The 536th Annual Vampire Awards

Vampire's Castle aka The Tower of Shadows  See more of this artwork at http://redhoodstudio.pl/o-firmie

Every year, The Nether Realm has a gothic, luxurious banquet for vampires and their guests.  It is a “by invitation only” gala event. You cannot get past the lion statues poised at the front stone gate without producing the written invitation. It is rumored that these lions will come to life and attack you if you are caught attempting to crash the party.  It may be worth the risk. There are glamorous gowns, elegant tuxedos, divine decor, the most wonderful wine any world could offer, and food that is a feast for all the senses.  Yes, they have real food there (for the guests not the vampires) and no they are not trying to fatten people up to drink their blood. They have not done that for over 300 years despite what Bram Stoker says. 

 

The Nether Realm’s 536th Annual Vampire Awards Night was held on Saturday, December 12, 2015. 

The theme at this year’s event was: “Be responsible. Be kind.” A grand prize was given to the vampire who had drawn the most blood without turning or killing its donor. The grand prize was a fabulous all-inclusive trip for two to the romantic resort known as Camelot for an entire week of feasting, jousting, dancing, and hunting.  Here are this year’s winners:

Camelot



1st place Lucius DuGreco aka the King of Vampires

Lucius has been successfully draining blood since the late 17th Century.  With the help of an influential physician, Lucius has developed a system to perform blood transfusions.  These transfusions were often very dangerous to the subjects.  Knowing that this procedure would help his kind and the human race, Lucius worked diligently to perfect the procedure so that no one would get hurt.  Because of his perseverance, determination, and compassion for all living things, he succeeded in his quest.  Since then, blood is donated, the subjects are safe and vampires are well fed.
 

2nd place Nico Adessi, Vineyard Owner
Nico has always been a strong supporter of the blood drive in Europe.  He and his wine company have what many people call "Blood Parties”.  He supplies good food at the blood drive for those who give and a small bottle of champagne to every 15th person for their troubles.
He also throws lavish fundraisers where he encourages others to donate blood. All the proceeds are sent directly to the blood bank.   

 

3rd place. Jaqueline Mallory, Famous Artist

A blood drive activist, Jacqueline volunteers for any blood donor clinic in the Nether Realm or Earth Realm that she happens to be near.  She watches over the people giving blood there to reassure and comfort them with her gentle but witty bedside manner.  She uses her influence in the art world to spread the word about the need for blood.  She rarely fails to bring up the subject.   She mentions it in all of her lectures at art schools and during her art shows, classes and workshops.  

It's true that the way vampires get blood hasn't always been humane. But we shouldn’t be too judgemental because historically humans haven’t always been particularly humane in getting their food either.  We need to eat to survive and will get our food wherever and however we must.   Thankfully, we all have grown and evolved.  We now live in time when we have more options and most of us try to do things (even hunt) in the most benign way possible.  So for the sake of both vampires and humans be sure to donate at your local blood clinic.  We need it. Blood is the gift of life.  Wouldn’t this be a fabulous Christmas gift?


 

Screamfest is the Best!

Screamfest Entrance

The First and Best Haunted House

October is a great time for mystics. It is one of the few times we get to travel freely between the Nether World and the Earth Realm. Most of us try to get home to the Nether Realm to enjoy our huge party “Centennial Celebration”. Unfortunately, this year I was not able to be there.  Three of my dearest friends in the Earth Realm invited me to go with them to “Screamfest”. They told me that Halloween themed fun included games, rides and haunted houses. From what they said, I thought it might be a little dark but I was so homesick and feeling sorry for myself, I decided to give it a try.

Dragon Monster Truck Ride

The Magician

This is a very popular event and line ups are typically quite long. General admission is $25 but my friends recommended that I spring for the extra $20 to purchase a Speed Pass. So I did and received a bracelet and 16 tokens to use as I pleased. No waiting in line for me!

