The Play of Light and Shadow

My First Public Show!

2012-02-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Greeting Fellow Artists and Bloggers!

Did you think I was gone? Not so! Just Transforming!

I don't know how many of you are around still... I know I cannot complain if you aren't. I know I haven't been here for you. Stay tune for a Blog update!!

I did want to share that I am having my first public show at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center Second Saturday Art Show this weekend called: THE SHOW!!!

I hope to be posting pictures from the event and the art that was on display!

Many Blessings!

Check to see if YOU WON!!

2011-08-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

First...

These are the auction winners. Please check to see if this is correct:

Danni won both the felting lots

Cindy B won Stamper's Magic Lot

Georgina won the Loteria Lot

Jeanne won Herbal Lot, Halloween Memories Lot, Sculptors lot and Day of the Dead Party Lot

Aim Jeffries won Sketch and Paint Lot, and Halloween Stampers Mega Lot

Marie S won Stampers paper Lot and the Water Mold and Pour

Lulu won Doll Artist Lot for $10.00

Now on to the winners. The Winners of the Giveaway are:

EVERYONE WHO COMMENTED!!

NA NA

I withheld some items...so you all won.

You will have to wait for your box to see what you got!!

BLESSINGS!!

STUDIO NEWS and THANK YOUS!

2011-08-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

To all of you who participated in my Artist's Garage Sale!

You made it fun and successful!!

THANK YOU!!

All the winners will be notified by mail over the weekend.

Your packages will be mailed out Monday or Tuesday of Next week.

WINNERS OF THE GIVEAWAY...

will be announced later today!!!

The most art I have made lately has been garage sale signs and tattoo designs for tattoos I will be getting. That is not to say I have not been working on my art.

We got my husband a Cannon Rebel and I get his older camera. We are busy planning photo shoots and digital art projects, but all will have to wait until we are done moving! In the mean time, we have a new large format printer in its box aching to be used!!

We will be moving at the end of the month to a high rise apartment in downtown in Sacramento. My art will still be promoted online but I planned to be more community oriented.

My blog will change... but again, you won't see anything until September... after we move.

Yes, that is the phrase these days... after we move!!! LOL

On the Trangender front (yes, its art... the art of making me), at our meetings we talk about everything...except nose hair. That's right... no one has ever talked about the 500% increase in nose hair. It is like a carpet up there!!!

A few months ago I was looking in the mirror without my glasses and notice a huge bruise on my shoulder. I got my glasses on and looked closer to find it was not a bruise... it was a huge patch of hair. Yes, I am growing crops of hair on my back and shoulders. None of this should be a surprise seeing how hairy my son is and how Italian we are. I have come to accept that I am a bear.

The people who I find I have the most issues with (who find out I am trangender either by figuring it out, or they are a nurse, or knew me before...) are middle-aged, hetero woman. I found this discovery unexpected.

I do not like lumping people together because there are always exceptions... especially with my good friends here in blogland and facebooklandia, BUT... trouble with this gender/type/age group has been so consistent that I really dread contact with them. I am so relieved when one of them either doesn't figure it out, or is pretty hip on alternative lifestyles.... but when they are not, I find them to be the nastiest, most obnoxiousness, cruel and self righteous people on earth (next to right wing fanatics).

On the job front... there is no job. I do not want to burden you with the complete drama... because there is 4 years worth. The last nine months were the hardest because I complained to corporate. But, I exceeded my human limit and became severely affected (I won't get into that either). Humans can take harassment only so long before its effects override the will power not to give up. For the sake of my health and my family, I am no longer at that job. While my husband and I certainly have a significant lawsuit, it would only make the situation keep going for years. We decided it was best to walk away and not look back.

Meanwhile, I am finishing my training as a Security Officer and after we are settled in our new place and new routines, I will return to work part-time.

Now on to something more exciting... boxing! When you are transitioning, there is so much that you begin to remember again. One of those things was how much I loved to watch boxing with my Dad. The need to work off my anxiety over the job issue and my new found physical-ness needed an outlet too. So, I turned to boxing. I work with a trainer and have a bag at home. Ken will be coming to a training session to learn how to use sparring pads to help me practice at home... I am excited! My increase in muscle and endurance over the last 8 weeks is tremendous!

Wishing you all well on your own Journeys....

Mario

Last Chance...

2011-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Last chance to bid in the Artist' Garage sale... we got:

Polymer clay

Sculpting tools

Scrap booking

Molds

Day of the Dead Stuff....

Halloween stuff.....

Come on over!

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/08/halloween-day-of-dead-doll-artist-and.html

Win Day of the Dead Lotteria Cards!

2011-08-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Click the Pic to enter a bid!

Need Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Molds?

2011-08-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Click on the pic to Win it!!

Do you like Halloween Stamps and Ink?

2011-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Check out this Auction Lot:

Click the pic to go their and win it!!

Are you a budding Hoodoo? Witch? Herbalist?

2011-08-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the Hoodoo Lot of Herbs at the Auction and press the picture to go their to Bid!

Halloween, Day of the Dead, Doll Artist and Scrapbooker MEGA Auction!!

2011-08-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Giveaways

To Say Thank you to all Those who participate, there are five giveaways being offered to all those who bid by commenting during this last round of the Artist's Garage Sale. Winners will be chosen by random. One Entry to each person and you DO NOT have to win the auction to be eligible... just bid on an item!

YOU COULD WIN:

1) Unfinished Treasure box: Alice and Wonderland Charm on an Organza Ribbon, two spooky playing cards, and a package of Mold-n-Pour!

2) Skelli Stickers

3) Day of the Dead Magnet Set

4) Copper Charm of the Cheshire Cat on an Organza Ribbon

5) Copper Charm of a skull and crossbones on an Organza Ribbon

DON'T WANT TO BID but want to ENTER the GIVEAWAY?

Post about this auction with a link on your blog or Facebook, leave a comment with the link in this post and you will be entered!!

AUCTION ENDS AUGUST 5TH at NOON!

AUCTION LOTS!

Hoodoo Herbal Lot

These herbs have been stored for a year in the dark and in a dry place, sealed in bags or in these 11 Stainless Steal Containers. Retail Value $100.00+

Contains: Calamus, lavendar, Vervain Blue, Wintergreen, lemon verbena, Mandrake Root, Eucalyptus, Bentonite Clay, Star Anise, Atlantic Kelp. juniper berries, licorice root, White Willow Bark, Mullein, cloves, Nettle Root, Myrrh Gum, 11 Stainless Steal containers, antique metal grinder.

STARTING BID: $10.00

Scrap Booker's Mega Lot:

These are complete unopened or unused single papers, stickers, and a bottle of diamond glaze. Retail Value: $60.00

Contains: 2 sheets of woodland papers, two sheets antiqued playing cards, two sheets of thick embossed velum, Velvet paper in blue, rice paper in white, 8 sheets of Italian Candy papers, 1 package of 8 collage background papers in vintage styles, Victorian Wedding Vellum stickers, Classic Architecture stickers, 1 pack of Martha Stewart Halloween papers 18 sheets, 3 large sheets of handmade papers, 8 sheets of vintage accent papers, 1 package of vintage coordinating collage papers 18 total.

STARTING BID: $6.00

Halloween Memories Lot:

Contains: Two opened, but new and full Perfect Pearls in Kiwi and Forever Green, Set of Halloween Scrapbook Cut outs (see picture below), 1 pack of Autumn colored Mini Brads, 1 pack of rhinestone brads, 1 pack of Martha Stewart Halloween Papers 18 count. Retail Value: $30.00

STARTING BID: $3.00

Felting Bonanza #1:

1 lb of Karakul wool, 10 NEW Felting Needles, One Felting Needle holder with Directions, 4 oz of Camel Colored Merino, 4 oz of black colored Merino, 1oz of Forest Green Merino/Yak/Silk blend, 100 grams of Black Current Merino/Silk blend. Retail Value: $82.50

STARTING BID: $7.00

Stamper's Magic Lot

16 Magical Symbol Stamps plus book, 1 package of Shrink Film (4 sheets) for making your own charms with the inks and stamps, 4 Bottles of Adirondack Alcohol Ink in Slate, Red Pepper, Sunset Orange, and Meadow Green (1 bottle has been opened/ 5% used) and an OPTIONAL gift of a complete deck of Erotic Tarot Cards! $30.00 (without including Tarot Cards)

STARTING BID: $3.00

Halloween Stampers MEGA Lot:

Includes 12 unused bottles Adirondack Alcohol Ink, plus 3 used bottles ( have 50% or more remaining), Wooden Inker and 1 package of pads, Distress Ink Pad, Halloween Alphabet Stamp set (see picture below), Two sets of Halloween Motif Stamp sets, PLUS 1 large and 1 small clear Lucite stamp holders (stamps cling to the holders). Retail Value: $80.00

STARTING BID: $8.00

Doll Artist's Lot

3 new Boxes of Super Sculpty, 5 doll molds each in different scale, 3 metal sculpting loops for small work, 3 double ended sculpting tools, 2 wooden sculpting tools and set of 10 glass blown doll eyes in different sizes (most can be used for the scale of dolls in these molds). Retail Value: $100.00+

STARTING BID: $10.00

Water Mold and Pour Lot:

E-Z Water is a clear acrylic typical used to create water scenes. However, you can mold it into tear drops, splashes, ice sculptures and whatever you can imagine. It can be tinted! Molding Puddy is a two part molding compound when mixed together will dry quickly with little shrinkage. Mold anything you want!

Retail Value $30.00.

STARTING BID: $3.00

Artist's Liquids Lot:

Need some more of these popular products, or always wanted to try but did not want to spend the money? These are UNOPENED! Mod Podge, Stiffy, Crackle and Omnigel Transfer Medium. Retail Value: $30.00

STARTING BID: $3.00

Sculptor's Lot:

10 packages of polymer clay (one has been slightly opened), Polymer Clay Extruder with all the tips, 3 texture sheets, 1 ornate border mold, 1 faces mold, Polymer Clay Lucite Roller, 1 unopened bottle of sculpty glaze satin, one unopened bottle of sculpty glaze gloss, one opened but full bottle of Liquid sculpty, 12 stainless steal double ended sculpting tools, 3 round cutting tools in different sizes plus three finishing products to try: vasaline, cornstarch powder and hand sanitizer (they all work to finish a polymer clay sculpture in different ways and degrees), plus an opened package of translucent sculpty in need of conditioning. $100.00+

STARTING BID: $10.00

The Smaller Felting Lot:

4 New felting needles, felting sponge, Magical Blend of Pagewood Farms Fiber Puffette in a Natural color (it is a blend of wool, mohair, mylon, yarn bits 4 oz, 3 oz of Merino/Yak and Silk Roving in light Grey, 3 oz of Merino Roving in black. Retail Value: $60.00

BIDDING STARTS: $6.00

Stamps and Paper Lot ( PUG NOT INCLUDED):

Red Stamp pad, silver and purple stamp pad, ultra fine glitter, gold paint, handmade Mulberry paper Scraps, 18 blank postcards, 1 pack rhinestone brads, 1 pack autumn colored mini brads, Tag Shape Punch, Package of 5 papers, 10 misc stamps (celestial sun, move, clouds, dragonfly, ornate border...). Retail Price: $40.00

STARTING BID: $4.00

Silver/Topaz/Amethyst Ring Sz 9

Excellent Condition, Topaz is 4 carats, ornate work on the band.

Retail Value: $300.00

PRICE: $30.00

18 ct Gold Band Sz 8

Wonderful scroll work on the band. Like New. Retail Value: $380.00

Price: $30.00

Embossing Lot:

7 new bottle of embossing powders, embossing gun, 18 blank postcards. Retail Price$90.00

STARTING BID: $9.00

Day of the Dead Party Lot:

Include 4 skull sugar molds in 4 sizes (the x-large is almost to scale. Please use these molds for clay ONLY!), One bag of Celluslose clay, One package of paperclay (not in picture), 4 Skelli Garland, Skeilli drink shaker full of real bones (all chicken, I assure you!) Retail Value: $50.00

STARTING BID $5.00

Sketch and Paint Lot:

1 pad of water color paper, acrylic paint set, charcoal pencil. Retail Value: $20.00.

