tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22159039095663209902024-03-18T05:47:32.109-04:00Domythic BlissGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-71880027962939896462018-03-11T22:17:00.000-04:002018-03-11T22:22:08.619-04:00The Instagram-Worthy Nature of Nature<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vcizVtDd27xBpU2lZS-aLFflBYhoMrTamoUYZwdEFslDS-UKLvR-yCnkLn0dvmdU5ITrIUghsz5ZRHFcqCw7qsP1I14C5FSueeVbUF2Y_JOvjqigq4myToDELrMuJq_tGfUbzWxrvsBe/s1600/29062947_10156062257610168_5620970120005287936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vcizVtDd27xBpU2lZS-aLFflBYhoMrTamoUYZwdEFslDS-UKLvR-yCnkLn0dvmdU5ITrIUghsz5ZRHFcqCw7qsP1I14C5FSueeVbUF2Y_JOvjqigq4myToDELrMuJq_tGfUbzWxrvsBe/s400/29062947_10156062257610168_5620970120005287936_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two days
ago I went for a walk in my favorite park. I did this for a couple of reasons.
I desperately needed some “green therapy” as I call it, despite the 20-some
degree temperatures. I needed to reach out to nature and feel its magic around
me. Also, quite honestly, I knew that a walk in the woods would provide some
beautiful photos for my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gracesidhe/?hl=en">Instagram</a> account.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ah
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gracesidhe/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, the double-edged sword. I am quite fond of, and active on, this
social media site because my desire to constantly update it helps me to keep an
eye open in my daily life for little things that are beautiful and enchanted.
Instagram is a catalyst to get me moving, get me creating, get me out into
nature. But a lot of people talk about the other edge of the sword of
Instagram: how it can pull you into an obsessive self-doubt, comparing yourself
to more popular Instagram personalities who constantly post stunning images and
garner thousands of likes on their images. How it can make you doubt your life,
worry that your experiences aren’t “special” enough, your face isn’t pretty
enough to gain more followers. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However,
that’s not the particular second-edge of the sword that I’ve been pondering
lately. I’ve been thinking instead about what it’s like to have an experience
in nature and also try to document it for social media.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwfl7q31yCcsIP2RveSZ1GAd-sP37wMWrWvld1FuyyDza1DPSDOYBhWsInyqr85tNNImgGtSQ0v0WayXPpacXFspir953hiZQlLlMbAMkJgGfKCxkcqOW04U2SNdizE3Gvga7As4IS0Ll/s1600/29103256_10156062257540168_8392074682852966400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwfl7q31yCcsIP2RveSZ1GAd-sP37wMWrWvld1FuyyDza1DPSDOYBhWsInyqr85tNNImgGtSQ0v0WayXPpacXFspir953hiZQlLlMbAMkJgGfKCxkcqOW04U2SNdizE3Gvga7As4IS0Ll/s400/29103256_10156062257540168_8392074682852966400_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
sorts of profiles I love on Instagram show a beautiful combination of lush and
unique nature and architecture, but also include photos of the individual,
usually a woman, interacting with what she experiences. Shots of a redhead in a
beautiful medieval gown or a charmingly whimsical Mori girl ensemble walking
along the path ahead of the camera, trees arching overhead to either direction;
a graceful hand reaching out to grasp the knob of a heavy wood door with iron
hinges, the start of a story. A woman’s face, pressed against the moss of a
forest floor, inviting us to imagine the green softness under our own cheek.
Instagram photos are most successful to me when they combine magical locations
and items with the feeling of being there, of imagining ourselves, for a
moment, in this amazing life they’ve shared. The more sensory the image the
better.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But at
what cost?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-wjxN9_5szMPVrX5Eh2YXuOUjLAm7z8uIGiWKoIXGwptbqXJjTnwTZmTbAZ-9-OkDXXm3xXZPNCZ4AuBfsmlWe31CM8OmfcSN3jXuUQc0JYoRTEGTs_pOTEM0IjCP_AlgR3dftFFtheT/s1600/29028189_10156062256670168_2047005370601177088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-wjxN9_5szMPVrX5Eh2YXuOUjLAm7z8uIGiWKoIXGwptbqXJjTnwTZmTbAZ-9-OkDXXm3xXZPNCZ4AuBfsmlWe31CM8OmfcSN3jXuUQc0JYoRTEGTs_pOTEM0IjCP_AlgR3dftFFtheT/s640/29028189_10156062256670168_2047005370601177088_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let me
give you an example. The park I went to two days ago for my wanderings is my
favorite. It’s located about ten minutes from my house, down a winding and
hilly rural road. There’s just one small tiny sign along the road that declares
“park entrance,” and a metal gate that’s locked after dark. I’ve spoken to
people who live on this very road and have no idea the park is even there.
Wander down a meadow pathway, and you come to a forest with a path that veers in
two directions. You can choose to walk the circular forest path deosil
(clockwise) and take the left path, or wander it widdershins (counterclockwise)
and take the right path. I always, every single time, go widdershins. But this
time I felt like trying something new, so I walked deosil down the left path. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Familiar landmarks were at once
unfamiliar, coming at them from a different direction. I walked through the
part of the trail that feels the most sacred to me, an area where <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I always feel something (faeries, I
suspect) watching me as I walk by, where old and twisted hawthorn trees with no
leaves stand guard in a circle around the pathway. But on this day, I decided
to rest my phone with its tripod in one of the twisted and beautiful hawthorns
and take a short video for Instagram of me wandering the woods <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">off</i> the path. As I started the video, I
heard many crows calling a warning loudly nearby, and I definitely sensed a
presence quietly observing my actions. The tripod was sturdy, but it tipped
over as I tried to take a video twice. The third time I was successful, but I
felt there was a lack of respect or awe about what I had done. It didn’t feel
right.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEx6dAhKLL_f2OzMD0O4uv3YT-A5fT2aKTreAIXNd9qrxfcaRo6KXxegrBrpn6x5RHk5JZMFXz_TSk7rz-FT5YS7GaE6ViXQvtTn8i5hESEmmxAeWRS0bDwjMmJtYLyZJn_OQUeZJ9CvWQ/s1600/29101171_10156062253785168_8393065888290439168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="539" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEx6dAhKLL_f2OzMD0O4uv3YT-A5fT2aKTreAIXNd9qrxfcaRo6KXxegrBrpn6x5RHk5JZMFXz_TSk7rz-FT5YS7GaE6ViXQvtTn8i5hESEmmxAeWRS0bDwjMmJtYLyZJn_OQUeZJ9CvWQ/s400/29101171_10156062253785168_8393065888290439168_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Hawthorn trees in my park. Note the dusting of snow and quiet skies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
took my phone out of the tree, and returned to the path to head back to my car.
As soon as I walked out of the circle of hawthorn trees, the snow started
falling thick around me. By the time I had walked to the part of the path with
taller thinner trees, it was coming down in a squall of giant white flakes, and
the entire world around me was white. I got the message. I deleted the video. I
apologized. And I received a reminder that magic is real, and can conjure up a
sudden snow storm when disrespected. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyscT-JPCH1bkzm8J6Pys8nTyVWqt4HCfCBkE_zvq0MpCbHSaNEHXpx_TI6xv1WnX-U53MW4eQpHxY3GkZIEjGGI2XVqmmYgCEsEnYaOl_NmtYZ0kPb9IDFpzn0axjaAlKieSZfOwD60Ea/s1600/29067201_10156062253280168_2070680188114436096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="540" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyscT-JPCH1bkzm8J6Pys8nTyVWqt4HCfCBkE_zvq0MpCbHSaNEHXpx_TI6xv1WnX-U53MW4eQpHxY3GkZIEjGGI2XVqmmYgCEsEnYaOl_NmtYZ0kPb9IDFpzn0axjaAlKieSZfOwD60Ea/s400/29067201_10156062253280168_2070680188114436096_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few moments later.</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz0LqPNlj7oSmoDm0vD8By5oksuoVbXwvgMrcG0_wXlaDMpVykClSfdLXCHf5f3-8rGcbd2dogOOpnunCmCKc7YPt16ujKIJ78YYo_oVHcY-omw5LGLO07-BBJLXe83EqAYWLorQEzykW/s1600/29063035_10156062256910168_6554456127642271744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz0LqPNlj7oSmoDm0vD8By5oksuoVbXwvgMrcG0_wXlaDMpVykClSfdLXCHf5f3-8rGcbd2dogOOpnunCmCKc7YPt16ujKIJ78YYo_oVHcY-omw5LGLO07-BBJLXe83EqAYWLorQEzykW/s400/29063035_10156062256910168_6554456127642271744_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nervous smile for the camera as the snow fell</td></tr>
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</span></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> This
experience was humbling, and it also got me thinking about how sometimes the
process of trying to get that perfect shot of yourself interacting with nature
can cause you to actually disrespect nature. Of course there are extreme
examples of this, like people acting irreverent or damaging sacred sites. But I
also am thinking of smaller moments and experiences. For instance, one of my
favorite subjects in Instagram photos: a lovely female hand suspended above a
bed of moss or the forest floor, holding a plucked mushroom cradled in her
palm. I love mushrooms and their iconography in whimsy and fairy lore. I love
the presence of a human in my photos. These photos have always delighted me
when they come across my feed. But it wasn’t until I tried to recreate this
photo with a gorgeous specimen in my back yard that I realized…you have to pull
the mushroom from the ground to take this photo. And then what? If you aren’t
actually familiar with mycology and picking the mushrooms to eat or use, you
just cut off its life cycle for the purpose of that perfect Instagram photo. I
felt terrible. I tried to tuck it back in the ground, but of course it
shriveled up the next morning. </span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HvDAqVMUzlvYWEt0tsjrHf_DoxSLOzM4gHmxB6JjKjp6Xv6EEUERI0ZYhsstGqemqX2YfgGE0iPcJkn4F91nvOKxbr9MyIX_wwmrcWQzIwEK9aCRcFeXzEOwdfcSOtGVMBHAZ-zVVVuD/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="581" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HvDAqVMUzlvYWEt0tsjrHf_DoxSLOzM4gHmxB6JjKjp6Xv6EEUERI0ZYhsstGqemqX2YfgGE0iPcJkn4F91nvOKxbr9MyIX_wwmrcWQzIwEK9aCRcFeXzEOwdfcSOtGVMBHAZ-zVVVuD/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I thought about that mushroom
photo as I walked around another forest yesterday. I had brought one of my
favorite pieces of labradorite to Blackhand Gorge, a beautiful nature preserve
near my house, as an apology for my behavior the previous day. I left the stone
tucked behind a bed of moss near a fallen tree, and as an extra apology, sang
an old nature ballad into a hole in the ground near the edge of a cliff. I took
a few photos, and a video, but I spent most of my time on the trail that day
with my phone tucked deeply into a pocket, just watching, observing. Two deer
darted away from my quiet steps, their white tails bobbing back and forth
through the latticework of trees. The crows called out overhead. And I was
fully present. Because what good is a record of your life, on Instagram or
elsewhere, if you only live it to document it? Even though there’s nothing
wrong with taking out your phone to capture magical beauty in nature, it’s also
ok sometimes to just sit with it, feel it, and experience it. A balance is necessary. Otherwise all you’re
left with is a curated feed simulating reality, instead of an actual life. And
eventually, magic will simply pass you by. </span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIHqXZ9MGo8XFxJ89oGa1KfXJg6vG9aRlQDrB7fuTEIGhYQQN9UhD88hwLJqVNA0pRGZ2FJDdVhIgcbyCP2s7CJdfA9CtszSs-GakzFGD1DXLHIahcxo8kJVv6hGj2ZOaL_kpw0gURuzN/s1600/29067075_10156062253950168_2233663755932139520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIHqXZ9MGo8XFxJ89oGa1KfXJg6vG9aRlQDrB7fuTEIGhYQQN9UhD88hwLJqVNA0pRGZ2FJDdVhIgcbyCP2s7CJdfA9CtszSs-GakzFGD1DXLHIahcxo8kJVv6hGj2ZOaL_kpw0gURuzN/s400/29067075_10156062253950168_2233663755932139520_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A moss being I encountered on my second day of walking the woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-29371916646603775492016-11-25T18:55:00.002-05:002016-11-30T10:12:52.199-05:00Small Mythic Business SaturdayA few years ago I did a blog post called <a href="http://domythicbliss.blogspot.com/2012/11/black-friday-done-verdant-and-mythic.html">Black Friday Done a Verdant and Mythic Green</a>, recommending small businesses and artists to support during this holiday season instead of supporting big box stores. Most of the businesses I featured are still in business, creating incredible works of original magic. I recommend you read both this new post and the original post when deciding on gifts this holiday. <br />
<br />
<b>Artists </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/changelingscloset">The Changeling's Closet:</a> Original art, photography, and adornments by Liselotte Eriksson.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bVfTSrdNd6hVtVdN7rEbus-_n_we-TxU6NPFFdswmQq_DEOTnmZDcs5uKWzWy3prKOPRUGoEE-cYMzR-EdJLV_WdqbSkX3cAfifElkBkvZ_xrASqrWMZiYCWYVEcj6FBKucTQdGwBCq6/s1600/il_570xN.689883344_am7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bVfTSrdNd6hVtVdN7rEbus-_n_we-TxU6NPFFdswmQq_DEOTnmZDcs5uKWzWy3prKOPRUGoEE-cYMzR-EdJLV_WdqbSkX3cAfifElkBkvZ_xrASqrWMZiYCWYVEcj6FBKucTQdGwBCq6/s320/il_570xN.689883344_am7b.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/myImagoPhotography/?pnref=story">Imago Photography</a>: Kimberly Tabor does beautiful landscape, animal, and personal photography.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb6Lh26ERi3TwtFk8olOvW-3cThwvnPBFd5c9LFbhkOkQnqe1A8YfqNVknDJSaabHnnBiu79_x0zQ499E0FlYJav1zXO7O7RnjGH-MSevlKvTwwdtXWiZFbGkajSBO4FWfLD3YqtPttvB/s1600/14639604_1099914120099494_6707918107175354791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb6Lh26ERi3TwtFk8olOvW-3cThwvnPBFd5c9LFbhkOkQnqe1A8YfqNVknDJSaabHnnBiu79_x0zQ499E0FlYJav1zXO7O7RnjGH-MSevlKvTwwdtXWiZFbGkajSBO4FWfLD3YqtPttvB/s320/14639604_1099914120099494_6707918107175354791_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraDaweMythicArtist/?hc_location=ufi">Mythic Art by Alexandra Dawe</a>: Original watercolour and pencil art inspired by myth, folklore and faerytales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMh6F8BDjBuu2Ei_j5tEIXmys2dGTYBz4FIwKCvvVDHF6mG4ZTXzVLkHbpgW4lA43Y_HK5_tuCcEaWwNv9LCa9YASnIGUsFybAJSOMUVmpFjP45u0xP5SWd0ti9wdvF2BRZURSs9sHX5g/s1600/14670606_1221988471199215_6419584073632443571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMh6F8BDjBuu2Ei_j5tEIXmys2dGTYBz4FIwKCvvVDHF6mG4ZTXzVLkHbpgW4lA43Y_HK5_tuCcEaWwNv9LCa9YASnIGUsFybAJSOMUVmpFjP45u0xP5SWd0ti9wdvF2BRZURSs9sHX5g/s320/14670606_1221988471199215_6419584073632443571_n.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedOaks/?hc_location=ufi">Enchanted Oaks</a>: Gorgeous fine-art sculpted dolls and figurines by Rachel Oakes. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MidsummersNightMasq">Midsummers Night Masquerade:</a> <span data-endpoint="DataPost" data-in-modal-editable-text="title" data-key="headline">Handcrafted Fantasy items for the whimsical at heart. </span><br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/IronwoodWolves/?fref=ts">Ironwood Wolves:</a> Have you ever wanted to meet or take photos with a wolf or fox? Ironwood is an educational facility that offers such services, along with photograph prints of their stunning animals taken by photographer Rachel Lauren.<br />
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<br />
<b>Personal Adornments</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/minoubazaar">Minou Bazaar:</a> Indian and Global inspired handmade jewelry by Meenoo Mishra.<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ashesofrosesdesigns?ref=pr_shop_more"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ashesofrosesdesigns?ref=pr_shop_more">Ashes of Roses Designs:</a> Jewelry and other personal items by Brittany Warman.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElementalHeart">Elemental Heart Jewelry and Art:</a> Beautiful original pieces!<br />
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<a href="http://faeryspellcreations.storenvy.com/">Faeryspell Creations:</a> Costumes, fashion, and jewelry from Jennifer Mata.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SilvanArts">Silvan Arts:</a> <span data-endpoint="DataPost" data-in-modal-editable-text="title" data-key="headline">Unique Artisan Crafted Nature Inspired Silver Jewelry by Anne Marie Bottcher.</span><br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TitaniasTeaParty">Titania's Tea Party:</a> Jewelry i<span data-add-class="display-block" data-endpoint="DataPost" data-inplace-editable-text="announcement" data-key="message" data-placeholder="Use this space to share important, up-to-date information with buyers. You can mention new products and special promotions. Just keep it short so they can start shopping!">nspired by folklore, fairytales, nature and history. </span><br />
<span data-add-class="display-block" data-endpoint="DataPost" data-inplace-editable-text="announcement" data-key="message" data-placeholder="Use this space to share important, up-to-date information with buyers. You can mention new products and special promotions. Just keep it short so they can start shopping!"><br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyGigglemug">Lady Gigglemug:</a> Victorian fairytale treasures.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/luminanoctis">Lumina Noctis:</a> The finest handmade perfumes, botanicals, and art.<br />
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<br />
<b>Various: </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.priestessandhierophant.com/">Priestess & Hierophant Press:</a> Publishers of speculative works.<br />
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<a href="http://carterhaughschool.com/">Carterhaugh School of Folklore & The Fantastic:</a> Looking for something to trigger inspiration and imagination during the cold and dreary early months of next year? Sign up for folklorists Brittany Warman and Sara Cleto's full course on the fairy tale.<br />
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-84267500987716823152015-06-12T15:01:00.002-04:002015-06-12T15:01:49.619-04:00The Whimsy of Straw Finials<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oN0n8vUtjixSypwZIMYn40mQdyc5Uxga6j4zf7P4iYo30unrf05dPXGiitBEKE8c1ToyFGr705Zlv9nJ7klvr3pugQbpkdowlqiV-FVw3NpdADRF9McrlYmdHKBP6uEmwfhJK19kpzl6/s1600/10941507_837757496294681_3497398605833632361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oN0n8vUtjixSypwZIMYn40mQdyc5Uxga6j4zf7P4iYo30unrf05dPXGiitBEKE8c1ToyFGr705Zlv9nJ7klvr3pugQbpkdowlqiV-FVw3NpdADRF9McrlYmdHKBP6uEmwfhJK19kpzl6/s400/10941507_837757496294681_3497398605833632361_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Rachel Oakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10pt;">A few weeks ago, I was browsing through my friend <a href="http://www.enchantedoaks.co.uk/enchantedoaks/Sculpture.html">Rachel Oakes</a>' photos she had taken on a recent jaunt to a small British village, and I
paused when I came across one photo. "Is that a peacock on the roof??"
I asked, surprised. She explained that it was actually a straw
sculpture on the thatched roof, known as a straw
finial. We continued in conversation as she explained that such things
were quite common in the villages around her. Meanwhile I was
positively glowing with glee to find something so utterly charming,
whimsical, and magical. <br />
<br />
I knew all of you would enjoy them too.<br />
<br />
According to an excellent write-up on the tradition at <a href="http://www.strawcraftsmen.co.uk/finials.php">this link</a>, the tradition originated from small straw sculpts on top of hayricks
and straw stacks. Taking the form of birds, crosses, crowns, boats,
apples, and more, the ornaments were, at least according to some,
supposed to be a friendly way to show which hayrick
belonged to whom. <br />
<br />
Folklore also suggested that the straw sculptures could ward of witches
and birds. The witches were given "something to play with, thus
diverting her attention from making mischief elsewhere."<br />
<br />
Although the earliest examples of decorative straw finials date to 1689,
it's still easy to find artists making these organic ornaments today.
Below are a few of my favorite examples I was able to find online.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBwlijZ78wmBGbx375j3t2tXkpplkCjJH-6fs54k3qAZpZZhtSQDviL27htdJqaBkJVUDl2jSCUNRXSvvnix9O5IPnyvALRwKM-k28lFd-HBnjZt5RAfwVKVKka1l5DLRbt4RD7idVNUf/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBwlijZ78wmBGbx375j3t2tXkpplkCjJH-6fs54k3qAZpZZhtSQDviL27htdJqaBkJVUDl2jSCUNRXSvvnix9O5IPnyvALRwKM-k28lFd-HBnjZt5RAfwVKVKka1l5DLRbt4RD7idVNUf/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dodsonbrosthatchers.co.uk/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd0Cc0nRW46vfU6br4f1bLdr2UlhIG1Yh3NzSHOTkffkh1IcCiRSNrZkMNgdfVw1e349t_29y_R0D_YPUHhQaw-_A1d7EpNz_qCWkg3P4dhFXHBtGe0JqSmp0t7F9DcecE3P9EjZDSHpl/s1600/10-straw-swans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd0Cc0nRW46vfU6br4f1bLdr2UlhIG1Yh3NzSHOTkffkh1IcCiRSNrZkMNgdfVw1e349t_29y_R0D_YPUHhQaw-_A1d7EpNz_qCWkg3P4dhFXHBtGe0JqSmp0t7F9DcecE3P9EjZDSHpl/s400/10-straw-swans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thestrawstore.com/index.php/straw-swans.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BH-Q6X_IMzi2XPBLjeflqZoW6-aEyPKI7i8KD3pkLuxsFSzvHuDInIDu98YEK1LpKmdzbdESktdd3f_nXhCt0fPzGt92t7XPo20yfSbw7oWsVg94kDhpUdXeGjpLCAn0TvGSnCn-UoXC/s1600/5481cb3f1bf3f429a372f8a34cc2eeb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BH-Q6X_IMzi2XPBLjeflqZoW6-aEyPKI7i8KD3pkLuxsFSzvHuDInIDu98YEK1LpKmdzbdESktdd3f_nXhCt0fPzGt92t7XPo20yfSbw7oWsVg94kDhpUdXeGjpLCAn0TvGSnCn-UoXC/s400/5481cb3f1bf3f429a372f8a34cc2eeb4.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thestrawstore.com/index.php/straw-boxing-hares.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatching.net/cat-mouse/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sNDKNAjULFFgqF2aD34KmvdEnkYUOMk5W7AvAHDFqD595qphIekRiR1Btqv0u5as5PbgENcg3wXfXJ88qOH9qZi-Z7AprRKCrg5u7YSN4dPIMMsIgAEM1hKVlVtEkqXO9uCdk5G7FZCI/s1600/dragon_and_adam_023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sNDKNAjULFFgqF2aD34KmvdEnkYUOMk5W7AvAHDFqD595qphIekRiR1Btqv0u5as5PbgENcg3wXfXJ88qOH9qZi-Z7AprRKCrg5u7YSN4dPIMMsIgAEM1hKVlVtEkqXO9uCdk5G7FZCI/s400/dragon_and_adam_023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thestrawstore.com/index.php/straw-dragon.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brianmizonthatching.co.uk/page10.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brianmizonthatching.co.uk/page10.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thestrawstore.com/index.php/straw-animals.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brianmizonthatching.co.uk/page10.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://royallsboatyard.blogspot.com/2011/11/river-great-ouse.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatching.net/stripping-thatch-lincolnshire/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brianmizonthatching.co.uk/page10.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cjoQncUtB8BTs47M3l0tY9WC5WS_8ruxwk84BvUx0katzZpll_8W6WATtpSvV1Cdyh0bnua_-CKYiGBPSAJ3vhv4uCTLUj58d9K30vr_0wehm8ngGhweXfPeBqmTSnfcdDgKQkQaIamy/s1600/straw_stags_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cjoQncUtB8BTs47M3l0tY9WC5WS_8ruxwk84BvUx0katzZpll_8W6WATtpSvV1Cdyh0bnua_-CKYiGBPSAJ3vhv4uCTLUj58d9K30vr_0wehm8ngGhweXfPeBqmTSnfcdDgKQkQaIamy/s400/straw_stags_head.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thestrawstore.com/index.php/straw-stags-head.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dodsonbrosthatchers.co.uk/straw-finials">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dodsonbrosthatchers.co.uk/straw-finials">Link</a></td></tr>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-87645665828733282262015-03-16T16:04:00.002-04:002015-03-16T17:47:52.138-04:00Have Courage and Be KindA few years ago, artistic visionary and director Tim Burton debuted his version of the classic fairy tale-esque story, <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>.
