play with it. This morning, was it! I thought, "The heck with cleaning, packing and getting ready to leave. I'm going to see how this stuff will look!"

So down into the dungeon, aka Michigan basement I go. Large cardboard box for a spray booth, drying rack, paint, spray bottle filled with water, paper towels, and of course, the items to be sprayed.

I came across this paint in an article about aging glass pieces, such as urns for an instant antique look, but I'm thinking "Oooh! Halloween!!!"

You have to make sure that your glass is squeeky clean, free of dust or grease.

Position the piece to be sprayed. Shake the paint can according to directions (2 minutes is longer than what you think that it is. .use a timer)

Spritz the glass surface with water.

Then quickly follow up with a spray from the can of Looking Glass paint. Have a light hand, especially if you want to be able to see through it, or have light come through. You can always add more paint later. And you don't have to spray it evenly. In fact, it adds more character if you don't.

I found too, that if the paint is starting to dry too evenly without streaks or blobs, a quick squirt with the water bottle will remedy that problem immediately. Just don't overdo. Let it dry. It only takes 5 - 10 minutes for it to set, and you can touch and use it in an hour.

If you want to add more, wait 10 minutes, then repeat with the sprayings. As you get a feel for what is appearing, and what you want, you'll be able to easily figure out what to do to get that look.

While the picture frame glass was drying, I sprayed a very large hurricane lamp shade. I laid it on its side, spritzed the water in that portion, and followed with the paint, then immediately stood it up on end, on the drying rack, letting the paint and water run.

As soon as it quit dripping, I laid it down to do another section.

All went well, until I was interrupted at a critical time, and wound up with some definite drips on one little bit. .not happy about that, but this is an experiment. .now I know. .time is critical..no interruptions! lol

I also tried spraying a little glass urn with a matching cover. I sprayed water into the cover portion, then laid it on its side, and sprayed paint into it. Because the opening was so small, and because of the shape of the cover, both water and paint settled in the point. So I picked it up and holding it horizontal, kept turning it, to coat the sides. I then put it on the rack to drip and dry.

I did the same thing with the jar itself. Tipping and turning to coat the surfaces. I left it with one thin layer, not only to see the difference that multi layers can do, but I often use this to hold small candy, and they will look terrific through "moldy glass". .maybe no one will eat any, and it will be mine, all mine! :-)

How do I like the results? I think that the glass for the frame came out really great! I can see using photographs of old movie monsters behind it, or for that matter, some early photographs of average people. They never smiled, and I've seen some that are truly scary looking! Around Halloween, some stores have those halographic images that change faces or expressions. Those would look even better behind this glass.

As for the shades and containers, they are a little bit more of a challenge, but still very easy to do. Despite that one problem with drips, which was a mistake on my part to leave at that moment, I think the effect that it will have with a black candle inside, will be super!

It is a good thing that I bought two cans. I still have a lot in the first one, but I'm envisioning lots of uses for this paint. I already put it under a black light, and it glows a silvery grey. .I can see bell jars with skulls inside, or scary heads, and large hanging mirrors on the wall, specimen jars,candle jars. even glass eyes for dolls. .now how spooky would THAT be! lol

When you start looking for it, try not only the craft stores, but hardware stores as well. I live in a small town, so I had to wind up ordering it from Dick Blick. And make sure that you have Looking Glass Paint. Krylon also makes a Frosted Glass paint and the cans look very similar.

If you do create something using this paint, please let me know. I think that it has a lot of potential, and would love to see all the ways that it can be used.

Thanks for stopping by to experiment with me. I enjoyed having your company!!

Have a great day!!

P.S. They are a success! Darling Hubs just walked through, saw the pieces sitting there, and asked why on earth I would want dirty, molding looking glass sitting out! I picked up the small jar and told him that was for Halloween candy, and he said that it looked disgusting. Perfect!!!

My First Blog Award!!

2010-02-05T18:52:00.002-05:00

The Frog Queen, has bestowed upon me my first award on my Halloween blog!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, for thinking of me!!

It is rather ironic that it is one for the comments I leave, because right now, I'm speechless! lol

I know that I'm supposed to list some friends to send it on, but it means SO much to me when someone takes the time to leave a comment or thought. There are so many that I'd love to respond to, but there simply isn't enough time in the day. I go all day long, taking care of necessary things, while my head is buzzing with conversations based on responding comments. You are all so amazing!!