Starting bid: $2.00

Lotteria Lot:

1 unopened Lotteria pack from Mexico. It includes a complete deck of day of the dead cards plus the cut out larger cards on sheets. Retail Value: $18.50.

Starting Bid: $5.00

Please email me at zelmar1027@gmail.com with any questions regarding the lots you see above!

AUCTION ENDS AUGUST 5TH at NOON!

RULES:

1) To place a bid: Make a comment in this post with the name of the lot and the price you are bidding.

2) Highest Price Bidder will win. In the event a bidder changes their mind, the next highest bidder will be offered the lot.

3) Winners of Multiple lots: Every attempt will be made to mail lots together.

4) All winners will be sent their lot by USPS Ground unless you indicate otherwise.

5) You will be billed for the lot and postage AFTER the lots have been mailed to you. I never found my shipping scale :(

6) To avoid mix up in Shipping, all lots have been packed in their own box and a copy of the confirmation email sent to each winner will be put into each and every box. The shipping label will be checked with the confirmation email to make sure your winnings are going to you before your package is labeled and sealed.

Thank you for a wonderful Auction Everyone!

Blessings!

Native American Flutes for Sale

2011-07-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

They need a good home!

Here is the link http://sacramento.craigslist.org/msg/2516734583.html

Contact me by email with questions. Willing to mail and do paypal.

Big Sale

2011-07-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned...I am going through the last of the boxes

and will wait til this coming weekend to get all the new stuff put up for Auction... there will be a lot of stuff, Friends.

Thank you to all the great Artists and Bloggers who have participated!!!

Glass Eyes, Falcon Skulls, Beads, 5 Needle Felting Device

2011-07-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Another Auction is Up... in the

Artist Garage Sale!

These Falcon Skulls are new and cast directly from a real specimen. These are from the

Bone Room. $5.00 each.

You can click to enlarge this photo in another tab for better viewing.

All eyes are available separately.

2 Pair 3mm Blow Glass in Green $1.00 Each

2 pair blow glass Clear 8 mm $ 1.00 Each

2 pair Reptile Blow Glass Eyes in 5 and 9 mm $4.00 Each

2 Pair of blow glass Bulb Eyes in Blue and Green 15 mm $ 4.00 Each

2 Pair of Plastic Eyes in Brow and Blue 25 mm $ 1.00 Each

Watch Pieces... delicate and great for Mix Media or Steam Punk.

Lot starts at $2.00

I love this felter. It hold 5 needles that are inserted threw a screw top.

The clear gaurd locks, and then unlocks to be used. The clear gaurd stays in place and moves inside the handle to let the 5 needles out into the wool... so there is little risk of finger puncture. Felt a lot quicker with this!

$3.50

5 Ceramic Skulls and two silver-toned metal skull beads

$3.00

Garage Sale Rules:
1) Buyer Pays Shipping plus their highest Bid price.2) Highest Bidder Wins and if something goes wrong the Second Highest Bidder will be offered the item.
2) All Items in the picture are being sold together
3) Leave a comment with your bid price and be sure to say which item you are bidding on. Check back frequently to see if someone has outbid you. Don't forget: You can also subscribe to comments to get them in your email!!!
4) If you buy more than one items, every attempt will be made to ship all items together in one box.
BIDDING ENDS MONDAY July 25th at NOON!!!!

5) Please email me with any questions... happy to help!

6) Until I locate my postage scale, postage due will be billed after shipping in a bill emailed to you via pay pal. IF you need to make other arrangements for payment or having preferences for shipping, please contact me personally before you bid on an item.

GOOD LUCK and Thank You!

1/12th Scale Dolls and Accessories PLUS Mixed Media and Stamps!

2011-07-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

Great for your 1/12th scale Haunted House, Dioramas and Mixed Media!

Various 1/12th Scale Miniature Accessories:

Fireplace Peacock Screen

Fireplace Accessory Stand with 3 Tools

3 Blown Glass Bottles

1 Blown Glass Fish Bowl

7 Plastic bottles of various size

2 candle scones

7 Picture Frames

5 kids wooden pull toys

2 baskets filled with Kitchen Utensils

Glass Jar of Pasta

Broom and Basket

1 Pack of Green real wax candles

1 pack of plastic white candles

2 wooden bowls

3 metals bowls

1 Tea Set

2 metal wine bottles

1 candleabra

1 spinning wheel

2 scale ivy vines

4 candle sticks

Bidding Starts at $5.00

THIS LOT IS BEING SOLD INDIVIDUALLY:

1/12 Porcelain doll KITS

1) Woman: comes with Dress, Hat, Wig, head and torso, legs and arms. Bidding Starts at $2.00

2) Shirley Temple: Wig, Head and Torso, arms and legs. Bidding Starts at $5.00

3) Boy: Already put together. Needs costume and Wig. Bidding Starts at $2.00

Keep them as they are or give them your own re-do!

Mixed Media Accessories:

Two Coffin Boxes (one with Sound when opened)

1 Opened package of Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf

2 Sample Packets of fantasy Gold Leaf

4 Copper, Square Pendants

Luggage Tag Frames

Un opened Memory Frames with A big box of glass slides

3 Square Memory frames

Unopened package of lapel pins

Bidding Starts at $3.00

Stamps and Box:

21 Stamps: Animals, Egyptian and Native American Motifs with its own box

Stamps are mounted on Wood Blocks and come with a set of images already stamped so you know what they look like.

Bidding Starts at $5.00

5) Please email me with any questions... happy to help!

GOOD LUCK and Thank You!

Gardener's Giveaway!! Don't Miss those Lilies!!

2011-07-11T08:02:00.001-07:00

http://hauntedswampdesigns.blogspot.com/

My Friend Lynda is having 4 super giveaways on her blog....If you love gardening these are for you!

Wow! The Garage Sale Lot Bidding is Closed!!

2011-07-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Many Thanks to those of you who bid and Won!!!

You will be getting a something in the email from me soon!!

Stay Tuned Folks...this was only the tip of the Iceberg!!

Much more including finished pieces of Art...to Come!!

New: Airbrush for Sale $5.00 PLUS MORE

2011-07-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/07/artist-garage-sale-spun-silks-wool.html

Artist Garage Sale: Spun Silks, Wool Roving, Doll Hair and Air Brush NIB

2011-07-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

New in Box: Complete Air Brush set minus compressor.

Bidding Starts at $5.00

Wool Doll Hair (right), Fantasy Fiber Brown and Black 1 Skein Each

Bidding Begins at $2.00

Fantasy Fiber Loose Gold Fibers to be adding to spun wool or silk; also used for mixed media

6 Skeins of Fantasy Fiber Firenze: While great for knitters and crocheters, it makes great art doll hair.

Bidding Begins at $5.00

Spun Silk in shape of a Cap. Can be used for any project requiring silk roving as the silk can still easily be taken apart.

Bidding Begins at $1.00

Spun Silk Hankies: 7 layers. Can easily be taken apart and used as roving.

Bidding begins at $2.00

Silk Roving: Bidding Begins at $2.00

More silk Roving: Bidding Begins at $2.00

1 Skein Fantasy Fiber Wool Yarn with 2 Mystery Wool Roving and 2oz of Periwinkle Blue Merino Wool Roving.

Bidding Begins at $1.00

Garage Sale Rules:

1) Buyer Pays Shipping plus their highest Bid price.2) Highest Bidder Wins and if something goes wrong the Second Highest Bidder will be offered the item.
2) All Items in the picture are being sold together
3) Leave a comment with your bid price and be sure to say which item you are bidding on. Check back frequently to see if someone has outbid you. Don't forget: You can also subscribe to comments to get them in your email!!!
4) If you buy more than one items, every attempt will be made to ship all items together in one box.
BIDDING ENDS Saturday July 9th at NOON!!!!

5) Please email me with any questions... happy to help!

GOOD LUCK and Thank You!

Thank You... more to Come...

2011-06-27T10:39:00.001-07:00

The bidding is now closed. Thank you and Congrats to the Winners!!

As I go through the boxes, the auctions will go up!

This week I go out of town to visit my dying Mom and Auctions will resume Next week.

Hopefully we can dig deep and get to the meat of the Art Supplies!

Blessings!!

Need a Skull?

2011-06-22T16:09:00.001-07:00

Get one here for Free....???

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/06/artists-garage-sale-skull-skins-and.html

Artist's Garage Sale: Skull, Skins, and The Dead

2011-06-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Garage Sale Rules:

1) Bidding Starts at Zero. Buyer Pays Shipping.

2) Highest Bidder Wins and if something goes wrong the Second Highest Bidder will be offered the item. If all bidders bid ZERO dollars then the first person to bid will win the lot.

3) All Items in this lot are being sold individually.

4) Leave a comment with your bid price and be sure to say which item you are bidding on. Check back frequently to see if someone has outbid you. Don't forget: You can also subscribe to comments to get them in your email!!!

5) If you buy more than one items, every attempt will be made to ship all items together in one box.

BIDDING ENDS MONDAY the 27th at NOON!!!!

Good Luck!

1) Sheep's Skull. Weathered naturally. Some Teeth Missing. No lower mandible. Very nice cracks with a large axe cut in the skull, but nothing that makes the skull unstable. Complete will bullet hole to the forehead!

2) Aluminum Owl Ice Bucket from the 1960's/1970's. Great condition. No dents. Stands approx. 13 inches high. Needs a some cleaning and shining. Great for Halloween!

3) 2 Rabbit Skins: Brown and white and solid White. Good condition. Complete Pelts... minus the head... bummer.

4) Banana Leaf Boat: This is ideal base for a doll or sculpture. Approx. 17 inches long. Light weight.

5) Fetal Cow Hide! Excellent Condition. Complete pelt minus the head... sorry.

6) ~~Book: Talking to the Dead. True life account of the birth of spiritualism.~~

~~7) Book: Not In Kansas Anymore. Curious tales about how magic transformed America.~~

~~8) Book: Beading the Peyote Stitch. Great how-to Beading! Excellent Projects!~~

Bidding is NOW CLOSED

2011-06-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

For Book Lots #1 and 2!!

Next time, I will be sure to give a stopping time to the bidding!!

Please Stay Tune... a lot more yet to come!!!

DOLL, Mixed Media, MARKETING... Art Books for Cheap!

2011-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Then come to my Garage sale and bid NOTHING!! You pay Shipping! Check Back and see if someone out bid you... if you want it you will have to bid higher than them!!

Choose from Lot themes: Dolls, Miniatures, Polymer Clay, Marketing, Mixed Media.....

click here...

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/06/garage-sale-dolls-mixed-media-rubber.html

and here...

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/06/garage-sale-dolls-miniatures-marketing.html

Want Art Books for Free????

2011-06-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Then come to my Garage sale and bid NOTHING!! You pay Shipping!

Choose from Lot themes: Dolls, Miniatures, Polymer Clay, Marketing, Mixed Media.....

click here...

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/06/garage-sale-dolls-mixed-media-rubber.html

and here...

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2011/06/garage-sale-dolls-miniatures-marketing.html

Garage Sale: Dolls, Miniatures, Marketing, Polymer Clay and Gardening

2011-06-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Garage Sale Rules:

1) Bidding Starts at Zero. Buyer Pays Shipping.

2) Highest Bidder Wins and if something goes wrong the Second Highest Bidder will be offered the lot. If all bidders bid ZERO dollars then the first person to bid will win the lot.

3) Lots will not be split. If you bid on a lot, you bought the whole lot! If you do not want the whole lot consider giving them away, reselling them, or sharing with art centers and friends.

Bidding for Garage Sale Books #2 will End on Wednesday June 22. Shipping Date will be June 23 or Monday June 27th.