It was released by Disney, and it was a visual feast of glorious
surreality. By all rights, I should have loved it, but something always
stuck in my craw when I thought about the way it had been done.
Finally one day, watching the movie again, it dawned on me what the
problem was. The Alice of Tim Burton's movie is a thoroughly modern
young woman, who is confident and independent, and who<i> never once throughout the entire movie ever says thank you to anyone who helps her</i>. <br />
<br />
A few months ago, Disney released another film, this time a movie version of the musical <i>Into the Woods</i>.
Once again it was gorgeous and well done, but it bothered me that there
was not one character in the entire movie who I felt was "good."
Everyone showed selfishness, greed, or a lack of conviction. And in
many cases, those negative qualities caused harm or death to other more
innocent people. (As you can tell, I hadn't seen the stage musical in
quite some time or I might have been better prepared for such a dreary
tale)<br />
<br />
Why do I mention all this? Because this weekend I went to go see Disney's newest live-action fairy tale, <i>Cinderella</i>.
I went into it expecting to adore it, and I left even more thrilled and
satisfied than I ever had hoped I would be. I suppose this is the
point at which I need to say "spoiler warning" for those who haven't
seen the film yet, although really, who doesn't ultimately know what the
story of Cinderella is going to include? But still, I will be
mentioning a few details from the film, so...spoilers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/QzScJ8LWrio/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QzScJ8LWrio?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Cinderella
is the best role model of a good-hearted individual that I've seen in
the movies for years. My husband can confirm to you that from the first
time I saw the first trailer, posted above, I immediately became a
Pavlov's dog when I heard the words her mother said to her...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkLaStvuHya3mpasnuRT_2hAbeiHI0RnfnW6UKcZTMETcZHCLjNxkmNdCss7xOH0_Mk-11-tRsubBBTlt8MrbsBUjRjNWvQZ-K2WM7zeDjEeovBXxivFk2XkJd5FkNsw9zJ_fL3Npzowm/s1600/11d6f31f6ba4aae7969598f24fdac035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkLaStvuHya3mpasnuRT_2hAbeiHI0RnfnW6UKcZTMETcZHCLjNxkmNdCss7xOH0_Mk-11-tRsubBBTlt8MrbsBUjRjNWvQZ-K2WM7zeDjEeovBXxivFk2XkJd5FkNsw9zJ_fL3Npzowm/s1600/11d6f31f6ba4aae7969598f24fdac035.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
...and
would immediately begin a sniffling cry. I don't entirely know why
these words mean so much to me, but they do. They seem to beautifully
sum up exactly what it means to be a good person. Kindness. My
goodness (literally). What an old-fashioned quality that is entirely at
odds with the priorities of modern life and modern society!
Selfishness and greed are devastatingly rampant. In schools, students
are being taught that there are <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/02/why-our-children-dont-think-there-are-moral-facts/?_r=0">no moral absolutes</a>. And each generation seems to be more and more "me me me" and less aware of the concept of common courtesy.<br />
<br />
In
the film, Cinderella doesn't just generally flit around in an airy
fairy way, grinning, giggling, and being sweet as cherry pie. She
undergoes real trials, real hardships, and shows the true meaning of
selflessness and kindness through those times. There are several
moments in the film when Cinderella specifically shows these qualities.
A few that stood out to me were...<br />
<br />
-When an employee
of her father's comes to tell the family that her father has passed
away. Cinderella is clearly devastated and heartbroken. But before she
closes the door, she pauses and looks at the man, saying "I'm so
sorry. This must have been very hard for you." (paraphrased from memory) Even in a moment of
absolute pain, she still finds the time to sympathize with another
person.<br />
<br />
-When Cinderella is frantically running to her
carriage from the ball, she bumps into the king, bows, and starts to
run, but then stops for a moment to say "your son loves you very much,
you know. You must be a wonderful father." (again, paraphrased from memory)<br />
<br />
-When
Cinderella has just received her cruel nickname from her stepsister, and
been told by her stepmother that she has no place at their table, she
bolts from the house to a wild horseback ride through the woods, clearly
in emotional tumult. She stops when she sees a flawlessly ethereal and
beautiful stag, no more than five feet from her mount. Hearing hunting
horns in the distance, she pleads with the stag to run, and sets off
through the forest beside the hunters, pretending to be out of control
of her horse, when really she is anything but. Once again, she sets
aside her emotions in the moment to help someone else.<br />
<br />
The
point is...being good and being kind are not just a coat we can put on
when life is easy or we feel like it. It is a habit we grow into day to
day. For Cinderella, her parents taught her from an early age to care
about the well-being of other people and creatures. It was a habit
learned over many years, until it became a natural reaction in most
cases.<br />
<br />
But sometimes, it was harder to be kind. Under
those circumstances, Cinderella had to draw upon her courage. It took
courage to stand up to her stepmother and still try to go to the royal
ball after she was told she would not be attending. It took courage,
more generally, to stay in that household and be bossed around simply
because she wanted to protect and care for the home that her parents had
loved so dearly.<br />
<br />
There is an every day kind of
courage, the kind that tells us to keep going, keep moving in our lives
even when things seem most dire. Cinderella had no expectations to meet
a prince on the day she saved the stag in the forest. She had no
expectations to find the prince again on the night she went to the
ball. She did these things because she was kind, and because she was
courageous. But I want to believe, no, I <i>need</i> to believe, that
the universe is not fully random: that courage and goodness and kindness
are somehow rewarded over avarice and greed and selfishness.
Cinderella's great message is that this is indeed true.<br />
<br />
Sometimes,
life is not a fairy tale. The movie version of Cinderella is utterly
and totally beautiful, a multi-faceted gem from beginning to end. Even
the death scenes in the film are graceful and pure, sanitized for an
audience of wide-eyed children. Sometimes life and death can be uglier
than the film represented. But that doesn't change the importance of
the message, or its truth for our lives, no matter how ugly or messy
they can become.<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning, after going to see
the film the night before, my husband and I went out to the store to buy
a doll of Cinderella in her ball gown (the most beautiful gown I've
ever seen on the screen, fyi). We were driving from the toy store to
the grocery store to do our weekly shopping, and when we exited the
highway, my heart went from elated and happy to devastated and broken.
On the exit ramp was the large body of a Canadian goose, hit and killed by a
passing car. That was heartbreaking enough to see,
but standing to the side of the road, confused and trying to protect its
partner, was a second Canadian goose. They mate for life, you know. I
immediately burst into anguished tears, and could hardly see to drive
to the store. When we pulled in, I called the local police department
to see if they would move the animal's body from the road. That was the
responsibility of the Department of Wildlife, we were told, which was
only open Monday through Friday.<br />
<br />
We finished our
shopping, but neither of us could stand the idea of leaving the animal
there. We went back to the exit after picking up a shovel in our
garage, and moved the bird from the road to the ravine by a small creek
right beside the exit, but far enough away to give them privacy. My
husband held the shovel, but he needed me to shift the bird onto there.
I could hardly see through my sobs as I gently moved its weight onto
the plastic scoop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V-2ZCNo5hvjWet1Bo-HZmqRJnq4oNkVdorwD92OjFru_BMgIhgXQfCaK8r1EA0DuXCyxr6ZkgSsqj-TeyALwe0tX33h4DpMJFiexpZpSFTUePkZfDnNmxDxX2BMlKrLzN3X-wstj9clM/s1600/a-pair-of-canada-geese-landing-on-rockland-lake-jerry-cowart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V-2ZCNo5hvjWet1Bo-HZmqRJnq4oNkVdorwD92OjFru_BMgIhgXQfCaK8r1EA0DuXCyxr6ZkgSsqj-TeyALwe0tX33h4DpMJFiexpZpSFTUePkZfDnNmxDxX2BMlKrLzN3X-wstj9clM/s1600/a-pair-of-canada-geese-landing-on-rockland-lake-jerry-cowart.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/a-pair-of-canada-geese-landing-on-rockland-lake-jerry-cowart.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It
was a moment of pure heartbreak. There was nothing beautiful or
redeeming about it. It was utterly and totally gut-wrenchingly
terrible. Tom held me while I cried afterward, and he whispered "thank
you for having courage and being kind." <br />
<br />
Because
that's what I believe in. Have courage, and be kind. No matter how
beautiful life can be, or how ugly and terrible, that's what can sustain
us. A simple and old-fashioned concept, one easily scorned. But there are indeed moral absolutes, and in my opinion, kindness is one of the most important. <br />
<br />
Have courage, and be kind.<br />
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-87789501141651348962015-03-09T14:28:00.002-04:002015-03-09T14:28:58.394-04:00Mythic March Monday Makings - Week 1 (Sort Of?)Last week was the first week of Mythic March, but I felt pretty silly
doing a Monday Makings update last Monday when the calendar date was
only March 2nd. So this is the first Monday Makings.<br />
<br />
How have I been doing with Mythic March? Weeeeelll truth be told, not
so well. We had a pretty big house emergency come up last Tuesday,
right around the time I had hoped to start on a project, and it took all
of our focus away from anything creative or non-urgent.
Basically, it's like they say in <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/02/14/fall-in-love-with-your-home/">this blog post</a>, about falling in love
with your home again despite its imperfections:
<br />
<br />
"But alas, <em>owning</em> an old house isn’t always as romantic as it sounds. Trust me on that. With character and age come many expected
<em>and unexpected</em> updates and repairs. You dream of decorating and
furnishing that lovely old home, but in reality your money might go to
exciting things like new sewer pipes, roofs, and electrical panels."
<br />
<br />
The blog article includes this little image, which made me giggle out loud when I saw it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzFGYZoM7AOnS2gaoGYm1zlOt3J0H138QyVtIWcfYME_fNzLcj4CONe7zyMMBi-Nrt8n_WE4zWwhyqj5S4HAYQzBSBqEqEzKiefjCVu-hEaJDjqWHJIAToTyaFvKvqNgUiBqmHWXTZd83/s1600/624b877ffada35434f12dea134a16222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzFGYZoM7AOnS2gaoGYm1zlOt3J0H138QyVtIWcfYME_fNzLcj4CONe7zyMMBi-Nrt8n_WE4zWwhyqj5S4HAYQzBSBqEqEzKiefjCVu-hEaJDjqWHJIAToTyaFvKvqNgUiBqmHWXTZd83/s1600/624b877ffada35434f12dea134a16222.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
It's true...roof repairs might not look pretty on Pinterest, but sometimes you have to have priorities!<br />
<br />
It appears that my situation might be in hand now, so I can hopefully
start working on some projects. I have a couple of commissioned
drawings to do for friends, and I'm hoping before the end of the month
that I might also have time to resume work on an artwork
I started years ago, before I had even started on the <a href="http://cattycornercottage.blogspot.com/2014/06/twelve-dancing-princesses-dining-room.html">Twelve Dancing Princesses dining room</a>, actually. I set it aside to work on the dining
room, and never got around to it. I hope to complete that unfinished
project, or at least start working toward that
end, in March.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IiC8pRWLpzAFADfs72BC9mEbLgFxmlUgZhQdBUz3z5PCY0Ff3KBNSOvAUFU3OhGNrSTmqoMdewOEgGbbl10lF3BiMQOIp51m2EmYQszjAW718XuMVRw_z_97GcW4jDgoXVbd2WV62qnR/s1600/Vogue-Editorial-September-2012---One-Enchanted-Evening-by-Peter-Lind-025517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IiC8pRWLpzAFADfs72BC9mEbLgFxmlUgZhQdBUz3z5PCY0Ff3KBNSOvAUFU3OhGNrSTmqoMdewOEgGbbl10lF3BiMQOIp51m2EmYQszjAW718XuMVRw_z_97GcW4jDgoXVbd2WV62qnR/s1600/Vogue-Editorial-September-2012---One-Enchanted-Evening-by-Peter-Lind-025517.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So what has everyone else been doing for Mythic March so far? <br />
<br />
My friend Brittany Warman started out Mythic March by making some
gorgeous jewelry pieces. I love how full of mystery and symbolism these pieces are!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcARGB8AkziAESB1TDKnrxQTzaLmjfpb2scApUryFEkbYpm6LPszZX8ToDCV_C_yA08eK1SYbIfiBK0guCDylSX9IAAVEzlxBIqJaeAuwvBr8KA97WNLHN0pdGKjVOqMrd5FIFLL1eaMc/s1600/11021051_732552087867_2892856145981696814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcARGB8AkziAESB1TDKnrxQTzaLmjfpb2scApUryFEkbYpm6LPszZX8ToDCV_C_yA08eK1SYbIfiBK0guCDylSX9IAAVEzlxBIqJaeAuwvBr8KA97WNLHN0pdGKjVOqMrd5FIFLL1eaMc/s1600/11021051_732552087867_2892856145981696814_n.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAIMXYju7-suetFmuDVjsUuZQOzWoipl09-p6QeX5Iv9kOmnMlbfBjVxyYujTvECx8ZRU5S28VuubSvICDgNUaj0TVmzxz0l_5SgmUuomroyiKFdAzzXvLOHN_bZ2aobqau7DuJ-mZYFL/s1600/11028402_732552092857_5966052419288881242_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAIMXYju7-suetFmuDVjsUuZQOzWoipl09-p6QeX5Iv9kOmnMlbfBjVxyYujTvECx8ZRU5S28VuubSvICDgNUaj0TVmzxz0l_5SgmUuomroyiKFdAzzXvLOHN_bZ2aobqau7DuJ-mZYFL/s1600/11028402_732552092857_5966052419288881242_o.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHjdPUD7xvnd31aANx4Szrk_Uhwdo5u-OdOm1olbT0nrxdgkIAmsOHx0bXz7kZndoOQLhDVHaGFO5mtB7yMEhhCcWhNnB5ek8ifKQDXRCUP6c6cagWv66XGU6qmmDYje80r3SBUcZo6-4/s1600/11038486_732552107827_1424347583283081385_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHjdPUD7xvnd31aANx4Szrk_Uhwdo5u-OdOm1olbT0nrxdgkIAmsOHx0bXz7kZndoOQLhDVHaGFO5mtB7yMEhhCcWhNnB5ek8ifKQDXRCUP6c6cagWv66XGU6qmmDYje80r3SBUcZo6-4/s1600/11038486_732552107827_1424347583283081385_o.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGAqPpxLhscsjjIBpG_GXhJ7UKaoouRoTrE7HU_cH0vd8Rk8VDIdB0ePut3klKvCz8Day3mYyN-5Os-O7iKA4A8FLj9YNHjqqaTrDlUKKnpOjPhFF7VXvJ_n_bWFohdXsO3Er3yU2c1-1/s1600/11044998_732552117807_9153727343866343914_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGAqPpxLhscsjjIBpG_GXhJ7UKaoouRoTrE7HU_cH0vd8Rk8VDIdB0ePut3klKvCz8Day3mYyN-5Os-O7iKA4A8FLj9YNHjqqaTrDlUKKnpOjPhFF7VXvJ_n_bWFohdXsO3Er3yU2c1-1/s1600/11044998_732552117807_9153727343866343914_o.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Stephanie Piña of Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood blog fame wrote a marvelous
post on <a href="http://preraphaelitesisterhood.com/persistence-myth/">the persistence of myth</a>, and another on the <a href="http://preraphaelitesisterhood.com/legendary-armor/">use of armor in Ned Burne-Jones' paintings</a>, both posts inspired by Mythic
March. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlgV3THsQEiXyB_3DTZw3zHermKY6YdjgzM6-eRL83i1fqsfAB-WMikonRZeNjGOMKQmaPDxKiz5sI42K1_NVp8RvlsuIGTCgQEMzhRuQSMkhRVYI05tKXlYeOC82p8-xtl512qzazRAl/s1600/387px-The_Valkyries_Vigil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlgV3THsQEiXyB_3DTZw3zHermKY6YdjgzM6-eRL83i1fqsfAB-WMikonRZeNjGOMKQmaPDxKiz5sI42K1_NVp8RvlsuIGTCgQEMzhRuQSMkhRVYI05tKXlYeOC82p8-xtl512qzazRAl/s1600/387px-The_Valkyries_Vigil.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So what about you? I'd love to see what you're working on. Hopefully you've made a better start of it than I have!<br />
<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-43322722082473679512015-02-28T10:44:00.000-05:002015-02-28T10:44:42.010-05:00Brimstone Rhine - A Mythic March Pre-Share<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxJs7lCpv-K8hdWHHjlZFmgXjcD-7CJNL8yUXTqQc0XfdYYLf-DkjWxP4ExjO4lQnbDSNqAflimbGmVqocb57NBiFC1B7_rkfr4kp07KWb7NezDXT1cuFXQr4cp3Ui-WnsZrXH5E4kiDI/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxJs7lCpv-K8hdWHHjlZFmgXjcD-7CJNL8yUXTqQc0XfdYYLf-DkjWxP4ExjO4lQnbDSNqAflimbGmVqocb57NBiFC1B7_rkfr4kp07KWb7NezDXT1cuFXQr4cp3Ui-WnsZrXH5E4kiDI/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So Mythic March hasn't even quite officially begun, but I have a great project to share with you all that won't wait.<br />
<br />
My friend and extremely talented writer, <a href="http://csecooney.com/">C.S.E. Cooney</a> has started an Indiegogo campaign for a new project that hits all the marks. It's creative, it's unique, it's mythic, and it's definitely interstitial. <br /><br />I'll let her describe it to you.<br />
<br />
<i>Basically, <b>Brimstone Rhine</b> has two EPs worth of music. The first is called<u> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alecto! Alecto!</span></u>,<b> </b>eight
songs about women of Greek myth and legend as you've never heard them
sung. Medea, Medusa, Alecto, Dido, Lysistrata, Calypso, Scylla and
Circe: they're all there, each bright-lit under the spotlight she always
deserved. Every song assumes its own musical genre, including blues,
calypso, rock, waltz, lit-hop, and cabaret.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The second EP is called<span><b> <u>The Headless Bride</u></b></span><span>.</span><span> This is a darker</span> journey
into carnival-noir-weirdo territory. These eight songs lean hard toward
rock and even (gasp!) go a bit METAL at times. But we also have a
creepy trad folk tune about a ghost (you know, the eponymous "Headless
Bride" herself), and a few more waltzes about beautiful monsters who
like to eat people. Oh, and there's a nautical dirge. I call it "Kenning
Song, or The Barrow Brine." Get it? Ha! Oh, also there's a VERY naughty
nursery rhyme! </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>Sounds pretty amazing to me! I have her book of poetry, and loved every poem in it, so I can't wait to hear what she comes up with for these albums. She also is part of a group of women who perform songs at various conventions and events. They are known as the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bactroubadours"> Banjo Apocalypse Crinoline Troubadours</a>. How's that for a name? Love it! Point being, she is no new hand at writing songs and performing them either. <br />
<br />
It's a great fun project to support, and I hope you consider chipping in whatever amount you can toward her goal!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/brimstone-rhine"><b>Click here</b></a> to view her Indiegogo page and watch her video explaining the project. <i></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9MGav9KRciPqa-bYtKmlAU5Kt31TAD8mo82yqgoIYNTpHCsLLbPl1pt3Z9uQoTHj7BgGiVPcQgcZ8H9-Ju8mLyRFs-_fWZmLPOg7N7KY6YHIYk53YtTs9OfaasPr8rAL7pJrtb1VT9U6/s1600/640px-medusa_by_carvaggio-e1423773728186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9MGav9KRciPqa-bYtKmlAU5Kt31TAD8mo82yqgoIYNTpHCsLLbPl1pt3Z9uQoTHj7BgGiVPcQgcZ8H9-Ju8mLyRFs-_fWZmLPOg7N7KY6YHIYk53YtTs9OfaasPr8rAL7pJrtb1VT9U6/s1600/640px-medusa_by_carvaggio-e1423773728186.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-1951454934216742182015-02-26T16:41:00.000-05:002015-02-26T16:41:21.981-05:00Mythic March 2015!!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLu7dfodFO93uHzU89yd4jmfwLzjZtXKouAE7rIckQWi9HWyBV3ZokpUrb0JdNZcZMrHa86Z9P-CclUyY11Cx3oHNgdjpmzbdFvW_B6fuIgevAtQH0Z6_-OLNispxZHgugCY-HA6e-m5i/s1600/il_570xN.720462771_4gc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLu7dfodFO93uHzU89yd4jmfwLzjZtXKouAE7rIckQWi9HWyBV3ZokpUrb0JdNZcZMrHa86Z9P-CclUyY11Cx3oHNgdjpmzbdFvW_B6fuIgevAtQH0Z6_-OLNispxZHgugCY-HA6e-m5i/s1600/il_570xN.720462771_4gc5.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Amanda Clark <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/220786024/valentine-dream-with-me-under-the-moon?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share"> Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Oh my dear loveys, I have missed talking to you all. I've been lost in
snowblindness, going through a dark night of the soul this winter
season. I've been quiet here, but I've been
busy with <a href="http://www.faeriemag.com/"><i>Faerie Magazine</i></a>, creating some stories I'm quite proud
of in the Winter 2014 and Spring 2015 issues (which you really should
obtain, through a subscription or by going to Barnes & Noble). But
this blog has been quiet. So quiet. Too quiet.