We entered the grandstand building and had a quick look around. We decided that we would explore the six haunted houses that were included in the price of admission first so headed outside where they were located. “What Lies Beneath” was the first house we toured and we were very impressed. At the end of the day, we decided that this was our favorite attraction.

 

As we explored the outdoor attractions, we found the “Monster Truck Rides”. Although it cost a whopping 12 tokens, we decided we had to give it a try. After a brief wait, the four of us climbed into the very front of the large vehicle. Immediately after buckling our seat belts, we began one of the most exciting rides of our life. The spins, skids, donuts and the speed are not something we encounter in our everyday lives. It was like riding a dragon except we did not actually fly. It only felt like it. I ran into an unexpected visitor from the Nether World.

Andromeda, Princess of Dragons

Shape-shiftng Gorilla Woman

Andromeda, the Princess of Dragons, is a minor celebrity in our world. She is named after Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia and the wife of Perseus. Andromeda was chained naked to a rock near the port city of Jaffa and Perseus rescued and then married her. She had a long life and many children. After her death, she was placed among the constellations in the northern sky near Perseus and Cassiopeia. Her namesake, the Princess of Dragons, is a bit of a loner but every now and again she does briefly visit the Earth Realm to walk anonymously and explore this world. We did get to speak to her and shake her hand but she had to leave rather quickly. She did not enjoy the crowds and all the noise. It was a thrill for me to meet her.

Mad House and Buried Alive

We went back into the grandstand building to experience the games, more rides and haunted houses. I tried the “Witches Brew Game” and the “Archery Game”. No prizes for me but I did have fun. We tried a couple of rides. “The Screamer” is an aptly named orbital apparatus that spins in every direction so fast that you feel you have entered another dimension. “Neighbors from Hell” was a 3D ride that required you to flee from hellish demons that are definitely out to kill you.  We toured the haunted houses “Mad House” and “Buried Alive”. We also saw zombies, a shape shifting gorilla woman, and a magician. We made it out alive.  Will you? 

 

The Screamer

In the 4 ½ hours we were there, we did not take in all the available attractions. This is not an inexpensive evening out. Admission plus 16 tokens cost $45. Visiting the outdoor haunted houses was included in admission and did not require tokens. The two indoor haunted houses cost 4 tokens each. Monster Truck Ride cost 12 tokens and other rides were 8 tokens each. Games were generally 4 tokens each. Food services were limited and costly so I did not indulge. I estimate my total cost to be $70.

Neighbors From Hell Ride

 

To enjoy the experience, it is necessary to leave your “grown up, responsible, judgemental, adult” self at home. Come prepared to laugh, scream, jump, and defend yourself and your friends with your purse if necessary and you will have a wonderful time. We all certainly escaped our real world and left with smiles on our faces. Will I go back next year? Absolutely.  It was Spooktackular!

Zombie Smiling

Interview with A Unicorn

Most people would recognize a unicorn if they saw one but do they truly know what a unicorn is? 

The word unicorn comes from the Latin term unicornis which literally means one-horn. This majestic creature resembles a white horse with a single spiraling horn coming from the center of its head. The unicorn is a symbol of grace, beauty and purity.

On a working visit to the Nether Realm, I wandered into Elfin Forest in the hope of contacting the wood elves where they live. I planned to write a piece about them describing how they track down a precious silver known as Argentum Lucis. That idea blew away like a leaf picked up by a hurricane when I came across an extremely rare sight even for us mystics.

A unicorn was lying in the middle of the forest with a pillar of light shining on top of him through the trees.  Slowly, I approached the creature, trying to show him that I meant him

no harm.  Suddenly, I heard a voice say, "Don't be afraid."  I was slightly taken aback because there was no one else there with me in the forest except this unicorn. 

He stood up and looked at me without any fear, almost as though he was expecting me. As I drew near, I noticed his mouth moving and heard him say, "I was sent to speak with you.  I am pleased to meet you Oracle."  I was in shock.  I didn't even know that these creatures could speak.  My curiosity got the best of me and before I knew it, I was interviewing him.