Books #2:

Lot #1: Dolls

(4) Issues of Doll Crafting and Costuming

(7) Doll Magazines

(3) Books- Fantastic Figures

Complete Book of Dollmaking

Art of the Puppet

Lot #2: Miniatures

(6) Issues of Doll House Miniatures

(1) Doll House

(1) Nutshell News

(3) Books- Dollmaking Polymer Clay and Paper Mache 1:12

1:12 Character Figures

Mastercrafting Miniature Rooms and Furniture

Lot #3 Marketing

(3) Books- Crafting as a Business

Selling Your Dolls and Teddy Bears

Creative Awakenings

(2) Issues of Stuffed Magazine

(4) Issues of Studio Magazine

(1) Issue of Artful Blogging

Lot #4- Gardening

All Books:

Western Landscapes by Sunset Books

Deck and Patio Upgrades

Trellises and Arbors

Watergardens

Lot #5 Gardening: All Books

Western Landscapes by Sunset Books

Deck and Patio Planner

Low Maintenance Gardens

Landscaping with Stone

Lot #6 Polymer Clay (Emphasis on Jewelry)

(4) Books:

How to Make Clay Characters

Polymer Clay

Amulets and Talismans

Art of Polymer Clay

PLUS

(1) Polymer Clay Cafe

(1) Belle Armour

(1) Stringing

Garage Sale: Dolls, Mixed Media, Rubber Stamps

2011-06-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Garage Sale Rules:

1) Bidding Starts at Zero. Buyer Pays Shipping.

2) Highest Bidder Wins and if something goes wrong the Second Highest Bidder will be offered the lot. If all bidders bid ZERO dollars then the first person to bid will win the lot.

3) Lots will not be split. If you bid on a lot, you bought the whole lot! If you do not want the whole lot consider giving them away, reselling them, or sharing with art centers and friends.

Bidding for Garage Sale Books #1 will End on Wednesday June 22. Shipping Date will be June 23 or Monday June 27th.

BOOKS #1

Lot #1- Mixed Media/Paper/Stamps:

Expressions Magazine 2004-2005 (6) issues

(3) Rubber Stamp Magazines including a Halloween Issue

(2) Books: Vintage Paper Projects and Vintage Animal Graphics including a CD of Images

Lot #2 (Upper Left) Art Doll Quarterly Magazine (6) Issues PLUS

(1) Book: Anatomy of the Doll

Lot #3: (Upper Right) Art Doll Quarterly Magazine (7) Issues PLUS

(1) Book: Designing the Doll

Lot #4 (Lower) Art Doll Quarterly Magazine (5) Issues PLUS

(1) Book: Finishing the Figure

Lot #5: (3) Books- Beyond Paper Dolls, Mixed Media Collage and Who's Your Dada

PLUS (11) Issues of Cloth, Paper, Scissors

Lot #6: (3) Books- In This House, Hand Crafted and Halloween Issue of Paper Crafts

PLUS (11) Issues of Cloth, Paper, Scissors

Lot #7: (4) Summer Set Studios including a Halloween Issue and an Alice in Wonderland Issue

(2) Somerset Studios Gallery from 2008 and 2011 PLUS

(2) Books- Stain Glass Exotic Birds, Chinese Paper Cut Out Design Images

(2) Somerset Workshop 2008, 2010

(1) Somerset Life

(1) Where Women Create

Lot #8: (5) Somerset Studio Magazine Including a Halloween Issue

(1) Somerset Gallery 2010

(1) Artful Blogging

(1) Somerset Apprentice

(1) Somerset Life PLUS

(2) Books- Chinese Paper Cut Out Designs and Celtic Mosaics

Artist's Garage Sale!!!

2011-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is my THANK YOU to all the artists who have supported this blog over the years. There will be some really great stuff and for those of you still paying attention and hanging around you might get a box of stuff worth hundreds of dollars for nothing or next to nothing... so stay tuned!

Bid Nothing, bid something and just pay shipping!! Lots of great stuff and it all must Go!!

This blog will change in the coming months from a blog centered on the creation of visual art to the creation of life as art. You can make art and create magic, or you can live it!

COMING SOON!!

Lady Gaga!

2011-03-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Ken and I at Lady Gaga last night!

Scissor Sisters Opened: "If you do not know who are then you are either not gay or British!"

Opening... She is very talented...

Lots of sets and costumes...

Great songs with a good message...

High powered and jammed packed...

Do not miss her if she comes your way . The tickets may be expensive and it may be on a work day but it is totally worth it!

I Have Never Done This...

2011-03-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

On my Honeymoon, Hawaii 2006

Thank you to all my supporters!! I am blessed. I cannot say that art has left me, simply because I believe it is transitioning like everything else in my life. Who knows what it will become. In the mean time, I have not had any time for it and hope to change that soon.

I have never loaded a picture of me before on my blog. I was too embarrassed and hated my picture. I though I would include one from 2006 to give perspective on this new one below I want to share with you. You must remember, I am ONLY 4 months on Testosterone and more significant changes have yet to happen... if you can believe that. Generally, transguys new to Testosterone look boyish yet masculine in the early months. About 1-2 years later, they begin to look like men. I look at my picture and wonder what I more maturing I need to do. Come on, more gay hair??? LOL

Seriously, I am proud of this photo (and of my mustache!!) and while I have got more pounds to loose and surgeries to look forward too, working out has definitely paid off!! I haven't lost anymore weight... in fact, I have gained some. I have had a wonderful time over the holidays but my workout was interrupted by problems with Anterior Chamber Syndrome. I have gotten rid of my treadmill, and got a bike. I am walking on my lunch hours and doing shorter work out with weights 5 days a week before work. I have also cut down the carbs that sneaked into my diet over the holidays and I am looking forward to more weight loss in the months ahead.

At Home, March 2011

Blessings!!!

Trans-cen-dance...

2011-02-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Mario's Mustache

Who are you and Where have you been?

Greetings, artists and blogger friends!! It is almost spring and I am re-emerging...both literally and figuratively.
There are many things that have kept me away from the bloggosphere. Family and personal things continue to be at the fore front; having two disabled children, one special needs and "adopting" yet another kid has kept me hopping since the holidays. I have never had much time to begin with, but what I had prior to weight loss was mostly after work when I would blog and do art. That time has been taken up with exercising. As with most things in life, choosing one thing means the death of another. So, my blog has hung pretty lifeless since the holidays.

Studio No More

Mario's Studio.... before...

I no longer have a studio folks... it has been given to Mason, our newly adopted kid. I have known Mason for quite a few years now. Amazingly him and his sister graduated from high school last year in spite of moving countless times, having a mother who has a serious drug abuse problem and being homeless. Now that Mason is 18, we wanted him to come here to experience family, stability, regular meals, heat, hot water, choices and and options. Welcome MASON!!

Mason's room... After....

Tick, Tick, Tick

I have heard some say that when you are transitioning (gender transitioning), the outside changes but the insides remain the same person. I am here to tell you that is total and complete Bull Shit! For instance, I no longer am compelled to fill each and every moment with multiple things that require my attention. For that matter, I am quite content allowing the moment to be what it is. Before, my free time consisted of writing, planning, surfing and watching TV with my husband all at the same time... or countless other combination of things. I am not longer thinking of countless art designs that I never make. In fact, my taste in art has changed drastically and I am no longer compelled by the same forces to create art.

Is she eating her baby or chewing the umbilical cord?

I attribute these changes, in part, to the fact that I am no longer trying to fill a void. These things I created... constant marketing, new art ideas... blah, blah, blah... I have come to realize was form of Therapy... that kept me sane... until, that is, I found and moved forward with what healed me.

I cannot begin to tell you what a grand revelation this has been. We are compelled with interests, hobbies, habits and thoughts. Now, I must wonder, how many of those things actually relate to deep set problems, therapeutic issues that are not addressed. Take away the issue... POOF!!! all those things connected to it like interests, things we call hobbies, compulsions and so forth.... disappear. Sure, like me, you probably have all sorts of justifications for what you do. I know I did. What a blow to find out just how much they are connected to mental health and emotional issues and NOT to the fact that I am an "artists", "writer" or whatever. In fact, I have wondered if the labels we give ourselves based on what we do are really just names for different wounded areas of self we would rather just deny... another form of distraction away from the darkness of ourselves.

Weighty Issues

Balsamic and figs bubbling over goat's cheese.

I have not lost anymore weight. In fact, I have just lost the 15 lbs I gained over the holidays.The increase in muscle though, also contributes to the scale not moving... especially since I weight train 2-3 time a week. I find these days that I have become much more connected to food and it has become connected to my soul. I get the ''way to a man's heart is through his stomach"... because food touches the soul. It is what great cooks realize!

Oh yes, I enjoyed good food before I transitioned...but it is WAY different now. There is much more passion and the enjoyment has increased 100 fold. And so has my appetite. Though each increase in testosterone, I dealt with the increase in hunger. I just recently went up to my final dose and am hoping the hunger thing stabilizes. Until then, I do continue on my diet and ruin it quite regularly so that I remain the same weight.

Wine, also taste different. Whereas I would be satisfied with a glass of wine or beer, I know consume multiple glasses... OHH my poor honey, now he has to share more!!!! My feelings about food and drink I would say is on par with my libido. It is passionately felt, unbelievable desired and it rises from the depth of my primitive soul....

The Headless Horseman Pays a Visit....

This is not my graphic and I stole it....

Another thing occupying time and mental powers was work issues. I had been harassed for the last three years from my supervisor and complained multiple times to HR and the big boss. However, when I begun transitioning in July last year, things became worse. By October, I couldn't take it anymore. The big boss was out, so this time the complaint went to corporate. Solution number one, meant moving me to another office. However, my job slowly was taken away from me. The big boss would not do anything about it and in fact told me my problem was that I was over sensitive. Then, issu0es began to arise between me and the big boss when he too began to do and say things that was harassment and illegal. I had to go to corporate again. I was moved yet again. Only, now my desk and computer were taken away from me but what remained was an expectation that I would do the same job. The big boss would not allow me to have a new job and job description and began to put a stop to what corporate had suggested.

I had to complain again. This time, however, the resolutions stuck especially when I had proof my job was being taken a way and corporate was made to realize that the big boss had ulterior motives (such as I was doing her work and she would put her name on my work... this included large, important corporate documents and reports.)

So beginning the end of January, things finally began to move forward and I was taken out of my former job totally and got a new boss and was taken away from most contact with those other two people and was put into another position entirely.

I do not know if you can imagine how this situation effected my and my family's life. For a while there, I did not know if I would have a job, or if I would have to file a complaint with the state. I was gearing up and had contacted lawyers.

We are thrilled at the way things worked out so that I could stay at my job until our circumstances change.

Recent Visions

This is not my graphic and I stole it....again!

My art and career is moving toward Web Design. I am learning advanced skills so I can take on contracts with my husband and work at home. My graphic design and photography will be skills added to the mix of services we will offer. I am doing this between managing kids, a house, my marriage, exercising and working full time. I hope to get back to visiting blogs as I once did. I am hoping to make another video about my transition as well and where I am currently at.

I just begun giving myself my own injections at home and am thrilled there are no more doctor's appointments every two weeks.

We will be putting our house back on the market in 30 days. Currently we are refinancing to make things more affordable until it sells. So, we have home projects scheduled for the next month to get ready for that as well.

I once met someone that knew me by reputation and said when they met me for the first time, "Oh yeah, your the one with all crisis going on in your life." This came from a person who never had children, never owned a home, did not have a full time job, and never had disabled people in their daily life. We have no more crisis and issues than anyone else.... what we have is family, goals, interest in our personal health and growth. It is amazing how people dramatize this and make it something that it is not......

I am proud to say that myself and my family are ever changing and each one of us is learning to flow and to channel that flow in prosperous and healthy ways as we move into our futures minute by minute, hug by hug, love by love.

And The First Winner of the Year is....

2011-01-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

JEANNE!!

Contact me with your addy at zelmar1027@gmail.com!!

HAPPIEST of New Years!

Wishes...

2010-12-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

and...

Remember that everyone of us is followed by a Headless Horseman. This New Year take time to know him... too embrace him. So, when he comes your way as he has done in mine, you are prepared to make him nothing but a folly, a myth, a distant memory.

