You are Cordially Invited to my MidSummer's 'Faerie Day' Soirée!

Well it's June 24th, and today is officially 'Fairy Day'! So what does that mean? It means that "It's a day for Fairies, magic, and wishes to come true. So for one day...put aside the cynicism of the modern world, embrace the possibilities of the unknown....and believe in Fairies!" 

Do you believe in Faeries? I do of course, but then again I also believe in Ghosts, Leprechauns, Father Christmas and The Great Pumpkin. Ah heck....I'll believe in anything if it adds a little magic, creativity and wonderment to my world.  So today is the perfect day to join in the celebration of the Faerie Folk! 

  

When I was a young girl, my Grandmother used to take me to the library. Oh how I loved to spend the day at the library, because it wasn't just any old library....no, it was a magical portal to the lands of enchantment. It began to occur to me that 'magical' books always seemed to find their way into my eager lil' hands. Oh I didn't actively know to seek them out mind you...
I just happened upon them in my searching,
as if some magnetic force was drawing us together. But there were 2 special books that I never forgot, and they were "Faeries' and 'Gnomes" by Brian Froud! I read and studied those books from cover to cover, and I whole heartedly believed that every last word and picture was 100% real! I remember one day in particular when I read about Faerie Rings and Oak Trees....and I became convinced that I would be able to find signs of the Faeries beneath the big old Oak trees on our property. So I set out with my tools and my book....and I spent the day hunting, and waiting, and wishing very hard that I'd find one. Although admittedly I was also a good bit scared at what I would do if and when I actually stumbled upon them. The years have blurred my memory some, but I'm quite certain that I was successful at locating signs that the Faeries were indeed close at hand, and I'm pretty sure that I almost caught sight of one or two. Yes, I loved those two books SO WELL in fact, that I gave up my Library privileges entirely. For I refused to take the books back to the library. The fines kept piling up, and their threats of revoking my library card finally became a reality. But I didn't care. As I just could NOT bare to part with those books after being exposed to all of the magical secrets they'd given up to me. And of course it never even once dawned on me that the books could be found anywhere else other than the library. So I became a "Literary Fugitive" of the County Library System until many years later when I finally married and was able to change my last name! But the criminal record was but a small price to pay for entrance to the Enchanted Land of the Faeries!So to celebrate this most auspicious of days today, I invite you to a Midsummer Faerie Féte! Come join in the revelry and merriment as we wave a fond farewell to Spring and embrace the Summer Season with open arms. Please come take your seat at our Garden Fairy Table.
(And feel free to click on the images to view them larger!) We have a splendid lil' spot set especially for you,
with fresh ferns from the Fern Grotto! Our Midsummer Buffet is filled to the brim with fresh herbs and vegetables straight from the garden, and many delectable treats,
sure to satisfy any Faerie's sweet tooth. Ahhh...Midsummer! All Faeries know that Midsummer offers up Mother Nature's sweetest and most succulent Fruits of the Season. Faerie Berries are a feast for the senses and they come in a kaleidoscope of colors
to please the palate and the eyes!

One of the most scrumptious ways to serve Faerie Berries is in a Perfectly Pink Raspberry Punch. Cool and refreshing on those balmy Summer Days! Let's not forget the Sweets and Treats, as it's common knowledge that most Faeries are born with an insatiable 'sweet tooth'! We have mini Lemon-Blueberry and Chocolate Muffins that are just perfect for snacking. Or how about some dainty little Faerie Cakes....
petite and sweet and perfect for Pixies! And a Faerie Birthday Cake topped with the plumpest of strawberries, and candles for wishing. Yes, even Faeries believe in the power of 'Wishes'! Oh, and don't forget my personal favorite....Toadstools! But these aren't just any ole' Toadstools! For these are baked with a smidgeon of Faerie Magic and a pinch of Pixie Dust, mixed in with sweet Merengue and
Deep Dark Chocolate! So Yummy and So Cute!

With bellies full and the Faerie Festivities drawing to a close, it's time to bid your fellow Faeries adieu! For Twilight is falling fast and the Fireflies are starting to twinkle their lights in the Hedgerow. But no Seasonal Solstice Soirée is complete without Pretty Pixie Party Favors to carry home! And what better way to transport yourself back to the Realm of Faerie, than a lovely scented Butterfly Candle in the Fragrant Flower Scents of Lavender, Honeysuckle, Gardenia and Sweet Pea! Yes it's true that Midsummer presents the perfect opportunity to embark on a Flight of Fancy in the spirit and celebration of the Faeries who Enchant our Gardens, and usher in the Seasons of the Year. And who wouldn't love to attend a Festive Midsummer Celebration filled with the Mirth and Merriment of a Fine Faerie Feast?! Both Young and Old alike can appreciate a Magical Escape into the Realm of Imagination and Wonder! So this has been the perfect day to embrace the Faeries with our open hearts....but more importantly with our open minds!