In fact, it has been so quiet here, I almost forgot my favorite blog
event of the year is coming up in just <b>THREE DAYS</b>. Just this morning it
dawned on me that it's about to be time for <b>MYTHIC MARCH</b> to come around
again on Domythic Bliss. And I was elated
to remember. It was like remembering a birthday party will be held for
you just days from now, with tea and scones and cake and flowers and
presents.
<br />
<br />
Mythic March, for those who may not be familiar, is in its third year
this year. It started when my friend <a href="http://www.inbytheeye.com/">Lisa Stock</a> and I were lamenting
how awkwardly timed the National Novel Writing Month of November
is...since November is an extremely busy time in both
of our lives, during which it is nearly impossible to schedule a massive
endeavor such as writing a 50k word novel. We agreed that spring was a
marvelous time to break out into new projects, and Mythic March was
born.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't know about any of you, but it seems to me that I especially
need Mythic March this year. This winter has been a terrible one in
Ohio (and even more so for my dear Boston friends for whom I am sending a
sympathetic hug). I've felt extremely depressed
and anxious, fixated on every little small thing (and large thing) that
is wrong with my lovely home where I've been trapped for the last four
months or so. The days have been so cold that I've wanted nothing more
than to huddle under a blanket on the couch
watching Netflix and drinking tea, and yet some part of me has been
furious with myself for not creating much of anything or doing anything
worth noting for that time.
<br />
<br />
Spring is on its way. Tomorrow night's low is forecast to be -10 here, but
the days are getting longer, and more kinds of bird song are in the air
each morning. By the end of Mythic March, the world will look quite
different than it does now, and new creations
are a marvelous way to mark this beginning. Our modern society has far
too few rituals to celebrate changes in life and in season. This is
one that I feel I am trying to create, both in my own life and for all
of you.<br />
<br />
So please join me. Spend Mythic March resolving to create something.
Make a playlist of songs that inspire you to dance. Write a ritual to
celebrate the end of the bitter cold weather. Write a story, draw a
picture, create a collage, invite friends over
and make a fruit pie...the point is not what you do, necessarily, but
just that it is done with a spirit of imagination and an eye toward new
beginnings.
<br />
<br />
And when you have started working, please come back here (or to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/170485399725863/">Facebook group</a>) and share your progress. I promise I'll be elated to
hear from you no matter what you're doing!
<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-56454237946752377862015-01-04T17:24:00.001-05:002015-01-04T17:30:29.598-05:00Beat the Post-Christmas Blues! So yesterday my husband and I dismantled Christmas in our home. Every year, everything looks so blank and stark after the warm glow of Christmas lights and the greenery and festive garland come down. Some people deal with this post-Christmas blah by delaying the dismantling of the decorations. And if it was just up to me, that's probably what I'd do...leave Christmas up until around the start of April. But for those of us who have to take down Christmas shortly after the holiday, here are some ideas for post-Christmas decor that can still look festive.<br />
<br />
I started a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gracen/post-christmas-winter-decorating/">pin-board on Pinterest</a> with these and several other ideas, so go there to see even more!<br />
<br />
It seems like the post-Christmas vignettes tend to either go in the direction of pale colors and snow, or warm woodsy colors and pine cones and deer and the like. This wreath below rather nicely encapsulates the variety of post-Christmas items commonly used in decorating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9ZdJAqipNW9Y_fyJA8dftWSpXU_mK5LbABhwIUVUZq5j5iPMRWK9j-17fvIUFjInxOoet65roXPiWkOWd_-WFvWsm0UR3QyW4bJyjPZyvly3Sb42E0Fi9FMZNUrs9FwNsqTgYfnLaEWD/s1600/101140415v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9ZdJAqipNW9Y_fyJA8dftWSpXU_mK5LbABhwIUVUZq5j5iPMRWK9j-17fvIUFjInxOoet65roXPiWkOWd_-WFvWsm0UR3QyW4bJyjPZyvly3Sb42E0Fi9FMZNUrs9FwNsqTgYfnLaEWD/s1600/101140415v2.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
Another cute idea I thought for the early months of a new year was to do a vignette with different clocks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyyAPNsfwfOtP6YhYzbl9174Mbdo2ekCMER5v905QuI_69P8BbZ4Pc_L6g8GAeVeKv7paw7NdHxge9UmkrasxRN8WOplKxr6QKmV3evJA-T4D5QEJxt-jE2Kt6owSHWx9Kf5zpYgycMqX/s1600/clocks+on+mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyyAPNsfwfOtP6YhYzbl9174Mbdo2ekCMER5v905QuI_69P8BbZ4Pc_L6g8GAeVeKv7paw7NdHxge9UmkrasxRN8WOplKxr6QKmV3evJA-T4D5QEJxt-jE2Kt6owSHWx9Kf5zpYgycMqX/s1600/clocks+on+mantel.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elizabethhousestlouis.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00:00:00-06:00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00&max-results=15">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Many many wreaths and vignettes feature the lovely small plastic snowflakes I've seen (and bought) on sale at the Dollar Tree.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfocWTo2DwjCe6kUu0xYncbFcvbJmHZENlva5X0TrVwzrQw4qX9IRymZY3xsoeXEBOlzTPGCLpwVu2uGCkqbdHs2vUDyeciYJuzu43sVppyJPVpHPEcTqadhDOdNpn4clBdAuryj-oDYlS/s1600/DS_DIY_Snowflake-Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfocWTo2DwjCe6kUu0xYncbFcvbJmHZENlva5X0TrVwzrQw4qX9IRymZY3xsoeXEBOlzTPGCLpwVu2uGCkqbdHs2vUDyeciYJuzu43sVppyJPVpHPEcTqadhDOdNpn4clBdAuryj-oDYlS/s1600/DS_DIY_Snowflake-Wreath.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mamainthedeep.com/dollar-store-diy-my-snowflake-wreath/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAea8Jhrl8PsKoOUFiC4qcZSaB8HdXVb0itdtkElzZsEZTcUl5Lx0cgg4_rfcWBnmqVvC9iTbn1ZQG9Rqty-WG91oanbulcLQPwBJhcy0Vbv4FfcU1dcWaZzWdt5_BP2nel5_346e7dOv6/s1600/DSCN4409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAea8Jhrl8PsKoOUFiC4qcZSaB8HdXVb0itdtkElzZsEZTcUl5Lx0cgg4_rfcWBnmqVvC9iTbn1ZQG9Rqty-WG91oanbulcLQPwBJhcy0Vbv4FfcU1dcWaZzWdt5_BP2nel5_346e7dOv6/s1600/DSCN4409.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oliverandrust.com/search/label/Christmas%20decor?updated-max=2012-12-10T16:56:00-08:00&max-results=20&start=6&by-date=false">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love the wee little white owl on this one:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7FR6uhLq8cl_hOHwA7SoSgVTp_oAYQofGtWFBFfUyyNKF8NCqeqiLu_Tz749q9pXj6xGcCLaY4bt6pZhEwiK1tAYWTpz7WONs3y_uJVyrgPhfN7vhvoZGAZBBxFUMRuQQUri5pxuhOM2/s1600/White-Winter-Wreath-Full.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7FR6uhLq8cl_hOHwA7SoSgVTp_oAYQofGtWFBFfUyyNKF8NCqeqiLu_Tz749q9pXj6xGcCLaY4bt6pZhEwiK1tAYWTpz7WONs3y_uJVyrgPhfN7vhvoZGAZBBxFUMRuQQUri5pxuhOM2/s1600/White-Winter-Wreath-Full.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://snapcreativity.com/diy-white-winter-wreath/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaB13UZjGKVmP7Mhk6o1YR_eYPEPJiRQIx4xBE8OWE5ocjRepwzsBWOpSn0BKmeAXpHz5X59wHgkod3hQoFrMuSveIk-whjkV4cgSUONg3hVPZ4YN7cprjbP12vJRtFI3HektFlVm0EMU/s1600/Snowflake+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaB13UZjGKVmP7Mhk6o1YR_eYPEPJiRQIx4xBE8OWE5ocjRepwzsBWOpSn0BKmeAXpHz5X59wHgkod3hQoFrMuSveIk-whjkV4cgSUONg3hVPZ4YN7cprjbP12vJRtFI3HektFlVm0EMU/s1600/Snowflake+art.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yourcozyhome.blogspot.com/2012/12/2-day-countdown-create-your-own-white.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love the freeform quality of this door vignette:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWyXX5DvLqgoYdTmT6XjNLCWOidTC2kXm4YqBmYJhZFo3X6TOm6lBkvu-QwyJ9EbApJU97GtDvrzVQEu2bd8CmcYpRaHlTbvQaU1uO9DPPJlHYCn7qNsWdRFT0Hosb56Ed7A4aI_f1qUL/s1600/Door+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWyXX5DvLqgoYdTmT6XjNLCWOidTC2kXm4YqBmYJhZFo3X6TOm6lBkvu-QwyJ9EbApJU97GtDvrzVQEu2bd8CmcYpRaHlTbvQaU1uO9DPPJlHYCn7qNsWdRFT0Hosb56Ed7A4aI_f1qUL/s1600/Door+Decor.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mytexasnest.blogspot.com/2010/11/winter-wonderland.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Others prefer the warmth of bare branches and pinecones:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxSBRjXnXH2OaoakjZupByiUjgDwoBxE25SQjTbXwMnzeMm55bouOywHU618A-RyhObFV3CKh_ftsyjeTKbUvzJuQcJj5p910kgxSqKhB0fu_4Ngg1pt1QlwciBO00MIC1q3vekvATLU7/s1600/charming-winter-centerpieces-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxSBRjXnXH2OaoakjZupByiUjgDwoBxE25SQjTbXwMnzeMm55bouOywHU618A-RyhObFV3CKh_ftsyjeTKbUvzJuQcJj5p910kgxSqKhB0fu_4Ngg1pt1QlwciBO00MIC1q3vekvATLU7/s1600/charming-winter-centerpieces-40.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.digsdigs.com/75-charming-winter-centerpieces/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwO6oURgk5pl0Y9aGv_DXmCP57v3as8rmZW0j_FcrgutneJTzqD4zYwtuEcMeFkDaRJVzFiX5NCuB2-rO8HSYDNOy8pbaraTlNiINEwA-U9OvsTfrJdIqqNTaYcNEbLgqqCpdDdy_FjNH/s1600/winter+decor+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwO6oURgk5pl0Y9aGv_DXmCP57v3as8rmZW0j_FcrgutneJTzqD4zYwtuEcMeFkDaRJVzFiX5NCuB2-rO8HSYDNOy8pbaraTlNiINEwA-U9OvsTfrJdIqqNTaYcNEbLgqqCpdDdy_FjNH/s1600/winter+decor+017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/mantels/mantel-party-review.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievoowzX3DoorocSedZqZgb2FSHpA_PSfOgJxuhdE9aGyu5H6pEMYHECnQACHF7VZ-Q7sTjstM8Z_2jP2YE927rG1zUCYoW99_ZQ6qPaUMxfR-BBQW4XIRrm9MzTuKu_m6VmEfG9ErAQfm/s1600/8257958119_38530cc0dd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievoowzX3DoorocSedZqZgb2FSHpA_PSfOgJxuhdE9aGyu5H6pEMYHECnQACHF7VZ-Q7sTjstM8Z_2jP2YE927rG1zUCYoW99_ZQ6qPaUMxfR-BBQW4XIRrm9MzTuKu_m6VmEfG9ErAQfm/s1600/8257958119_38530cc0dd_o.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/24285065@N02/8257958119/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some are a combination of both types of ideas...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPw1sqGoyEqhKVkJwPiyCLqIVUbF8OaRJPRsihgzzTClEUsgPxRa47T5BVuqPVYXKc_q1RXu2_FNClXoUs_cuxd6cFOZ3NC9_VnYTyqlfUuwSI2lPS-APq31wEt_RIJgsPoJky2uVFkIk/s1600/snowy-pinecone-wreath-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPw1sqGoyEqhKVkJwPiyCLqIVUbF8OaRJPRsihgzzTClEUsgPxRa47T5BVuqPVYXKc_q1RXu2_FNClXoUs_cuxd6cFOZ3NC9_VnYTyqlfUuwSI2lPS-APq31wEt_RIJgsPoJky2uVFkIk/s1600/snowy-pinecone-wreath-m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/snowy-pinecone-wreath">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth9z7Z2ikbGRoZ6ax4f17vWU_H0iXmrcNfMFW4qqqyvILVsf_dyCL7rHYnj_HgHZMQNNeQQYIjJz9nbTnW1Oi5ZGWA6Gy4SrRD0270uPeYQmmh2JrMl526uJoXOclJ7kakUdX_uoLlvMK/s1600/abe48a1079e5ba21de30b89ba8785656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth9z7Z2ikbGRoZ6ax4f17vWU_H0iXmrcNfMFW4qqqyvILVsf_dyCL7rHYnj_HgHZMQNNeQQYIjJz9nbTnW1Oi5ZGWA6Gy4SrRD0270uPeYQmmh2JrMl526uJoXOclJ7kakUdX_uoLlvMK/s1600/abe48a1079e5ba21de30b89ba8785656.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apopofpretty.com/tag/winter-mantel/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Personally, some of my favorites involve wintertime vignettes....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU1BG5DBLmc0rXbiaOvOqEhJ0Hrk-QgS6wQzOJZUSVbmcXdDEAQ_t-vtbNGmlLoWsSeEcixCYTm5PM3YR0rJcHJzMn01jMJIlxBazZG8S0dUpLC2I0jVkcutIkSZvmX7NgbgHc8KG2jY1/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU1BG5DBLmc0rXbiaOvOqEhJ0Hrk-QgS6wQzOJZUSVbmcXdDEAQ_t-vtbNGmlLoWsSeEcixCYTm5PM3YR0rJcHJzMn01jMJIlxBazZG8S0dUpLC2I0jVkcutIkSZvmX7NgbgHc8KG2jY1/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://misskopykat.blogspot.com/2012/12/bottle-brush-tree-mantle.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Thanks to my friend Barry Lytle for this picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HtncwEHxqZc_zW25OA7gVGMqZ7-aJrtJ2zCmU8PfDtBURkowAdIbXmK2Q_P9cXeYBApeR6EotzBsuSm6ZtXGaGcTSSqjCnqpKD79GineBr2FwQfZBXNHhx6lyfADJOaKlpRWSMz9Edsj/s1600/12852_901019659909338_7985851430469978176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HtncwEHxqZc_zW25OA7gVGMqZ7-aJrtJ2zCmU8PfDtBURkowAdIbXmK2Q_P9cXeYBApeR6EotzBsuSm6ZtXGaGcTSSqjCnqpKD79GineBr2FwQfZBXNHhx6lyfADJOaKlpRWSMz9Edsj/s1600/12852_901019659909338_7985851430469978176_n.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<br />
Anything 'deer' in colors other than red and green will work too....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiJYR_qHFUFIvdikjyzxKSaOjOn_GovJ_scx7qgAFF51i44RwJ0WBuC-VgKKGEC-QkxtWN5lkNFz0Egafj8bSXtaLYqF9xsn3Izb3FmkLyeL9T7YwAUr6Cv_I_unBFWVEn2PpuCkmJIyF/s1600/a48f381c25a3cbbb8a9629fc1cfede76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiJYR_qHFUFIvdikjyzxKSaOjOn_GovJ_scx7qgAFF51i44RwJ0WBuC-VgKKGEC-QkxtWN5lkNFz0Egafj8bSXtaLYqF9xsn3Izb3FmkLyeL9T7YwAUr6Cv_I_unBFWVEn2PpuCkmJIyF/s1600/a48f381c25a3cbbb8a9629fc1cfede76.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/Lookbook-fw-2013.aspx?cm_mmc=social-_-pinterest-_-pin-_-lookbook&?utm_source=social&utm_medium=pin&utm_content=lookbook&utm_campaign=pinterest">Link</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tTAeYpFOckXwzo89thq-obVvxjxlpJEhyqdfbzKSF6eQC0ac-7nss6YSXmVxKTSeqZ-n4Q18ltG5Sv0k1EkTV4Z6_XYmspKcn0KC5g9sJ-m2AotQ8UuK6wK4BsWVRda1zn78TKA_eB5Z/s1600/nDSC_3803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tTAeYpFOckXwzo89thq-obVvxjxlpJEhyqdfbzKSF6eQC0ac-7nss6YSXmVxKTSeqZ-n4Q18ltG5Sv0k1EkTV4Z6_XYmspKcn0KC5g9sJ-m2AotQ8UuK6wK4BsWVRda1zn78TKA_eB5Z/s1600/nDSC_3803.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/Lookbook-fw-2013.aspx?cm_mmc=social-_-pinterest-_-pin-_-lookbook&?utm_source=social&utm_medium=pin&utm_content=lookbook&utm_campaign=pinterest">Link</a></td></tr>
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<br />
And if you can't stand the idea of no color at all, the pop of red cardinals against the snow is just as stunning in decor as it is in winter nature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr-RINr5f1-Y9amIHv1LfD5lZSQHstuAMIvb73n2x5GXyWWfnrT4PdeupHmiKCYMNvtwlFRdKSjsKwnuCPVGexH3OOF8t-mJLQGu9yKxaucCxMlu1jdLBPaqqoux-BmOpPo75fmQNPXh3/s1600/winter-wispy-wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr-RINr5f1-Y9amIHv1LfD5lZSQHstuAMIvb73n2x5GXyWWfnrT4PdeupHmiKCYMNvtwlFRdKSjsKwnuCPVGexH3OOF8t-mJLQGu9yKxaucCxMlu1jdLBPaqqoux-BmOpPo75fmQNPXh3/s1600/winter-wispy-wreath.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madeinaday.com/2012/11/16/winter-wispy-wreath/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfzgeU4i8ky0q0jSN3nA2tuVMff0cOjIJDtHLg-SJQrmQm0Oe8-TCVOLGq65tDHM7W-eArk5EwpuWxjYIiY_Ms2vBWmcTVUCUt70amOFvj5RTBOPcbj5VqI8p2fjxswtgWDQuGXOli9Or/s1600/w5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfzgeU4i8ky0q0jSN3nA2tuVMff0cOjIJDtHLg-SJQrmQm0Oe8-TCVOLGq65tDHM7W-eArk5EwpuWxjYIiY_Ms2vBWmcTVUCUt70amOFvj5RTBOPcbj5VqI8p2fjxswtgWDQuGXOli9Or/s1600/w5.jpg" height="400" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thissillygirlslife.com/2014/01/transitional-winter-wreath/">Link</a></td></tr>
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So good luck with your post-Christmas cheer! Remember, there are even more ideas at the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gracen/post-christmas-winter-decorating/">pin-board</a> I created! Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-76378902338013807362014-12-20T12:59:00.001-05:002014-12-20T12:59:03.891-05:00The Gardens of ChristmasIt all started when my friend Dana posted a picture of a floral Christmas tree. I was smitten, and wanted to track it down. So starting with a keyword search in Google, I finally found its origin. <br />
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Winterthur is a museum, gallery, and garden in Delaware. Each year, they put on a massive spectacular at Christmastime. The dried floral Christmas tree is a 29-year tradition and is made fresh every year from outstanding examples of blooms gathered throughout the gardens in all the summer months on the grounds. Gorgeous flowers are preserved, carefully boxed, and saved to later put on the tree. Therefore, each year's tree is a different creation. <br />
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It's a beautiful idea, especially when you consider that Christmas decorations are really like our way of gardening in winter. They are a vivid celebration of color, warmth, and joy, just as a our summer gardens bring us a similar dreamlike, drowsy, and perfumed happiness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR8BwyVAZ730DTOCHK-J6CpBnEIUt5P6qwoKYnkN4AYFtC-1O05GYjBYvfd3dpslbiBYFTElb7BPh6Srt54AS1EWF30_22eLOes8XJN5kFTPns7T4ljo_qQEOsD6iaWyN2I6x28mi51Kv/s1600/635531297924592091--112114-Yuletide-KRG0281.JPG-20141125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR8BwyVAZ730DTOCHK-J6CpBnEIUt5P6qwoKYnkN4AYFtC-1O05GYjBYvfd3dpslbiBYFTElb7BPh6Srt54AS1EWF30_22eLOes8XJN5kFTPns7T4ljo_qQEOsD6iaWyN2I6x28mi51Kv/s1600/635531297924592091--112114-Yuletide-KRG0281.JPG-20141125.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.courierpostonline.com/picture-gallery/life/home-garden/2014/12/02/yuletide-at-winterthur-2014/19790281/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxsK7VmQLmegIqA4kIz-h8usRA26OTLxvJ5WdyQCAHoGYIuWdUELmbhv00472s_Z8Ea-SBFAIlIY3ca1TJ-ivJPdi_Lohf9cGmfQcPdWPu4pwbrRYdzg0mWNbFuckznA4v8iFsQsk7dIk/s1600/635531297928542170--112114-Yuletide-KRG0297.JPG-20141125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxsK7VmQLmegIqA4kIz-h8usRA26OTLxvJ5WdyQCAHoGYIuWdUELmbhv00472s_Z8Ea-SBFAIlIY3ca1TJ-ivJPdi_Lohf9cGmfQcPdWPu4pwbrRYdzg0mWNbFuckznA4v8iFsQsk7dIk/s1600/635531297928542170--112114-Yuletide-KRG0297.JPG-20141125.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.courierpostonline.com/picture-gallery/life/home-garden/2014/12/02/yuletide-at-winterthur-2014/19790281/">Link</a></td></tr>
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This video talks about how they make this mainstay traditional tree:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT1rKL4x0ZMX6YnMLAQ9cb7l95GVLewfGJLljKJn_ktaZ-id-xZsG9Hp6qCvMVFesr_sBjZ1t8sqX4NtbgeMWm_4KBnPMQLAe27UFlImBt6ETDzpZSG6FO-xgXHbVNP_GgVEB_z4ezDOA/s1600/thumb.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT1rKL4x0ZMX6YnMLAQ9cb7l95GVLewfGJLljKJn_ktaZ-id-xZsG9Hp6qCvMVFesr_sBjZ1t8sqX4NtbgeMWm_4KBnPMQLAe27UFlImBt6ETDzpZSG6FO-xgXHbVNP_GgVEB_z4ezDOA/s1600/thumb.php.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thetreetopper.com/tag/winterthur-museum/">Link</a></td></tr>
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But this gorgeous tree is not the only one at Winterthur. Numerous other breathtaking trees are featured among its halls. One of them is this butterfly tree I've seen on many a Pinterest board. I did not know its origin until now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj4QIC1Pgn3I4UBywKPBOqREUczs6ESRrzOhdq1ArXx40A8tQwmdcIzIGSmnx2P0wTT8878pTbQ7urJMXhnnRYc3ZjckAT8IEw0FqWep6vdlO__OnOLWeyP5TpWTlt3Duy_7SjwDpXqhh/s1600/winterthur-butterfly-tree-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj4QIC1Pgn3I4UBywKPBOqREUczs6ESRrzOhdq1ArXx40A8tQwmdcIzIGSmnx2P0wTT8878pTbQ7urJMXhnnRYc3ZjckAT8IEw0FqWep6vdlO__OnOLWeyP5TpWTlt3Duy_7SjwDpXqhh/s1600/winterthur-butterfly-tree-2009.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebuzz.dianejameshome.com/winterthur-wonderland/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_OaGYTb6mALArC9rGY3xNiQRqDba3dhBNUsucW4fP7fm7HY8eAn8cboHCr24OgNS_SJnDupj3M0lJU_wwWVk7CknJBkfKqCOvmplNFMRe2KCyVO3IYk5_ZGwW_UlCAlopd5hnVJIxyAq/s1600/winterthur-butterfly-close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_OaGYTb6mALArC9rGY3xNiQRqDba3dhBNUsucW4fP7fm7HY8eAn8cboHCr24OgNS_SJnDupj3M0lJU_wwWVk7CknJBkfKqCOvmplNFMRe2KCyVO3IYk5_ZGwW_UlCAlopd5hnVJIxyAq/s1600/winterthur-butterfly-close-up.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebuzz.dianejameshome.com/winterthur-wonderland/">Link</a></td></tr>
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Another tree pays homage to Downton Abbey, with rich ornaments, small tiaras, and other Anglophile details.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa4Xax68rhCL7VIAD0wteyd0-Z4lY1TZ4CxuN26Q7PAXkEZESVkjiWjAX-tTz2QD7oNxG9dzWHGv8k88LdaNzxZXE9P_sNc-JbMtsDx9FfS73GBDgpgv_G8z-cfpHvAhZejPbkSgNcKxn/s1600/635531297941442428--112114-Yuletide-KRG0021.JPG-20141125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa4Xax68rhCL7VIAD0wteyd0-Z4lY1TZ4CxuN26Q7PAXkEZESVkjiWjAX-tTz2QD7oNxG9dzWHGv8k88LdaNzxZXE9P_sNc-JbMtsDx9FfS73GBDgpgv_G8z-cfpHvAhZejPbkSgNcKxn/s1600/635531297941442428--112114-Yuletide-KRG0021.JPG-20141125.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.courierpostonline.com/picture-gallery/life/home-garden/2014/12/02/yuletide-at-winterthur-2014/19790281/">Link</a></td></tr>