We know that he will be back, often in different form only to reveal himself with this flaming, pumpkin head once again. AAAhhhhh, we can take solace in the fact that we know him! He is no stranger to us!

Make friends with the shadows that follow you, my friend and you will not loose your head in the battle!! You will know exactly what to do.

P.S., Helpful hint: The horseman takes on the same disguises over and over... so if it looks like it, smells like and acts like it... it probably is a some body you already know. So, you can either run quickly and escape or you can stand your ground knowing exactly how to deal with this little devil!

May all your troubles last as long as your New

Year's resolutions!

WE PICK A WINNER for the Fortune Telling

Skull on NEW YEAR'S DAY!!

ENTER NOW!

Krampus Pug says...

2010-12-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

Happy, Naughty Solstice!!

The Secret Origins of Santa

2010-12-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Who is Santa, really?

Well if we know our lore, we know that he was a bishop in the Scandinavia. We all know the rest of the legend. However, there are things that "they" haven't told you.

Santa has actually been designed as an alter ego of a old, favorite character of the old testament... none other than GOD himself!! Santa sees all, knows all and will give you what you deserve. Did your mom ever tell you that the lump of coal you might get was a token to keep you warm... like a some kind of survival gift. After all, you may have been bad but Santa did not want you to die!!! No, no, no!! The lump of coal was for your fire... the fire that will consume you in hell!!

Santa, like the old testament God, keeps records of everything you do and you will be held in account for all of it. For Santa, it is once a year on Christmas when you must be held accountable, when the scroll is open and your judgement will be read.

Today, Santa still teaches kids 1) You are being watched, 2) He knows everything and 3) You will pay! But Santa does OOhh so much more!!! He teaches kids its OK to tell lies and trick others in to believing something that is not real. He teaches kids that people get to judge people, after all it was their parents who were their judge, it was never Santa. He teaches kids that we get to punish each other if we feel that you are not "good". He teaches children that we get to teach each other a lesson if they have been bad.

Santa's image has change little over the years in Western culture. Many of use still hold on to the image for nostalgia reasons, never really figuring out that we had been had by a centuries old lie. There is a reason why many kids cry when they see Santa. Isn't is about time for new traditions? New icons and images? Do we not have something sacred deep inside us all and can we not find other avenues to express it?

I really appreciate movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" or "A Muppet's Christmas Carol" and many others who have gifted us with new icons and images, new sayings and new music as well as sacred and wondrous ideas about the Winter Holiday that is universal, magical and real!

This Christmas, I shall not be judged and I shall not judge others. The true spirit of Christmas is not a judging old, punishing God. The Spirit of Christmas sees the beyond surfaces that may see grimy and gritty and sees a beautiful, worthy human being that deserves to be blessed and forgiven.

May each of you find the true Spirit of Christmas each in your own special, unique and sacred way.

COMMENT HERE and earn another entry into the

January's Drawing for the Fortune Telling Skull!

To Enter the Giveaway: Press the Icon in the side bar!!

Merry Christmas to the 3 Winners!

2010-12-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Jeanne 17

Nydia 13

Vintage Sage 6

Winner please email me your address at zelmar1027@gmail.com

Thank you everyone for playing. You may giving away so much fun!

Don't Forget to sign up for January's Giveaway... it is your fortune telling guide for the new year!!

Blessings

Creepilious New Year Giveaway!

2010-12-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

January's giveaway is this fortune telling skull! That's right, enter the new year with a pretty, blue bowed skullie head that can guide you into the new year. Press a button in the back of the head. Watch the eyes roll and then stop on a message for you!

To Enter:

Leave a comment here in this post and make sure you are a follower.

For more Entries:

Leave comments in subsequent posts until the giveaway ends for additional entries.

December's Giveaway is TONIGHT!

Three winners will be chosen.

Leave a comment here for an additional entry for tonights giveaway and to enter January's at the same time!

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to sign up for December's Giveaways!! We will be drawing soon! Enter by clicking the icon on the right side bar! Get more entries by leaving a comment in all subsequent posts...like this one!!

The kids made these Gingerbread Houses for Thanksgiving fun. They were too full to start to eat them today!! The kids?? Too Full??? For Candy???

Brigit the Pug wishes you a fond Holiday. She would smile for you but she got her own plate of holiday food and could not tear her face away. (She doesn't get people food often! Thank God we cook low fat!) She is just like the kids though...she left the squash!!!

Three Christmas Giveaways!!

2010-11-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I will be giving away Three Christmas Themed Night Lights that come with two bulbs!!

Winners will get to choose by first come first served!

Winners will be chosen, Sunday December 6th!

Rules:

* Be a Follower and leave a comment in This post to enter.

*Add three more comments in this post if you post about it on your blog, or mentioned it with a link on Facebook (please leave me the link in one of the comments).

* For Additional Entries: leave a comment in any subsequent posts before the end of the giveaway!

Trans-Log: Get to Know Mario

2010-11-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

Please be aware that there is nudity in this video... it is brief and tasteful.
This video journal discusses issues relating to transitioning from a male to female.

By reading these two statements, if you are easily offended or uncomfortable with nudity and sexual reassignment, please do not watch this video.

All Questions and constructive comments welcome, but negative and religious intolerance will NOT be allowed here.

Please be aware you are being invited into a very private and sacred world. Thank you for your understanding.

And the Winner is...

2010-11-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

The winner of the $50.00 Visa Giveaway is....

The Frog Queen!

Please contact me by email with your address ASAP. My contact information is in my side bar...

Thank you All and Congratulations to the winner!

Many Blessings!!!

When Art Dies

2010-11-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

Many poets and painters, authors and musicians have written something about the moment art dies. Who of us doesn’t remember why Don McLane wrote American Pie? It was in response to the death of Buddy Holly… for Don McLane art died that day.

Art dies every day, however. What form it will take and how it will touch your life is often unknown. Sometimes, it is so remote we do not recognize that art has died at all. Sometimes, is it is right in the center of who we are, and we are laid barren with its coming.

Years ago, I experienced the death of paganism when I finally realized much of the books written today are nothing more than ideas copied from a few researchers, some folk tales ( you know those, stories that developed over time in a culture like a long, long game of telephone… I wonder what the first things that was said???) and charlatans. These tales get told over and over as if they were truth and what they are … are stories that somebody made up and we have all added too over the millennia. So, is there anything wrong with believing in this? Goodness no! But when paganism becomes judgmental, rigid, jealous, power that is used poorly and is often abusive, and lacks any creative energy of its own and regurgitates its own crap… well, it doesn’t sound very appealing, does it? Take also into account my experiences will many pagan groups, and I find the state of affairs SAD.

Am I still a pagan? Surprisingly, YES…but only if you go with the proper meaning of the word and not someone’s stupid interpretation. If you were to ask me if I would still be a pagan when paganism died, I would have told you… probably not.

Such is a place I find myself in today with Art. My life, like my body is transforming and I have entered the death throws that happens to be calls the “ Trans-Auto Body Shop”. Where what you have is taken apart and transformed into something else. This transformation touches every part of my life especially those inner parts.

Today, I look at the art around me and sigh. I find much of the art that surrounds me is repetitive, copies of old, dusty robes. I find it shallow and commercial, borrowed and bland. But, the marketing, salesman voice says if I let go, I will not appeal to the masses and will not sell any art except to a few. This voice says that going out on my own with my own authentic view and voice will result in the loss of everything that I have done up until now. I should just do what I know will sell, what people like…blah, crap, blah…crap, blah.

Perhaps the voice is right. The problem is, I would rather be the loser than to live and create in-authentically. I am just not able or willing to hang on to this shore for fear of where the current will take me. The possibilities do not exist in hanging on to rocks fearful of the current, the tide or the wave because that is not life; it was never what life was meant to be.

It is the very same view I have about my transition. I would rather feel the sting of loss than to be in-authentic. Being real and being me could command that I pay a high price… but, death is like that. There is a whole lot you do not get to take with you.

So, this is a notice to all my wonderful bloggers. Right now, I am not creating any art and I will not be creating art just to appease the voice of the high-pressured salesman who tells tales of woe if I do not keep my bloggers constantly intrigued, entertained and amazed.

I will be working on a primitive, digital journal of sorts sharing about my transition from a woman to a man. Perhaps it is there, I will finally breathe my last breath and give birth to authentic art that speaks with a voice that hasn’t been borrowed or copied or dubbed!!

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES FOR THE Visa Gift Card Giveaway!!

If you have not entered on the original post, press the icon in the right side bar, follow the rules and get your enteries in!!

DRAWING WILL BE SUNDAY!!!!

Celebrate Your Ancestors and Giveaway

2010-11-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

Celebrate your Ancestors as they return to walk among you. Drink this in the honor of the undead:

Zombie

•1 1/4 oz lemon juice

•1 oz dark rum

•3/4 oz orange juice

•1/2 oz cherry brandy

•1/2 oz light rum

•1/2 oz high-proof dark rum

•2 dashes grenadine

Preparation:

1.Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.

2.Shake well.

3.Strain into a highball glass with crushed ice.

Do not forget to offer a bit to them by pouring some on the ground or giving them a glass upon their altar.

DO NOT FORGET....

The $50.00 Gift Card Visa Giveaway!!

Click the link in the right side bar and follow the directions. There are many ways to enter!!

Drawing will be soon!!

Blessings!

Booo!

2010-10-31T21:20:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween and Giveaway

2010-10-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Do not forget to sign up for my $50.00 Giveaway.

1) Sign up in the original post by leaving a comment and being a follower of the blog at http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2010/10/carnival-and-giveaway.html

2) Get additional enteries by commenting in posts until the drawing on Nov. 15th.

I will not accept enteries from comments from secondary sources; the comments must be made directly on the blog.

There is no limit to how many enteries but please limit comments to one a post.

However, if you wish to share with others about my giveaway via your blog or facebook, then feel free to enter five more times from any post... meaning leave five more comments!!

Many Blessings!!!

Bow Present!!

2010-10-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

I just had to share...my husband bought me a BowFlex Xtreme 2 for my birthday!!

Don't forget to sign up for my $50.00 Visa Giftcard Giveaway in the previous post.

Every comment until the Giveaway counts as an entry but you must leave your first one in the giveaway post and be a follower... so simple!!!

Carnival and Giveaway!!

2010-10-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

The first stop was the balloon guy and cotton candy. This girl knows her priorities!

What a fabulous game: Poltergiest Potty Toss. You toss the toilet paper through the hole. The more toilet paper rolls you get through the better the prize becomes. Great Idea!

I am not sure what is scarey about golf, but you win great prizes!!

Kids Fall Art is one of my favorites. Can you guess how they made these bats?

Teddy Bear Pumpkin Toss!

This one was also the cutest idea. Take a hammer and bang the catapult that tosses the frog into the cauldron... it is not as easy as it looks!!

What a great and cheap idea for Pumpkin Toss.

More kids Harvest Art.

At the cake walk. We played about six times as a family. We did not win but we got a big and expensive bag of very good Kettle Corn! Hot chocolate goes well with it, you know.

CARNIVAL IDEA: If you are having Halloween party at home and want some great games to play consider getting Wii Party Games. The games are easy and fun.... and here is a haunted house ghost hunting game in it too!!

GIVEAWAY

There is so much to be thankful for this month. It is my 4th anniversary to an incredible man, my birthday... to name just a few. I cannot do or be who I am without incredible support... both on and off line. In extreme thankfulness, I offer a $50.00 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!!

The main event that prompted this idea is that I hit the 50 lbs weightloss... however, the total now is 80 lbs (since my top weight... or a total of 60 lbs since May). I have more to go... but I am on the downward slope to my goal!

The drawing will be November 14th.
Rules: You must be a follower and leave a comment in this post.

For more enteries leave as many comment you wish in additional posts up until the drawing and each one will count as an additional entry.

All enteries MUST be made DIRECTLY on this blog on not through a secondary site like Facebook or the Hive.

The comments are counted in total and the winner is drawn through random number and then the comments are counted again from the earliest to the latest to determine the winner.