All you have to do is BELIEVE!
"Tula, vasa ar' yulna en i'mereth. 
Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuv!"  

(All Images © Wendy A. 2011)

Easter Greetings at pingg.com

 
 

Well it has been a crazy year!  Busy, busy, busy...and that's an understatement!  I did want to share some news however.  Remember the days when we sent PAPER cards?  Well I do, and honestly, I am a stationary fiend....so I still love the look and feel of paper cards.  But there is no use denying that we are full force in the technology age and paper does mean we have to cut down trees.  So what's a gal (or fella) to do these days when they want to send a greeting or sentiment to someone special, or where does a hostess (or host) turn when they need to send out invites for a large event?  Well I'll tell you where they go....they go to Pingg!  Pingg is....well only the hippest and most creative On-line Invitation Station on the world wide web!  Here is Pingg's Vision in their own words....

"Our vision is a world where online invitations & announcements can exist in the same sentence as "cool" and "awesome" (or if you're British, "wicked awesome"). The time has come to elevate the online experience--yes people, to RAAAAAISE the bar artistically and technically-so that online and traditional postmarked invitations can live together in peace, harmony and celebration... like yin and yang... like Cheech and Chong."

So why am I introducing you to Pingg you ask?  Because yours truly is one of those crazy, hip artists that contribute over there, that's why!  And I am honored to announce that I was selected the Pingg Plus Spotlight Designer of the week today....woo hoo!  (Can I get a hi-five?)  Hooray!  I started with Pingg last summer and won an honorable mention in their Summer Design Challenge.  Of course I was all over the Halloween Cards and Invites back in October, and now I have a new batch of Easter designs ready to be E-Mailed or Snail-Mailed to all your favorite peeps.
Pingg...Artist Designed Invitations and E-Vites

So help me support the 'Artists Movement' by sharing the news, posting a link, twittering or better yet....sending out some cards and invitations today!  Spread the word and help a sista out!  Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!!

The Circle & A Very 'Gypsy' Yule!

Well I must admit that I am a little out of my element here.  Of course I was honored when my friend Beth from 'The Windesphere Witch' and the 'Perfume Smellin' Things' Blog suggested I join in a wonderful Advent Blogging event, hosted by her dear friend Roxana Villa of Roxana Illuminated Perfume!  Just to be in such phenomenal company was a gift indeed.  And at first I fretted that I am a visual artist and photographer, not a Scent Expert, and therefore perhaps not qualified for such an invite.  But Beth assured me that if I would just blog about my own personal connections to the holiday season with it's sights, sounds and scent....that it would certainly fit right into the spirit of "The Circle"!  So in honor of the season, I will attempt to share with you my 'Gypsy Christmas/Yule'!


Most of us equate the holiday season with traditions.  Traditions are an important part of the human experience and at no time are they more on display than during the holidays.   And like most people, I do love traditions.  But 'traditionalism', is the belief that traditions should be followed, while change should be limited.  And that is where I tend to part ways with the 'concept' of 'traditions'.   After all, change can be a wonderful way to keep things fresh and exciting.  And everything in our lives and world is always in a constant state of flux.  So for me, that means taking 'traditions' and molding them a bit.  As an artist, I enjoy putting my own unique spin on everything around me.  From my clothing to my photography to my living environment...I like to imbue my surroundings with things that make me happy, like COLOR and SCENT.  And I infuse them into all areas of my life and home, especially during the holidays. 

 

Being somewhat of a 'Bohemian-Lite' at heart, I decided that the 'traditions' of the holiday should be melded to fit my own eclectic sense of style.  If pressed to specify my personal aesthetic, I guess one would describe it as 'Moroccan-Gypsy-Boheme!  I like to mix the old with the new, and contrast textures and materials to create a style fusion.  No rules, other than filling my space with things that delight my senses.  So there is nothing 'traditional' about my sense of style, but I prefer it that way.  Colorful Moroccan lanterns, gypsy scarves, celestial sun and moons, Buddhas, and exotic spices and incense, mingle peacefully with an old Hoosier cabinet, antiques, newer furnishings and hand crafted items.  The result is an atmosphere as varied and eclectic as I am.  And when it comes time to decorate for the Winter holidays, I seek to mold my family's traditions to fit our bohemian style.