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While the largest tree in the conservatory is decked out in traditional baubles and tinsel, with a tree skirt of live poinsettia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqHmYcjw3-f8nek5QmdKCf7XqTjbV93oMHF3F-kGSRXgrAf7GOXWm2UCC-Quv1A1dYrjSNvtRyA8NVeJ-XQ2MnPs86vn9JfON8-21RGheGtaT3MkgLAS2TXu5jPc98uqyUP1P5SB0O7QS/s1600/winterthur-festive-tree-with-poinsettia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqHmYcjw3-f8nek5QmdKCf7XqTjbV93oMHF3F-kGSRXgrAf7GOXWm2UCC-Quv1A1dYrjSNvtRyA8NVeJ-XQ2MnPs86vn9JfON8-21RGheGtaT3MkgLAS2TXu5jPc98uqyUP1P5SB0O7QS/s1600/winterthur-festive-tree-with-poinsettia.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebuzz.dianejameshome.com/winterthur-wonderland/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWxc1X4FQK3VJ_SAtA3ne8ktPkmD1mogSukfZREOQUTcn7E_mnuDHe7lcLa4pqZ0bxnusUTmUGCdbX-PA2P-4_COo71zbVJhFRvtfZm3FEEwflMHL3Egs6YFtRzvkQj4eoD0hOVda_tqM/s1600/fun-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWxc1X4FQK3VJ_SAtA3ne8ktPkmD1mogSukfZREOQUTcn7E_mnuDHe7lcLa4pqZ0bxnusUTmUGCdbX-PA2P-4_COo71zbVJhFRvtfZm3FEEwflMHL3Egs6YFtRzvkQj4eoD0hOVda_tqM/s1600/fun-tree.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thephotogardenbee.com/2009/12/13/todays-featured-post-part-i-yuletide-trees-at-winterthur/">Link</a></td></tr>
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I think my personal favorite is the March Bank tree, featuring a celebration of the earliest spring flowers, Daffodils and Snowdrops, peeking through the icy blue snow of the tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KyzoeQGYCK0JyWds5UD1qmFYPfQ74li9lo4w2o8Z363_0Rxd6V25l7Us4OFaPY4DDUHk38iP8CvAVl4gpFpvdsXzdomWH4yd6knrlr-XoU_nDVVRxNx2Juv7Sb7UZWLPl9ja6_LtHP0b/s1600/winterthur-march-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KyzoeQGYCK0JyWds5UD1qmFYPfQ74li9lo4w2o8Z363_0Rxd6V25l7Us4OFaPY4DDUHk38iP8CvAVl4gpFpvdsXzdomWH4yd6knrlr-XoU_nDVVRxNx2Juv7Sb7UZWLPl9ja6_LtHP0b/s1600/winterthur-march-tree.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebuzz.dianejameshome.com/winterthur-wonderland/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBYttEy6DABMo8zJV7aNrzZYjWeXb2_3J1b1VgqW-XUojwYywrs9fLTbj1g4PdKaZRnmtAjnJheOu9mr-Tg7f0iJKujar33uZ9RIoe9JqlMkqYC3xj9CzUuU5J1Fi8cljxgz7_ZB7kC9D/s1600/635531297977743154--112114-Yuletide-KRG0169.JPG-20141125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBYttEy6DABMo8zJV7aNrzZYjWeXb2_3J1b1VgqW-XUojwYywrs9fLTbj1g4PdKaZRnmtAjnJheOu9mr-Tg7f0iJKujar33uZ9RIoe9JqlMkqYC3xj9CzUuU5J1Fi8cljxgz7_ZB7kC9D/s1600/635531297977743154--112114-Yuletide-KRG0169.JPG-20141125.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.courierpostonline.com/picture-gallery/life/home-garden/2014/12/02/yuletide-at-winterthur-2014/19790281/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvHLSfvULF9JLC2ZroL7k72ZvIBbYksHP1A61CNMtA0Mq3_aPdzAt5ECY12VjuvLGJpeaosE3FSs62aeiDg5gj93J_m-UvDV6vxBWX-Z04mE5wgOw_2n8pOgJdPPKizb9XwIX0uay5SC1/s1600/springclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvHLSfvULF9JLC2ZroL7k72ZvIBbYksHP1A61CNMtA0Mq3_aPdzAt5ECY12VjuvLGJpeaosE3FSs62aeiDg5gj93J_m-UvDV6vxBWX-Z04mE5wgOw_2n8pOgJdPPKizb9XwIX0uay5SC1/s1600/springclose.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-with-du-ponts.html">Link, </a>above 3 images</td></tr>
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One of my favorite things about Christmas decorations both indoors and outdoors is, in continuation of the theme of gardening, how no two are alike, and yet all are so beautiful. Some people wouldn't be caught using a single colored lightbulb, while others really love the big oversized multicolor vintage lights. Some people use all organic materials and ornaments on their trees, while others prefer pop culture figurines. And the best part is...<i>no one is wrong</i>. Like flowers in a garden, the multitude of decorating styles are all beautiful <i>because of </i>their variety.<br />
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There's a line in a Christmas song that says "the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door." The point is that, like viewing impressive summer gardens and then going home to one's own simple flowerbeds and borders, there's a warmth that comes with creating something ourselves that cannot be replaced, no matter how beautiful the examples we may admire. May we all be content with our individual holly on our individual front doors this year, and be thankful for the warmth that comes with a happy home.<br />
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Merry Christmas, Domythic Bliss readers! <br />
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-74650794973699952642014-10-23T11:58:00.001-04:002014-10-23T11:58:30.584-04:00Hedgespoken<br />
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You may have already heard about it, but I want to make darn tootin' sure you do. Hedgespoken is a new fundraiser campaign started by artist Rima Staines and her partner in life and creativity, Tom. I first came to hear of Rima through her incredible, phenomenal, engrossing blog, The Hermitage. When I first started reading her blog, she was a traveling artist living out of a converted Bedford truck, with paintings by herself and other mythic artists tacked to the walls, and views of romantic British countryside out her back door. Her blog was (and is!) an incredible way to feel swept up in a romantic life that seems from another era.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1dIEsuoFgFwPft7uNQqTObM9a3csokJB2MNDnP_be7woswlDFfaxWupZIs-A9rE3qSFgjvmgWu2yiQ5T_iPfMqZbAuDsmzJFzmNdLqzdqxoO2SGtWUCMsem-hUqINAYKPRKta9aWtEyQ/s1600/20141012081851-hedgespoken_vision_sketch_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1dIEsuoFgFwPft7uNQqTObM9a3csokJB2MNDnP_be7woswlDFfaxWupZIs-A9rE3qSFgjvmgWu2yiQ5T_iPfMqZbAuDsmzJFzmNdLqzdqxoO2SGtWUCMsem-hUqINAYKPRKta9aWtEyQ/s1600/20141012081851-hedgespoken_vision_sketch_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rima put down roots in Chagford, Devon. (A town I really need to do a whole blog post on, and perhaps I shall) She found a local community, a place to belong. But she never stopped wanting to live a traveling life again. And so Hedgespoken was born, a campaign to create a NEW housetruck, but this time with a proscenium stage built into its side to perform storytelling and puppetry, a whole mythic arts on wheels concept. <br />
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And I adore it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHFQzN3uUEMZevYO9l6QGcvO2Jo0EWMMV3g_q0KaPrP4eeuIb9oAFUub-RSKbAzWIZsui4UFzDHccve9i2Sos84ah_ozlNbQGU-zvp-bO20irS6wV9OUwA1bkOkksf8oj9-DVHbSrpUhS/s1600/20141013033937-filming_day_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHFQzN3uUEMZevYO9l6QGcvO2Jo0EWMMV3g_q0KaPrP4eeuIb9oAFUub-RSKbAzWIZsui4UFzDHccve9i2Sos84ah_ozlNbQGU-zvp-bO20irS6wV9OUwA1bkOkksf8oj9-DVHbSrpUhS/s1600/20141013033937-filming_day_1000.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although we've had a terrible year financially, I am trying to help Rima by spreading the word as far and wide as possible. She has a sub-campaign to challenge people to try to raise funds through informing others of the Indiegogo page, and so I would ask that if you do decide to help fund their project, you please do so through<br />
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<a href="http://igg.me/at/hedgespoken/x/8944510">this link</a><br />
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Also enjoy the below fundraising video. It well sums-up the project and the fantastical, Domythic feel of what they are trying to create!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ET4k04joURM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Also, Rima just posted an incredible <a href="https://hedgespoken.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/wayfaring/">blog</a> today all about what appeals to her in a traveling life. It is truly a remarkable post, and is almost enough to convince this introverted home-addict to hit the road. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRlo77NFqz7KojC0TAfkMON1ddiZmyWKVx6rFRarukjmjLFaeROY3yj4EeLR4SaRtR7hySoEuoF3qniSbLTyAtt8SDvCFRz5t_W6Rm8HoypPGO6mPrwZO_ZtbJaJoExzZR3gPDA1y5oZY/s1600/bedford-with-art-display-at-weird-wonderful-wood-festival-suffolksmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRlo77NFqz7KojC0TAfkMON1ddiZmyWKVx6rFRarukjmjLFaeROY3yj4EeLR4SaRtR7hySoEuoF3qniSbLTyAtt8SDvCFRz5t_W6Rm8HoypPGO6mPrwZO_ZtbJaJoExzZR3gPDA1y5oZY/s1600/bedford-with-art-display-at-weird-wonderful-wood-festival-suffolksmall.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-67674189098473880662014-10-16T11:27:00.001-04:002014-10-16T11:27:27.903-04:00My Internet Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WtD0TgKbIc5GehGL3DB_q4i8wH1IRJki9nYBcTXwVisT7mCyIo2GTPrrgqEIrpXM7nY_oEM5d8M76q79Ai5MAg-C4zGW2Zh-Xoco_3D5N3w1Q61vE49oaUeRvr5ZW4yy78DoKxF-PbQw/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WtD0TgKbIc5GehGL3DB_q4i8wH1IRJki9nYBcTXwVisT7mCyIo2GTPrrgqEIrpXM7nY_oEM5d8M76q79Ai5MAg-C4zGW2Zh-Xoco_3D5N3w1Q61vE49oaUeRvr5ZW4yy78DoKxF-PbQw/s1600/Image1.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I mentioned that I am not giving up on this blog. However, you should know that your resident blogger has now created <a href="http://gracenuth.com/">her own website</a> (ok I can't talk in third person forever). I made a website, since I have so many varied creative pursuits, so that anyone so inclined could have one central place to seek for updates or my latest creative endeavors. The website template also includes a blog (chuckle) so I will be posting there when I update here, or any of my blogs, and there will also be original blog content on the site itself as well. I will be linking to any new artwork I create, photo shoots I am involved in, stories I write, new issues of Faerie Magazine, etc. <br /><br />So please feel free to bookmark GraceNuth.com ! Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-79702041182931535362014-10-15T17:08:00.000-04:002014-10-15T17:08:08.294-04:00Blogger Never Say Die!<span dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnOIgnepB-3-8LgnsW_5hFQ-YrR9_SGTLiCuy5IQ16MO7_dz3bSc-Gm4ixoPvxSBAFditu-kggKY8P84dve6CWDKtyx_kyp3GiyICsRDHsBGpKScFOuT-7PxkulLG8OadE576DPrFEeIY/s1600/pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnOIgnepB-3-8LgnsW_5hFQ-YrR9_SGTLiCuy5IQ16MO7_dz3bSc-Gm4ixoPvxSBAFditu-kggKY8P84dve6CWDKtyx_kyp3GiyICsRDHsBGpKScFOuT-7PxkulLG8OadE576DPrFEeIY/s1600/pinterest.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a></div>
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Video
killed the radio star, or so the song says. Perhaps the sequel to the
song should be called "Pinterest Killed the Blogging Star." The
internet is full of websites that were once the biggest fish in the
pond,
but now are hardly used at all. Facebook crippled MySpace, and
eventually did the same to my once-upon-a-time go-to social outlet, Live
Journal. And now it seems like Pinterest is starting to cripple
blogging sites. <br />
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I've noticed over the last
couple of years, but this year especially, some of my favorite Tumblrs
and blog pages have a special announcement at the top of the page saying
that the blogger or site creator is going to
leave up their page, but will no longer be updating. But you can find
him or her on Pinterest! <br />
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Ah, Pinterest...so very very
useful and enticing for many purposes, so seductive for someone who
loves aesthetically appealing visuals. And yet there is something
missing in a world that <i>only</i> revolves around
images. It's like a children's book with no words. Of course wordless
books exist, and can be incredibly moving and enchanting. But there's
also an irreplaceable and totally separate kind of magic that comes when
visuals and long-considered words join together.
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This is the realm of the
blog, of the LiveJournal entry, of long-form creative or expository
writing. And we are sadly getting further and further away from it
online. Twitter may quickly give us short jolts of information
from friends and famous people with whom we want to keep in touch, and
Facebook may offer us a newsfeed to scroll through for bits of the daily
workings of our lives and our friends' lives, but none of that replaces
a piece of writing that integrates images
and thoughts into a long-form look at someone's inner thoughts or views
of the world. <br />
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All this to say, my dear
readers, that although I haven't been on here as often as I used to, or
as I'd like, I do not plan to abandon this blog space. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/gracen/">I am on Pinterest</a>, and yes, it is seductive. It is far easier
at the end of a long day to go onto Pinterest for a little while and
search keywords, falling down the rabbit hole of beautiful images linked
from other beautiful images, creating themed boards meant to share
beauty in an organized and thematic way. (And yes,
I do have a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/gracen/domythic-bliss/">Domythic board</a>...several actually!) Searching for the
images that I find beautiful and finding so very many available at one
resource...it's seductive and stress-relieving. But I cannot let this
fun and useful tool replace what I've already built
here. I can't replace creating my own words-and-image creations,
exposing my thoughts and enthusiasms...with rehashing already-created
visuals on a variety of pin boards. Both of them have their place, but
they cannot replace each other.<br />
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By the way, there is another
reason for my recent absence on this blog. Just a reminder...I am now
working as a Deputy Editor of <a href="http://www.faeriemag.com/"><i>Faerie Magazine</i></a>, and although it's wonderful and satisfying work, it is also
quite time-consuming, and takes up time and energy I normally would have spent on my blogs. The last three issues of<i> Faerie Magazine </i>have
all featured multiple articles from me, some of which are quite
Domythic in subject. I'm really proud of what
we've been creating in our newest issues, with a new team, a new look,
and a new purpose. I highly recommend you get a subscription! And at
the end of this month, our Fall issue will be on the magazine racks of <i>every Barnes & Noble store in the United
States</i>! </div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-89896252408207634642014-08-22T13:33:00.000-04:002014-08-22T13:33:03.073-04:00Describing Your Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXi3gdXZQm0gxgwClMRrcFLS_J7hU5A-rf3wYtTlO_tQnbWv8WEEqW-LzAm7SRPCQ3kZphygD7XnOs5tPGT2lO1pciFrmWYBWknWvSQxxqR4McEsT6W5hL0-q8FtRQtGRDBXDYxs74Acx/s1600/904ab6c59416b89e7f93ef2d02f4970f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXi3gdXZQm0gxgwClMRrcFLS_J7hU5A-rf3wYtTlO_tQnbWv8WEEqW-LzAm7SRPCQ3kZphygD7XnOs5tPGT2lO1pciFrmWYBWknWvSQxxqR4McEsT6W5hL0-q8FtRQtGRDBXDYxs74Acx/s1600/904ab6c59416b89e7f93ef2d02f4970f.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52424783136757704/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lately I've been thinking about words and the power they have to transform the way you see the world around you. Finding out an object's or person's story and background are part of the appeal, but there's also just a certain response we have to the words themselves....reading an object described in an appealing way.<br />
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I'm sitting at my library desk looking at a small vase of Black-Eyed Susan flowers a coworker brought in and set on the work table. Lovely as they are, my eyes don't focus on them, but if I were to write a little paragraph describing their yellow arched petals and dark centers facing up toward the fluorescent light, I would somehow see them differently. The very process of writing about something is alchemical. It transforms the object.<br />
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I've begun incorporating this rumination into my life in different ways: I'm working on a little list of simple paragraphs describing our library's most endearing and fascinating patrons who come in daily. For no further reason than just to celebrate their characters. I've decided to start writing short creative fiction pieces based on the modeling shots I've taken over the last few years. My claim with the photos I'm involved in is that I like to take shots that tell a story...now I'm going to start telling those stories (I'm working on a personal website hub that will lead to all my creative endeavors, including this blog, my modeling, and those stories among much more). <br />
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The final way I've tried to incorporate this awareness of the power of description is by writing a short piece simply describing my own home. And guess what? Here's where you come in. I started the below piece of writing just to see how writing a description of my home, as if it were for a story, would make me feel. And the result was wonderful! I saw and appreciated the place in a whole new way! I only described the exterior of the building and the gardens, but everything magically transformed to be more charming, more enchanting. <br /><br />You really should try it! And if you do, I'd LOVE to see the results, either here or on the Domythic Bliss Facebook group!<br /><br /><br />Here's mine:<br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <i> </i></span><i>The
little house known as Catty-Corner Cottage lives up to its name from the first
moment you see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is it
located quite literally on the catty-corner of two streets, but it is a cozy
little white Cape Cod cottage, surrounded by a frame of profuse flowers and
shrubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The neighborhood is
charmingly old-fashioned: All the neighbors, mostly older retirement-age
couples, look out for each other and will even occasionally have a neighborhood
picnic, bringing together pie, barbecue, and gossip. It is simultaneously
an entirely ordinary community and marvelously rare. And right in the
center of it all stands Catty-Corner Cottage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></i></div>
<i>
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<i>A well-kept sidewalk darts a
direct line up to a small front stoop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evergreens
planted in twin urns frame a wooden door painted a rich plum color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tucked to either side of the steps are large
pots of lavender that sooths the senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Below both of the sets of windows that face the street, white flower
boxes painted with plum-colored scrollwork overflow with petunias in a mix of
purple, red, and plum colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twin
arborvitaes stand tall and narrow, guarding either corner of the front flower
gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you walk around the side of
the house, tall spires of Hollyhocks in shades of pink and red flash their
ruffled blooms at you, vibrant against the white siding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The back yard is set off from the street by a
white picket fence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An arbor arches
above the side gate, covered in thickly twining bean vines dotted with small
scarlet blooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<i>
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<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Open
the gate, step through into more gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To your right is a patio of antique bricks with an inviting flower
patterned umbrella shading an iron table and chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The patio is framed by cheerful yellow
daylilies on two sides, and with a tall lilac bush on the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cat gargoyle sits by the lilac, facing out
to the street to welcome guests or guard against intruders, depending on your
intent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To your left, running down the
length of the garden fence line, there is a very long flower bed planted with
dozens and dozens of different plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Raspberry vines twine along the fence slats, bushes of yellow and pink