Where are you from?
I come directly from the light that creates life.  All unicorns do. 

Meaning?
The creator of all living things took light energy and molded it to give us life. We do not have parents. Instead we have magic and we are able to store the magic in our horns. This magic is based on goodness, purity, love, and light and is the most powerful magic of all.

I have heard that you frequently speak in riddles.  Is this true?
Why yes. You cannot expect things to be easy can you? For example, if asked if we are male or female, we may respond “yes”. If asked our name, we may tell you that we do not have one. Essentially, we do not need labels.

You have to look at world and see the magic already in it if you want to find answers. We cannot always give a straight answer because you are meant to find magic for yourself and in yourself. We can point you in the right direction. And some questions are just not meant to be answered. 

You are very mysterious.
Thank you.

Why did you appear to me?
I want you to tell our story.  Part of our purpose is to inspire and give hope to others.  We are a lot like guardian angels or spirits.  Everyone needs something to believe in and we want people to believe in magic again.  So by talking to you and sharing our stories we hope to rekindle people's faith in the light.  We want to bring light to all worlds.

But it's always been told that only innocent and virginal maidens can communicate with you?
That was a bit of an exaggeration. I think that myth came to be because everyone always associated light with virginity and obedience but it is really all about intentions. Anybody who is pure of heart, kind in soul and has a mind that is strong can communicate with us. 

What is it about pure-hearted souls that draws you?
Their passion to make all of our worlds a better place.  Our magic may have come from our creator but it stays alive through the goodness and light of other beings.

How can I find other unicorns?
You can’t find us unless we want you to. If you happened to stumble upon us, we would hide our horns and you would mistake us for ordinary white horses. We have been given specific instructions on who we appear to and why and would only reveal ourselves when we were confident that you are one we are seeking.

Are there other animals like you with a singular magical horn?
There were but unfortunately they became extinct.  The magic that we carried was too much for them.  They couldn't handle it so it eventually destroyed them. 
How did you keep yourself safe?

We are able to become invisible so we cannot be detected by any means, magical or non-magical.  That is very important for our survival.  As for getting around, we can not only teleport but levitate ourselves. We are not fighters but we do protect ourselves vigorously.

What kind of magic do you do?
We can do many things.   As creatures of light we can brighten even the darkest of places so the lost can find their way. We can heal ourselves and others.  We can guide others even if they cannot see us.  But the most important thing that we do is ensure that the magical life force in all living things is alive and protected. 

Thank you for speaking with me today.
You are welcome.  I will see you again in the near future. 


This is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me.  I am in awe of this beautiful, wise and magnificent creature.  As I have said before, this is a rare occurrence.  I did a little checking and it turns out that only about 30 (I guess 31 now) out of millions of mystics have reported contact with a unicorn.  I hope to see my new four-legged, horned friend again sometime soon.  Maybe even learn a little more from him.  Has anyone else seen a unicorn lately?
 

The Oracle's Adventures on Vancouver Island; Supper at the Shipyard

My favorite spots in this world are a beautiful cool forest where I can listen to the music of a waterfall or a warm meadow filled with the scent of wild flowers. Both remind me of the Nether World and I seek them out when I get homesick. Another thing that helps is to seek out someone actually from the Nether World to spend time with.

Do you remember my mermaid friend Odessa? I first met her 10 years ago when I was vacationing in Cuba. She was on the beach collecting sea shells as I was swimming in the ocean.  Something drew me to her but when I got near I accidentally splashed some water on her leg. She immediately became anxious because scales began to appear where the water had touched her skin.  I offered her my beach towel and reassured her by advising that I too was a mystic. She was the first actual mystic I met when I crossed over to this realm. We have been in contact ever since but do not get to see each other as much as we would like.

Odessa is extremely talented. She not only collects sea shells but makes jewellery from these shells and other natural objects she collects on her journeys. She is quite the traveller and never stays put in one place very long.

