Pictures of Wonderland

Good news everyone.  Last week I had a unique opportunity.  It turns out that the fashion designers in Wonderland may want to sell their wares to the rest of the Nether Realm again. I was asked by my scroll mason, Edward, to go to Wonderland and scout out locations for a photoshoot.  A scroll mason is the Nether Realm equivalent of a newspaper editor in the Earth Realm. 

Lituous Trees

Since the 19^th century, Wonderland has kept its gates closed to all beings including mystics, humans, aliens and even gods.  This is because of an incident that involved two humans coming into the Nether Realm.  For months, a man and a little girl kept coming to Wonderland.    No one knew how these two humans got in but there are theories.  I think they both were astral projectors to be honest with you.  Because they kept coming, they discovered Wonderland’s deepest secrets.  Both of these humans wound up telling everyone in the Earth Realm about Wonderland.  The residents saw this as a threat and took drastic action. 

Rappin Sticky Roses

Now that is beginning to change and I got to be one of the first outsiders to go there in about 200 years.  I was quite honored.  I had an anthropomorphic squirrel named Tula to serve as my guide to show me around and tell me about this land.  Anthropomorphic means a creature that is not human but takes on human traits.  Wonderland is a magical place full of fantastic and wondrous oddities.  It is a land shrouded with mystery. 



My big responsibility in being there was to make a good impression on the residents.  So I had to play by their rules and show them that they could trust outsiders again.  I had to get special permission from both the proper authorities of Wonderland and the Ambassadors of Nether Realm Relations to show you my pictures and tell you my story.  Luckily for me they approved of this post.



One of the first things that happened was a frog in a trim grey suit and boulder hat approached Tula and I.  He said to us, "Logging for a haren, milady." I had no idea what that meant which is not surprising because Wonderland has its own unique language.  But my guide looked rather alarmed.  She told me to ignore him so that is what I did but because of her expression, I was not completely comfortable about it.

Bulbut Lightingales

During the two days I was there, I met some interesting anthropomorphic animals that I had a cuckoo, high tea with.  Apparently, logging means looking and haren means high tea.  The tea and cakes were wonderful and beautifully presented.  The company that I kept gave me some hints of what to look for.  Then they decided to talk in the Wonderland language for about ten minutes.  Before I knew it, my companions dumped their teas over their heads, jumped up on the table and did some break dancing on the food.  The high tea ended rather oddly.  Tula and I made an abrupt departure.  No wonder Tula was a bit concerned about going to a high tea.



Early the next morning, we began the search for locations.   We went to the areas that were suggested to us at the high tea and what I saw was awe-inspiring.  We came across trees that had small, glowing growths.  They looked like stars arranged in a pattern on the tree’s bark.  Tula told me that these trees are called the lituous trees.  They were very cool.  Next we came across an unusual vine that had

bright red pointed flowers.  They are called rappin sticky roses and they are highly poisonous.  From a distance you can smell their musky seductive scent but if you get too close, they will knock you unconscious for a week.  I am told not even the bulbut lightingales would wake you up.  The bulbut lightingales grow wild but they also grow on people’s houses and they are the brightest things I have ever seen. They shine their brightest at night when the sun is completely down.  It brings a whole new meaning to a nightlight. 

Stilfalin Waterfall

I saw a lot of beautiful things in Wonderland but what captured my heart was the Stifalin Waterfall.  It was a waterfall that has been frozen in time.  At one time there was a war between two kingdoms.  Both sides suffered great loss and many people died.  The conflicting royalties called a truce and froze this waterfall as a symbol of this truce.  However the war was not ended and I got the sense that they are still on shaky ground.  A beautiful symbol to remind them that war has terrible consequences that should be avoided.  A frozen waterfall is unnatural and so is war. 

To be able to go to Wondeland and get some pictures

 of possible locations for a photoshoot was a chance of a lifetime.   Although I was happy to go, it was not an easy trip.  People speaking in a language I don’t understand and engaging in some really bizarre behavior can be off putting.  However, I am happy that Wonderland is looking to trade their fashions again.  Wonderland has always had beautiful and enchanting clothes.  I’ve seen them in my Mom’s old scrolls and I wished I had some of those dresses.  Luckily, I might be able to buy one now.  Hopefully, Wonderland will hold to their decision to trade.  Only time will tell.      





.

   

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?


 

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 Peculiar Portal of Ptarmigan Cirque

The entrance of Ptarmigan Cirque

The Nether Realm

 Good news mystics!  If your feeling homesick, I found a portal just outside of Ptarmigan Cirque.  It is a little area in the Kananaskis that is used for hiking.  I have heard some good things about this beautiful place so I decided to explore it for a day.

I walk the trail until I come to an elevated path.  This is a very steep hike, so I mentally prepare myself for it.  After walking up this slope for a while, I decided to stop and catch my breath.  I felt like my lungs were set on fire by a salamander (fire elemental).  Out of the corner of my eye, I see what looks like a blue star.   I walk over to it and to my surprise, I had bumped into a portal.  Before I knew it, the star turns into a big blue mass that swallows me whole.  It sounds scary but portals tend to do that.

The Golden Stones that house the Gate

The first thing I saw was the Golden Stones and I knew that I was back in the Nether Realm. The purple clouds were out that day which tells me that the sorcerers were brewing the anti-demon shields again.  So it's a dead give away at what realm this was.  Then I was greeted in a formal manner by  the guardian of the gate.  It's a comforting feeling to know that this enchantress is still there day and night but I can't help but wonder...doesn't she ever take a break? A nice vacation away from making sure that only mystics come through to the Nether Realm?  Well all I know is she can be a real tight-ass.  She lets me take pictures of the scenery but not of her.  She really needs some time off!

She is still lovely though but the Golden Stones were more so.  These rocks are real gold and no you can not just take them.  Only dwarfs or leprechauns can access them.  Anyone else who tries often meets with some terrible luck but they are still wonderful to watch when the sun hits them.  They sparkle like an angel's halo.
  

Winding road down a fairy forest

So after I paid my respects to the guardian, I walk through the glen, down the winding road and into the fairy forest.  There is so much to see that I could write a novel about it all.  Since that would take a little longer, I will save you all of that and skip to the best part.

It was just about sundown when I saw a sight that I haven't seen in a long time.  The sprites emerging for their nightly flight.  Sprites are little wisps of light similar to will-o-the-wisps but smaller and pure magical energy.  They look like beautiful little orbs.  I always love to watch them flit through the air.  

Sprites emerging at Sundown

 
I could not stay to watch these lovely little lights for long because I had a date waiting for me in the Earth realm. But at least, I got a picture to remember them by.   So, I propped out my wings and flied out of the forest faster than a bat escaping from a giant's fart.  I wave good bye to the guardian and pass through the gate. 

It was nice to see the Nether Realm again.  Even I miss it and I travel all the time. To all those who are suffering from homesickness... don't worry, we have all been there and I have a couple of little tips that I got from a witch doctor to help you get over that.  The first thing you do is make yourself a nice cup of wild orange blossom tea and sip it slowly.  The second thing you do is take a piece of sugilite (aka dream stone) and put it under your pillow as you sleep.  Both of these items will relieve any sadness you have and open up your heart to happiness.  What do you all do when you are homesick?