So, if you have left a comment, please feel that I am sharing this award with you. Copy and paste it onto your blog with pride. Then share it with those you care about!

Hmmm, guess I wasn't completely speechless after all!

Thanks again your Froggie Royalness, and thank you to everyone for following along!!

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend!!

Worth Repeating

2010-02-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

Most of you follow my other blog, but for those who don't, in perfect timing with the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, The Frog Queen, Jeanne, Becca, and I have started a Haunted Gardens Blog.

We hope that you will join us as we travel through the mysterious, the magickal and the enchanting world of botanicals!

The Ghostly Tree

2010-01-26T20:38:00.000-05:00

I'm sorting through boxes, rearranging things, and came across a whole notebook full of negatives. These were from the days before I was developing my own slide film.

I was so excited to find the negative of a photo that I had lost a long time ago. (it was stolen, which I guess I should consider a compliment).

The night before, we had a hard driving rain, coming in off of the lake, and it was so cold, it froze the water on everything, but sideways! When I awoke and saw what had happened, I didn't want to do anything but go out and take some photos. .but I had to go to work.

All morning long, I kept watching the thermometer, and hoping that it stayed overcast. And luck was with me! During my lunch, I slipped and slid back down to one of our beaches that is below where I lived, and I spent a long lunch taking photo after photo.

But this remains my favorite because of the mood that I felt when capturing it on film. I was the only one ~~stupid~~ brave enough to venture down there, and while the wind had died down from the night before, there was still a breeze, which was whistling through the frozen branches, making it feel very lonely, very spooky.

This ice clad tree made me think of a ghost ship's mast, with it's tattered sails still clinging to it, having risen from the water, driven by the storm. What do you think of when you look at it?

Passing By Grannie's House

2010-01-24T22:19:00.001-05:00

My Dad was an artist, favoring painting in oils, but he would venture off into other mediums from time to time just to feed his ever restless creative mind.

But two things remained consistent. He loved staying up late at night to create his art, and he always loved to cartoon.

Sometimes I would sit beside him, watching him rapidly sketch one after another on a pad of construction paper, typing paper. .it didn't matter. .he would even draw on the backs of greeting cards, and on envelopes. Our phone book was always one of the most creative in town! :-)

So it wasn't unusual for me to find a cartoon waiting for me beside my cereal bowl in the morning.

Sadly, I don't have much of his artwork. For one reason or another, it is mostly gone. I have a small fraction of the cartoons that he did for me, and one oil painting. I also have an envelope of drawings that he did when he was in high school, back in the late 30's.

He loved Halloween, and I found this today, while sorting through some boxes. The original is pencil, and now so faint, my scanner wouldn't pick up the lines. The paper, while originally white is now a seasoned shade of French Vanilla. Even taking a photo with my camera didn't make it much better, but with my software program, I was able to make the picture more visible. At least it is on my screen. I hope that you can see it too.

A Spirit Dropped In, & Some Spirits Were Enjoyed!

2010-01-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

This gal doesn't have a drop of Italian or Scilian blood in her, but La Befana paid her a visit on the 6th of January! These were left for me, delicately wrapped in deep green tissue paper and tied with an orange ribbon. I love them all!

This little cat is only inches high! She is adorable!!

And these are made out of stiffened paper, layered, then embellished with beads for hanging, bits of silvery garland and ribbons.

I believe that they are Bethany Lowe creations.

Thank you La Befana! You made my holiday complete!!

To be honest, these next spirits were also delightful, but we enjoyed them a few months ago! How time flies!! I'm just now getting around to sharing the photos with you! (Mrs. B's Halloween tour is family friendly, and I didn't know how she would feel about me flaunting our local alcoholic Halloween treats! lol)

Micro breweries, and especially boutique wineries have been popping up all over Michigan, and there are now enough to have actual winery trails throughout the state. One of the oldest and longest runs along the shoreline of L. Michigan, from close to the Indiana border, on up through Traverse City. Most of them are just outside the village limits of the communities that dot the shoreline, just miles from each other. A perfect Springtime getaway, or a beautiful leisure Autumn tour.