If you do not have a blog for which I can contact you, you must leave an email in each comment so I can reach you. There have been a number of winners who I could never reach personally because I had no way to contact them. I would be sorry if this happened to you.

In Gratefulness and Thanksgiving...
Much Blessings

It Takes Two, Baby... Check the List

2010-10-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

It is so wrong to blame just the bully when we speak of the subtle, day-to-day bullying many of us so often put up with. It takes two to be bullied... the bully and the one who allows the behavior. People who allow themselves to be abused by others often do not recognize abuse for a variety of reasons. People who allow themselves to be abused also may be a person who needs and cultivates drama. They desire the adrenaline high, something to take the focus from real problems and issues, or perhaps it is created to displace boredom.

"No one intends to be in an abusive relationship, but individuals who were verbally abused by a parent or other significant person often find themselves in similar situations as an adult. If a parent tended to define your experiences and emotions, and judge your behaviors, you may not have learned how to set your own standards, develop your own viewpoints and validate your own feeling and perceptions. Consequently, the controlling and defining stance taken by an emotional abuser may feel familiar or even conformable to you, although it is destructive." -- http://eqi.org/eabuse1.htm

Health change begins first by recognizing and admitting that you either are 1) the bully, or 2) the one being bullied. This realization only comes when we take an honest look at our relationships. It is sincerely sad when you consider there are many people who consider a tyrant's behaviors normal, or it might even be admired! Yet, the sad truth is that many of these behaviors are completely fostered, nurtured and acceptable in many businesses and companies today, in addition to the family unit.

The following is a check list to help you really take an honest look at your relationships. If after reading, you think you might be being bullied, please consult a professional about extricating yourself from the situation. It can be dangerous, emotionally or physically confronting a bully and can produce many undesirable outcomes such as getting fired. Only a professional can assist you in dealing successfully with a situation with a bully. Please remember that such a situation can involve the law and have repercussions that could harm you or your life. I assure you there is a way out with professional help. Professional help can either be a mental health professionals, Employment Development Department, local police and victim units, agencies that help spouses who are being abused (men... that means you too!). If you feel safe and confident in your human resources department you can also consult with them... however, in work place situations where behaviors have been tolerated for years, it might be best to consult someone outside your organization.

Speak up and speak out... no matter what that looks like for you (be it a blog, or a special friend, or a lawyer) admitting and telling someone is the first steps toward ending the situation.

Tyrant Check List

This list was created by http://www.samhorn.com/tell-tail-traits-of-a-tyrant.htm. However, I have changed it some, deleted some and added to the list. However, I wanted to make sure you knew that this content over all was NOT mine.

1. Dissonance. Psychologists agree that one of the primary indicators of a troubled person is incongruent behavior. As Dave Barry pointed out, someone who is nice to you and nasty to "the help" is not who he or she seems. Someone who lets slip racist remarks and then tries to laugh them off is revealing his or her true character (or lack of). Someone who says he or she loves children but seems remote or rigid when around them is displaying dissonance -- defined as "inconsistency between the beliefs one holds and his or her actions." What this means is that you cannot take this person at his or her word. Everything they say will be suspect because you won't know when they're telling the truth and when they're not.

2. Possessiveness. Someone who comes on strong and wants (or has!) to be with you constantly is showing a dangerous need to have you all to him or herself. Possessiveness is defined as "a desire to own or dominate." Bullies often don't have many (or any) friends of their own which means they grow to resent your other relationships. Does this person pout or try to make you feel guilty for abandoning him or her when you spend time with others? Does this person want to know all about your previous partners, personal history, recent history? Tyrants are not possessive of people only, but also of spaces, titles, as well as homes, businesses, departments. Bullies are so insecure they see everyone as competition and as a threat to their dominance. This reluctance to share what they deem at their territory will only get worse and become more perverse.

3. Secrecy. People who don't want to discuss where they work and live, and don't want you to meet their friends or family may have something to hide. People who refuse to reveal anything about their past are often concealing emotional baggage. What you don't know can hurt you. Someone who doles out self-revelations in small quantities may seem mysterious and alluring in the beginning. In the long run, being with a private person who withholds most of himself or herself gets lonesome.

The other side of secrecy is far more dangerous and insidious. It is telling different parts of a story to different people so that no one person has the complete or honest picture. This person will tell you something about one topic or opinion and then tell another person something totally different about the same topic. Can you imagine the chaos when here are lots of people involved... all the different stories and details each has?? This also usually involves each person in the web being primed by the tyrant to believe only they are their true friend and all these others are not. Each person gets told stories about why all the others are lame but they not.

4. Bitterness. Does this person have a lot of animosity for his or her parents, former spouse, or previous managers? Please understand you will be reliving and working out the unresolved traumas of this individual's childhood and prior relationships. You've heard the Zen saying, "Wherever you go, there you are?" This person hasn't yet figured out that his or her source of enmity is internal, not external. If this individual is lugging around deep-seated resentments or bitterness, it is only a matter of time before he or she starts accusing you of the same "crimes" former significant others supposedly perpetrated upon him or her.

5. Twists words. Does this person take what you say and turn it into something you didn't mean? Do you sometimes feel on the defensive -- and don't even know why? Does this person obfuscate -- make confusing statements and then accuse you of misunderstanding? Bullies often make and break promises and then claim they never made them in the first place. This is a crazy-making ploy designed to turn you inside-out so you don't know what's up.

6. Holds you responsible for their unhappiness. Does this person blame you for his or her bad moods? If they're sad, it's because you didn't ask about their day? If they're depressed, it's because you don't take them anywhere anymore? If they're angry, it's because you said something that provoked them? There will be no pleasing this kind of person. They essentially haven't grown up, and never will as long as they continue holding everyone else but themselves accountable for how they feel.

7. Perfectionist. Does this person nit-pick? Does he or she have such high standards no one ever measures up? Does this individual have to do EVERYTHING himself because anyone else would just "mess it up"? If you're still in the honeymoon or courting phase, you may be temporarily exempt from this person's unceasing criticism. In time though, their insistence on things being done a certain way (their way) will transfer to you and then you'll never be able to do anything right. Jimmy Hoffa once said, "I may have my faults, but being wrong isn't one of them." Tyrants won't admit to any faults, least of all being wrong, but they do not hesitate telling you about yours and about everyone else's faults.

8. Pinpoints your weakness and uses them against you. Tyrants have a talent for ferreting out your emotional Achilles Heel and hobbling you with it. If you don't want to be considered selfish, they'll call you selfish. If you don't want to be perceived as controlling, they'll accuse you of being controlling. If you're unsure of your parenting skills, they'll attack your parenting skills. This is a classical Machiavellian method of exploiting your weakness so you're impotent (lacking power or strength) and they're omnipotent (having unlimited influence or authority.) Their goal is to make you doubt yourself so you're vulnerable to their attempts to own you.

9. Plays martyr. Does he or she try to lay on the guilt trip by saying things like, "Go ahead and go skiing with your friends. I don't mind. I mean, who wants to spend time with an old fogie like me anyway? I'm sure I'll find something to do." Does this person play the long-suffering individual who's unappreciated? Is it a common theme that he or she is the only one who holds things together and everyone else is frivolous, hedonistic, and thinks only of him or herself?

This person also reminds you and everyone else about their heroic efforts that saved the day. They are the only ones who know how to do it and therefore must forge ahead to complete a goal by themselves. If it wasn't for them, everything would suffer and be a mess. Also, do not think about talking about all you do and all you handle and all you might be going through right now because they will always beat you... they suffer more than you, they accomplish more than you, they have more to do than you....

10. Hates to have authority questioned. Does this person take umbrage if you dare dispute his or her facts, opinions, or observations? Does he or she come across as a "know-it-all" who has to have all the answers? Bullies can't stand to be challenged because they're afraid their "power-house of cards" could come falling down. Their "my way or the highway" communication style is based on their need to be in control and beyond reproach.

If you disagree with this person, does he or she escalate their intensity in an effort to force you to concede? If so, it means that every conversation is going to turn into a verbal battleground. It means this person will start disparaging your intelligence, expertise, and experience so you no longer know what you know and won't have the intellectual confidence to challenge them.

11: Lies, Lies, Lies: Mark Twain once commented that "Truth is more of a stranger than fiction." Does that description fit the person you're dealing with? Does he or she self-aggrandize and exaggerate his or her achievements? In order to win respect, bullies often claim to have been to places they've never been, boast of knowing people they've never met, and excel at things they've never tried.

The other side of lies also looks like exaggeration based on this persons prejudice, anger or behavior they want to target you for. So, there is enough truth in the lie that it could be true. This kind of lie is most often use to convince your peers how wronged you are and rally their support against a common enemy.

Yes, please be prepared that often it is the BULLY who says they are the victim of YOU!

If there is one thing they hate... it is the Truth! Here is mine...

2010-10-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

People who love to judge, belittle, shame, bully hate is TRUTH. Truth about their behavior and being confronted with the Truth and having their "victims" speak out and be truthful about themselves... particularly regarding secrets and confidential information because that can be used as a weapon.

So, I would like to be truthful with you by telling you that I am transexual undergoing sexual reassignment to become a male. I begin my hormone shots today! I am almost in my 50's and it has taken me a long time to get here and I am proud of who I am as a human being, a spouse, a parent, an employee, and all those other things I am. I feel at this point, I am truely becoming who I was meant to be and that I am becoming a better person each day having acknowledge and embraced who I am.

To all those who have an issue with this... You know where you can go.

And I am just fine living without you!

To all those who I have already shared my truth with: Thank you for giving me the acceptance and courage to be who I am. Thank you for your love and understanding. To me, you are the Christ.

NAMASTE

A Commentary Sure to make you Angry

2010-10-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Bullying, persecushun, humiliatshun, and judgmint have been fore front in my life on a personal and social level. I have seen so many subtle examples have playd out in front of my eyes. You will not read about this in the national news, however. No one will be charged with a crime. People who do this place the blame where it belongs: with the person recieving their "correction". The righteousalways have an excuse about why they get too: because you're wrong.

We tolerate their treatment. We are taught to brush it off and it doesn't mean anything. We are urged to consider that they have a problem OR, they probably right and "why are we taking it so personally".

I have been asking myself the same thing. Why am I taking these little things so seriously? Because it is those little things.. . those social crimes from which there is no law against... it is that atmosphere we foster whereever we go... it is a stench that is so rancid... it is what leads to law breaking bullying, perscution, humiliation and prejudice. In a sense, those "little crimes" foster and nurture those "real crimes". It is nothing more that elitism; Nazi m at its finest.

The elitism of being.... female: "What do men know about beauty? They no nothing. They just get it done and call it good."

The elitism of correct grammar and spelling: "If someone messages me and spells words wrong or uses incorrect grammer, I am block them right then and there." "She used such poor language I will not consider anything that has been said because obvously it is not worth considing".

The elitism of being the same and never changing: "I am not so unstable as to run off on tangents or middle aged crisis." "Children need stability and parents who are alway consistant."

The elitism of knowning someone's secret: "I am not like that.""I am not going there with them."

The elitism of being.... ANYTHING...and being intolerant, judgemental, prejudice of folks who are not YOU!

"All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy."

Dyer, Wayne on Blame

And our righteous brethren take solic e in that they have never caused anyone's suicide and besided, their right.

I hold you responsible for every death of people who have been persecuted, bullied because they were different. You helped create and foster a climate of intolerance with those around you and taught children as well as adults that it is ok because you are right.

Am I saying I am not responsible. No, sadly, I am. Perhaps that is why I am so bothered. When I am bullied or shamed or have witnessed it, most times I smile and take it like a man. By remaining silent, I too have foster and allowed intolerance to be OK.

Today, I ahve decided not be quiet any longer. Today, I would like to declare my happiness at being... WRONG. I misspell words and today I do it deliberately. I am using poor grammar adn today I do it deliberately. I think a lot of women are just plain ugly in their souls but a man can learn the art of beauty... ugly souls however, do not change.... unless you are Scrooge. I am constantly in the state of flux...I am not the same ... EVER and neither is life so my kids might as well get use to it! I am very proud to be faulty and send a hearty embrace to all those who are wrong, faulty and broken.... YOU ARE PERFECT!!

http://www.lni.wa.gov/safety/research/files/bullying.pdf

And the Winner is...