During my recent holiday on Vancouver Island, we were able to get together because Odessa has moved to Tofino and she made a special effort to come see me.  “The Shipyard” is a little place in the Maple Bay Marina and Odessa suggested we meet there. The restaurant is right on the water and surrounded by ships and boats of all sizes and descriptions.  The menu is a true pescatarian’s dream. Sounds like a good mermaid’s hangout right? It is Odessa’s favorite restaurant and she comes often.

I do want to warn my fellow vegetarians that our choices are limited. I did manage to score a nice pasta with a mixture of herbs and rose sauce that was fresh, rich, and satisfying. Odessa ordered the oysters, shrimp skewers, and double coleslaw. I could tell that she loved it as she ate the whole dinner in about five minutes without stopping to talk or even take breath. We ordered a bottle of white wine that had a fresh crisp citrus flavor and complemented both our meals. The wine was appropriately named “The Beach House”. Good food, good wine, and good friends eventually leads to good conversation.

We caught up on what each of us has been doing. I told Odessa about this blog. Odessa says hello. She told me about the challenges of operating her business. I suggested she consider starting her own website to increase sales and leave more time for the actual production. She was hesitant and thought it would be too much trouble and difficult to manage. I know what you are thinking. All she needs is a picture of herself, a laptop, and an internet connection. But I know Odessa well enough to know that it really isn’t about the amount of work involved. Odessa hates getting her picture taken.  She thinks she has “no good side”. But the truth is she is a little bit afraid of items that cannot get wet. This includes cell phones and lap tops. Odessa is of the siren persuasion and her life revolves around water. It is her favorite place to be and if she can’t make a splash, she is going to dash. I guess we all have our quirks and it is best that we respect all our differences.

I need to be near a forest or a meadow to feel at home. Odessa needs the water. We need each other. What makes you feel at home? Who makes you feel at home?

  

Dragon Riders

Did you know there are people the Nether Realm who make a living by riding dragons? Dragon riders provide a form of delivery service and transportation. Much like the pony express or an airplane in the Earth Realm. However, even well trained dragons are not as tame as horses and they certainly are not machines. Dragons are a little tougher to handle. Sometimes they get spooked or edgy or restless or even amorous. There are different types of dragons and some will shoot fire, some will shoot ice, and some will shoot lightening.  All will slash with their tails, claw with their feet, and bite with their gigantic teeth.


Dragon Potion from Free Minds

Dragon riders are well trained and wear protective equipment (the dragon amulet for example). Handling an agitated dragon can be challenging and sometimes dangerous. Now don’t get me wrong.  A dragon would never intentionally harm its rider. It is amazing to see how protective the dragon is of the rider. It strongly resembles a parent/child relationship. However, accidents do happen.



To protect themselves and their dragons, riders will sometimes prepare a special calming potion.  It is a mixture of snap dragon flowers, green dragon leaves, the peel of a kumquat, and the bark or flowers of the moringa tree, mixed with morning dew and stirred with a bamboo stalk. The potion is instantly effective when the dragon smells it.  So the potion does last for a long time. It is quite a lot of work to collect the ingredients and prepared the potion but it is much easier than dealing with an unhappy dragon.

Picture from http://hennamehndidesign.blogspot.ca/2011/10/hair-henna.html

When I was writing my thesis on the stresses of dragon handling I met Haroon, a very experienced rider, and his dragon, Nega. We developed a strong friendship and Haroon has allowed me to accompany him on several journeys. The best part of the trip is the flying. Flying is fun and thrilling and quite unlike anything I have experienced in the Earth Realm. It is not a carnival ride but more like parasailing or hang gliding.  You could try that to get a similar experience.

If you get agitated and there is a chance you could hurt yourself or others with your words or deeds, you may want to try a calming potion.  The best calming essential oils include: lavender, camomile, rose, sandalwood, and frankinscence.  A mint scent of any kind works well for me.  Have you tried aromatherapy yet?