The long trip is broken down into mini tours for those who don't have the time to imbibe the whole route. Most of the wineries have their own tasting rooms, and many have restaurants with signature gourmet dishes. Yum! And most of them have several festivals throughout the year, either on their own, or in conjunction with activities in the community, like the artist's galleries tour, or harvests festivals.

This pumpkin ale comes from a micro brewery, New Holland Brew, that is located in one of the larger towns, a little north of where I live. I love the label! (the ale isn't bad either! lol) If you click on the link, they have an interesting recipe on their home page right now, that I think I might try!

And this wine is from a winery that is even further north, but in one of my favorite parts of the state. I used to live a lot closer, but had to move back to my home area to take care of family members. I do love it up north though!

Leelanau Wine Cellars is one of the oldest wineries in the state.

Last year, I made some jelly out of a bottle of this wine, which is a Spiced Red. and serve it poured over cream cheese with crackers. Sooo good!

Last week, I saw where one of our local shops still had a few bottles of this wine left, and I'm thinking of going back to buy some more. It is a nice way to savor Halloween on a cold winter's night!

Sláinte!

The Gourdqueen's Give Away!

2010-01-10T07:25:00.001-05:00

The Gourdqueen has reached her milestones of not only her 1st year Blogiversary, but her 100th post as well! So she is generously giving away one of her adorable creations to celebrate!

Please either click on the link above, or the button on my sidebar to learn the details of how you can win.

Good luck to everyone. .especially me! :-)

A Benign Belsnickle & Nicholas The Wizard

2009-12-31T11:44:00.000-05:00

Once again, Will has joggled my mind, and I whisked something off of my little cabinet in the kitchen, to share with you.

But first, I decided to go against my initial self-ban, and post a photo of a Yuletide doll here, since I myself pointed the conversation in the current direction. Bear with me. There is a purpose.

I've had this 30+ inch Belsnickel for 6 or 7 years now, purchased at one of our local year around Christmas shops. The artist gave him switches (which the shop owner didn't know why. .she and I are going to have a chat!),

And even a pack on his back for either coal or carting off naughty children, depending upon his mood, I guess.

However, the artist backed off on completing the character, choosing instead to make him the well loved, benevolent Santa Claus, carrying a wreath, and a wearing a compassionate face. In studying him though, I like to think that is a ploy to lure in the naughty children, so that he can grab them with those over sized hands he has! :-)

Next, I proceeded into the kitchen, and took this off of the shelf! He was produced by the Brown Bag Cookie Mold Co. in 1998, and was their first limited edition. His title is "Celestial Santa". I have a number of other cookie stamps that they produced, but has been my most treasured one, simply because of his blue and purple robes, and he is cradling the Moon in one hand, and has a staff of the Sun in the other, with stars circling his head. And while his face is kindly, he looks like he could have a bit of spirit, a tad of spunk in him, should the need arise.

Free spirited artists have been tinkering with Santa's image off and on for some time now. His first overhaul was back in the 1860's, when Thomas Nast took the chance, creating his interpretation of Santa for Harper's Weekly. And I do have to admit, I love the details of his illustrations, especially the early ones.

Then, in 1931, through a thoroughly commercial venture, artist Haddon Sundblom, took the reins, and created the Santa as we know him today for a Coca Cola ad! I found this quote from Coca Cola to be intriguing:

"Before the 1931 introduction of the Coca-Cola Santa Claus created by artist Haddon Sundblom, the image of Santa ranged from big to small and fat to tall. Santa even appeared as an elf and looked a bit spooky."

. . . .looked a bit spooky. . hmmmm, for years now, various artists have played around the edges with interpreting Santa, but have never changed him like Nast did, or refined him like Sundblom's version.

Maybe now IS the time to refresh Santa once again. With all of the increased interest in not only Halloween, but vintage Halloween, and vintage Yuletide, but in Wizards, Dragons, Faeries, Elves, Gnomes. .the whole mix. Maybe it IS the time to put the spice back into Christmas, to bring back Santa's Companions, and the Spirits who visit in December, not just in October!

