Happy Fairy Day!

I'm posting a little early, Fairy Day is Friday June 24th but, I'm afraid I won't have time in the morning to post.

To Celebrate the Fairy Day Party at Todas Somas Reinas (translated to We Are All Queens) I've decided to have a showing of  Fairy Queens by various artists.  Most of them are by Paulina Cassidy, whose site you can find on my side bar. I found out about this party a little late so I'm sorry not to have a giveaway like I usually do when I participate in blog parties. Once the "fairy dust" has cleared from our move maybe I can have a little fairy giveaway. In the mean time I hope you enjoy these magical pieces of art!

The Fairy Queen Takes an Airy Drive by Richard Doyle

Crystalline by Paulina Cassidy

The Moth Queen by Paulina Cassidy

Titania, Queen of the Fairies by Arthur Rackham

Rare Orchids for the Faerie Queen by Paulina Cassidy

The Joy of Being Taken Care of.....

The big move is finished. Furniture gone, old house cleaned, my husband is now living in our new place in Nevada and I'll be joining him later next month. In the mean time I'm back living with my parents...again! I lived with them, of course when I was a kid until I got married the first time when I was 22. I moved, got divorced and moved back in with them with my son and lived with them for about 8 years until I was able to move out on my own.I wanted to move out earlier but, I was going to school part time and working part time. It just wasn't financially do-able.

So I'm back home temporarily. I wasn't initally looking forward to it, you know, living with mom and dad again, kind of gave me the idea I was taking a step backwards.

But, it's totally different this time. It's quite enjoyable. It was never bad living with my parents. They never bothered me about what I was doing with my life or my son's life and they have ALWAYS been there when I needed them. I guess this time, because it is temporary, because I'm older and wiser and because don't take for granted the things they do for me, it's very nice to spend these last few weeks with my parents before I leave.

My mom is being mom - she does my laundry, dinner is made when I get home, she makes me coffee in the morning. My dad is being Dad - taking care of my car when it needs caring for and, spoiling my dog. He makes me laugh because he is, at times, totally oblivious to what goes on in the house which frustrates my mother to no end!

I totally took advantage of these things when I was younger and living with them as a child and teenager. I think when I was living there with my son after my divorce, I appreciated everything they did for me and my son but, I was so busy with work and school and trying to make something of myself I just didn't appreciate it like I should have.

It's soooooo nice not to have to worry about cleaning the house or making dinner after working all day or doing this or that. I clean up after myself (why was this so hard when I was a teenager and, why did I give my mom grief about it?). I enjoy their company and am relishing in being taken care of for these few short weeks that I have here before I move and have to start being the caretaker once again.

Thanks Mom and Dad.....for everything.

Fairy Friday - an illustration by Virginia Frances Sterret

This is a castle that I would love to live in!

They walked side by side

This illustration is by Virginia Frances Sterret. It is from the book Old French Fairy Tales and the story is Princess Rossette. Here is the link to wikipdia for a synopsis of the story Princess Rosette. Kind of a weird tale a bit morbid but, this illustration is beautiful.

Here is another link to find out more about Virgina Frances Sterret. Art Passions

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

The Mists of Avalon - Can anyone recommend follow up books?

This is one of my all time favorite books.

I haven't read anything else yet by Marion Zimmer Bradley and, I have a Barnes & Noble gift card burning a hole in my wallet. I know there's a lot out there by Ms. Bradley and, I can certainly peruse the bookstore but, does anyone out there have a recommendation for her other books? It doesn't have to be by M. Bradley either but, something along the same lines.

Also, has anyone seen the movie/mini series of the Mists of Avalon? I haven't and I want to but, I don't want ot be totally disappointed. If you saw it, did you like it? Is it worth watching?

Thanks for the recommendations!

The Six Swans by Warwick Goble

Isn't this a pretty illustration? I usually post fairy pictures on Friday but, it's been so hectic with our move lately I needed a little fairy tale art to relax my tired brain. To be a beautiful swan and fly away or glide in a serene lake for a bit would be heaven.

The queen threw one of the shirts over each of them,
and when the shirts touched their bodies, they were changed
into swans, and flew away over the wood.
- Illustration by Warwick Goble to The Six Swans

A Bit of Scripture.....

I do not consider myself a religious person but, more of a spiritual one. I feel that whatever your faith is doesn't matter. Whoever your God/Godess is doesn't matter. The point is, is to have faith in your God or Godess, not condemn anyone elses's and for pity's sake, let's love each other just a little bit more and take care of this beautiful planet we've been given.

That being said, someone left this piece of scripture on my desk today,


"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

I'm smack in the middle of a move to another state, starting a new job that may or may not work out and leaving family and friends that I love dearly. These words could not have come at a better time. It doesn't matter who said these words, they bring comfort and peace to my heart, soul and mind. I hope that whatever your faith, if you are facing a challege, turmoil, discomfort or whatever, these words will bring you a little peace of mind too. They are too beautiful not to share.

Many Blessings to all of my friends out there.
Love,
Joane

http://flic.kr/p/WGtL

Fairy Friday and......

My Birthday!

It was my birthday yesterday. I'm not really fazed about getting older (just turned 46). Sometimes I get kind of freaked out about it but, I figure there's nothing I can do but, take care of myself the best I can and appreciate the time I've had and the time to come.

I didn't do anything spectacular but, I had a wonderful day. I had lunch with my mom and my son, we went antiquing. I made dinner for my son and his girlfriend and they surpised me with this...

A lovely Black Forest Cake! (It's a terrible picture of me, this is what you look like when you lay around all day!) I thought it was very thoughtful of them to get me a cake. We had the cake and hung out and watched movies. I got a few presents and lots of chocolate. But, I think what made me the happiest was the fact that my son wanted to hang out with me. He's grown to be a very thoughtful, kind and independent person. He is wonderful with his girlfriend, very considerate and responsible. I couldn't have asked for my kid to turn out any better. I thought to myself at the end of the day, "Wow, I did good. I raised a wonderful human being!". If I may say so myself, what a friggin accomplishment!

If I can do that, raise a well adjusted human being, what can't I do? It puts things in perspective. Why should this upcoming move to a different state and starting a new career frighten me? It shouldn't so, I won't let it!

Here is a little Paulina fairy for you....


Noelle by Paulina Cassidy

5x7 limited-edition of 50 signed/numbered print on fine art watercolour paper: $12

She is the fairy that represents the month of June on my Paulina calendar. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!