flowers mix among roses and spikes of Foxglove, Snapdragon and Coneflower,
Sedum, Bee Balm, and Hosta. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>In the far corner of the yard,
vivid green ferns capture your eye even in the shadows of a spreading Hawthorn
tree, two glass lanterns dangling in its branches like jewels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A beautiful tree, its branches twist in
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birds who swoop and sing to you from its branches.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></div>
<i>
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<i>Under the shade of the same
tree, a cheerful white painted wood and iron bench sits by the back gate,
inviting you to sit at the bottom of the garden and look for the faeries
disguised as tiny birds hopping among the dense branches above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<i>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slowly and gently,
the house and its small garden work their magic on you, and you can feel your
worries and stresses melting away with the sun and gentle breezes.</span></i></div>
<i>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-23535092140100534252014-08-10T14:18:00.001-04:002014-08-10T14:18:27.886-04:00Songs for Ophelia - A ReviewSwitching gears for a moment from domestic fantasy, I was recently lucky enough to be sent an advanced copy of Theodora Goss' new mythically inspired poetry collection, <a href="http://www.papaveria.com/2014/theodora-goss-collections/">Songs for Ophelia</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5o7Q0P0TjomrrN13EVqbylSS2wD2LC5UR8IBR7zPogSYIWI3krbHKzq12iGdR5k34Msg0vp_BdVhhlW2P4DpZOL0icjTjKx2spHL-iW1dzuhnk3CJIN6St5RilPHPllRVLkJ8xNc1oTb/s1600/cover-of-arc-of-songs-for-ophelia-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5o7Q0P0TjomrrN13EVqbylSS2wD2LC5UR8IBR7zPogSYIWI3krbHKzq12iGdR5k34Msg0vp_BdVhhlW2P4DpZOL0icjTjKx2spHL-iW1dzuhnk3CJIN6St5RilPHPllRVLkJ8xNc1oTb/s1600/cover-of-arc-of-songs-for-ophelia-jpg.jpg" height="320" width="201" /></a></div>
<br />
I was impressed not only with the individual poems in the collection, but also how beautifully they all fit together as an overall narrative. The poems are organized into the four seasons, and although you see the transformation of certain natural elements across the seasons, there is little to no repetition. Some poems are canvases that capture a single moment in time, while others encompass entire lifetimes of fascinating characters.<br />
<br />
My favorite poems in the collection all seemed to fit into the latter category, but I appreciated them all. Poems like "The Witch" and "Shoes of Bark" beautifully explore the idea of the ages of womanhood, of motherhood and daughterhood, and how we weave magic with each other or have the ability to tear each other apart. The poems are full of rich rich imagery, each one best experienced slowly so that it can be pondered and savored.<br />
<br />
Theodora's technical prowess also quietly shines through...the quality of the meter and solidity of the structure of her poems is easy to forget when you get so caught up in the imagery she also provides, but it is nonetheless still there, like the sturdy spine of a dancer whose costume and movements distract us from her underlying strength.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this poetry collection. Theodora Goss is one of those authors, unlike James Patterson or Nora Roberts, who takes her time to put out a truly priceless creation rather than churning out new materials for filler. There is no filler in this collection, each poem shines like a jewel. Pluck your own jewel today!!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-40786982278865001882014-08-01T16:28:00.003-04:002014-08-01T16:36:46.844-04:00Hansel and Gretel Kitchen My friend Kellie recently posted to the Domythic Bliss Facebook group:<br />
<br />
<i>Hello all you crafty people out in Domythic world! I have a kitchen that
I started decorating in a 'Hansel and Gretel Gingerbread' theme a
couple of years ago,have not worked on it for a while....am now geting
little urges to add a few things,any one have any ideas,pictures off the
web and websites,etc...that you could help with? Maybe some one out
there in the group has this type of decorated kitchen </i><br />
<br />
Well my brain was off and running, and before I knew it I had a bunch of images saved from Pinterest...I figured I might as well turn them into a blog post!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYOpaduNCXcBayBgyfk536L1vlYWMJtouSWsoDUpzxkfxlw509yNkcF4OEW3pLXluGrv6KloXXtLleutlnEKVdI5IeR1KXNt_WBK8C8yNb2OMDKGC0S9DYt9ho7FdBoTvtsSQIpIeAPbS/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYOpaduNCXcBayBgyfk536L1vlYWMJtouSWsoDUpzxkfxlw509yNkcF4OEW3pLXluGrv6KloXXtLleutlnEKVdI5IeR1KXNt_WBK8C8yNb2OMDKGC0S9DYt9ho7FdBoTvtsSQIpIeAPbS/s1600/image_1.jpeg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/169659110937353985/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First there's the overt. This store in Helen, Georgia is actually called Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen. But how cute is that trim? And you could have a sign like this made for your kitchen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_MSioaClLQjzG98sNMSBjM1QcEuaUnjKTt66B9Du5VjW4xAKQpLdtUq_xxqQmzidQhOxmNohqtxb8K7lOlps6043dCROFppDJOUD5Tb_Z7ZP5UkrKRp0Y3QroWxeRQYhyphenhyphen8HLNTnC2x1V/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_MSioaClLQjzG98sNMSBjM1QcEuaUnjKTt66B9Du5VjW4xAKQpLdtUq_xxqQmzidQhOxmNohqtxb8K7lOlps6043dCROFppDJOUD5Tb_Z7ZP5UkrKRp0Y3QroWxeRQYhyphenhyphen8HLNTnC2x1V/s1600/image.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/510173464009418564/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI4K6M-E5RP0XaLa7F6ValJ55k5tfphgNLegCM-U_jkWiQUgmgzaVaSn-YwtihbI80-zUfUKarimk265u1F8FdQASi0cTwTV1IIpDE7UKc1zR7JoEETVPa4GIuiRm8U3uAPaCX_T4IqjI/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI4K6M-E5RP0XaLa7F6ValJ55k5tfphgNLegCM-U_jkWiQUgmgzaVaSn-YwtihbI80-zUfUKarimk265u1F8FdQASi0cTwTV1IIpDE7UKc1zR7JoEETVPa4GIuiRm8U3uAPaCX_T4IqjI/s1600/image_4.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/567101778050668351/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or maybe this sign above instead....or in addition.<br />
<br />
The below image...I love the idea of baskets hanging from the ceiling, from a rafter or even a faux beam. And of course here's one of many examples of a large fireplace or cookstove. It could be fun, if you are a fan of murals and wall paintings, to have a <span class="st"><i>Trompe-l'œil</i> fireplace painted on a kitchen wall. </span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185632815865225143/">Source</a></td></tr>
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A rack for the Hansel & Gretel Witch's extra brooms, perhaps?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkolkfOwH7fEkVNsnYmlUmRc5bCGLLPCwOnKgPaJqVEYrFgqaup8cUJ2dYNWW8Wy0Qe67mG95ilFGC7J6Ae3JiJInA68t8vNcp43Ob_hynrLgA3aebLEHncaYZZrqVaTKf3A5ijbNarB58/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkolkfOwH7fEkVNsnYmlUmRc5bCGLLPCwOnKgPaJqVEYrFgqaup8cUJ2dYNWW8Wy0Qe67mG95ilFGC7J6Ae3JiJInA68t8vNcp43Ob_hynrLgA3aebLEHncaYZZrqVaTKf3A5ijbNarB58/s1600/image_3.jpeg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/239042692694392832/">Source</a></td></tr>
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And of course what would a Hansel & Gretel Witch's kitchen be without gingerbread? In this case, I mean the trim, which could be painted a rich burgundy or green for more cheerful color.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_YZN1ttNbIP2Dl3dV8gZvWPJIoiJ6fuboH530yxJQwZbvRcFA6OFlUjbmpL2xvb52p-IwIjXnNCFLEBlmYhKcsDW4BUn0z4M0ghx6LZa9Rt7La7zLX2Hqi4hrKQ0OPI68JpfXdbu3hSV/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_YZN1ttNbIP2Dl3dV8gZvWPJIoiJ6fuboH530yxJQwZbvRcFA6OFlUjbmpL2xvb52p-IwIjXnNCFLEBlmYhKcsDW4BUn0z4M0ghx6LZa9Rt7La7zLX2Hqi4hrKQ0OPI68JpfXdbu3hSV/s1600/image_5.jpeg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/544865254888618696/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAZLbWpA4m2A6LYiofM5UQu5CAzPC-kckQHxiCuBusP1plCgugLV4fYQoruqgrXykPYlTVdFejgO53trJpq8pxTIt3vRHbGR4sE_lIgAIu370OUBVpXRuywZohPy2RbLcrDQLWYvdTqzi/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAZLbWpA4m2A6LYiofM5UQu5CAzPC-kckQHxiCuBusP1plCgugLV4fYQoruqgrXykPYlTVdFejgO53trJpq8pxTIt3vRHbGR4sE_lIgAIu370OUBVpXRuywZohPy2RbLcrDQLWYvdTqzi/s1600/image_6.jpeg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/11/my-favorite-roomjennifer-rizzo_8.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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Which brings me to color...I definitely think the room should have very little if any white on the walls, maybe just some between wood beams on the ceiling. But the walls should be warm, gingerbread-y colors, with trim and accents in richer shades of the colors of candy, like burgundy, rose, green, etc. I love the subtle shades of warm browns and blues in this kitchen below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D1RUBCtH2qCe7c0KaQMFBa_y0UZWn9LVrfdA3N377sObqbhzFQmDkYafQ_raQB-NDKkyS5sTdu5HChXh8cMwuhkjpYCRsVTvmZe34eYc216S_FV3aXY0vEHYedcq78uwsFy8-rmKzfVG/s1600/image_8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D1RUBCtH2qCe7c0KaQMFBa_y0UZWn9LVrfdA3N377sObqbhzFQmDkYafQ_raQB-NDKkyS5sTdu5HChXh8cMwuhkjpYCRsVTvmZe34eYc216S_FV3aXY0vEHYedcq78uwsFy8-rmKzfVG/s1600/image_8.jpeg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.viahouse.com/2010/12/huge-russian-siberian-house-design-fairy-tales-dream-homes/">Source</a></td></tr>
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And the yummy greens and blues of this cabinet. Also, of course, hanging foodstuffs from the rafters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNfuq0Ftz0oRF3ZxIpr89R3pGzSsAgxTfPNd3Z8DsQY3DmAR0r67XqcicJvOPz07wCZ_zXA-fzlg_xDAkhd8K_W5r8i0yiR_XfxgcY3LWeKYuKyicwwxvtABDWs6zrUIOkoynv-xXsrNU/s1600/image_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNfuq0Ftz0oRF3ZxIpr89R3pGzSsAgxTfPNd3Z8DsQY3DmAR0r67XqcicJvOPz07wCZ_zXA-fzlg_xDAkhd8K_W5r8i0yiR_XfxgcY3LWeKYuKyicwwxvtABDWs6zrUIOkoynv-xXsrNU/s1600/image_7.jpeg" height="400" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/344595808960608811/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Or even a delicious butter yellow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8jCqilrK8vMtGsXj-4VCx9fUsdoISUxxP93xut7WQv_GtbkLhqiEUZxjkuBT5Whwdt8oB_KHaoSDj6YeE1agVUBfiOg_0Zn1UNMSc88DStwjGEyV2V6_at1JnyNylakw1MgsUkFael-s/s1600/image_9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8jCqilrK8vMtGsXj-4VCx9fUsdoISUxxP93xut7WQv_GtbkLhqiEUZxjkuBT5Whwdt8oB_KHaoSDj6YeE1agVUBfiOg_0Zn1UNMSc88DStwjGEyV2V6_at1JnyNylakw1MgsUkFael-s/s1600/image_9.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.realtor.com/news/euro-inspired-hunting-schloss-in-st-helena-for-25-million/">Source </a></td></tr>
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Folk art motifs and paintings would work perfectly I think. After all, the witch has been in that cottage for many years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9CEuz_Byq10gBrfH632pNyFzx4u9i27lnIZzf_Kervzqt0_bjuK33SUgzT6CHEFw_BQIqiuWfCxBLwVTM6g-bL2jbLa8r0SV5fEE_gHkth5ufuCP099reKCXOKVVfCtBgAvG6U2NpIVq/s1600/image_10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9CEuz_Byq10gBrfH632pNyFzx4u9i27lnIZzf_Kervzqt0_bjuK33SUgzT6CHEFw_BQIqiuWfCxBLwVTM6g-bL2jbLa8r0SV5fEE_gHkth5ufuCP099reKCXOKVVfCtBgAvG6U2NpIVq/s1600/image_10.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/02/well-isnt-zalipe-just-the_n_4660651.html?utm_hp_ref=international-destinations">Source</a></td></tr>
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I definitely picture various foodstuffs, supplies, and pots and pans hanging in the rafters. If there are no rafters, hanging shelves in rich wood (with perhaps more gingerbread trim?) could work to hold supplies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKRIGepTWPG8zg1-OWTmtW1l_qERqoz6a_XwIaC-KNM_SLV_GLm18-FbBMA3QhXYI8Y70o3HcrQtvLa8aI9Mzgxjh5qryXsf-QlA6nugfG8k7_l_6L19xaR-1vC3O-DZwl6zc6VpU4fhb/s1600/image_11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKRIGepTWPG8zg1-OWTmtW1l_qERqoz6a_XwIaC-KNM_SLV_GLm18-FbBMA3QhXYI8Y70o3HcrQtvLa8aI9Mzgxjh5qryXsf-QlA6nugfG8k7_l_6L19xaR-1vC3O-DZwl6zc6VpU4fhb/s1600/image_11.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://annua-mycraftandsullenart.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-call-it-traditional-witchcraft.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZI5hF6HEeMSY7Vycj17ZDnRpjnq7doJyQb-orcQ-ljchArZbq26b9IHUAtrsG4-0gKNhyphenhyphen4l8KL2ez6tYaYWLfIjpPSuxvKbaS7ftX7YPgHttsMZdeXHueygiRAn0G1tuarHPT2U3SE0A/s1600/image_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZI5hF6HEeMSY7Vycj17ZDnRpjnq7doJyQb-orcQ-ljchArZbq26b9IHUAtrsG4-0gKNhyphenhyphen4l8KL2ez6tYaYWLfIjpPSuxvKbaS7ftX7YPgHttsMZdeXHueygiRAn0G1tuarHPT2U3SE0A/s1600/image_12.jpeg" height="400" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elecodelosancestros.blogspot.com/2013/12/brujeria-de-cocina.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DFN02lcry4WY0aQOOgpgTAu_5NDLtI9jQutYrdj0ttdrt4hDu9uODnZ7lc8CEl5CErVStL_IgJ-EsliEITrRAl88hjEoog0bc9gzWkAXox-tJDr7M-YaUNiJyhLtwburSny9StgAqksx/s1600/image_13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DFN02lcry4WY0aQOOgpgTAu_5NDLtI9jQutYrdj0ttdrt4hDu9uODnZ7lc8CEl5CErVStL_IgJ-EsliEITrRAl88hjEoog0bc9gzWkAXox-tJDr7M-YaUNiJyhLtwburSny9StgAqksx/s1600/image_13.jpeg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_731985523"></span><span id="goog_731985531"></span>S<span id="goog_731985526"></span><span id="goog_731985527"></span>ource<span id="goog_731985532"></span><span id="goog_731985524"></span></td></tr>
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And if the Hansel & Gretel witch has a quote in her kitchen, I'm betting it would be this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHki8B-0wI8gNpDY70edrW9mUH8QhiSsbWmeMUwMIYX6DsYsjdyj1pRHKOFMKfSQjeF84OG6r4GEYeT0h7ALQMrh2zO5vMPPRS69iN49sHG7kbY-p921krG8Rz2ObXW7WH1j2Zf-DSuZ_I/s1600/image_14.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHki8B-0wI8gNpDY70edrW9mUH8QhiSsbWmeMUwMIYX6DsYsjdyj1pRHKOFMKfSQjeF84OG6r4GEYeT0h7ALQMrh2zO5vMPPRS69iN49sHG7kbY-p921krG8Rz2ObXW7WH1j2Zf-DSuZ_I/s1600/image_14.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would recommend getting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Cook-Children-Grisly-Recipe/dp/1862057710">this book</a>, and buying a cookbook stand to hold it open on the counter, for a touch of wicked whimsy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkF0Z8BfBgOntkJltIbSO5lA2l-Brvgc7eZH2LMRMs5FyVsmsKgaBzan0kCWKvJ2pFVWBeu0OtiYg2lZt5w00PF-2fToNLQXO9shdre9u8QOJhbgHNSpfvQoyCzr5eypwlV5yDcwAmswh/s1600/514dtAMgYwL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkF0Z8BfBgOntkJltIbSO5lA2l-Brvgc7eZH2LMRMs5FyVsmsKgaBzan0kCWKvJ2pFVWBeu0OtiYg2lZt5w00PF-2fToNLQXO9shdre9u8QOJhbgHNSpfvQoyCzr5eypwlV5yDcwAmswh/s1600/514dtAMgYwL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUwzqRT6gPpgE5iGpiA8l9xxG_S4vMR3DPbyzWzjWp2MvInjoQNgmBJeWVs_K6wiqYzUc2GNXkrdUlOKqbwplMmtJnItr3I4rEoRFMUDqRDLqR6TIVu5WtqL7ctca5Yem_4mi68p0wWno/s1600/How-to-Cook-Children_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUwzqRT6gPpgE5iGpiA8l9xxG_S4vMR3DPbyzWzjWp2MvInjoQNgmBJeWVs_K6wiqYzUc2GNXkrdUlOKqbwplMmtJnItr3I4rEoRFMUDqRDLqR6TIVu5WtqL7ctca5Yem_4mi68p0wWno/s1600/How-to-Cook-Children_03.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
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Or even making your own more ancient-looking tome with a page open to a similar recipe.<br />
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And finally, since we ultimately know the kitchen is tongue-in-cheek, and you're truly a good witch and not a bad one, I recommend buying your kitchen witchery goods from <a href="http://cucinaaurora.com/">Cucina Aurora</a>, run by the most kind and skilled kitchen witch I know!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC0RoSdFLNL4ysA03AXP0-k9ASo-O3GELscb8Dlpamp9opEtTgnvuZt-z_-tsy5Y487AVGBKxzeOYQzIjju86pGukQp4RVJoAdgYbLLJyc2uOo5SkYjFD3eRiEWSS2iJMOYxqnGcFrhbE/s1600/1601146_759106410808614_2406905325664592662_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC0RoSdFLNL4ysA03AXP0-k9ASo-O3GELscb8Dlpamp9opEtTgnvuZt-z_-tsy5Y487AVGBKxzeOYQzIjju86pGukQp4RVJoAdgYbLLJyc2uOo5SkYjFD3eRiEWSS2iJMOYxqnGcFrhbE/s1600/1601146_759106410808614_2406905325664592662_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_731985533"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_731985534"></span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-41741149533555543182014-07-13T12:14:00.000-04:002014-07-13T12:34:04.771-04:00Lover's Eye JewelryThis is a short-lived trend from the Georgian era (it lasted from 1790 through 1820 approximately) that I hadn't even heard of until a friend of mine, attending a Jane Austen Festival this weekend, asked me if I would draw a "Lover's Eye" of her husband to wear at the event.<br />
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I did some looking into the idea, and I thought it was quite fascinating. The Lover's Eye was commissioned by a lover to be a secret homage to his or her beloved, supposedly anonymous since it can be difficult to identify a person just with an image of his or her eyes. And yet a person's iris is about as entirely unique as his or her fingerprint, so the image is incredibly intimate as well.<br />
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So today I sat down with a picture of her husband, zoomed in super close to see the details of his eye, paper, and my trusty Prismacolor pencils.<br />
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It was exceedingly fun to try to capture as many of the unique characteristics of HIS eye, as opposed to just a generic eye, as I could. <br />
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I photoshopped the drawing into the picture she sent me of the setting it will be put into. So this should be how it ends up looking:<br />
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(the bottom of the ruler shows centimeters)<br />
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I showed a friend who is interested in Regency history this <a href="http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Lover%27s_Eye_Miniature">link</a>, (also the source of the images above of historic pieces) which explains excellently the concept of the Lover's Eye jewelry, and she said the resulting pieces seemed a bit disturbing and bizarre to her. Personally I find them charming and whimsical, and just a little bit magic. What do you think? Perhaps it's a bit of all of the above.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-36524224873094931542014-06-30T07:39:00.001-04:002014-06-30T07:39:30.465-04:00Twelve Dancing Princesses Dining Room Mural -- DONE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Twelve Dancing Princesses walking in trance-like procession across all four walls of my dining room...are completed!!! And they have been for a few months now. But I kept hoping to get better pictures of them than the ones below...professional pictures, though I don't know how to take the best shots. But I figured if I wait that long, everyone might have forgotten about the project before I do my "grand unveiling." <br /><br />So instead, here it is!! Bada daaa dummmmm!!!!<br />
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I am still having an internal argument about whether or not to add a gothic arch acorn border stencil I found online below the chair line in gold and burgundy. I vacillate almost daily over whether I should or not. But otherwise, the room is done!<br /><br />Perhaps showing the room best of all, here's a 7 minute video tour of the room from all angles and with all the princesses featured. Video best seen expanded to full page.<br />
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And finally, once again best seen viewed in large size, here are all twelve of the princesses!<br />
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-6471675130635397182014-06-21T21:41:00.000-04:002014-06-21T21:41:08.196-04:00Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania...Well. The last time I blogged here was (head bowed) the end of March, at the tail end of the Mythic March events. Part of the reason for this was the aforementioned personal <a href="http://domythicbliss.blogspot.com/2014/01/i-feel-i-owe-you-explanation.html">issues</a>, but lately I've also had the marvelous distraction of being newly appointed Deputy Editor at <a href="http://www.faeriemag.com/">Faerie Magazine</a>. The magazine is sporting a new look, a new team, and a new direction, and I'm very excited to be a part of things. But blogging is part of my creative identity, and it's time to shake the dust off the Domythic Bliss blog and get things started again. (By the way...Domythic Bliss has still been very much active during the blog's dormancy over at our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/170485399725863/">Facebook group</a>!!)<br />