And, this is the time of a Blue Moon! What a fortuitous sign! William, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who would love to see you come up with a Santa that you would be happy with. .are you up to the challenge? Are you going to be the one to lead Santa out of his saccharine saturated "traditional since the 1930's" life, and put some spunk, some mystical bite back into him? No pressure though! lol (I'm just teasing you, although I would LOVE to see what you would create!)

But everyone here should think about it. We have some other Halloween & Holiday artists here too. Maybe it would be fun for everyone to recreate Santa in their vision. A Santa Revolution! What fun! Again, no pressure. Just give those creative genes a quick stir, and see what starts to form. .or not. lol

La Befana

2009-12-30T11:34:00.001-05:00

As William has mentioned in the last post, there is another Folktale of a Yuletide Season character. This one coming out of Italy and Scicily, by the name of La Befana.

I was waiting to talk about her until after I had a chance to read a new children's book about her, that I recently ordered. This one is a light hearted read, with another slight variation on the standard story, and is also illustrated by the author.

But all versions now have her delivering gifts to good children, and coal to ones that have been naughty, flying her broom down chimneys.

In trying to do some background research on La Befana, sadly, I found only one reference that her story may go back to Pagan times, when she appeared in Roman festivals as an aging Mother Nature, passing out the last of her gifts.

I found two very brief, slight references that she was initially thought of as evil, and that people would ring clay bells, and other noisemakers to keep her away.

But like some of the others of holiday folklore fame, she too has evolved into a cheery, kind hearted, benign character, bringing gifts to children on the night of Christian Epiphany.

I also found that there are similar legends of another gentle spirit, Old Babushka, who is honored in Poland, Rumania and Russia.

While I'm delighted to have made these discoveries, I am disappointed that their full characters have been watered down to the point of being barely recognizable as their former robust selves! And this has been going on for so long, it is nearly impossible to find out their true stories.

It amazes me that here I am at 6 {mumble, mumble} years old, and am now just discovering these colorful folktales!

Last Fall, my friend Pam, who lives in Pennsylvania, and I were comparing how there are so many more characters associated with Halloween, over those with the Yuletide season, and how much more fun they are.

She then brought up Black Pete, and was surprised that I had never heard of him. I thought that he was more of a regional story, but again, I was wrong! Living here in this apparently protected cocoon in the north eastern edge of the midwest, I probably wouldn't have ever learned of these various legends, if it weren't for the internet! Our local library has never had whatever few books have been written about them.

It makes me wonder why these characters have faded into almost oblivion. It can't be because people are afraid of scaring their children. Not with letting them watch all of the violence that they see on television and in the movies, or even the electronic games that they play! Even that nasty looking Krampus doesn't measure up to the realistic gore that is imprinted into little minds through the media.

And I can't help but wonder how these characters would be received today, if traditions were brought to life once again. Would new generations embrace them as something novel, or would they be pushed aside for the glitz and glamour, or declared as something from the "Dark Side" that has no place in a religious holiday celebration?

I know the challenges that they would face within my own family. A few years ago, I bought a rather innocent little tale of a Witch at Christmas time.

It is a fanciful, harmless little open minded story of some children who have a Witch for a neighbor, and how much fun she is, and how she winds up helping Santa deliver presents one year.

My grown kids, with kids of their own, were aghast that I would introduce a Witch into the Christmas festivities!! That just isn't done!! So THAT went over well! {sigh}.

While I wish that these characters (and maybe there are more that I haven't discovered yet!) would be fleshed out again, with the depth of personality that they once had, I don't see that happening. But I'm so happy that I have met them! It made my holiday season a lot richer!

I hope that you too made some new discoveries that have enriched your life, or at least have brought some enjoyment to you!

Wizard Kitty

2009-12-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

When I first posted a photo of my Wizard Kitty on my other blog last Fall, several people expressed interest in him/her.

I wanted to let everyone know that one list now listed on eBay. I don't know the seller, and have never done business with her, so I can't vouch for her. Nor am I getting any sort of compensation for this free ad! :-) I'm simply saying that there is one listed.

Besides the cauldron in front, holding a votive candle, there is another in the basket on it's back, and when you light it, it makes the cat's eyes glow. I put a red glass votive holder in the pack, so it gives the cat's eyes a red cornea with just daylight filtering through.

You can find it by searching for Windstone Editions Pena 1999 Wizard Cat, or the item number is 200422230123.