2010-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

Wendy from Wonderland!!!!

Wendy, get me your contact info and choice of Autumn Person you wish to adopt and email it to me at zelmar1027@gmail.com!!

Thank you everyone who visited me and participated!! Stay Tuned for the Visa Gift Card Giveaway coming up shortly!!

Now, who could use some holiday money???

Welcome to Happy Halloween Party and Giveaway!!

2010-10-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

To get a complete list of all participating blogs, please visit Fanciful Twist.

Welcome to ...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The great feast was layed.

Important guests arrived.

So many goodies, the dead would cave

so would Mr. Pumkin, who resembled Mr. Peanut.

Even the headless came

Dressed in their finest sequenes! Whose stuck in the eighties?

Creepilious drinks

Formal Halloween China

Eat the ghosties quick

Mmmm delicious black bats

Happy Pumpkins

Skelli Cake!

Prizes and presents and Games

Is that Monster fingers and dip?

Ohhh More ghostly guests...so happy to eat and Celebrate...

They thank you and leave with gift....

The AUTUMN PEOPLE GIVEAWAY!

Leave a comment here in this post only and make sure you are a follower... if you are selected you may pick one of the Autumn People to come live with you!!

See my lastest Art with the Story "Prophecy" at Dark Valentine

2010-10-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

http://darkvalentine.net/index.php/2010/10/fall-fiction-frenzy-11/#more-411

More Autumn People... Bringing News of Gifts

2010-10-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

More Autumn People have arrived. They ask that you check out Marie Segal for a wonderful polymer clay tutorial at http://mariesegal.blogspot.com/2010/10/paper-clip-jar-and-paper-clips-or_10.html#comment-form

They remind us not to forget to visit Cody Goodin who is hosting a fabulous Halloween giveaway at http://codyland.blogspot.com/

The Creepy Orphan Society has gone public with their new blog. See their challenge pieces at http://creepyorphansociety.blogspot.com/

You Gotta See my Gallery!!

2010-10-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/p/art-gallery.html

The new Widget presentation is da Bomb!!

Thanks Baby!! Youre da Man!

31 Days of Stories and Art!! See my art at:

2010-10-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

I have had so much fun doing illustrations for Dark Valenine magazine. For the month of October they are doing something slightly different and publishing short, creepy stories with art on their website everyday!!!

Start your October Day out right by visiting Dark Valentine!

Here is a list of my work with their accompanying stories:

Fall Frenzy #2: Justice

Fall Frenzy #6: The Graves of Echo Canyon

Fall Frenzy #8: I Love You to Pieces (This will haunt you...)

There are two more illustrations of mine yet to be posted.

I reccommend starting at the beginning if you haven't already:

Fall Frenzy #1

Great Stories, Interesting Art, Creepy Times... Don't miss out on Dark Valentine!

Winner of the Giveaways....

2010-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that when you enter one of my giveaways by leaving a comment in the giveaway post, every comment you make after than until the drawing counts as an entry????

The winner of September's Giveaway for a Halloween Nightlight and Monster Magnets is: FLORA!!

The winner of the Halloween Goody Pile of Halloween dish towels, light up ghost, vintage style Boo Blocks and a pumpkin soap on a rope is: BLEUMOON!

Please email me your address at zelmar1027@gmail.com

Stay tune for Fanciful Twists Halloween Party on the 16th

and my

$50.00 Giveaway!!

Want to enter? Become a follower and leave a comment in the blog post. Comment as many times as you wish until the drawing to earn more entries... its simple!!

First of Five Illustrations and Giveaways

2010-10-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

My first of five illustrations is up with a new Fall Frenzy story at Dark Valentine. Pay them a visit, won't you? Liven up your October with a short story.

September and October giveaways will be decided tomorrow evening October 5th. This is your last chance to enter. Enter Both here:

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2010/09/party-and-prizes.html

Looking for Halloween Spirits?

Don't miss my Halloween Vine Review here:

http://theplayoflightandshadow.blogspot.com/2010/10/south-coast-winery.html

Halloween Vine Review

2010-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

South Coast Winery...

produces a broad portfolio of premium wines that are 100% grown and produced with care under his tutelage in Southern California’s up and coming Temecula Valley Wine Country. Over the course of the first six years of its production, the winery has received over 1,000 awards and medals from both regional and international wine competitions.

They feature two wines specifically tailored to Day of the Dead:

Dia De Los Merlot: Many believe that food and drink can facilitate conversation between the living and the dead. What a beautiful sentiment considering that everything we eat and drink today was once manifested through our ancestors which is why we have it and yet, we either harvested it or bought it. Such is the sentiment of this wine. Blended from a number of lots, this wine was blended to capture the frutiness that Merlot offers.

Dia De Los Blancos: This wine combines two saintly flavors to two grapes-- Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Blanc. Sweet, Crisp... it makes an excellant table wine and suitable to drink in honor of all saints, both known and unknown.

Zombie Cellars, Healdsburg, CA

Zombie Zin 2007:
Blood red, almost black color. Horridly rich in concentrated fruit with a finish that never dies. Best to drink 2010 or older. Watch out, this wine 14.2% alcohol and it can hit you hard.Underneath the horrifically acidic taste, is a flavor of plum, and black currant that needs to be realized. The finish on this wine is reprehensibly bad, however, the aftertaste is actually quite pleasant. Which tells me that this wine has some growing to do in a cellar. Best to drink with the flesh of an animal that has a strong taste!!

Vampire Vineyards, Napa, CA

Vampire Vineyards are actually owned by a circle of vampires, and the company’s founder, an entertainment attorney from New York, is actually just a front. (Whether he and his convertible were commandeered by a Vampire is still a subject for debate.) We do know however that after satiating themselves for years with their Transylvanian blood of the vine, the powers that be decided to spice things up and migrate westward like so many vampires before them.

Using meticulous advance planning, these vampires planted their rootstock at the dawn of the 21st century in the mountainous region of Paso Robles, California, where the ocean fog frequently rolls in off the coast providing the perfect cover to their hidden vineyards.

Having waited a full seven years, the vampires’ rootstock now has yielded wonderful tight small clusters of grapes that have been skillfully blended by vampire winemakers to produce phenomenal wines -- smooth and well rounded, with forward fresh fruit – that have been aged in both French and American Oak Barrels. Sip the Blood of the Vine and enjoy!

Vampire Pinor Noir: Made from grapes picked before sunrise under the Master’s supervision, this wine highlights the incredible nuances and flavors obtainable from pinot noir grapes grown in the Santa Maria Valley. This cuvee was placed in French Oak barrels for 18 months prior to bottling, leading to a rich and concentrated wine with raspberry, dark cherry and pomegranate flavors.

"God made cabernet sauvignon, whereas the devil made pinot noir." Andres Tchelistcheff (1901-1994)

Spellbound Wineries, Napa, CA

In 2003 Rob and Lydia Mondavi, partnered with friend Patti Romano, to follow their passion and start producing wine. The focus was to produce wines from unique, maturing vineyards in California harvesting their favorite grape varietal, Zinfandel. The venture was appropriately named Medusa after the gnarly old vines. The partnership quickly grew and in 2007 another friend, Geoff Whitman, joined the group as Managing Partner, allowing the time for Rob to focus on the winemaking for both Medusa and Spellbound Wines.

2009 Chardonnay: features bright, tropical fruit notes with touches of vanilla and creme brulee. Stands up to southwest cousine and asian flavor foods.The nose comes off like a typical big, oaky Chardonnay, but in the mouth you really don't get that much oak. Rich pineapple with a hint of spice and a touch of minerality in the palate. Very layered and really pleasant to drink. Great finish with apple and vanilla, and no wood. An all-around stellar wine.

Witches Brew Pub, Belgium

Witches’ Brew is brought to you courtesy of TI Beverage Group, Ltd., purveyors of legendary wines from Vampire Vineyards and Sasquatch Cellars.

After a long day of working at the vineyards, and tasting numerous wines, we found that one inevitably gets palette fatigue. So we thought, "What better way to wind down a long day than to sip a cold brew?" Of course, we wouldn’t settle for just any ordinary beer. No instead we sought out the best brewmeister we could find and issued a challenge: Brew us a beer so great that it will put a spell on you. We didn’t expect him to take that challenge literally, but that is what he did. He went out and bought a few books on witchcraft and went to work.

We would have preferred to let the original brew master say a few words in this space, but unfortunately he was so ecstatic after tasting his life’s piece de résistance, that he mixed up his words and uttered a mistaken spell that cast him . . . we know not where. Which goes to show, be careful if you mix with witchcraft. Words have meanings. So be warned. Don’t go saying things unless you mean what you say!

Witches Brew Golden Ale: Witches’ Brew is a bottle conditioned blond triple living ale.Its pleasant hoppyness and joyous sweetness is perfect for the summer and early fall. So serve it as cold as possible! It is available in only 750 ML bottles with a natural champagne style cork. It has an alcohol content of a whopping 9.3%. So be warned: It will put a spell on you!

Fall Frenzy on Dark Valentine

2010-10-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Let the Fall Fiction Frenzy Begin!!!

You will find two of my own illustration in the Fall Frenzy going on NOW at Dark Valentine!

By Katherine - September 30th, 2010

Click the Pic to go to Dark Valentine

Thirty-one days.

Thirty-one stories.

Thirty-one illustrations.

This will be an October to remember. Beginning on Friday, October 1st, Dark Valentine Magazine will post a new story a day. The frenzy begins with “Animal Lover” by Kat Parrish, illustrated by Mark Satchwill, and will end with a Lovecraftian tale by Barbara Emrys, also illustrated by Mark Satchwill. You won’t want to miss a single story.

"Picture Perfect" Autumn Blessings

2010-09-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

"Picture Perfect" Day of the Dead Niche by MarZel

My newest piece heading for an Alzheimer's Harvest Gala and Art Auction as a donation!

The Niche is 8 inches by 5 inches and the faces on the outside are cut outs from a lotteria card!

If you live in Northern California, or will be visiting, please consider purchasing tickets to this fabulous event:

AUTUMN BLESSINGS

I won this beautiful sculpture from Cody at http://codyland.blogspot.com/ Isn't this fabulous. I Love this original take on the three muses... who are males... instead of females!! It incorporates natural elements, as well as found objects which blend seamlessly to form something dynamic!!

Please visit cody and view his new witch and scarecrow. THANK YOU, CODY. I will treasure this!!!

Next week...

Halloween Vine Review

5 great wines and 1 beer that are only for Autumn!

Party and Prizes

2010-09-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

STUDIO BRIEF

With huge schedule changes at home with work and school, selling our home and looking for another, I have been unable to visit my favorite blogs, make posts or spend time in the studio. I am looking forward to all that changing soon!!

Look for my Halloween Vine Review Post, Halloween Blog Party Post October 16th, and my Celebration Lost 50 lbs Giveaway of $50.00!!!

PARTY

Please join Vanessa at Fanciful Twist for her Blog Halloween Party!! Click the pic to read all about it!

PRIZES

There are two giveways going on presently here at my blog.

Please enter here for the Halloween Giveaway by clicking the pic.

Please enter here for the September Giveaway by clicking the pic.

The First of the Autumn People: Early Halloween Giveaway

2010-09-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Autumn people bring gifts... today the first of the Autumn people bring an early Halloween Giveway!

The winner will be chosen October 5th so they have plenty of time to enjoy their winnings.

To enter: Please leave a comment in this post and be a follower!

For more enteries: Comment in the posts afterward until October 5th.

This Halloween Giveaway includes:

Vintage Boo Blocks, Halloween Sillouhette Tea Towel,

Color Changing Ghost, Jack O Lantern on a Rope Soap!!

THE SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY is still going!!! Press the Icon in the side bar to sign up!

See My Illustrations in the New Issue of Dark Valentine Magazine!

