Merry Christmas Eve!

Have you been naughty or nice? 

Clinique Aromatics Elixir

Spritz a small amount of this on the small of your back, wait and prepare to find that you have stepped into an enchanted forest filled with mystical gothic roses and lush moss. Bewitching and spellbinding.

Happy Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's Day! I can't think of a more romantic couple than Jamie and Claire Fraser. Do yourself a favor and watch the series (it's available on Amazon now) or better yet read all the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon. These eight books (and the show), about a time traveler and her 18th century Scottish highlander husband, contain a great story of mature and enduring love with plenty of action and adventure to keep you wanting more!

The Bride Wore Black

 

This trend comes and goes every few years. I'm really liking it though. If black is too much, one could always try burgundy (below are from Vera Wang).

Happy Solstice!

And don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous.--Rumi

Autumn Ophelia

It's been a while, so here she is. This time from John William Waterhouse.

Medieval Excess

Because some things never change...HOLDE MINE HAIR, indeed!

Shield Maiden

 

   
To see some kick a** warrior women, go watch The Vikings on the History Channel. It is so good....

The Poetry of Rossetti

Aidan Turner, who played Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the television miniseries Desperate Romantics, reads the poetry of Rossetti as Rossetti. It's as good and as close as one can get to the real thing. Turner is fabulous, lending a certain sexiness and charm to Rossetti, topped off with uber romantic Pre-Raphaelite poetry. I can't help but sigh and smile. Enjoy!

Blessed Samhain

Happy Halloween. The night children consume too much candy and the dead walk amongst the living. Trick or treat!

More Ophelia

Another take on the Ophelia pose. This one courtesy of Kate Moss and Stella McCartney.

The Veils

Veils

It's the time of year when the veils between the worlds of form and spirit are at their thinnest. A mystical and powerful time to cultivate your consciousness.

Click on the caption above for a haunting tune to enjoy now. This song by Ataraxia always reminds me of strolling through beautiful Highgate Cemetery.

 

 

Surveying Ophelia

Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais, 1851-1852

An iconic image from the pen of William Shakespeare, she has been the subject of many artists throughout the centuries.

The above painting is one of the most famous depictions of Ophelia, modeled by the incomparable Pre-Raphaelite muse, artist, and poet Elizabeth Siddal. Be on the lookout for more "Ophelias" from time to time....

Musical Interlude

The lovely classical violin of Emilie Autumn.

Follow Your Bliss

Do yourself a favor and read anything and everything by Joseph Campbell. Enjoy his interviews on YouTube too. And as he so famously suggested, I hope you will all find and follow your bliss. 

 

One More Reason To Love Scotland

I don't care for whisky, yet I never tire of these ads!

Would You Dare?

 

I would love to see these hairstyles in person. They would look great on a tribal bellydancer, but how difficult would it be to dance with horns?

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

I am patiently waiting for my order to arrive. It is always well worth the wait. If you have never heard of BPAL, get thee to their site! It's fantastical, poetical, somewhat medieval, and exhausting. Take your time, place an order, you will not regret it....

April Showers Bring May Flowers

 

 

Next trip to England I must make a stop at the Alnwick Poison Garden. What a fascinating and frightening idea for a garden.

Fashion for a Friday

Opulent, Elizabethan, majestic, fantastical! These words describe the latest collection of designs by Sarah Burton for McQueen.

I want one of those pearl face cages....