Right now, the bidding is quite low, and the shipping is reasonable, considering that this is a very heavy piece!

Good luck!

Finding The Dark Side Of Christmas

2009-12-28T21:35:00.000-05:00

As I've previously said, this Yuletide season has been particularly hard for me to embrace, for some reason, but I've made a series of interesting discoveries this year, that showed me a new side of the celebrations that rival some of Halloween's scariest and spookiest.

First, Jeanne, over at The Candy Corn Chronicles explained the phrase "There'll be scary ghost stories" in the song "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year", which made me immediately think that maybe Charles Dickens used those same beliefs as a basis for his "Christmas Carol", with his very familiar Scrooge being visited by 4 Ghosts or Spirits. She shared that with us on the 15th, and then on the 26th, posted photos of her home, sharing a bit of Christmas Cheer with some Holiday Spirits of her own! So VERY cool!!!!!

And in the interim, I made a few of my own discoveries. I received another Belsnickel, which prompted me to realize that although I have a number of them in all forms and sizes, I really didn't know the true history of them. I had always thought of them as being an older, European version of Santa, or Saint Nick, before the Coca Cola illustration refreshed his whole public image!

Wrong, wrong, wrong!! Today's version, commonly called a Belsnickel Santa, is a homogenized, reformed shadow of his former self, and now I look at my well meaning gifts as a bit of a fraud, created in a likeness to be appealing to the general public.

In earlier days, his history was varied depending upon country and culture, but he was a gruff, sinister looking character, dressed in furs from head to toe, and carried switches, not evergreen trees, wreaths, flags, nor bags of toys. He accompanied St. Nick, and either passed out the birch branches to Mothers to use on their children during the coming year, or used them on children, himself.

Then I learned that Santa had several other travelling companions.

One of them was Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete. He was more mischevious than mean, also carrying switches to use on misbehaved children. Again, different cultures portray him a bit differently. Some say that he was dark skinned, while others say he was simply dark from the soot of the chimneys he went down. Some say that he was an agent of the Devil, that Santa captured, and kept chained, and as punishment, had to accompany Santa on his deliveries. Others say that he was a slave, while others say that he was a free man, who simply helped Santa in delivering just punishment for being named on the naughty list.

But those two are nothing compared to the next two. These I rate on the fright factor, right up there with some of the modern day horror elements that I find totally distastful for Halloween. I'm sorry if I am offending anyone, but I don't like the way that gore and physical mutilation has worked its way into Halloween. I guess I am of the old generation of paper mache, cotton batting and tin, and letting a good imagination carry you a long way. But I digress.

These two characters make ghosts pale by comparison, and goblins look like garden faeries.

The first on MY naughty list is Le Pere Fouettard, translated to mean The Whipping Father. He accompanied Santa, dispensing lumps of coal or flogging naughty children. He emerged during the Victorian period, in the U.S., as Father Flog. He and his "beloved" Mother Flog would dole out appropriate punishment for childhood "crimes", such as cutting out tongues of those that tell lies. Not our typical image of Christmas, is it? He wore black or dark robes, had long unkept hair and beard, and carried whips, a large stick, or twigs for whipping. He also carried a large basket on his back for carrying away children.

And if he isn't scary enough, then a Krampus is sure to give you nightmares!
Translated to mean "claw", he travels with Santa, punishing children by Birching them with sticks. He also carries a basket on his back to carry away children and dumping them into the pits of Hell. Krampus are still making appearances throughout Europe, today.

I'm not going to get into the psychological damage that parents inflicted upon their children, or the need to control them through blood curdling fear, but I was shocked to find out, after all of these years, that such characters existed in association with a holiday that I always viewed as nothing but excitement, glittery colors, beautiful music, family & friends, and extemely sugary fun!

I know that I was a VERY good child growing up, probably to the point of matching Christmas in the overly sweet department, but I have to tell you, if I had to face a visit from these guys, just to get a gift from Santa, I probably would have said, thanks but no thanks! I also always had a very active imagination, and seeing one of these guys walking in the door, would have sent me into permanent paralysis and a deep coma. This version looks like he came straight out of Lord Of The Rings!

I would rather be visited by a nice Halloween Spirit, any time!