My love affair with the colors, textures and scents of Asia, especially in India, as well as Morocco....has been the driving inspiration in my decorating.  So instead of the traditional red, white and green, you will find a multitude of bright colors throughout our home and on our Christmas tree.  A Buddha sits happily next to glittered reindeer and Indian jewelry boxes.  Our tree has a 'Gypsy' theme with a variety of different ornaments.  Suns and Moons, Owls, Jewels, Mandolins, Feathers and Moroccan Stars sit atop a fresh fragrant Spruce.  The dining table is set with mix-matched Indian print plates and the chandelier is also 'Gypsified' with an assortment of baubles, beads and jewels in a rainbow of colors.  Glass beaded garlands flank the mirrors and gypsy rings and incense gifts are used to accessorize instead of the classic Santas and Snowmen.  It's certainly not a traditional Christmas theme...but when thrown together, it is colorful, festive and fun!

And the scents you ask?  What scents accompany a 'Gypsy Yule'?  Wafts of Incense coiling up through the air such as the traditional offerings of Frankincense and Myrrh, which are in tune with the story of Christmas, and well known as valuable gifts from the Middle East.  But we also enjoy the traditional hippie favorites like Patchouli and Nag Champa as well.  Which begs the question...is there really any such thing as a 'Traditional Hippie'?  Rich spices abound in the Indian Spice Markets, and they accompany the resinous incense so very nicely.  We enjoy how their enticing aromas make the holiday season more 'Scent-ual' and festive.  Clove, Cardamon, Anise and Cinnamon brewing on the stove top in some Apple Cider is a welcoming scent to family and friends as they enter our home.  We also enjoy the succulent sight, taste and smell of fruits such as Pomegranates, Figs and Oranges. And lastly, it's always a special seasonal delight to unwrap a bar of Madagascar Spiced soap, richly fragrant with the scent of clove!  It's a splendid excuse to enjoy a warm Winter's bath with some almond or champa oil mixed in to help soften winter's drying effects on the skin.  But more importantly, it's also  the perfect time to relax and soak in the fragrant water, while taking stock of the various gifts that life has blessed us with throughout the past year....as we come full 'circle' to the holidays once again, and look forward to the promising new calendar year ahead.  :o)
Happy Holidays & Namaste!   
~ Wendy

Under a Gypsy Moon

What do you envision when you think of a 'Gypsy'? You know...what would the picture in your mind's eye look like if you tried to describe it? When I close my eyes, I see a clearing in the woods. The clearing is carpeted by a thick mossy ground cover, surrounded by trees, next to a river. Wild thyme grows underfoot and sweetens the air.  Evening has fallen and the moon in the sky is a full round glowing orb.  Oh how I adore a full moon, so full of feminine energy and promising mystery.  The light that shines down from a full moon is the most magnificent light of all, because it illuminates the earth in such a magical way. The moonlight falls on the ripples of the water and shines like glitter in the night. One can easily find their way down the wooded trail to the Gypsy Camp when the full moon offers to lead the way. 

This particular night is in mid Summer. I know this because the delicate, sweet scent of jasmine wafts along on a soft balmy breeze that tickles the skin.  Through the trees, I spot the flicker of fireflies darting to and fro among the branches....a sure sign that Summer has arrived.  An owl bellows out from deep within the woods, and if you listen closely, you'll hear the faint sound of laughter and music above the cricket symphony. 

Up ahead in the clearing, there are several Gypsy Wagons circled up around a blazing campfire. The wagons are colorful even in the darkness, and they have lights and lanterns strung about them in a most enchanting way.  I am drawn ever closer by my curiosity and delight, as if being pulled along by some magnetic energy.

Gypsy men are sitting around the campfire, cheerfully playing their instruments. I do not hear the traditional old world Gypsy sound however.  Instead, there is more of a Gypsy Jazz vibe to the music.  Something akin more to the playing of Roux and his band of water gypsies in the movie "Chocolat".  I hear what sounds like Django Reinhardt playing Minor Swing on his guitar, and maybe an occasional violin or tambourine. It has more of a 30's French jazz feel to it. The men laugh and play long into the night...their chords drifting away on the breeze, up into the surrounding town nearby.  But the music can only faintly be heard in town....just enough to peak the curiosity and make one eager to investigate the merrymaking down by the lake.

Then there are the Gypsy women...oh, those exotic Gypsy women.  How they enchant us all.  They are flamboyantly dressed with their flashy jewels, noisy coin belts and scarves of many colors and patterns.  They dance their frenzied, yet alluring dance around the flames in an air of reckless abandon, with the ruffles of their skirts twirling madly about them.  It's as if their gyrating hips lull everyone into some strange hypnotic trance.