2010-09-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

You can see my ad on page 24

My Illustration on Page 70 but the story begins on Page 69

My second illustration on page 87 but the story begins on page 85

DON'T MISS IT and all the other great stories and illustrations!

The Winner of the Goth Girl School Supply Giveaway is....

2010-09-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Do you think its Ok to publish this 30 minutes early?

Out of the 125 entries my husband picked #72..... and That person is....

Dani from SpookyTime Jingles!!

Email me your Contact information at zelmar1027@gmail.com

Great and Powerful Me: A Halloween Magazine Worth Your Money

2010-09-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

DO NOT MISS THIS.... IT IS FANTASTIC and WORTH the $10.00!!!

August Giveaway Drawing TONIGHT... but you can still enter

2010-09-03T16:38:00.001-07:00

Press the icon in the right side bar to enter the giveaway for the Goth Girl School Supplies and Canvas Backpack........

Drawing will be tonight around 9 PM Pac Time!!!

Confessions of a Halloween Magazine Addict

2010-09-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Brigit thought it was time to "pick a card" for Puggy Predictions.
I guess she really liked Gooseberry Halloween, but I didn't.

OK these are not the only magazines I have gotten so far. There are two more little ones running around the house somewhere. With our house up for sale, when we get a call for a showing there is no telling were these will end up in the frantic cleaning process.

I keep buying them... I don't know why except I love Halloween, my eyes are very lustful and my brain loves inspiration. If that is what you are looking for, then you have them here in these magazines for the most part. However, I have a hard time justifying the $10 or $12 an issue when I am finding so many of them recycling the same recipes, the same craft ideas, the same decorating and design ideas... or copying them from something that was published a while back.

Of the fantastical Halloween decorated treats, have you tried to make any? For a REAL Party? I did one year for my daughter. It was very expensive and VERY time consuming. I was up so late!!

In the Halloween Magazine published by Gooseberry this year, I was tempted to take it back to the store for a refund. There was little that was original and most of the props used belonged to manufacturers, or designers (they were not made) and these folks were never credited.

So why do we do it? For the one project, for that one idea.... for the idea that births other ideas. For those new products we have to have. However, there is certainly room for a publisher with resources to produced a much improved Halloween Magazine that show cases artists, as well as mass produced items, original designs and craft projects, and outstanding costume ideas.

What would you do if you were a publisher or an editor to improve the Halloween Magazines that are out there?

Are you still buying these magazines?

What do you do with yours?

Do you make anything from them?

How much do they contribute to your holiday success?

And There was Screaming... I made the Cover!!!

2010-08-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ok... the screaming did not just happen once. It was at least five times! I really did not expect this and it was a total, thrilling surprise. Cloth, Paper, Scissors officially hits the newstands in September. Don't miss all the great fall art and a great assemblage article from Michael deMeng!!

The Care and Feeding of Magical Creatures!! And a Free Reading...

2010-08-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Brigit the Pug is 3.5 years old. Pugs are ancient, magical creatures and require a lot of care. The folds of their wrinkles must be cleaned to prevent infection of their magical powers. All their magic is contained in their wrinkles but is administered through their poppy eyes. As you can probably assume, Pugs use much of their magical powers making humans give them food. Humans who look into the poppy eyes are doomed. Other things Pugs use their magical powers for is sleeping with their humans in their bed!

Second to their poppy eyes, Pugs are Psychic. Each Pug chooses their own form of divination and Pug people must be watchful to know what kind of divination the Pug perfers. Many Pugs perfer snorting or snoring divination, but most humans do not understand this complicated system. Brigit, Thankfully, Perfers CARDS.

It has been a while since she has done one of her free readings. Brigit, from Swapping Howdies, is a good friend of our and she asked for a general reading.

Today we are using the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot.

The pug has picked the two of Air....

The pug says: You struggle with something in your life that is out of balance, it is probably with another person. You can persue your path and still be conscious of other's well being. Respect... to yourself, the situation or the other person will make it easier for the soul to follow its destiny. Peace is unlikely if you are unwilling to consider what others have to say... consider does not mean agree... by the way. Pool your resources for the common good. Have you closed yourself off to avoid being influenced? Opponents may not be your enemies, just challengers of your withdrawl. What is the harm in a challenge? Nothing is a wasted effort. Mature assessment and reorination may be what is needed... or take the treasure of the situation and know nothing is a wasted effort. Forgive and move on!!

Great Blessings Brigit!!

Creepy Orphan: Polly Waugg

2010-08-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Would you believe I got something made today!! I belong to the Creepy Orphan Society and this month's challenge is Sideshow Oddities. Ms. Waugg is a proper Victorian girl sporting a fine lilac dress. Her finishing touches of genuine ruby earrings and a gold pendant will complete her outfit. She was sculpted out of polymer clay and stands approx 18 inches tall.

Please do not forget I have two giveaways going on right now.

August: Goth Girl School Supplies and Canvas Backpack

September: Halloween Nightlight and Make Your Own Monsters Paperdoll Magnets!

To enter: be a follower and leave a comment in the giveaway blog.

For more entries: comment in a post and each comment recieves an additional entry!

September Preview Giveaway... sign up early

2010-08-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

I have often struggle with what does and what does not go here. My Studio is my life and my life is the studio. Are there off limits topics?

I have not had a chance to create anything in my studio... we have had so many things going on: projects for selling our home, school starting, seeing aging family, new job schedule changes. I have completed four illustrations for Dark Valentine magazine, however.

Catch the new issue on September 3rd

http://darkvalentine.net/index.php/issues/

Studio Secrets

I have also been busy developing a selling group of artists along with my partner, Michelle Schaffer from The Studio at Crow Haven Farm. We are planning its premier in January of 2011.

SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY:

No, August Giveaway is NOT over and you can still sign up by clicking on the icon in the right side bar. You can gain more entries by leaving comments in all the posts up until the drawing on September 3rd.

BUT... if you want to know what I am giving away for September and want to sign up early, you can in this post.

This fall giveaway includes: ONE plug in black cat night light with blub AND... a box of Magnetic monsters!!! This giveaway retails for $30.00.

Its paper dolls meets magnets meets mixed media. The kit includes four backgrounds and plenty of monster parts and accessories to create your own creepy monsters on a metal surface.

STAY TUNED:

Brigit the Psychic Pug returns for a public reading this week!

The Art of Decay

2010-08-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

In 2005, Karen was my good friend... my only friend that I had made in the Seirra Foothill town in which I lived for 3 years. One Saturday, I went to her house for a birthday party for her youngest. I arrived to a house burnt to the ground. A friend of hers was there... and she told me how Ken and the kids were Ok, but that Karen and her grandmother did not make it out. I cannot begin to tell you how angry I was with her for going back inside a burning house.

I sent all the goodies I had with me to them, they had nothing now. I helped drive the littlest to and from school. Ken and I grew closer as the months went on. A year and month later, we were married.

I had barely gotten out of spinal surgery and just started on a year of recovery, when the rebuilding of the house was oh hold. Ken couldn't handle it and work too. I took over the project. He was dedicated to making a house that Karen had imagined, as a memorial for the kids. I took over the project and it became my dream too.

I bought this statue for the new house shortly after I was married. You cannot imagine my anger to tears when my son dropped it. I was devistated. I have had to hide fake flowers in the holes to cover it up. I wasn't throwing it away.

Ever since the house was moved into we have had weird things happening around water sources inside the house... floods, a double sink breaking in half, dishwashers turning off or playing music, washing machines being turned off. Just after bed, between 10 and 11 someone would open our anti-chamber bedroom door, then making noise as if they were stepping over the dog gate into the bathroom. I felt this was Karen. It never scared me and I often would talk to her when I had a problem with the kids. The thing at night in our bedroom was only unsettle at times if I heard it while going to sleep.

Over the years, I have had a difficult time keeping things they way they should be. Forgetting to water, to weed. My children breaking things, taking tools, destroying young trees. We live 30 minutes away from stores; 45 minutes from a bookstore. We cannot take walks, there are no sidewalks. If Ken and I took care of our land and house as it should be, we would be working every weekend, from dawn to dusk. After 5 years, Ken and I discovered this isn't our dream. Plus, we not longer have the stamina for it. Add to that, both our disabled kids would get better services in Sacramento or that is takes a whole day to do grocery shopping at a few of our favorite stores when you add in the distance factor. Shall I go on?

All that time I spent feeling guilty because I was not enough for this land, because I could not keep up, because the kids broke my sacred things. And, today we finish filling a 30 yard dumpster of things we have hung on too from left over house projects, dead branches, and things like this owl that got broke and one day would fix and never did.

Today, I see that those things that have died or is breaking down is just the ending of one dream and the beginning of another. I recalled, today, the strange water things arn't happening anymore and I haven't heard Karen coming in our room since I do not know when. The time is ripe for new dreams for us and our ancestors. There is little reason for anger or mourning when I experience decay or loss. Today, I see only beauty of letting go and allowing the creation of something new.

The Giving Experiment and Winner Announced

2010-08-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Life has become exceedingly busy and complicated to manage. Sometimes this management is defined more like triage. I find those familiar (and cliché) words fall from my lips at times like these: "there's not enough time", "time is too short", "time is limited", and "I am having a difficult time".

Then, my husband becomes laid off and we have a $3000.00 house payment to make. As many of you know, what you get from unemployment pays maybe 50% of our mortgage. Conditions are serious. My husband polishes up his resumes, puts in 1-5 resumes for jobs daily, takes online classes to brush up on skills that he hasn't used in a while. Then come the stories about how many people are looking for job; how some poor folks going months or years without employment. But what can I do to help my husband?

I can give him my intentions and energy. I can pray. Most of all, I can change my perspective, because a negative one will not yield anything positive. So, I start reading. I read about ways to change your mind, become more positive, attract positive things to you. One of those ideas is to "invest" in what you wish by giving! I like that!! But something bothers me. I believe that every moment is perfect; that every moment is full and complete as it is. So, all this stuff I say about time not being enough is crap. Time is enough. Time is full of possibilities. Time is perfect the way it is.

If I am wanting something more out of the moment, time does not stop me from trying to get it, there is simply no room for it. So, something has to go. For everything I choose, something else is not chosen or something dies. For years I have let the Universe choose what those things would be, or they were just the natural consequences of my choices. So, my investment is no longer "payment", it is a choice on what I am willing to give up in the moment, to create room for something new.

I decide to give up my time.I decide that I will give in the form of a job... or "doing a job". I giveaway my skills in photography, art and graphic design by offering to do a custom made blog header for free. All the while, I take moments out of my day, sending out expectations of good things for my husband. I say it with my words, I see it happening in my mind.

Cody, a good artist friend of mine, is the first to contact me about my free blog header offer. On the day that I email him with things that I need from him in order to begin, my husband gets a call from a job he had applied for 5 days prior. I make Cody three draft headers and when they were completed and sent off to him, my husband landed an interview. The next week, my husband had 5 interviews! August 5th, my husband accepted a job that he (and I) really wanted.

So, what is in the magic beside visulization and giving. Plenty, but it doesn't involve an herb, a trip to the smelly store, a new cloak, or a circle.

THE Magic of DOING and BEING
My spell manifested because of the combined energy of my husband and myself to bring about the desired outcome. If I had put out all the energy, but my husband did not apply for jobs, that would have killed or maimed my spell. We would not have gotten very far. If my husband didn't continually polish is resume and wear business clothing to his interviews, the spell might not have manifested at all.

The vital ingredients for any magic spells are : 1) Find issues of perception within you that is contrary to the manifestation and set out to change them with meditation, affirmations, rituals, objects of power, or changing your surroundings just to name a few. 2) Discover the physical Barriers to the Manifestation and seek to change them with right thought, actions and words. 3) Protect this "child" (spell) by only sharing about it with few, trusted people, if that. 4) Share this child only with people you know who are called to know about it. They may be your one of your helpers. 5) Keep your intention always in your focus by using symbolic objects, writing, art, an altar, or with study. When you are unable to keep your attention on the manifestation, create an object or picture to hold that intention for you. 6) Give away to make room for this manifestation. Give away something that is similar to what you want. If you cannot think of anything to giveaway that has a symbolic link to your intention, then breakdown your intention into pieces by asking yourself what would it take for your intention to manifest. If one of those things is money, then give away money. If another of those things is time, then giveaway time. If you become truly stuck, then find something of value to you and give it away. 6) Allow Time to do its job! Realize that many things might need to happen in order for you to realize your intention. Remember, if you have to wait time may be doing you a favor. If my husband hadn't lost his job, we would have never been able to get all the projects done to get our house on the market today. I gave away time and we gained time. Time knows what its doing. My husband starts his new job Monday.