And now it is almost the first of the new year. A time to start earnestly thinking about Halloween! After all, it is only 10 months away! Nine months if you want to decorate for the whole month! Lots of planning to do!!

So please, start the year off safely, so that you can enjoy your long anticipated Halloween season in 2010!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells. . . . . .

2009-12-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

Nope, not the wrong blog. I'm just trying to get myself in to the spirit of the holiday this year, and it isn't working. I can't figure out why, either. I usually thoroughly enjoy all of the activities. The decorating, the baking, gift making and wrapping, and yes, even the gift shopping, which I usually have done weeks or even months ahead. I normally shop all year around, favoring antique markets and boutiques.

I know why that didn't happen, and it was for multiple reasons that I won't bore anyone with, but the other mystical element that happened this year, is that I seem to be stuck in Halloween mode. I thought that it would wear off, but it hasn't.

When I go to sleep at night, I don't have visions of sugarplums dancing in my head, but of things that go bump in the night! Not horribly scary creatures that can make you break out in a sweat, but fanciful ones to make you smile. I dream about them, and how I create them, so now I can hardly wait for the peaceful time following all of the Fa-La-La's to have some time to try and bring my dreams to life. I may fail miserably at it, but I hope to have some fun along the way!

In the meantime, post Halloween, I found some great deals for next year's celebration! I found some stands of lights for outside, for $1.00 a piece, but with my coupon, it took them down to less than .50 cents a strand! I bought multiples of both styles! Love it!!

I also bought a couple of vintage repro cats on sale, which will be perfect for the middle of my spandrel, and a couple of sparkly trees.

These, I wouldn't have purchased if they hadn't been drastically reduced, because one could easily make their own.

Buy some faded bottle brush trees, spray paint them orange, dab some glue and glitter on the ends of the branches, and glue in some black painted styro or plastic balls.

The other is a styro cone base, that has alternating black and orange garland wound around and glued. Pretty simple to make yourself!

And I even got the clock on sale. It will be perfect hanging in my kitchen above my sink!

I even found the perfect little table to go with that little set of chairs that my Witches claimed last Fall, but I haven't gotten it yet. It is in a Christmas shop, and I'm waiting, and keeping my fingers crossed that no one buys it, and that it gets marked down after the first of the year.

THEN, my darling friend Pam, sends me a mystery box. Very light weight, standard flat priority box. .what could it be? When I pulled out the item, it exploded! Not with a loud bang , but with a big *Poof* !

Here is what she sent, along with a set of rules.

As members in good standing of the Black Hat Society, she thought that it proper that we have the appropriate headwear and bought us each a black, pointy hat. .a very FEATHERY black pointy hat. (I've had to hide it from my cats who think that Auntie Pam sent them a toy to play with!) We are to send each other "things" to embellish it, and we HAVE to use whatever is sent to us, on the hat. She is planning on wearing hers when we take a trip to Salem some day, so I have to make hers look VERY fetching! She wants me to wear mine too. .I can only hope that she will be as thoughtful in her choices for me! lol My hubby thought that we should have to embelllish our own with the same things too. He came up with THAT brilliant suggestion when he saw me eyeing a particularly gruesome spider that I thought would be perfect for HER hat! I honestly don't know what prompted him to come up with that idea. *sigh*

The first thing I'm going to have to do though, is figure out a way of making the crown opening smaller. The only thing keeping it from falling completely down to my shoulders, are my glasses! Maybe I should just cut some holes in the crown and wear it that way. That would be unique!

We have agreed to take photos of our progress, for glamour, or hiliarity, and share them on our joint blog, Spell Bynders. I'll also post mine here.

By way of explanation, we set up Spell Bynders to showcase the Halloween art that we started formulating in our minds last winter, but life had a way of taking both of us actively in other directions for the time. But all the while we have still been conjouring up creative ideas. Now we "just" have to put them into form.

And lastly for now, I see the announcement of the Halloween Convention to be held this Spring! (the active button is on my sidebar) I forward the notice on to Pam, and she writes back, "Let's go!" It is close to where she lives, so now, dependent upon medical appointments on my end, we are making tenative plans to attend. I'll make sure and take my camera!