East side Marios

East Side Mario's is a popular Italian chain restaurant that originated in New York.  It is popular for a reason.  I find some of the finest fairy food there.  Don't worry there are all kinds of foods fit for sirens, shape-shifters, elves, etc.  Vampires on the other hand, will have a tougher time.  It's the kind of food that you vampires have when you are dieting.  So for you lot, I recommend a virgin caesar with no salt.  I know you all like to slurp clams when you want to lose weight.  Or there is always the steak dish with the steak rare and extra bloody but you might raise some eyebrows.  That's never a good thing.

I always order the stuffed mushrooms, garden salad and the tomato garlic soup.  With this meal, I step back into the enchanted woods and eat something magical.  It is easy to miss a home cooked meal especially in this world.  Luckily, you will be able to find meals or make meals in this world that have the same effect. 

After all that, if you are still hungry for something sweet, go for the mini mousse cake.  It is the perfect size after a huge meal.  This small rich decadent dessert looks like a small pixie top hat.  It's almost a shame to eat it except get real!  It is made of chocolate and we of the fey are all addicted to chocolate.  One bite of this little cake launches you into ecstasy and you will not disappointed.  Like I said, the finest fairy food you can find. 

Their slogan is very appropriate for them.  Bada-Bing-Bada-Boom!  It almost like they can open a portal into our world and summon up dishes from the "Black Dragon's Pub."  Oh I miss that pub.  The food is excellent at the pub and also at East Side Mario's.  So check it out.  It's a home away from home. 

The Magestry of Horses



Photograph by Kenneth Fung

 I went horseback-riding over the weekend and I had to write about these magnificent creatures.  There are so many legends surrounding them and that is for good reason.  Look at our own equine creatures.   The unicorns, Pegasuses, and even centaurs(half human, half horse hybrids).  These are creatures that symbolize beauty, freedom, and a warriors strength without forgetting compassion.
Do you all remember the story about "The Spirited Horse?"  It is a story of a beautiful white horse named N'Tuki (meaning spirited one) who had a caregiver, a woman named Fa'Rashi.  She would care for this horse, love her, and ride her until one day N'Tuki became pregnant with a daughter who was named N'Kuki ( meaning young one).  Unfortunately, N'Tuki died giving birth to her but she was not lost.  N'Tuki's body turned into this sparkling dust that rose high into the sky and became the stars.  Fa'Rashi took care of N'Kuki just the same as she did for her mother.  So long story short, Fa'Rashi could not do the same for N'Kuki, her beautiful body got stained.  Because of that, when she passed on N'Kuki didn't become the stars like her mother but became the moon.  An entity all her own.



Photograph by Kenneth Fung

Now this story that I think shares all the symbols of the horse very well.  It's a story about love, magic and full filling your destiny even if you make a mistake. A lot of Centaurs tell this story to their children.   I got to sit down with a Centaur in this world (She is in human form) who works on a ranch here in Alberta.  Lets call her Sarah and she takes very good care of the horses here.  Centaurs are interesting in that they can transform into either human or horse form.  In this world it's either one or the other since they can't transform like they can in ours.  However, Sarah has made a lovely life for herself in this realm and will continue to do so but privately as a human.  She is an encyclopedia when is come to horse stories and this is where I got the story of the "Spirited Horse."  All her daughters, know this story too and that amazes me because I have never known anyone that young (even a centaur) to know absolutely everything about these legends and the creatures that star in them.   

So anyway, folks remember that when you watch one of these wild beauties running in the field.  Stop, watch and be inspired because that is sight of one of the most beautiful wildlife scenes you will ever see in this world.  To watch something so wild and free, you will never forget it.  I myself would love to see one of these horse legends in action.  Amazing what an imagination will do.

Photograph by Kenneth Fung



Fairy Wishes



This Image Belongs to Nintendo - Legend of Zelda



Everyone knows that fairies grant wishes.  And that is true but did you know that fairies have wishes of their own?  I bet not.  After many different interviews and even some of my own soul-searching, I managed to gather a list of what a typical fairy wishes for.  It took alot of time but I have found what the majority of fairies will wish for.  Some of you maybe surprised at these answers but you all will see that it actually makes alot of sense. 

