Friday, January 1, 2010

A is for ... Arabian Tents



Long have I dreamed of having an Arabian style tent in my backyard for summer parties. What an air of elegance, mystery and magic it would lend!


These orange lanterns from Z Gallerie are Moroccan, not Arabian. But I wouldn't hesitate to use them as part of my interior tent decor - carefully, so as not to catch the fabric or furnishings inside on fire!


I love listening to Loreena McKennitt's music, and the cover art with the beautiful blue tent just enchants me even more.

Related Links:

The Arabian Tent Company

Bedouin Tents

Harem Nights

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Z is for ... Zoisite


A gorgeous mineral that can be green, brown, pink, yellow, gray, blue or violet. Gray doesn't do much for me, but when it's pink, blue or violet, it's stunning. On eBay I mostly see it in red-and-green ruby zoisite bracelets. They look like something a Persian queen would wear.

Related Links:

Ruby in Zoisite

Zoisite, at Gem Hut

Zoisite, at Smithsonian

Zoisite, at Wikipedia


Zoisite and Ruby Snuff Bottle, on eBay

Friday, October 30, 2009

Y is for ... Jane Yolen


Jane Yolen's "Briar Rose," at Amazon

Jane Yolen has authored more than three hundred books, mainly fantasy, fairy and folk tales for children and young adults. She's also written a few books on writing for children, and edited numerous fantasy anthologies.

My favorites by her are the dark Sleeping Beauty retelling, Briar Rose, "The Girl in the Golden Bower," and her retelling of "Sleeping Beauty," illustrated by Ruth Sanderson.

Related Links:

Amazon.com's Jane Yolen page

Jane Yolen.com

Jane Yolen on Facebook

Jane Yolen at Fantastic Fiction

Jane Yolen, at Wikipedia


Fairy Tale Feasts, at Amazon

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

X is for ... Xena


A mystical fantasy show with a strong, sexy female lead. I loved how the show employed humor - goofy sometimes, but lighthearted fun.

Related Links:

Ultimate Xena Fan Fiction Directory

Xena Music Videos, at Ning

Xena: Warrior Princess, at IMDB

Xena: Warrior Princess, at Wikipedia

Xena, at Wikipedia

Xenaville

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

W is for... Sulamith Wulfing


Summer Moon, by Sulamith Wulfing


Dream, by Sulamith Wulfing



This German illustrator transports me to magical places. She drew beautiful women, often wearing crowns, often surrounded by children. Her diaphanous gowns and bejeweled embroidered robes are quite enchanting.



The Little Mermaid, by Sulamith Wulfing

Occasionally she painted fairy tales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "Schneewitchen" (Snow White).


The Womb, by Sulamith Wulfing



Circle Rounds, by Sulamith Wulfing

Raised by Theosophist parents, Sulamith wasn't a pagan, but her artwork often evokes a magical feel.


Sulamith Wulfing's "To Impose Silence"



Sulamith Wulfing's Golden Angel


She also frequently drew fairies and angels.


Floating, by Sulamith Wulfing


Medieval lovers were another favorite subject of Sulamith Wulfing.


Flame, by Sulamith Wulfing



She incorporated nature into her backdrops, or in the foreground as a flower held solemnly, or as a ball of light cupped in a woman's hand.


Christmas Balls, by Sulamith Wulfing

Holidays were also a theme of hers, including Easter and Christmas.


Angel Spirits 2010 Sulamith Wulfing Calendar, at Amazon



Sulamith Wulfing's Fairy Oracle, on Amazon


Related Links:

The Art of Sulamith Wulfing, at Squidoo

Fans of Sulamith Wulfing Group, on Facebook

Sulamith Wulfing Gallery, at ArtPassions

Sulamith Wulfing, at Wikipedia


Sulamith Wulfing Greeting Cards, on eBay

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

V is for... Venice


Venetian Dawn, by Liudmila Kondakova


MaskItalia.com's Red Mask



"Palazzo Labia and San Geremia, Venice" by John Singer Sargent

Someday I hope to visit Venice. I want to stay in a palazzo, traipse about the bridges, ride on a canaletto, eat at an outdoor cafe, explore little shops. I think Carnival would be too crowded for my liking, so I would try to visit at some other time.


Palazzo Foscarini

Related links:

Venice by Night

Venice Explorer

Venice World.com

Where to Shop in Venice

Monday, September 21, 2009

U is for... Undrentide


Undrentide, at Amazon

My favorite album by Mediaeval Baebes is "Undrentide." I love listening to it in the background when I'm working around the house, or on long car trips. Sometimes I put it on in the background for dinner parties, though there's a song or two that are just too loud and weird for the quiet conversation going on at the table.

The song "Undrentide" itself is what I chose to walk down the aisle to at my wedding. If you read the actual lyrics and think about what they're saying, you might imagine that this song wasn't the best choice for a wedding.. I knew that going into it and chose the song anyway.

The "Summerisle" Maypole song is a cover of a song from the "Wicker Man" movie soundtrack.

I just find this entire album so enchanting and magical to listen to. And the cover photo of the Baebes dressed in flowing gowns is beautiful!

Related Links:

Mediaeval Baebes (Official)

Mediaeval Baebes, at Wikipedia

The Music of the Wicker Man