Is anyone else planning on going? Has anyone been to it before? It looks like a lot of fun! And Spookytime Jingles art is featured this year! Now how cool is that??!!

So now see why I can't shake off my Halloween mood this year? And I don't want to, either. I've comfortably reconciled myself to the fact that while I'm hanging the green garland, festooned with red berries, I'm thinking in terms of black and orange!

And after all, it was during the Yuletide season, that 4 ghosts appeared, counting poor Marley, and in terms of spooky, you can't beat that!

May your Holiday Season be filled with love and laughter, and just a few mysterious delights, too!

Hello, Again! Welcome!!!

2009-11-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

It is SO nice that you have stopped by!

For some reason this year, I just couldn't let go of the Halloween Magic that is still swirling around here. I tried. I honestly did, but it captured me, and wouldn't let me go. My only option was to succumb to it.

I couldn't really keep my decorations out any long, nor is it the right time for me to have a year around Halloween room. We have too much to do on the house, to have fragile things sitting out, that plaster dust can find behind closed doors and in the tiniest nooks and crannies.

BUT, there wasn't any reason in the world why I couldn't have another room added on to my blog! So this is what this is. My Blogland Year Around Halloween Hangout! I'm not going to transfer all of my previous Halloween posts over to here, but occasionally, if it is relevant, a photo or two that has been previously used, may mysteriously show up here, but I'll try to keep this as fresh as possible.

Some things may overlap, especially when Halloween rolls around again, but there is more than enough Halloween for two blogs! Just look at the ones that I follow, if you don't believe me!

To start it off, my Sorceress Kitty (I know that the artist refers to the cat as a "he", but my Mysti looks so much like this one, that my statue is a "she") decided to follow me over her, tonight, to show you her other side. Again, like my Mysti! Once the sun dips into the lake again, and darkness creeps up from behind us, her magic come full force! The only thing missing, is the smoke rising from the incense in her cauldron.

When the candle is lit behind her, her eyes glow a bright, deep red. Try as I might, I could not get the camera to see what I was seeing, but you'll get the general idea. Don't mess with this kitty after the sun goes down! This one was a combination of the candle, and a lamp that is down at the other end of the table.

And this one was with all of the lights off. Her eyes seem distorted because the glow is SO powerful!

Do NOT look directly into the eyes of the Cat Sorceress!! You will be at her beck and call for the rest of her life. Ask me how I know this to be true!

Earlier today, we had unseasonably warm weather. Right now, even with the sun down, it is 63 degrees! I'm concerned about some of my shrubs starting to bud out too soon. But it was an excellent day to get some more work done in the garden.

If you will remember, last week, I did some after Halloween shopping, and brought home a delightful Witch named Orma, and showed you a photo of her on my other blog. What I didn't show you, because it got left at the shop, was the chair that I bought for her. It is made of grapevines, over sturdy wire, and painted black.

It is accented with some artificial leaves, some black sparkles here and there, and embellished with a nice plump spider!

When I went back to pick up the chair, the ever so helpful ladies who work there, showed me a little settee that goes with the chair, also greatly reduced in price. Knowing that my other little witch dolls were going to be green with envy when they saw Orma's chair, I thought that I had better get the extra seating.

Having groceries and other bags to bring in, I left the chairs in the car. Today, when I went outside, I thought that I would get them out to take some photos, before bringing them inside. Unfortunately, as I found out, their delightful structures got lost in the foliage of the surrounding bushes. And it was about that time, that I got distracted by some neighbor kids, and had to go up to the front of the garden.

On my way back, I heard more giggling and laughing, and thought, "Oh NO! The kids in back are inside the gate again, getting into my plants!". But then I realized that the laughing sounded more magical, more lilting, more musical. And lo and behold, what did I find!?

There they were. All four of them, enjoying the sunshine, and the fresh breezes that kept billowing their veils, hat scarves, and shawls, and tousling the feathers tucked into their brims. All getting reacquainted, and chatting with Orma like they've known her through the ages. Perhaps they have.

I went back to my gardening, letting them enjoy the day. So I couldn't help but overhear their comments about the lack of a table, and the necessary appointments for a proper tea. Sigh. Well, I have almost a whole year of antique and flea market hunting. Wish me luck.

Wishing that you find magic in your garden, too!