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Today is, of course, Midsummer, and I wanted to take a look at something so very ubiquitous to fairy tales and fantasy I simply can't believe I haven't blogged about it already.<br />
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Titania's Bower.<br />
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Described in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream...<br />
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I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,<br />
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,<br />
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,<br />
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:<br />
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,<br />
Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight;<br />
And there the snake throws her enamell'd skin,<br />
Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in<br />
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As descriptions go, it's lovely, and also quite broad. And of course like any of Shakespeare's plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream has been performed so many times and in so many ways, there have been countless interpretations of Titania's bower. For the stage play, it's a theater set design dream. And my goodness have some of the artists risen to the challenge.<br />
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First, there's my personal favorite...the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia did an opera of the play. <br />
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Titania's bower is a beautiful cupped drape of branches that hangs low from the stage ceiling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mariinsky/sets/72157627261190644">Link</a> for all above images</td></tr>
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At Utah Shakespeare Festival's presentation, Titania's bower was draped in Willow branches and soft flower pillows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bard.org/news/photos/midsummer/midsummer2011.html#.U6YfG7EjREJ">Link</a></td></tr>
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Michael Mitchell's stage creation is mysterious, with moss topiaries and elements of a conservatory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjbg-pQh9wuA24RuT6LS1HgxXmiM9YznYk40AY16lriYyae2tCtjcmI_vXpjSyUZaEb6fze3eVZNQMmzYLy4nY-Tk6lxbhcz-G1Fw6lm5niNRBQsKY99VOZvWnM3Uge8o5cynRcU8HXM6/s1600/Stage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjbg-pQh9wuA24RuT6LS1HgxXmiM9YznYk40AY16lriYyae2tCtjcmI_vXpjSyUZaEb6fze3eVZNQMmzYLy4nY-Tk6lxbhcz-G1Fw6lm5niNRBQsKY99VOZvWnM3Uge8o5cynRcU8HXM6/s1600/Stage1.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://michaelmitchell-stagedesigner.blogspot.com/2010/10/midsummer-nights-dream.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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Boston Ballet chose a very simple but breathtaking design for Titania's bower...shining like an iridescent pearl, full as the moon. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tdqj23yXYxIw2Deo3Uw0NGdrHAYP9k0zxuy_5z4AHVIrx9Zqrpq_cVnCo2VzqIqeuBEJjSobGSXgNEHWWQJqgU8IM0wKk4tOJTqLUhYRP8iSHrMgPuq16KoE5k_y7SoNvnMeC5PtH2_2/s1600/Misa-700x614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tdqj23yXYxIw2Deo3Uw0NGdrHAYP9k0zxuy_5z4AHVIrx9Zqrpq_cVnCo2VzqIqeuBEJjSobGSXgNEHWWQJqgU8IM0wKk4tOJTqLUhYRP8iSHrMgPuq16KoE5k_y7SoNvnMeC5PtH2_2/s1600/Misa-700x614.jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://balletnews.co.uk/boston-ballet-celebrates-spring-with-a-midsummer-nights-dream/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBu8l7D_CvjunQ_sLATRpfGUWh8D4iaKkI18oDLzbJaU1KGZFgb0X_w920CBYFCGtEzgP16uVL8998XLYf-3PNPd2HyGUvJtEIFBgTbDhItisVfefsE7OSh6ClPX8fuiqg-Q2u2XSPZRh/s1600/PNB-MSND4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBu8l7D_CvjunQ_sLATRpfGUWh8D4iaKkI18oDLzbJaU1KGZFgb0X_w920CBYFCGtEzgP16uVL8998XLYf-3PNPd2HyGUvJtEIFBgTbDhItisVfefsE7OSh6ClPX8fuiqg-Q2u2XSPZRh/s1600/PNB-MSND4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.thenewstribune.com/arts/files/2011/04/PNB-MSND4.jpg">Link</a></td></tr>
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<br /><br />University of Delaware took full advantage of the "night" in the play title, embracing the deep blues and glowing golds of the darkness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbe3C0w1FcQfdipOj2u29ShOMgRhftnm-kZH_pvqxRb85z_IVUbo288NWpEOESUzlVl20UUzUsWZ6576b_WBPxixY-5zenbp1_V6q2jT9zHTAzyh7ABaSLYcjA6ieZRWMXN-RfhYmkB0D/s1600/udelMidsummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbe3C0w1FcQfdipOj2u29ShOMgRhftnm-kZH_pvqxRb85z_IVUbo288NWpEOESUzlVl20UUzUsWZ6576b_WBPxixY-5zenbp1_V6q2jT9zHTAzyh7ABaSLYcjA6ieZRWMXN-RfhYmkB0D/s1600/udelMidsummer.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stagemagazine.org/2010/12/ud-rep-ensemble-conjures-an-incredible-midsummer-nights-dream/">Link</a></td></tr>
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Juilliard Opera in New York...this isn't really an image of Titania's bower, but it was so stunning, I admit I couldn't resist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLDlhyphenhyphendBRSnOubd8i-iNNos84MW26Yv8TtvQfVb6hjsDPkBRXkSlbV_mKSiyZyxKZGs46Xi30f061dxA65r1414zySjwEUY1nY784b12VfzKkAK31_OLkbxIyM6o9s0Gl_4EVcuIYjenx/s1600/3345MSND_J_0814_cc_fw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLDlhyphenhyphendBRSnOubd8i-iNNos84MW26Yv8TtvQfVb6hjsDPkBRXkSlbV_mKSiyZyxKZGs46Xi30f061dxA65r1414zySjwEUY1nY784b12VfzKkAK31_OLkbxIyM6o9s0Gl_4EVcuIYjenx/s1600/3345MSND_J_0814_cc_fw.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nanmelville.com/2005/11/performing_arts/midsummer-nights-dream-juilliard-opera-new-york-2005-2/">Link</a></td></tr>
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Cameron Anderson's set design for South Coast Repertory's production was fascinatingly simple, yet stunning. A single circle inset with different imagery creates a focal point in each scene. In Titania's scenes, the circle is left open, draped with faerie lights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTN0Db2TaosN89TVwLRbnzNAoQQNZlX8vG4TkRflIXyLfrrBxv4svmELYNb9g1zKAxCTUho5xN_zSvzzdDhYSROEO99EF3FiAhMyvNnl4JfYus5iCz9nl1DHwG8cNL2S6pzcYCoINjuJf/s1600/MSND5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTN0Db2TaosN89TVwLRbnzNAoQQNZlX8vG4TkRflIXyLfrrBxv4svmELYNb9g1zKAxCTUho5xN_zSvzzdDhYSROEO99EF3FiAhMyvNnl4JfYus5iCz9nl1DHwG8cNL2S6pzcYCoINjuJf/s1600/MSND5.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp7AyJ9qrnupwwR8CBcrhxzTtHH7iQEpNlxxnCOKjv433dZAhdQVXbPsdlhLv4bP8hKTfxVSgE3Otxn2C_0OktRxI4MPYs5IxpM4VSfI_k1B2UmTzCfI-rQ_Q0vLuuWjW9neFOraO1IRA/s1600/MSND6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp7AyJ9qrnupwwR8CBcrhxzTtHH7iQEpNlxxnCOKjv433dZAhdQVXbPsdlhLv4bP8hKTfxVSgE3Otxn2C_0OktRxI4MPYs5IxpM4VSfI_k1B2UmTzCfI-rQ_Q0vLuuWjW9neFOraO1IRA/s1600/MSND6.jpg" height="400" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2215903909566320990#editor/target=post;postID=647167513063539718;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=link">Link</a></td></tr>
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Julie Taymor's production relies strongly on breathtaking glowing and dramatic lighting as well as conceptual sets created from fabric and simplicity itself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv2eDjnayT27KTGEw9FSylIyGyYVUP5bNpvZ3Bx1rG6imJhvOb_bz1SNW9LEpm1PBAhLAjHyGtQ76Ai0ihMtotxTDoENc8Yw43ORH6F-HJDyfByi4TQ-74II9NaZZ3wJ8Wa6B0FK3TmzG/s1600/a_560x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv2eDjnayT27KTGEw9FSylIyGyYVUP5bNpvZ3Bx1rG6imJhvOb_bz1SNW9LEpm1PBAhLAjHyGtQ76Ai0ihMtotxTDoENc8Yw43ORH6F-HJDyfByi4TQ-74II9NaZZ3wJ8Wa6B0FK3TmzG/s1600/a_560x375.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vulture.com/2013/11/theater-review-a-midsummer-nights-dream.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACoxVvAq5N0O8d3uNy1GC8L146m853yFD8KwpkXWxUdUkPk2axOVUe4o2XS8HNvX0H9gn0q1XkS_MpjjIzjCpqwt4UYvBDW1HC7G-_Mjeh5fZ_TA_FNRsQ_6tKR7V99mGSVIvYZGswXRX/s1600/agewg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACoxVvAq5N0O8d3uNy1GC8L146m853yFD8KwpkXWxUdUkPk2axOVUe4o2XS8HNvX0H9gn0q1XkS_MpjjIzjCpqwt4UYvBDW1HC7G-_Mjeh5fZ_TA_FNRsQ_6tKR7V99mGSVIvYZGswXRX/s1600/agewg.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQAfPMi9Pqk0CjGAkD3o1V7xPC4_n4P9A1D9uZZRyGqUC2SXMzeh7vuVEVpzEK1X8z3ZgY9auoYr9JSm3SyHXkWLbFlceIAlAS9zpIy4LZqOK7Ck2-KJp-TDv5-DqGuB6h3xpZevzC2Rt/s1600/afwef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQAfPMi9Pqk0CjGAkD3o1V7xPC4_n4P9A1D9uZZRyGqUC2SXMzeh7vuVEVpzEK1X8z3ZgY9auoYr9JSm3SyHXkWLbFlceIAlAS9zpIy4LZqOK7Ck2-KJp-TDv5-DqGuB6h3xpZevzC2Rt/s1600/afwef.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2013/11/03/theater/A-Midsummer-nights-Dream.html#4">Link</a> for above two images</td></tr>
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Royal Shakespeare Company's production at Stratford-Upon-Avon is both enchanting and modern, combining a chair that could have come from any living room with twining flowers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC-k7jv5-n22-50zDA7tsfOiRiZrzR8f7cP2A4F3JZZ8mp2g_YRLVd29VJgVLxrqj1XVCG8pOmo4aWK3aqInkwV677KiMdxbpPTfMqoGPhtBRBD6cd-nnN6KivfhweWSP_8wrSBO0hW8f/s1600/Image6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC-k7jv5-n22-50zDA7tsfOiRiZrzR8f7cP2A4F3JZZ8mp2g_YRLVd29VJgVLxrqj1XVCG8pOmo4aWK3aqInkwV677KiMdxbpPTfMqoGPhtBRBD6cd-nnN6KivfhweWSP_8wrSBO0hW8f/s1600/Image6.jpg" height="373" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://geraint-lewis.photoshelter.com/image/I0000.R8xPZVavb0">Link</a></td></tr>
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A Brussels Opera production utilizes an enormous gnarled tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrJ7CxSExoIC2lINsgi1fli67JmdJDZLINO7TcZl0yeC615b8NBQe_GJX1uQVWEsrJcSVxEKbeynerfILwz1aAYFy31bLJPFaXjzuceOFjyqIw6xoAVZXYmNFn7JOe5BzbrQEnaJtiQBP/s1600/brusselsdreamlg305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrJ7CxSExoIC2lINsgi1fli67JmdJDZLINO7TcZl0yeC615b8NBQe_GJX1uQVWEsrJcSVxEKbeynerfILwz1aAYFy31bLJPFaXjzuceOFjyqIw6xoAVZXYmNFn7JOe5BzbrQEnaJtiQBP/s1600/brusselsdreamlg305.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2005/3/Review/BRUSSELS_%E2%80%93_A_Midsummer_Night%E2%80%99s_Dream,_Th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre_Royal_de_la_Monnaie,_12/17/04.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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Ballet Nebraska's production is enchanting...I think of all the bowers, this is the one I'd most want in my own back yard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhSOKTKJ0P9wKahtKb0M8jaJBxePFFwAxsuKQ-sElNy6AWOtvQ2f8B67WTwkNInECzQu4NfdC1ju7vodVO0Uk9415hICK25KCPXAiQ-G0NSddIaoRiIjmPRx8-MB94YV_7xr7Vrfgwp7A/s1600/Calling-all-faires5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhSOKTKJ0P9wKahtKb0M8jaJBxePFFwAxsuKQ-sElNy6AWOtvQ2f8B67WTwkNInECzQu4NfdC1ju7vodVO0Uk9415hICK25KCPXAiQ-G0NSddIaoRiIjmPRx8-MB94YV_7xr7Vrfgwp7A/s1600/Calling-all-faires5.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://balletnebraska.org/about/archives/2010season/midsummer/midsummercast/">Link</a></td></tr>
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Open Air Theatre's production seems to interpret Titania's bower in a very literal way based on Oberon's description above. Since flowers are almost the sole description of the location, a solid wall of flowers creates the mood. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwNh_S2OvJMK0TEu_xunZL_JNXvdzZ2n88PHYSqEtEko-Yv0pgDAs6vSQmlMeX5VA8gXKJhSHxOZP7_l3XRg3Plv4_0TaNjZwkRjrPNhsOMKSuge9cj3rpZQthKRI7ICFmP8J4ta3D0WE/s1600/regents-dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwNh_S2OvJMK0TEu_xunZL_JNXvdzZ2n88PHYSqEtEko-Yv0pgDAs6vSQmlMeX5VA8gXKJhSHxOZP7_l3XRg3Plv4_0TaNjZwkRjrPNhsOMKSuge9cj3rpZQthKRI7ICFmP8J4ta3D0WE/s1600/regents-dream.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.thestage.co.uk/education/2012/07/oppression-a-midsummer-nights-dream-and/">Link</a></td></tr>
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University of Wisconsin Green Bay's production:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4RQnOpto8aJ1P68vmZskc01qNU8DWuz3zeicXVg23gQFgIQkrWbpsp4hiGa2TVdF_0Ruyxsurg-zH2VadRffJ77Zw5LHCr0PziXuqMV00HMbxaW9pgU3QbdD6-BFE-qzRsIDJKjuXRzq/s1600/Titania's+bower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4RQnOpto8aJ1P68vmZskc01qNU8DWuz3zeicXVg23gQFgIQkrWbpsp4hiGa2TVdF_0Ruyxsurg-zH2VadRffJ77Zw5LHCr0PziXuqMV00HMbxaW9pgU3QbdD6-BFE-qzRsIDJKjuXRzq/s1600/Titania's+bower.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.uwgb.edu/malloyk/Tenure%20Review%20Portfolio/Midsummer/Production%20Shots/pages/Titania%27s%20bower.htm">Link</a></td></tr>
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The Michael Grandage Company's production was more contemporary, like an urban fantasy novel, but Titania's bower is a rusting ornate city staircase.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Dgg_4e-vm4yeYsgrr9W7prmsQV94ZE9u5eLLPkAQu_5zGES57ssGJ-Hutk1c8Oqu1tzyeFOEa_VNRTA5oQBlEqpv-YBBX2-E6GHEXYTpjJW5RB5UWr0gd6lsfRJc4neBCmfXGCJGFKub/s1600/article-2424443-1bdffa9e000005dc-172_634x541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Dgg_4e-vm4yeYsgrr9W7prmsQV94ZE9u5eLLPkAQu_5zGES57ssGJ-Hutk1c8Oqu1tzyeFOEa_VNRTA5oQBlEqpv-YBBX2-E6GHEXYTpjJW5RB5UWr0gd6lsfRJc4neBCmfXGCJGFKub/s1600/article-2424443-1bdffa9e000005dc-172_634x541.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://peterviney.wordpress.com/stage/a-midsummer-nights-dream-grandage-2013/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A treetop production.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QGGm95NQbCR1x9q8W0ZDLLz1Y5KqU5Bv4S6zJgQFdbc1SgOPmevPhMEqacqXB0a3Nwn-_Xc6SMhoNmDqOv_tkMUu_UWJv7VEzHY8QR_nCXRCMWFpIzIbptfZ3hV55mEhi6mOfunS2a1J/s1600/Dream1650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QGGm95NQbCR1x9q8W0ZDLLz1Y5KqU5Bv4S6zJgQFdbc1SgOPmevPhMEqacqXB0a3Nwn-_Xc6SMhoNmDqOv_tkMUu_UWJv7VEzHY8QR_nCXRCMWFpIzIbptfZ3hV55mEhi6mOfunS2a1J/s1600/Dream1650.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/08/24/theater/Dream1650.jpg">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
McCarter's Matthews Theater had another creative take on the idea of Titania's bower, placing it above the musical act for the production, in a nest of grasses.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2XpuHxttvf0f0ZL3pz1vd2Pier3kInVh2uE6UEHnsES8QYi2PZdy3P3b2r0gwV9UAotSFAC0UVY43xY3uBXiaYJ76PS2Apv74rPCM4MlV8ckAFzL_cF-yENLxGoGAegOt6yUZyFtbQOa/s1600/Image7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2XpuHxttvf0f0ZL3pz1vd2Pier3kInVh2uE6UEHnsES8QYi2PZdy3P3b2r0gwV9UAotSFAC0UVY43xY3uBXiaYJ76PS2Apv74rPCM4MlV8ckAFzL_cF-yENLxGoGAegOt6yUZyFtbQOa/s1600/Image7.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.towntopics.com/mar2906/theater.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For a one-night-only play, Tilly Strauss created a bower under a tree, decorated with flowers made from whimsical umbrellas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwtmqu1Cl92K7JRUVwRFQzdoZaJ6uYEEs1bdjgagmAeiHksyp2k5qc-Kb6xRrCyFS3w2naPgJi6oS4vx4j9DDDg9Zvm_YxUPqwhXBXw3n0AJ7tPfYlnzSp108cNR91gleF-B768ePzRHh/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwtmqu1Cl92K7JRUVwRFQzdoZaJ6uYEEs1bdjgagmAeiHksyp2k5qc-Kb6xRrCyFS3w2naPgJi6oS4vx4j9DDDg9Zvm_YxUPqwhXBXw3n0AJ7tPfYlnzSp108cNR91gleF-B768ePzRHh/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tillystudio.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As a mid-stream distraction for all the ladies in the audience, here's a handsome Puck I stumbled across in my searching.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1hxHxeP1LZeVRrVBdNN1W0k3v0Q6RwZ77vA4eTxeRATYsIW1ThMV8cx2Owq3H-m6ZSBn9m2PnHTi2-WEA1MMkODuEB7AFebEG4W_7vqt7B_t19toXT9ogNNCyiHMz453KnLlswX-nHel/s1600/Lifeball-20104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1hxHxeP1LZeVRrVBdNN1W0k3v0Q6RwZ77vA4eTxeRATYsIW1ThMV8cx2Owq3H-m6ZSBn9m2PnHTi2-WEA1MMkODuEB7AFebEG4W_7vqt7B_t19toXT9ogNNCyiHMz453KnLlswX-nHel/s1600/Lifeball-20104.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vglmen.blogspot.com/2010/05/nikolaus-fuhrhauser-is-hot-as-puck.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then there's the 1935 Max Reinhardt black and white film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I have to *highly highly* recommend a viewing of this version of the Shakespeare play. It is pure beauty, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful films created in any era, and a moving work of art.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsB6fSkDj_Lb-Moc6nnjXUZi42EP_cOfKVvUzNxg8AqIRA4a4ycBhpZFLMH1lS3i1f_6DgbgdhOX84RUBTgaeis3Iyjx-4X-pCpdGPj54icuXCWeWOsFAE1dW6cOi9wabOiaF2sEHwxGb/s1600/002azrdb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsB6fSkDj_Lb-Moc6nnjXUZi42EP_cOfKVvUzNxg8AqIRA4a4ycBhpZFLMH1lS3i1f_6DgbgdhOX84RUBTgaeis3Iyjx-4X-pCpdGPj54icuXCWeWOsFAE1dW6cOi9wabOiaF2sEHwxGb/s1600/002azrdb.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQhe5HJDZ53wgM9YoDtM9X-mFE0Uq0CsrQHapiIF8tEs7sEIuWhI14f3iBj3HNFIANFnLfi3eUYCl_d5diNLTtTlR15pDiWpnB6CwD49ewJsurVpEaAKcsHlb38BeNXkf7cF7yK20Q-PR/s1600/002b13ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQhe5HJDZ53wgM9YoDtM9X-mFE0Uq0CsrQHapiIF8tEs7sEIuWhI14f3iBj3HNFIANFnLfi3eUYCl_d5diNLTtTlR15pDiWpnB6CwD49ewJsurVpEaAKcsHlb38BeNXkf7cF7yK20Q-PR/s1600/002b13ac.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://retroflix.livejournal.com/29222.html">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Titania's wardrobe in this film is as beautiful as it is unexpected, glimmering strands of glowing featherlight strands that conceal and reveal her figure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXir3kvMco4zl2UBXG2-CMvuERWunssOGpbKKMejMeJrZR2PX-MstAlyG-Tz7tyUG46gXZJd_CHMVagcquxNT2DXuBpDnbayA_bog2iNciRLnnBZhIb9qSlKW_dfBYchtfM82Jpc2BFDC/s1600/tumblr_ljr3wptg091qdwo7go1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXir3kvMco4zl2UBXG2-CMvuERWunssOGpbKKMejMeJrZR2PX-MstAlyG-Tz7tyUG46gXZJd_CHMVagcquxNT2DXuBpDnbayA_bog2iNciRLnnBZhIb9qSlKW_dfBYchtfM82Jpc2BFDC/s1600/tumblr_ljr3wptg091qdwo7go1_500.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dramaofexile.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/tumblr_ljr3wptg091qdwo7go1_500.jpg">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l4qq4my8St1qzzxybo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l4qq4my8St1qzzxybo1_500.gif" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFcMhVhNUn2Q3_0jP-SXQ_WSS_k1H8YlzezqTagChz1BiO8YeW_hNnA0vWJhe6Uvx0913FTMSndj2FU4KztRo83_ThYoFiKko5Hj9Oe8spDschLztYVmQnRDsgvvK8sdS49Ktm_1m4sY-/s1600/tumblr_matz1uTv7Y1qzdvhio1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFcMhVhNUn2Q3_0jP-SXQ_WSS_k1H8YlzezqTagChz1BiO8YeW_hNnA0vWJhe6Uvx0913FTMSndj2FU4KztRo83_ThYoFiKko5Hj9Oe8spDschLztYVmQnRDsgvvK8sdS49Ktm_1m4sY-/s1600/tumblr_matz1uTv7Y1qzdvhio1_500.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://danslorangerie.tumblr.com/">Link</a></td></tr>
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And then there's Michelle Pfeiffer's version of Titania in the more recent film, whose bower is a nest of ferns, feathers, glittering strands, and loveliness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPQTFzQ4RjVloN0fa7D-aHHWG91i3xcMz9w53cGWgEJrPGX5BsIYiZq0j1KgLdmYov2CTKwmmqIwvPRpZ6VQJ8u4Zlugc6lApS13ROeJWmQWoOUWX1mBjQH_RLXRbCj3VcYrbX1WXNc1Z/s1600/midsummer11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPQTFzQ4RjVloN0fa7D-aHHWG91i3xcMz9w53cGWgEJrPGX5BsIYiZq0j1KgLdmYov2CTKwmmqIwvPRpZ6VQJ8u4Zlugc6lApS13ROeJWmQWoOUWX1mBjQH_RLXRbCj3VcYrbX1WXNc1Z/s1600/midsummer11.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJDLlB-pA_xdD_37PF_4Pz5DKsNi3z8N2iT3-QCQe3h9jr-1NRKYI4Vj5TtWn9w_VO92fJZf4SvEoTqfksxVgDMrOK0LB1EH5OCKQGYhspqXQ-m6RCisy6UpvHDS6nnvtn0fpXhTWpsBE/s1600/midsummer7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJDLlB-pA_xdD_37PF_4Pz5DKsNi3z8N2iT3-QCQe3h9jr-1NRKYI4Vj5TtWn9w_VO92fJZf4SvEoTqfksxVgDMrOK0LB1EH5OCKQGYhspqXQ-m6RCisy6UpvHDS6nnvtn0fpXhTWpsBE/s1600/midsummer7.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/film_99_midsummer.htm">Link</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1wJ6DX9M2rsG5W-tnozea-ajR9ZUbzKTdnDPFcruQindAfHmtP23azPTQY0onQMRlUVyTKqotCZMF5Sp-PXjS-jiZKH0335tSIHhZX0zTBrtNyLA8xamXGoQGarSRkxWPXDCwm_5f9-4/s1600/dream-99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1wJ6DX9M2rsG5W-tnozea-ajR9ZUbzKTdnDPFcruQindAfHmtP23azPTQY0onQMRlUVyTKqotCZMF5Sp-PXjS-jiZKH0335tSIHhZX0zTBrtNyLA8xamXGoQGarSRkxWPXDCwm_5f9-4/s1600/dream-99.jpg" height="170" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://margaretperry.org/on-this-unworthy-scaffold-experiencing-shakespeare-on-film/">Link</a></td></tr>