 

 

If you have a chance to make one of these wishes come true for these very special beings, then you will be in a very good spot with them. Perhaps you will recieve a special gift from them yourself.  As many fairies will often give you a gift if you do something nice for them or their enviroment.  You really want to know?  Here is what I found:

 

 

• Swim under a waterfall 
• Be naked in the moonlight
• Sleeping in the trees
• Dance like no one is looking 
• Wear bouquet of flowers in their hair
• Be beautiful in somebody else's eyes
• To Fly 
• To Fall
• Make friends with all animals 
• Take a very long journey
• Surround themselves in light
• Be one with the night
• To stop in one moment and enjoy
• Bring magic into their lives and onto others
• Vanquish all their demons
• Be sensual without trying
• Love with all their hearts
• Heal what needs healing
• To indulge in sweet treats
• A home that is safe
• Free to be

 
 Granted, you will have to get creative with this but it is not impossible to do these things for them.  For example; They want to dance like noone is looking?  Here is a clue.  Play some happy music for them and dance yourself.  That will make them feel less shy and want to dance with you.  It'll take some time for them to trust you enough to come out even with all of these wishes but show them kindness, patience and make them feel safe, they will eventually feel confident enough to come out and see you.   If you are sincere, they will continue to visit you and you will make some wonderful friends out of them. 

Picnic in the Plaza - Out of this World

Can anyone imagine a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than being out and about?  Especially when that out and about happens to be in the East Village of Calgary where a lively event, Picnic in the Plaza, is taking place.  What happens there is that many food trucks are spread out by the River Plaza.  These trucks are looking to sell some food and make their presence known. They are similar to the food carts in our world that you see  most in the market town of Merkiva.  There is also a small stage with the "Bass Bus."  Live musicians and deejays played some hot beats and chill melodies.  Sounds like heaven right?  And it's just by the river, so it was paradise.
 

 I came to this event with an old Naga friend that I made in college.   We haven't seen each other for a year and she happened to be in my neck of the realms.  She asked me not to write her name for privacy reasons and I have to respect that.  Many of us know Nagas are half human, half snake creatures from the Hindi/Buddhist regions and are a part of the Siren Clan.  They are similar to mermaids, as they can change their tails into legs. The difference is that they can reside on land and not be affected when water touches their legs.  They still have to be careful because their transformation can happen when they are the most relaxed.  Now being water creatures, they are often the most relaxed when close to water.  We decided that we would go check this thing out and I am really glad that we did.  
 
Our adventure began when we paid our $5.00 at the door and went inside.  The first thing we saw was a small caravan that sold clothing and jewelry. Their clothing was of the more vintage, bohemian, casual type but the jewelry, I lost my heart to it.  It is made locally from recycled material and made to look as if it came from another time.  My friend could not leave without a blue stone necklace that reminded her of home. I don't blame her.  And you know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say these items came straight from the Nether Realm. 

After we had finished admiring the clothing caravan, my friend and I explored and sampled a little of this and a little of that.  I think my favorite was either the mango bruschetta or the triple chocolate cupcake.   Both were so delicious that I could not decide which was better.  I must warn everyone though.  Do not buy the "Love Potion".  My friend and I both agreed that all it would stir up is divorce.  One taste of this would ward off all kinds of human contact.  So naturally, we kept it for protection.  No offense to those who made it but you can't win them all.  



  

But we felt like we won.  The ebb of the river and the eclectic music made the whole event more joyous.  We decided to eat our unusual tacos out by the river since there is an opening at the fence right by it.  My friend, being a Naga and so drawn to water, was very pleased that we did this.  As we ate, we dipped our feet in the river. To me the water was ice cold and damn frigid.  Not so much fun for me but for my friend, she loved it.  To a Naga any water, especially if water is hard to come by, is sacred no matter how cold.  
 