The bewitching trail of their perfume hangs fragrant in the air, and seduces with its heady scent of spice, incense and musk.  Their long curls hang loose around their shoulders, while their bells and trinkets jingle and sparkle in the most beguiling way.  And their faces are set aglow by the light of the moon and the crackling fire.   Oh how beautiful the skin looks when it is softly caressed by moonbeams. The sweat of the dance glistens on their bare shoulders and bellies.  They are one with the music, they are one with the night.

Over to the side sits a Fortune Teller's tent.  And inside, is an elderly Gypsy lady called Madame Zelda.  She is something of a legend in town.  No one is sure if she really exists.  But she is here tonight to work her magic.  She is the matriarch of this Gypsy clan, and many full moons have risen and set since she was a young Gypsy maiden joining in the 'dance'.  Her head is covered with the traditional gypsy scarf, and her face is wrinkled and weathered by the years. She is the wise woman and the 'Fortune Teller' of this Caravan, and her tent takes on a colorful glow as though illuminated by fairy dust and magic. 

Madame Zelda will be working hard this evening to earn some coins for her travels.  Her crystal ball and tarot cards are laid out for service, and her tent smells of burning candles and spicy incense which trails out the opening to entice those who eagerly await their turn inside. 

Her chair remains filled all night with the curious townsfolk who have dared to sneak off down to the river in hopes of gleaming a glimpse of their fate and fortune. This evening is filled with music and dance and drink and revelry. Inhibitions are left at the door.  And we all do as the Gypsies do tonight!

I am the red haired Gypsy, dancing barefoot by the fire. My toes have rings, my fingers have more.

My skirts are colorful....adorned with stray bits of lace and ribbons and buttons. My peasant blouse falls off the shoulders and my vest is laced up tight. My crimson curls cascade down my back and my head scarf ties to the side. My eyes are wide with energy and delight. Beads of sweat form on my skin as I dance and dance and dance. I honor the earth, the fire, the water and the wind....I dance my dance for the Moon, and I dance my dance for ME!  The stars, the moon, and the music have cast a powerful spell on me now.  I give in to their ephemeral delights.  No worries of yesterday or fears of tomorrow...only the sheer enchantment of this very moment permeating my soul.  The night seems endless and euphoric.

The first pink rays of the sun begin to peek over the horizon, as moonlight still illuminates the darkness. The world will soon yawn as it rubs the sleep of night from its bleary eyes. And when dawn begins to break, the magic Gypsy spell will be broken as well.  I too begin to awaken from a most peculiar slumber, to find myself curled up in the grass next to a dying fire of embers and ash.  The smoke is heavy as it mixes with the early morning dew, and the air smells vaguely of pine, smoke and perfumed incense.  The remains of the fire smoulder on, but there are no Gypsies to be found.  I rub my eyes sleepily, and attempt to recall the events of this magical night.  I am quite certain that there was a Gypsy encampment right here where I lay.  But where are the brightly colored Gypsy wagons, and Madame Zelda's tent?  And how did I get out here?

Just then, I spy something over in the grass.  In the waning moonlight, I catch a glimpse of something shiny on the ground by the trees.  Indeed, there is something sparkling there in whats left of the night's magical moonlight.  I bend down to find a large, ornate ring that must have fallen from the slender fingers of one of the dancing Gypsy women.  And there is magic still dancing around the ring, like electrically charged fairy dust. In fact, I begin to realize that this may be the only tangible proof that the Gypsy Caravan had even traveled through this town last night.  But surely someone else must have seen them, everyone was here.

Weren't they? 

My attention is again drawn down to the ring.  I pick it up and hold it in my hand.  I can feel its warmth and its magic tingling in my palm.  And all at once...reality seems obscured.  Did I by chance fall asleep in the grass when I laid down to rest, and wish on the first star in the evening sky?  Did I even really dance with the Gypsies beneath the full Gypsy Moon last night? Or was this just some kind of hazy intoxicating Midsummer Night's dream?  You know, the kind that leaves you feeling dazed and confused when you first awaken....unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy.  A dream so mesmerizing that you yearn for it to be real.  Those are the best kind of dreams to have. 

And perhaps it wasn't just a dream. Maybe we can, as some people believe.....travel out of our bodies during our dreams and live out paradoxical lives and fantasies. Maybe we can glimpse snippets of past lifetimes in the same manner. Or maybe we are sending ourselves subliminal messages of our hearts true desires, and we should pay heed to them and chart new courses for our lives as a result.  Then again, maybe it WAS but only a luscious, lingering dream......but if it didn't really happen.....then where did this ring come from?  I think I shall slip it upon my finger and see if there is any Gypsy magic left in it for me!