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In the scene where she meets Oberon to discuss the boy she has stolen, she is resplendent in her fey palanquin. This may not be her bower, but I had to share it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5OHpc7r4MDDVzjwnAAb0EmVWKzxj8bcESr2dmcnm4hQofEolcJ6ki7WRTtwRok_zbpVTNM_5rNwy0uRGKNi0EJcip9qtW_0ery2wKy66EUognRcyELBiF-I13qDIZLzo6CNx_mQY11EL/s1600/pXPeiPoall3Gbsx7X4yOraIEoBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5OHpc7r4MDDVzjwnAAb0EmVWKzxj8bcESr2dmcnm4hQofEolcJ6ki7WRTtwRok_zbpVTNM_5rNwy0uRGKNi0EJcip9qtW_0ery2wKy66EUognRcyELBiF-I13qDIZLzo6CNx_mQY11EL/s1600/pXPeiPoall3Gbsx7X4yOraIEoBC.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/pXPeiPoall3Gbsx7X4yOraIEoBC.jpg">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Vivian Leigh's stage production is still remembered and admired today. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9j2RNNhuQfzR1p422ucJ4i_PDlnaVv5-5YZ6ZNNK_bg-lt8hi1uUtHEZpFPdX12oIq7HQ_d6Vz47UOoztLFj4jXOy2WwQvPyFHxrqQXU_0Ee4CPhba2AGyu506-kDl6bqj0911S-REwT/s1600/tumblr_ly6z8uprnY1r2r8rpo2_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9j2RNNhuQfzR1p422ucJ4i_PDlnaVv5-5YZ6ZNNK_bg-lt8hi1uUtHEZpFPdX12oIq7HQ_d6Vz47UOoztLFj4jXOy2WwQvPyFHxrqQXU_0Ee4CPhba2AGyu506-kDl6bqj0911S-REwT/s1600/tumblr_ly6z8uprnY1r2r8rpo2_1280.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXfKkRdBxKzd5SSfs_Btz6LbT-RjD0hfuqkgx01uL_u5Gb5t7M8xrgVoJxD-e38gWjSDQK6SYVQ0OE4XKI7ymA-Bn-Ma7sB9PeRirO2PVrMUN8XOGY49smDCqke0dpcBDMW0-F17G3vcz/s1600/tumblr_ly6z8uprnY1r2r8rpo3_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXfKkRdBxKzd5SSfs_Btz6LbT-RjD0hfuqkgx01uL_u5Gb5t7M8xrgVoJxD-e38gWjSDQK6SYVQ0OE4XKI7ymA-Bn-Ma7sB9PeRirO2PVrMUN8XOGY49smDCqke0dpcBDMW0-F17G3vcz/s1600/tumblr_ly6z8uprnY1r2r8rpo3_500.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://telegantmess.tumblr.com/post/16660003167/vivien-leigh-as-titania-in-a-midsummer-nights">Link</a></td></tr>
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Finally, a few non-photographic images. First this painting...which was too beautiful not to include as an example. By N.M. Price.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_uTq-jYDqmdGyp4KsigSdm73tIBThfzs8EfIFXgcSxIAvwdRg7Oi38xq_gVUk2wUYNNan2vk8D2ByieWLyvChxfUkuE8sLGunwUUQDJUhXiT_FurhUq8uNZDZiuhmxxxcCXj58h0Al7G/s1600/246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_uTq-jYDqmdGyp4KsigSdm73tIBThfzs8EfIFXgcSxIAvwdRg7Oi38xq_gVUk2wUYNNan2vk8D2ByieWLyvChxfUkuE8sLGunwUUQDJUhXiT_FurhUq8uNZDZiuhmxxxcCXj58h0Al7G/s1600/246.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.web-books.com/Classics/ON/B1/B1119/09MB1119.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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Victorian Faerie painter Richard Dadd's take on Titania's bower is entirely in keeping with his lush overabundance in his art...it is composed of small faeries instead of flowers or branches.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobehINPuuIQd5aMe4-wp5W30nfW_8XBwh8KXx5K8r4Kydtyjys8XY1n9UQEzDJ9jwi_yBU-j-HtOSq3xDtTM_L4ZrC02SL0demHe16ochP-srNW6M1O87NokNsD-2OCUhIf-1TE6cSSpB/s1600/titania-sleeping-by-richard-dadd-1339587842_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobehINPuuIQd5aMe4-wp5W30nfW_8XBwh8KXx5K8r4Kydtyjys8XY1n9UQEzDJ9jwi_yBU-j-HtOSq3xDtTM_L4ZrC02SL0demHe16ochP-srNW6M1O87NokNsD-2OCUhIf-1TE6cSSpB/s1600/titania-sleeping-by-richard-dadd-1339587842_b.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pictify.com/48586/titania-sleeping-by-richard-dadd">Link</a></td></tr>
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Doll artist Jill Bennett adorns her faerie bower with crystals and small fey.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5p8SrD-VoggtasNLSjgE35CVAZGZHgdwDFOHY7nyxhbdJ8IbfXbob00q27qi8DYG0eYJ08JG6FG6Ihgn_6NKWfY7h5P3UPT9g-9D8qaRBkGQfWUyYS-StJWblhFfw95nyj8sJeMaBUm6/s1600/E_3963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5p8SrD-VoggtasNLSjgE35CVAZGZHgdwDFOHY7nyxhbdJ8IbfXbob00q27qi8DYG0eYJ08JG6FG6Ihgn_6NKWfY7h5P3UPT9g-9D8qaRBkGQfWUyYS-StJWblhFfw95nyj8sJeMaBUm6/s1600/E_3963.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jillbennettdolls.co.uk/NewFiles/shop5.html">Link</a></td></tr>
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<br />
So....what sort of practical application can there be from all of these breathtaking enchanted bowers?<br />
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Perhaps a hanging outdoor hammock bed? Adorned with vines and shimmering fabrics, this could be a total Titania bower.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm3hu1c1JCgP-uKVQi3tF7L6X2S14TUWRDJSb3I58Nfiyu_atOHnZZTUAYg0Pdh5cd_eOcno24ahdaDGRpODtVfV24Xau3jxV5n0fgtLmz5eCdG4dO6oHLjyDGI04bjocA7wKAmEetIMY/s1600/outdoor-bed-patio-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm3hu1c1JCgP-uKVQi3tF7L6X2S14TUWRDJSb3I58Nfiyu_atOHnZZTUAYg0Pdh5cd_eOcno24ahdaDGRpODtVfV24Xau3jxV5n0fgtLmz5eCdG4dO6oHLjyDGI04bjocA7wKAmEetIMY/s1600/outdoor-bed-patio-view.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9MC05zZPwLtWcKuCFzUKtJbYY_cRzGhfDn5LCAVQcxvoFBg40cNfWyEVrMPfCwu-EWkr1S5pnXSnRIc2nx4PI1XHn0vsEOyCUT44N87FboDxn-kLFIV3QT-8pPvrHgLjDFKVBqJAeG85/s1600/outdoor-bed-tree-canopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9MC05zZPwLtWcKuCFzUKtJbYY_cRzGhfDn5LCAVQcxvoFBg40cNfWyEVrMPfCwu-EWkr1S5pnXSnRIc2nx4PI1XHn0vsEOyCUT44N87FboDxn-kLFIV3QT-8pPvrHgLjDFKVBqJAeG85/s1600/outdoor-bed-tree-canopy.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIyIyniDbKE-XXe9YhZS1mEkYKSDM1f2kxUXykxsBfmAhlJeSYa-F4YKVj9k6xIChcgTJRX8YzaulMURXflwAk49MiOtMYkxvS76gYLPYfBbNPLj_VcdoRtuLgbOfkSNPtpZx3QkGOX1X/s1600/outdoor-bed-tree-tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIyIyniDbKE-XXe9YhZS1mEkYKSDM1f2kxUXykxsBfmAhlJeSYa-F4YKVj9k6xIChcgTJRX8YzaulMURXflwAk49MiOtMYkxvS76gYLPYfBbNPLj_VcdoRtuLgbOfkSNPtpZx3QkGOX1X/s1600/outdoor-bed-tree-tent.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.floatingbed.com/products/outdoor-beds#24">Link</a></td></tr>
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These outdoor loungers are also soooo tempting to me. And combined once again with vines and rich flowers, perhaps with the white canvas painted elaborately, nestled in a corner of the forest between trees....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-CXcqgIl-kt3Jv2P1Iza4-gOfb-jQYrLow1xKaiFJ7tu4Vl9MLLZjfaohu05w64uCTZwtDHRqazuG-FKWhD7fTlol2GrDj2mc5BGzjnbII9JX7ho6H2pk08GAtqaq5CmDGWgEbb-mWox/s1600/contemporary-outdoor-chaise-lounges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-CXcqgIl-kt3Jv2P1Iza4-gOfb-jQYrLow1xKaiFJ7tu4Vl9MLLZjfaohu05w64uCTZwtDHRqazuG-FKWhD7fTlol2GrDj2mc5BGzjnbII9JX7ho6H2pk08GAtqaq5CmDGWgEbb-mWox/s1600/contemporary-outdoor-chaise-lounges.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/994017/Tropea-Outdoor-Bed-Lounger-contemporary-outdoor-chaise-lounges-">Link</a></td></tr>
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Using this concept, I think you could create something similar by stringing rope between the four corners of any pergola if sturdily enough built.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7A7RDv7DwK2EJbPTdPo6BkbJ7vcMh-lEfjQ33CUjMI9KSMJ3kxGzlMwJ5mr98Ksw_5HbLEOty_reZ-On6GLKmSSbRvPrTAe58-CRVpz_n3vAPYpKkGNBkqe0n9-E_J0iWaKioPFFtYlm/s1600/Diningroom-Garden-by-Jamie-Durie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7A7RDv7DwK2EJbPTdPo6BkbJ7vcMh-lEfjQ33CUjMI9KSMJ3kxGzlMwJ5mr98Ksw_5HbLEOty_reZ-On6GLKmSSbRvPrTAe58-CRVpz_n3vAPYpKkGNBkqe0n9-E_J0iWaKioPFFtYlm/s1600/Diningroom-Garden-by-Jamie-Durie3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://freshome.com/2010/11/08/romantic-garden-rearrangement-for-outdoor-relaxation/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FreshInspirationForYourHome+%28Fresh+Inspiration+for+Your+Home%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Link</a></td></tr>
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Or buy a "nest rest." Which I think looks utterly fey with no changes whatsoever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6abLIwgAenQNu6qkQFex2nCuShibtlC71SmGb9OtgHlGyC-p_Fvx3R_IZx3VSc_Hxk9MNtu2XHbzUa7Iqxvynjnh4XDlfehWPta_Xv2z9GUNHnrL3GfcsQU64qTuwVWu15mByZLwtfEj/s1600/hanging-human-birdhouse-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6abLIwgAenQNu6qkQFex2nCuShibtlC71SmGb9OtgHlGyC-p_Fvx3R_IZx3VSc_Hxk9MNtu2XHbzUa7Iqxvynjnh4XDlfehWPta_Xv2z9GUNHnrL3GfcsQU64qTuwVWu15mByZLwtfEj/s1600/hanging-human-birdhouse-design.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrRFsFICHUUY2qFRH-CXUy-_hygn9QRvYGoOHXWPXS8teCh7YIiSPKbeE2oxKygmzLRyVRJ9WPh-ZSiUkR4rVuUexwJJIX0iHSXE-WYxINj0G4o4oMLzGROyM5U7JVpnxpeI_p4ZkBIFu/s1600/hanging-organic-luxury-lounger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrRFsFICHUUY2qFRH-CXUy-_hygn9QRvYGoOHXWPXS8teCh7YIiSPKbeE2oxKygmzLRyVRJ9WPh-ZSiUkR4rVuUexwJJIX0iHSXE-WYxINj0G4o4oMLzGROyM5U7JVpnxpeI_p4ZkBIFu/s1600/hanging-organic-luxury-lounger.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dornob.com/nest-rest-huge-hanging-birdhouse-shaped-hut-for-humans/#axzz35KNvNRKO">Link</a></td></tr>
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As you unwind and prepare to adjourn to your own bed this Midsummer Night, perhaps the thought of these enchanted bowers may bring a touch of magic to your own dreams!<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-49650037524997018592014-03-24T23:13:00.000-04:002014-03-24T23:13:46.405-04:00Mythic March Monday Makings III<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbLsBtmtCOWqxnFV-NXE_TSVXLxkzFzIMqqKVzPIjzRP7YaOQiyUOmoWx-zSup-Cc3A08wDtbZwFe6qJJILMM8Sie5YnC2FxTX2ULrIn63X5mtco2DtF7GEGgaYrNYk-g__lcpYdYKXRN/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbLsBtmtCOWqxnFV-NXE_TSVXLxkzFzIMqqKVzPIjzRP7YaOQiyUOmoWx-zSup-Cc3A08wDtbZwFe6qJJILMM8Sie5YnC2FxTX2ULrIn63X5mtco2DtF7GEGgaYrNYk-g__lcpYdYKXRN/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/318066792405249839/">Link</a></td></tr>
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Time is winding down on Mythic March! How are your projects coming along? Next Monday will mark the last day of the month, and I hope to share a variety of creative results from you all!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAac3xzH5BwCc9HB2dIWVS6ZRxr_9HhRnwEaHXs7Vs5kyfeZNdIsxcLBnQQdq1m26HKzzvurDIMW1CTnHaNQmSOAQZVk_kpyZREK9hChYgoNpzo1XTo9pvFl3qrRD64ooUZlml7f-MvZlu/s1600/61D-9StQ4HL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAac3xzH5BwCc9HB2dIWVS6ZRxr_9HhRnwEaHXs7Vs5kyfeZNdIsxcLBnQQdq1m26HKzzvurDIMW1CTnHaNQmSOAQZVk_kpyZREK9hChYgoNpzo1XTo9pvFl3qrRD64ooUZlml7f-MvZlu/s1600/61D-9StQ4HL._SL1500_.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foreside-71357-Iron-Snail-Clock/dp/B004ZEW13G/ref=nosim/theoutblush-20">Link</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2moeApZhy_z6NcbIxD_G8ZimMydLwmKHV-_tlHVgG6ofaNQyIhPddkOTBFTjcWaOKiALY3fA04lK3hPzmLnHe5yuzii97PxiGMseYo5d77arSoUtgs4cER2cMIHfE_UDKl2hQGbhGDKbN/s1600/7e9829a64393036a156e5254f1ca091a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2moeApZhy_z6NcbIxD_G8ZimMydLwmKHV-_tlHVgG6ofaNQyIhPddkOTBFTjcWaOKiALY3fA04lK3hPzmLnHe5yuzii97PxiGMseYo5d77arSoUtgs4cER2cMIHfE_UDKl2hQGbhGDKbN/s1600/7e9829a64393036a156e5254f1ca091a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joel_r/6817300782/in/photostream/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-55764539611831470962014-03-17T15:55:00.000-04:002014-03-17T15:55:36.113-04:00Mythic March Monday Makings IIAlright, folks, it's about that time...our weekly check-in to see how all of our creative projects are coming along!<br />
<br />I'm so pleased to share this gorgeous stenciled banner work in progress by Ali English. Ali creates all of her own stencil patterns from scratch. And you can find the gorgeous results (and buy them for your own Domythic home!) <a href="http://cattycornercottage.blogspot.com/2014/03/princess-alexandretta.html">here</a>.<br />
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So how are your projects coming along? Please share here or in our Facebook group! I'm ONE PRINCESS away from done with my project, and I gotta tell you, I'm elated. <br />
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-45836216105926828722014-03-10T22:23:00.000-04:002014-03-10T22:23:26.507-04:00Mythic March Monday Makings I<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KbNM0M4a80yJj709k4DxV2Vn9VeEwONHL-XCw46nuc6XIIyI3AD_vSbKnrSnW7iaqaik5AT8zf0Lphvyz5Ru02SPWu5ve0VxvO-XRE1D28S59Thp4NHPWB4aIN90BLcOMDII3XG3w6yD/s1600/6306031801_7d111f33b6_o_540x405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KbNM0M4a80yJj709k4DxV2Vn9VeEwONHL-XCw46nuc6XIIyI3AD_vSbKnrSnW7iaqaik5AT8zf0Lphvyz5Ru02SPWu5ve0VxvO-XRE1D28S59Thp4NHPWB4aIN90BLcOMDII3XG3w6yD/s1600/6306031801_7d111f33b6_o_540x405.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benheine.com/projects.php#">Link</a></td></tr>
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<br />
So it's time for Mythic March Monday Makings! This is where you can share how you're coming along on your monthly creative projects! So far I've heard from someone who is crocheting something beautiful, someone who is making new jewelry, someone making a new line of mythic stencils, and someone with a short film debuting this month among others.<br />
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How is YOUR project coming along? Feel free to write an update in the comments below, or in our Facebook group (you ARE in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/170485399725863/">Facebook</a> group, yes?)<br />
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My project for this month was to complete the princesses on my dining room walls. And so far I'm at a good pace...there are only <a href="http://cattycornercottage.blogspot.com/2014/03/princess-jessica.html">two</a> <a href="http://cattycornercottage.blogspot.com/2014/03/princess-cheyenne.html">of</a> <a href="http://cattycornercottage.blogspot.com/2014/03/princess-adeline.html">twelve</a> left to do!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ9v_MgQSqgsfLy6EuNlc3dfF01ErOseClaSKtrGW0vy2BqUgSlAz_NVzdyrQwiyj958U3-LftwsZzzn_es6A6JDf-WXArjmEw7tHECa_i_f2agn-D2K_xQnr8TBfT6pY5Bruoh51bKn8/s1600/invasivespecies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ9v_MgQSqgsfLy6EuNlc3dfF01ErOseClaSKtrGW0vy2BqUgSlAz_NVzdyrQwiyj958U3-LftwsZzzn_es6A6JDf-WXArjmEw7tHECa_i_f2agn-D2K_xQnr8TBfT6pY5Bruoh51bKn8/s1600/invasivespecies2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madelinevonfoerster.com/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-80334223591907232312014-03-01T21:00:00.000-05:002014-03-01T21:00:19.484-05:00Welcome to Mythic March!Today is the day! Not only is it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit_rabbit">Rabbit Rabbit Rabbi</a>t, the first of the month, but it's the first day of Mythic March! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmrHQAWWuJSQ849nScCkxsqaL27XoqhJX3YatL1PoNrs3BMOU5Bot4LAUBajnMFRuH_tRIFgoQ00cT2Ms-IRxFdaWDIMlz5NQNuJbDVuffOfy4F2hxz-GJI0LEiIuo4JGrqTNmJBJwnK8/s1600/tn2_rabbit-painting-easter-egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmrHQAWWuJSQ849nScCkxsqaL27XoqhJX3YatL1PoNrs3BMOU5Bot4LAUBajnMFRuH_tRIFgoQ00cT2Ms-IRxFdaWDIMlz5NQNuJbDVuffOfy4F2hxz-GJI0LEiIuo4JGrqTNmJBJwnK8/s1600/tn2_rabbit-painting-easter-egg.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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Time to start your creative projects! <br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG79lKV1q10Us1QKYj0JoiSJsG3ts8DuO8fI7X0KUXLYM8pAOVBXS3rk-2LvYJKW0i9FrTsq45kZBz58ui847CJb8vMi05aokZh2e4yWDv4ype5qZstzSXTruSz-7E2-xcJxvrq0tYBc7/s1600/east-30th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG79lKV1q10Us1QKYj0JoiSJsG3ts8DuO8fI7X0KUXLYM8pAOVBXS3rk-2LvYJKW0i9FrTsq45kZBz58ui847CJb8vMi05aokZh2e4yWDv4ype5qZstzSXTruSz-7E2-xcJxvrq0tYBc7/s1600/east-30th.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.clevelandwomen.com/arts/2011/rabbits.htm">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDM_tPJ3k93Nz7b75trUuEMSXhqRTD3tWBNfg9XrBDULiVtL5E2Edw8kzEVgQDNbxlo2KOHqtlVNje5i3LWMJpJx70DPKjFqEtB-hH1Tb2n_QaB2VtrdO_Tvms-0VIT7IjOeMckwKAmn3/s1600/il_570xN.456408089_bbfk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDM_tPJ3k93Nz7b75trUuEMSXhqRTD3tWBNfg9XrBDULiVtL5E2Edw8kzEVgQDNbxlo2KOHqtlVNje5i3LWMJpJx70DPKjFqEtB-hH1Tb2n_QaB2VtrdO_Tvms-0VIT7IjOeMckwKAmn3/s1600/il_570xN.456408089_bbfk.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122551987/madam-hare-portrait-wall-art-print?ref=market">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25X46A0KS4QaQolpadXPA7O_gO9yh6PD85I1hwXv7doPWOsP_HOmZSefUAWh5Q933KHBBgdnN3qNNZVdoiM3jVEa5kjFUSuuVD5FZMSifVHDd4VpF_HjnFnol8Dba0hkd2n3y9mkZa8Yl/s1600/lwrinspace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25X46A0KS4QaQolpadXPA7O_gO9yh6PD85I1hwXv7doPWOsP_HOmZSefUAWh5Q933KHBBgdnN3qNNZVdoiM3jVEa5kjFUSuuVD5FZMSifVHDd4VpF_HjnFnol8Dba0hkd2n3y9mkZa8Yl/s1600/lwrinspace.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nakisha.com/gallery/LWR_in_space_painting.htm">Link</a></td></tr>
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Myself, my goal is to finish the twelve dancing princesses on my dining room walls! You might recall I was working on drawing these up a year ago at the last Mythic March, but this year, the goal is to FINISH them. I have five left to do, and I usually can get about one done a week, so it'll be a squeeze, but I think it's possible. It feels like I've been working on this project forever!<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntDJ6UEIGmWj_qn63K4TJSxoay8TXdXmCFSsDrnoCmAgfuhxB-Vm5hHMY3uozl-0gB0kSN-NX88kvt0Q89ir_DpRgg58inTU39KD7rkq2uu6jbqmDccUIHNzQyh2jZSkVQYwcXG_fChjV/s1600/1488781_10151875686991783_887532109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntDJ6UEIGmWj_qn63K4TJSxoay8TXdXmCFSsDrnoCmAgfuhxB-Vm5hHMY3uozl-0gB0kSN-NX88kvt0Q89ir_DpRgg58inTU39KD7rkq2uu6jbqmDccUIHNzQyh2jZSkVQYwcXG_fChjV/s1600/1488781_10151875686991783_887532109_n.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Mags, for this hilarious image. <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".14.1:3:1:$comment10151875686991783_10259135:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".14.1:3:1:$comment10151875686991783_10259135:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".14.1:3:1:$comment10151875686991783_10259135:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Unknown
artist from Giovanni Boccaccio De claris mulieribus, Anonymous French
Translantio, Le livre de femmes nobles et renomees, France c.1440...</span></span></span></td></tr>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-608479600636501782014-02-26T13:29:00.000-05:002014-02-26T13:29:16.100-05:00Birgit Amadori and her Hotel Fox DesignsAbout a week or so ago, I was doing a random keyword Google image search for "fairy tale wall mural." After scrolling through a few hundred images of the same pink castles and crowned frogs, an image fully caught my attention. It was a room in a Copenhagen, Denmark hotel called <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189541-d238255-Reviews-Hotel_Fox-Copenhagen_Zealand.html">Hotel Fox</a>. And it was a beautiful and very mythic space done in a minimalist style I'd never before seen or shared on this blog. I had to know more, so I looked up the artist, <a href="http://www.amadori.org/">Birgit Amadori</a>.<br />
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I found her Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Birgit-Amadori/166503426720768">fan page</a>, and sent her a message on the off chance that she'd be willing to talk a bit further about her room designs. And a day or so later I heard back from her! <br />
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<span class="null"></span><br />
<b>Can you tell
us a little bit about how your designs for Hotel Fox came to be? How many spaces did you
design for them, and what was your inspiration for the mood and style?</b><br />
<br />
<i><span class="null">For Hotel Fox, one of the editors from a publisher I
previously had worked with asked me if I wanted to pitch some ideas for
the project. The great thing was that I was free to submit anything that
came to my mind. I liked the idea of an enchanted room. A room that
would include symbolism from mythology, things that could help make the
room magical. I did get 2 rooms, some hallway carpeting and a large
hallway mural. </span></i><br />
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<b>I
saw on your Facebook page that you referenced the gorgeous and
intricate fairy tale artwork of Ivan Bilibin as an inspiration to you.