HOW TO KILL or MAIM A SPELL
First, I believe that what you do, what you think is a spell!! Is every little thing a spell ? No! It is what you are spending your time , thought energy and physical energy on. When you intentionally set out to create a manifestation of your desires, you are in affect giving birth to something. We will call this something your mystical child. Like all children they must be nurtured and raised properly. You do this by behaving, thinking, speaking appropriately and treating this baby with respect. How you raise your child is up to you. There are many right and appropriate avenues that do not necessarily look the same as someone else's. Like all living things, these children want to live. Their fight for survival and fulfillment is awesome. When these children are raised correctly, the blessings that can follow are enormous.

However, there is nothing better than behaving contrary in thought, word and deed to maim or kill a spell. In the scheme of things, it is far better to kill a spell than it is to maim it! Though my experience has been that folks are far more adept at maiming than killing spells. Maimed spells are spells that have been altered (mutated), so that the outcome no longer reflects the original intention. These spells reek havoc, chaos, hurt, damage, and confusion. Mutated spells become random and can attack people around you. These are feral children. Once out of control, it takes a lot of energy, time and dedication to reign them in.

All mystical children are at risk of kidnapping or adoption, too. If you do not pay attention to your child and keep it safely tucked under your wings, it can wander off and become someone else's . The same thing can happen with your mutated mystical children. And remember, someone bigger and meaner than you can kill your mystical children as well!

If anything, this does make me think about how my thoughts, words and deeds are effecting things around me. What kind of unintentional children am I giving birth too? Whose children have I maimed?

The FAREWELL
Do spells really ever die, or do they just transform? If your spell has reached maturity, it is no longer needed. Myriads of energies, spirits have assisted your children to manifest to maturity. They must be acknowledged and thanked. Unbind your children from you with a ritual, words, changing your though patterns... by letting go. Or, think about transforming the same spell into a protect your job spell. How about passing on your children to someone else? You can do this by giving away your objects, art, journal associated with your spell.

Whatever you do, do not forget the conclusion. Do not leave these mature children floundering on their own... you have no idea what can happen to them while the brood (like many other beings do) not having a proper conclusion to relationships.

The Winner of July's Giveaway is :

Lauren from Shooting Star Magazine #79!!

Email your addy to zelmar1027@gmail.com!!

Two Great Giveaways!

2010-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Win a free copy of Playing with Fire, Christine Pope's new book at

Dark Valentine. You just need to comment to enter!

Enter to Win

At the Dark Artists Guild blog just by being a follower and leaving a comment.

Poppin Harvest's Early Visit/ Early Harvest Giveaway

2010-08-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Last Harvest my daughter gave me cobs of popping corn. They said a top my bookshelf til tonight!! Now, did you know that popcorn on the cob is very finiky? If its too dry or what not, it will not pop.
Well, I had to try. After 4 minutes, I was sad... the cobs didnt pop.

Just as I was about to shut off the microwave, it began. Fierce Popping. Explosions in the Microwave. WAIT... all over the microwave. If you are blessed enough to get cobs of popping corn, I would like to leave you with this tip: Put them a paper bag FIRST... before you turn on the microwave!!

Please enter to win my new Harvest, Back to School Giveaway here.

New Giveaway, Old Giveaway: Back to School!

2010-08-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

AUGUST BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY:

Goth Girl Back to School Giveaway Includes: Death Mints, Skelly Kitty Mints, Black Cherry Uncle URNie's Ashes, Goth Girl Document Holder, Goth Girl Journal/Notebook, Goth Girl Pens, Goth Girl Assorted Supplies that include pencils, ruler, and metal box. PLUS... a black and Pink Canvas backpack!!!

To Enter: Be a follower and leave a comment in this post.

More Entries?

Leave comments in the all the posts for the next month. Each is an extra entry.

July's GIVEAWAY...

This is your last chance to leave comments for July's Giveaway of a Haunted Pendant and DOG Fancy Magazine!!

Enter by leaving a comment in the Giveaway post by clicking on the icon in the RIGHT sidebar.

For more entries?

Its not too late... leave a comment in the posts this last month!!!

JULY'S GIVEAWAY DRAWING is FRIDAY the 6th!!

See 10 of my Metal Sculptures in Art Doll Quarterly!!

2010-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

ADQ is released today!!

DON'T MISS IT!

Monthly Giveaway and New Giveaway Listing Service

2010-07-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

Win these two great prices this month!!
Haunted Pendant with a black ball chain and a new issue of
Dog Fancy Magazine

TO ENTER: Click the monthly giveaway icon in the right side bar and simple be a follower and enter a comment.

WANT MORE ENTRIES: Leave comments in all my posts this month. Each one counts as an entry!

New Giveaway Listing Service

It is free to sign up and they automatically scan your blog for giveways and then post them.

You can sign up for notifications of new giveaways as they happen, or check out their website!

Great way to drive traffic and get your giveaway out there!

Find out more here.

I Have Been Featured!!

2010-07-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, One of my photos was featured on the website of a new dark magazine, Dark Valentine!

Check it out and if you are brave, participate in their challenge!

LOOKING FOR ARTISTS: Dark Valenine is accepting submissions from dark writers and artists too. See their submission page on their website.

Saturday Morning Shock

2010-07-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Butthead was flying on to our bedroom deck. He started calling me at 6 AM. Finally at 7:40, I ran out to the deck to see what was going on. He was not there, but the Mama and babies heard me and came running!! This bird next to her in this picture is NOT Butthead... but I am jumping ahead of the story.

So, I feed her and call for Butthead. He finally arrives and I begin to throw him food. Not a minute goes by and three more...YES, THREE more huge males come running down the hill toward the decks!

These are the pictures of the triples (above and below). I thought males were small because Butthead was smaller than Mama. NO! Butthead is a runt!

Once again, it wasn't another minute before 3 MORE are running down the hill!! 3 White Peacocks... young males. My husband was in bed. I was right outside our door, naked. Alls he could here now was OH MY GOD!! OH MY GOD!! It was surreal. Now, there were a total of 12 peacocks on and around the decks!

What was surprising is that they started jumping on the high decks where I was at. They also did not want food. What was going on here?

The gang of males were after Butthead. Butthead was trying to hide and out run them. 6 against one! NOT FAIR. Butthead jumps on our deck and sits on the railing near me. Here comes the leader, who also jumps up to get Butthead. But now, I am Butthead's Protector. I fend them off and protect him; he gets a breather from being chased. He gets spooked and flies over to the umbrella, trying to perch there. It did not work.

All six continue to chase Butthead all over the yard. Thankfully, they leave Mama and babies alone. They want Butthead's land and they want the Mama. These are no ordinary peacocks, these are MAFIA BIRDS. They terrorize the neighborhoods, taking over, stealing women, running off the others.

These white, pied peacocks follow the commands of the large, blue triplets. I go in the house for coffee and email. I hear Butthead calling a bit later. I go check the front. Nothing. I check the back and there is the leader, Big Blue, on our deck. I walk over to him and he flies off. Then I notice him. Butthead is laying down between the house and a huge rose planter, hiding. I chase off the gang and get Butthead to come out for his food (the others ate it all). I fend off the gang long enough for Butthead to get a running start and find a place to hide out.

Butthead is not longer the appropriate name for him. He is not a Butthead, but the Mafia Gaggle are!! I have to find another name. But before you all get into how mean peacocks are, I have found them no meaner than some humans I know!!

Later this weekend, I will post about something other than the peacock drama... PROMISE!!

Mami Wata Comes A Callin'

2010-07-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mami Wata, a Voudon water deity, is usually depicted as a mermaid. However, Mami Wata was also transformed into a peacock. Having so many living on our property is a huge blessing!!

Mama, will pick off blackberries for her babies to eat. Butthead is right behind trying to eat anything they miss. If left unattended, Butthead will steal it from the babies. Mama doesn't let that happen, so it is Butthead who walks 10 feet behind Mama.

These pictures were taken shortly after sunrise. They were early birds this morning.

This is an excellant picture of the their crest really coming in!!

There are more than these 6 peacocks.

The other day I came home looking to feed them and spotted them up the hill.... there were three adults and one was white. I went back out to the front and there was the Mama and babies waiting. Apparently, we have two more that hide out.

While swimming over the weekend, the white one came out to follow the family around the property. We named him Ghost, and have not seen him again since... but we know he's there.

Do you every feel your being watched?

2010-07-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

During breakfast and at dinner, we have spy watching us. This is BUTTHEAD!

He a male peacock who calls our property home. Even though I feed him and his gentle and good Mommy of 4 cute babies EVERYDAY, Morning and Night, Butthead believes he doesn't get enough. So, he spies inside the house.

If I am late coming out to feed them all, Butthead is on the back deck spying in the window or in the front, like he is here, spying to see what I am doing, reminding me he is waiting.

When I have a moment to feed them and they are not around, I call them with a special call. Butthead is very smart and for the past few mornings, he is out on our back deck calling me about 6 AM!! Not a nice thing on Saturday or Sunday!

In a few days, I will get mommy and the babies picture on here. They are so cute when them coming running down to me to eat. This has become my Summer Ritual.

New Haunted Pendant Giveaway here.

Dark Art Giveaway here.

Free, Custom Blog Header!

2010-07-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am doing an experiment about

Giving and recieving... which I will post about later and tell you the results no matter what. I would like to make a FREE blog Header of any design requested of me for a blogger who will leave a comment here and contact me by email at zelmar1027@gmail.com

Any takers?

July's Giveaway!

2010-07-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

One brand new issues of Dog Fancy Magazine and a Spooky Domino Haunted Pendant with a black bead chain!!

1) Be a Follower

2) Leave a comment in this post

for more entries ...

3) Receive one entry for every comment you make this month up til the drawing in August!

View my WICKED WONDERLAND DOLL Here!

Do Not MISS.. the Giveaway on

www.thedarkartistsguild.blogspot.com!

4 Giveaways/ 2 Ways to Win!

Just tell us which challenge art peice you like the best!!

June's Giveaway Winner and Wicked Wonderland!

2010-07-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

June's Giveaway Winner

So Dark So Cute!

Send me your mailing info at zelmar1027@gmail.com

Wicked Wonderland

My Contribution to the ADO Wonderland Blog Event is based on a real life caterpillar called the Hickory Horned Devil. However, his style is a bit different than what you might be used too, being a devil and all.

Whoa! Get a load of those Glimmer Slippers. He is a mixed bag, isn't he?

What kind of advice do you think this catapillar would give to Alice???

Joined the rest of the blog event by visited all the Wonderland particpants!

Find them at ADO!

Also....

Thank you for visiting... Blessings!

I Did Not Lie! Inspite of the Evidence to the Contrary....

2010-07-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

Between the huge trip to the temple of IKEA and the Teaparty....

My studio looks like it was never clean. I swear it was... I Swear!!!

My studio is slated to be cleaned today, because I have a doll I need to make and a series I wish to complete. It seems so much harder this year to find the time to do everything. My apologies folks... I am so behind on my comments; I am hoping to correct that this long weekend.

Even my posts have changed and my blog has become more of a journal than I intended. It is my sincere hope that all the work I do now will lead to a lifestyle of more time down the road. That is the plan, at least!!

Please have a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Stay safe and... Insane.

Remember only a few more days until the Grave Flower Giveaway. All comments count but you must enter on the original post. Press the Giveaway Icon in the side bar to enter today. The winner will be chosen July 5th!

BLESSINGS!!