We were listening to the music.  It had some good pulsing beats but it was mellow enough to just enjoy.  The sound of the music seemed to match the look and flow of the water.  I wonder if these musicians and deejays knew this. To be serenaded that way while we chilled out by the water was like we were back in the Nether Realm.  Because she was a little to relaxed, my friend's snake trail showed a bit causing a little concern.  But I covered it with my jacket until her legs came back and luckily no one noticed.  So all is well.

If there is another food truck event like Picnic in the Plaza, I recommend you check it out.  If you have a good friend, good food, good music, water and a warm spring day, you will have a splendid time.


  

Mermaid Beauty Bath

 

Forgive the lateness of my post but I had to travel back to the Nether Realm and get my favorite beauty potion.  It's called Mermaid Beauty Bath and it is a genius infusion that really works.  The best news is, I have the recipe.  If you all want an easy, magical and nourishing bath oil then you all have to try this. 

Ingredients

• A bottle of fresh spring water
• A handful of dead sea salt
• 3 strips of seaweed (found in most health food Stores)
• 1/2 a cup of rose petals (preferably pink)
• 1 sprig of lavender
• 1 cup of coconut oil
• 1 enchanted white pearl (optional)  

What you need to do:

1. Take the rose petals, lavender and seaweed and mix them using a mortar and pestle until well blended.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the spring water to a boil and then turn it right down to low.
3. Add coconut oil and remove saucepan from stove.
4. Put in your favorite bottle (Non-breakable and heat resistant is a must) 
5. Put your plant mixture in with the oil and water.
6. Stir or shake it until blended.
7. Add the sea salt.
8. Drop the pearl in and shake everything.
9. Wait an hour before use.

Tips from the Mermaids:
*Store in a cool dry place

*When you use this product in your bath make sure you have the atmosphere to match because it helps the process work quicker.  In otherwords, have some subtle sea-smelling candles burning, play some light string music and use a natural sponge. 

*The mermaids have a special mantra that they sing to themselves that helps them calm their minds and feel wonderful about themselves.  "Vie estas benlegla , vie trios, vie estas amora"  Loosely translated from the siren language, it means "You are beautiful, you are desire, you are love."

Village Ice Cream

 Looking for something that tastes like magic?  Go to the Village Ice Cream shop.   This is the kind of treat that everybody needs when you're out and about while enjoying a beautiful day.  Of course if you are more of a night person such as a shape-shifter for example, this would be a great place to take the one you love on a romantic night out.  Especially since the atmosphere is so natural and comfortable that it is bound to put even the most nervous of daters at ease.  In this lovely little shop, they make all their ice cream right in the store from scratch.  I tell you that is the only way to go.  After all there is something for everybody of every taste.

Here is a list of suggestions for what you my readers might like:

• Fairies - Hibiscus Sorbet or Honey Lavender
• Elves - Guide's Mint
• Mermaids - Salted Caramel
• Sirens - Toasted Coconut
• Dragon Riders - Cardamom
• Shape-Shifters (aka Werewolves) - Phil and Sebastian Coffee
• Enchanters - Two Hills Earl Grey
• Zombies - Rocky Road
• Spirits -Village Vanilla Bean
• Angels - Strawberry
• Aliens - Strawberry with Coconut Milk
• Gods - Maple Walnut
• Everyone - Melted Chocolate
• Vampires - Ask for a suggestion box.  There is nothing in there with blood in it.

Now when I went I was feeling decadent.  So I decided to order a sundae with everything.  When you ask for a sundae with everything that includes; ice cream of your choice, hot fudge sauce, pecans, whipped cream and a cherry on top. 














I followed the sweet-natured store clerk's advice and took the salted caramel ice cream and I tell you, she was right.  It was AWESOME!  I felt myself go into a wonderful euphoria with the tastes of salty, sweet, creamy and chocolaty all rolled into one fabulous bite.  There is only one word to describe it all and that is ...magic.

There are three locations but I went to the one in Britannia Plaza.  Here is the address and phone number.  Go there and enjoy the magic.

Village Ice Cream
820 49 Ave SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 457-9808