Are there any other illustrative artists, mythic-subject artists, or
artists of any genre who especially inspire your work?</b><br />
<br />
<i><span class="null">Good question. I think Bilibin, Klimt and Mucha are
my biggest inspiration. Countless other artists from the Belle Epoque
and Art Nouveau era inspire me, too. But I do like to look and
Expressionism, too, to remind me to stay weird and not get too
decorative, only.</span> </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUeqvHZ9Eb52F7ubJlBtdyckWwRoJnbX1gQVgt-iQJC4K2Q6Q5mzH1GhDHWNSG4we3uQfZTKl222kIz_sCBvPXM-TDNwd_UfQKNC-76AgdslhjyHOAmv1k7MMWi_5BH0iqqD_s1jzfj3z/s1600/35487_493259304045177_138462255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUeqvHZ9Eb52F7ubJlBtdyckWwRoJnbX1gQVgt-iQJC4K2Q6Q5mzH1GhDHWNSG4we3uQfZTKl222kIz_sCBvPXM-TDNwd_UfQKNC-76AgdslhjyHOAmv1k7MMWi_5BH0iqqD_s1jzfj3z/s1600/35487_493259304045177_138462255_n.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivan Bilibin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw_v5j_ImsNuX5JfVeYiJxI13u5EEk1poAO_8yE5maMvO_VH5yl2HxyVPInk9d2upyXFEvgbCHfryJrSJ8Nvu9LePl00cmRZvd8GpGGR_4npVDtvEV05fN-gP0c9-2CFNbQ9qn3t48I_b/s1600/182428_493259374045170_1413590362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw_v5j_ImsNuX5JfVeYiJxI13u5EEk1poAO_8yE5maMvO_VH5yl2HxyVPInk9d2upyXFEvgbCHfryJrSJ8Nvu9LePl00cmRZvd8GpGGR_4npVDtvEV05fN-gP0c9-2CFNbQ9qn3t48I_b/s1600/182428_493259374045170_1413590362_n.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivan Bilibin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD0cPfuD1nYmVyXQghCWo9rkXpuvd3a0B2BK664rgT4GrYS9TniPzD2b-YcLJ_f5gTImwo-jhAKtiqbaKdzKxpuJsKzBNgN7a-g7fV0CHcd3FXig8j4sgHfjJM3D-OR0-AOXhOF484htW/s1600/387410_493259487378492_1080437159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD0cPfuD1nYmVyXQghCWo9rkXpuvd3a0B2BK664rgT4GrYS9TniPzD2b-YcLJ_f5gTImwo-jhAKtiqbaKdzKxpuJsKzBNgN7a-g7fV0CHcd3FXig8j4sgHfjJM3D-OR0-AOXhOF484htW/s1600/387410_493259487378492_1080437159_n.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivan Bilibin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-wTpOEoMFV_IBRJ5L3sR6-ndB0n9Euxmlow-n0khlXnOf0KCb_UTHNZrZtJyKP7xRkVZLhEFM2fUrvKGSc3hR28aIlbpIlx3TpnA2zcFYTJTLmbUf1Mg3CfbGr3IZXu456I_m9a3wgjJ/s1600/klimt-khm-altitalienische-kunst-1890.thumb.333x0x0x0x100x0x0x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-wTpOEoMFV_IBRJ5L3sR6-ndB0n9Euxmlow-n0khlXnOf0KCb_UTHNZrZtJyKP7xRkVZLhEFM2fUrvKGSc3hR28aIlbpIlx3TpnA2zcFYTJTLmbUf1Mg3CfbGr3IZXu456I_m9a3wgjJ/s1600/klimt-khm-altitalienische-kunst-1890.thumb.333x0x0x0x100x0x0x0.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.klimt.com/en/gallery/early-works/klimt-khm-altitalienische-kunst-1890.ihtml">Klimt</a> wall installation on stucco</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLeRNlYZ5-ZGfnZKMO1W9Wu1R3u0PLq0FnZKxRWUSx4qo7KlvzKj785-uDY45i9Npxq5ncfn6GRJzDAwM8kg7k1JCvoy7ioxg1cTJbRIip3H3vVKxhRbZr64oMhUkQcqS4k11hV2e3tCB/s1600/klimt-khm-griechische-antike-1890.thumb.333x0x0x0x100x0x0x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLeRNlYZ5-ZGfnZKMO1W9Wu1R3u0PLq0FnZKxRWUSx4qo7KlvzKj785-uDY45i9Npxq5ncfn6GRJzDAwM8kg7k1JCvoy7ioxg1cTJbRIip3H3vVKxhRbZr64oMhUkQcqS4k11hV2e3tCB/s1600/klimt-khm-griechische-antike-1890.thumb.333x0x0x0x100x0x0x0.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.klimt.com/en/gallery/early-works/klimt-khm-altitalienische-kunst-1890.ihtml">Klimt</a> wall installation on stucco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAVu-tvW9hdeBmfumEIofQYO75JXqZ9yeJXxV_DBTb1U04fy-HgzdLZw4GnH7ruPsHEGP2pQlApMTK07yrppU9yO8nJv0zhVAcI11FJ1YgD6M4dnNzam4R8GMk_mI_oMkdDkrF99Tyklu/s1600/14muni-mucha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAVu-tvW9hdeBmfumEIofQYO75JXqZ9yeJXxV_DBTb1U04fy-HgzdLZw4GnH7ruPsHEGP2pQlApMTK07yrppU9yO8nJv0zhVAcI11FJ1YgD6M4dnNzam4R8GMk_mI_oMkdDkrF99Tyklu/s1600/14muni-mucha.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://honeymoons.about.com/od/prague/ig/Prague-Pictures/Alphonse-Mucha-Mural.htm">Mucha</a> mural in Prague</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>I am
personally a big aficionado of the work of William Morris and the Arts
and Crafts Movement. Morris was known for his phenomenal interior
patterns, but also for helping to transform entire spaces in a home
through artisan works on all surfaces: tiles, wallpaper, furniture,
floor coverings, murals…all was included in his process of creative
expression. Was his work, or a similar inspiration, at work in your
creation of the spaces at Hotel Fox?</b><br />
<br />
<i> <span class="null">Unfortunately, no. Morris' pattern is a little too much for me <span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" title=":)"></span>
I prefer geometric patterns with less detail. For the room King's Court
for example, I had much simpler guidance: I was reading the book "The
Buddenbrooks" by Thomas Mann, and there, he describes a salon room in
blue and white - I thought that might look interesting, so I used that
for one of my rooms at Hotel Fox.</span></i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-NowvOt-BQXimtd2a1rbMKub1YxwEP6R8iWvw7V36xq1HWWHE_v5kXYoWGySjGxkcgIUFlH9a3kGeVx1VXN5FVv24NAhtRT3MNFvgvFmX8uvYF3H087i3G3dj3TpFdJS-xHb858BRQMq/s1600/Buddenbrooks_1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-NowvOt-BQXimtd2a1rbMKub1YxwEP6R8iWvw7V36xq1HWWHE_v5kXYoWGySjGxkcgIUFlH9a3kGeVx1VXN5FVv24NAhtRT3MNFvgvFmX8uvYF3H087i3G3dj3TpFdJS-xHb858BRQMq/s1600/Buddenbrooks_1901.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddenbrooks">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>While searching for more images of your art online, I came across a different wall pattern created apparently as a wallpaper. <a class="_553k" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zqFoq3qej2c/SLQMWzucSPI/AAAAAAAAUF4/B8OLUQzHe18/s400/amadori_mock.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>
Can you tell us about this design? Do you plan to create more large scale works for interior use in the future? </b><br /><span class="null"><b> What are you currently working on? </b></span><br />
<br />
<i> <span class="null">These large wallpaper designs were created for a <a href="http://www.photowall.co.uk/photo-wallpaper/metatron">print-on-demand</a> wallpaper company. I had been working on a series of
angels. Again, I wanted to use positive symbology to create a positive
space through the wallpaper.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-JAWrE7uFNDF5UTe7Ye1ASdtwm4la7NtjT912E43HaMKuYVEKjorsxTycaQf33prEV3SAL8ljA5t05xHZhygCzYNISbXfrGNlnt8oC8Stig6p2-FyPs6-r8R1Mp20chiOBrPpYQ_59oD/s1600/amadori_mock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-JAWrE7uFNDF5UTe7Ye1ASdtwm4la7NtjT912E43HaMKuYVEKjorsxTycaQf33prEV3SAL8ljA5t05xHZhygCzYNISbXfrGNlnt8oC8Stig6p2-FyPs6-r8R1Mp20chiOBrPpYQ_59oD/s1600/amadori_mock.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8f5Qmd0i8REsXcvJU3F73ET46fju7zCXKuOya6UMENkmB1wTsAblXajBXhjEHonojIZQOcq-fkqyunXmriGUO70B-roB1mNTKaMYM-A0DKojAiXcO5gD4FcDC7pnq3PWiJNPbva-ZwqB/s1600/modern-decals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8f5Qmd0i8REsXcvJU3F73ET46fju7zCXKuOya6UMENkmB1wTsAblXajBXhjEHonojIZQOcq-fkqyunXmriGUO70B-roB1mNTKaMYM-A0DKojAiXcO5gD4FcDC7pnq3PWiJNPbva-ZwqB/s1600/modern-decals.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVO1p9m_Y2qz7ygylLeDp5gXF1lXZUeqv1cAYQ7aWj7-7bOUi22ZhWMZVAAp4qttzVOBazfsycegY76L8vwALU7HWuX-dIwGPsJu28b-9kbtyuah8d29Q-9wjcB3ttgczVybcXRZuVX2R/s1600/photo-wallpaper-45225-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVO1p9m_Y2qz7ygylLeDp5gXF1lXZUeqv1cAYQ7aWj7-7bOUi22ZhWMZVAAp4qttzVOBazfsycegY76L8vwALU7HWuX-dIwGPsJu28b-9kbtyuah8d29Q-9wjcB3ttgczVybcXRZuVX2R/s1600/photo-wallpaper-45225-2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<i><span class="null">I am not sure, I am currently not working on
wallpaper. The wallpaper thing was more something where one thing led to
another. My biggest passion is book illustration. I wrote and published
several <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=birgit%20amadori&sprefix=birgit+ama%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abirgit%20amadori">ebooks</a> that can be found on amazon etc, which feature my
illustrations. One of these series from a book was awarded with the How
Design Magazine award for this year.
I also do book covers. In painting, I do mostly paint scenes from
mythology. I just finished a large painting of the Goddess Freya. As a
hobby, I draw dream art now and then, whenever an interesting dream
comes to me.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-73748618275024744382014-02-18T16:33:00.004-05:002014-02-18T16:33:57.108-05:00Mythic March 2014 - Start Thinking!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5akWl4ECBLRLl2pPRsip4kWnnFnU3Ge_2oxOv2V8FWVpYM6DAKe29TvsLn-DCrzFGUcRiiVi1ORVJJfr7HeLL5n5Am6XWpuGHQsE-wLr4mEKGo-Zmgiq2OLUpIhDmi68y6HHefImVeig/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5akWl4ECBLRLl2pPRsip4kWnnFnU3Ge_2oxOv2V8FWVpYM6DAKe29TvsLn-DCrzFGUcRiiVi1ORVJJfr7HeLL5n5Am6XWpuGHQsE-wLr4mEKGo-Zmgiq2OLUpIhDmi68y6HHefImVeig/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/116389971592401404/">Renee Needham</a></td></tr>
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<br />
It's almost that time again, ladies and gents! And I don't know about you, but I need it this year more than ever.<br />
<br />
Well, okay yes I could be talking about spring, but what I'm really talking about is....<br />
<span style="background-color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mythic March</span></span></i></b> </span></span><br />
<br />
If you recall, last year was the first year we started this fun tradition in the same vein as National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, held every November. But instead of being in November, we hold ours in the month of new beginnings, when spring's delicate tendrils of green start to wrap around our hearts.<br />
<br />
Last year's summary post is <a href="http://domythicbliss.blogspot.com/2013/03/mythic-march-begins.html">here</a>, and I highly recommend you read it, but the concept is simple: just create. It doesn't matter if you're writing a song, planting a garden, creating art, etc. etc. Just get off your bums that have been so cozily cradled by the couch all of this freezing snowy winter long, and CREATE something.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR2R8NuNKRpQXHaLldioH3bqq629orLfgn82biBmExEtBzN9Isg_xOwFlyuirKRLLqd0eOdceBCRRfzQqmg6_5ZfNWB0LmrdFBOfxOVVR8syzPNzdZ9eEfedMZFs9caHvrzzp4FD6BhgH/s1600/7dcab2b7339d22ee09195c81942f0d7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR2R8NuNKRpQXHaLldioH3bqq629orLfgn82biBmExEtBzN9Isg_xOwFlyuirKRLLqd0eOdceBCRRfzQqmg6_5ZfNWB0LmrdFBOfxOVVR8syzPNzdZ9eEfedMZFs9caHvrzzp4FD6BhgH/s1600/7dcab2b7339d22ee09195c81942f0d7f.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/369295238166174499/">Joel Robison</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Every Monday in March, we will have Mythic March Monday Makings, where I'll talk about what I've been working on, and share anything that any of you share with me as far as progress on your own projects. You can email me here, leave a comment on a blog post, or contact me over on Facebook via our Domythic Bliss group or my personal page (Grace Nuth) to let me know what you're doing.<br />
<br />
So now is the time to start thinking about it. What do you want to work on for Mythic March? And feel free to tell me your ideas below!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUaXYd_4E8YV4SPGoeRXwOvRmd8rOkK0ipZoJAfvp4GvnTpeZh-XMT5yN4A4iuhEYQvGM1VoHfqVijkJe3x7RG9zFOiKLeeeZYRl8D62aNtSqJwNUso4hjmAmkDWh3WRNKt2LIPcyQf1y/s1600/e56bff221d5004887001210bfa975aad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUaXYd_4E8YV4SPGoeRXwOvRmd8rOkK0ipZoJAfvp4GvnTpeZh-XMT5yN4A4iuhEYQvGM1VoHfqVijkJe3x7RG9zFOiKLeeeZYRl8D62aNtSqJwNUso4hjmAmkDWh3WRNKt2LIPcyQf1y/s1600/e56bff221d5004887001210bfa975aad.jpg" height="400" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/435230751460978885/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215903909566320990.post-70967139592057403822014-02-17T09:46:00.000-05:002014-02-17T09:46:22.877-05:00Whimsy: A Very Silly and Very Important Wordthe other day, while doing my semi-regular check of Amazon for new and interesting books in interior decorating, I came across a new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Decorate-Fearlessly-Confidence-Surprise-Personal/dp/0847842339/ref=zg_bsnr_6158312011_86">title</a> called <i>Decorate Fearlessly: Using Whimsy, Confidence and a Dash of Surprise to Create Deeply Personal Spaces</i>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pVQaxwPUsTpZU_9dsTseHbSR8_MO5LkdGSqCt3Iig_P9LRM33h-dJOIxgnQa6VOdnfVtZmlACZSgRhE25XJHJFCsooL0HrR-b-QT3HE4zfdAUKnpHZ31Y03sVfHOtzMfI3cB2YwKSrqf/s1600/640a366806416bfe75b64e691a091e4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pVQaxwPUsTpZU_9dsTseHbSR8_MO5LkdGSqCt3Iig_P9LRM33h-dJOIxgnQa6VOdnfVtZmlACZSgRhE25XJHJFCsooL0HrR-b-QT3HE4zfdAUKnpHZ31Y03sVfHOtzMfI3cB2YwKSrqf/s1600/640a366806416bfe75b64e691a091e4c.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Looking through a few sample pages from the book, I started thinking more about the word "<b>whimsy</b>" and how it's a word that I don't use often. Yet it's one that expresses really nicely an aspect of Domythic decor that I don't think I've entirely covered yet in the blog!<br />
<br />
Whimsy is defined as <i> a playful or amusing quality : a sense of humor or playfulness</i>. And the more I perused Pinterest for boards and pins based around the concept of whimsical decor, the more I realized that yes...it's a magnificent word for describing the "certain something" I try to make sure to have in my own home. It also describes well the "something lacking" that makes me dislike the interiors found in so many interior design magazines. Yes, it's true, I'm also looking for a personal touch in those cold and perfectly designed spaces found in magazines, but I'm also looking for a touch of <i>whimsy</i>.<br />
<br />
A Domythic home does not have to incorporate whimsy in order to be Domythic. Not at all. I've seen stunning fairy tale inspired interiors that take themselves entirely seriously. They look like exact reproductions of a castle, a witch's cottage, and they are seriously amazing. But adding a touch of whimsy to every room of your house is a great way to show the world in a subtle (or not so subtle) way that imagination and wonder are important to you.<br />
<br />
But what about the thin line where whimsical decorating crosses over into the dreaded kitsch? Well, quite frankly, I think no one should judge for someone else where that line is. I've seen the most filled-to-the-brim decorated spaces that thrilled me, and I've seen some austere spaces that somehow still seem warm.<br />
<br />
When I'm looking at a room or a house, I will ask myself a simple question, and it's one I find so important...that the <a href="http://domythicbliss.blogspot.com/2012/01/through-two-sets-of-eyes.html">second post</a> of this entire blog was devoted to it. I ask myself "would a child think this room/house/space was cool?" Adding a touch of whimsy practically guarantees that.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL1_CRC-nVqJuGmpsmARpC4vdOwPFPSljjAo6fPqQaBf8B0tEnFjESV2rx80FVHVU3uhq-4flCnK-VUahg-Ypr6i9Qw8AfCD3ZWFDlcfeuZxksFTdvLBBLPj-sNgBSHordkhaLpIRRHqE/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTL1_CRC-nVqJuGmpsmARpC4vdOwPFPSljjAo6fPqQaBf8B0tEnFjESV2rx80FVHVU3uhq-4flCnK-VUahg-Ypr6i9Qw8AfCD3ZWFDlcfeuZxksFTdvLBBLPj-sNgBSHordkhaLpIRRHqE/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/233483561904404815/">Link</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An entire antique porch piece on your living room wall? Definitely whimsical.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4K8stJNp8Y83a3Pb2mWke4F5uNqVcTZsPCGl4CIFvznw5zrUlefgTWF4c4A9y67XR1zHTaxsq1EKtxYixCp518dX9RuToTLF3fHtDPVsXuKRK_qaS7BD2ExzEUozFLPFs3QTmQIrLmn2/s1600/a5313c91230acd262fc4af607171b985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4K8stJNp8Y83a3Pb2mWke4F5uNqVcTZsPCGl4CIFvznw5zrUlefgTWF4c4A9y67XR1zHTaxsq1EKtxYixCp518dX9RuToTLF3fHtDPVsXuKRK_qaS7BD2ExzEUozFLPFs3QTmQIrLmn2/s1600/a5313c91230acd262fc4af607171b985.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/double-wide-mobile-0607?click=main_sr#slide-1">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBO36TSAAV0VTMJ8br8upTgHeWdBf2DHKFi33P4vcgCaPf5ee4vXLkBfg75CTKpOI_Nr4Dn6_Ksvk-izueqm1BqlnYhV1j0lCKe5vKhw5T6syhDxKyA7PY2a9BY_S-NNI9Fut3ed4FrOE/s1600/78f6c3af13dff0cd93bfd8f9e1302840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBO36TSAAV0VTMJ8br8upTgHeWdBf2DHKFi33P4vcgCaPf5ee4vXLkBfg75CTKpOI_Nr4Dn6_Ksvk-izueqm1BqlnYhV1j0lCKe5vKhw5T6syhDxKyA7PY2a9BY_S-NNI9Fut3ed4FrOE/s1600/78f6c3af13dff0cd93bfd8f9e1302840.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99166607/faerie-door-fairy-door-gnome-doors-elf?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=gnome&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdye07C06NXYrW30TuCFViGu_2DFs86G8tfOLKek6c2os3txNiz7gyqEbcSrjWfOQp91ln2bem0QbB3btJ6kpll0AYmfvcrJxVNj3aTiE_XX4EU2-MM905hFfS_tgAQUiOckvze7A6QI0/s1600/fe48905274eeb48d244308da443f7f54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdye07C06NXYrW30TuCFViGu_2DFs86G8tfOLKek6c2os3txNiz7gyqEbcSrjWfOQp91ln2bem0QbB3btJ6kpll0AYmfvcrJxVNj3aTiE_XX4EU2-MM905hFfS_tgAQUiOckvze7A6QI0/s1600/fe48905274eeb48d244308da443f7f54.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/9077636723008163/">Link</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf4hd-uaWe1UZ3uDpWF372CWj3GIiKnroU8ipMF_KnwVkBj-iTG8bwc-vRElZAhMJ5pKfIixMYy2-j5CZ3C-Av378qdpJU1uyqo-CNgkCjsDc-6gB8hyIB3l4AFUPVJ-wpYc45NMVkK8f/s1600/1fd3684b54f0d31b51bfb0381e8b9669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf4hd-uaWe1UZ3uDpWF372CWj3GIiKnroU8ipMF_KnwVkBj-iTG8bwc-vRElZAhMJ5pKfIixMYy2-j5CZ3C-Av378qdpJU1uyqo-CNgkCjsDc-6gB8hyIB3l4AFUPVJ-wpYc45NMVkK8f/s1600/1fd3684b54f0d31b51bfb0381e8b9669.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/2885187235136867/">Link</a></td></tr>
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My friend, the artist <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MerlePaceArts">Merle Pace</a>, has the most wonderfully whimsical home. Take note of the old radio cabinet painted a fun color...she calls it "cat theater" and her kitties love to play inside and put on shows for her! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-new2/28791705.jsp?cm_sp=Fluid-_-28791705-_-Large_0">From Anthropologie</a></td></tr>
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01961174973796318673noreply@blogger.com0