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.      





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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?


 

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.


  

Calgary Flames are Climbing Up!

Well sports fans, the Calgary Flames have just beaten the Anaheim Ducks!  Awesome!  But this is just the beginning for them.  They have at least three more games with the Ducks in order to get to the next level.  Will they get there?  Only time will tell but I am hopeful.  By the look of the last game the Ducks are quite strong players but the good news so are the Flames. 

Hockey is interesting isn't it?  It's not as exciting as watching the Warrior Realm fights in the coliseum in Colisium but there is a certain ballet to it.  I think Artemis or Athena would approve of hockey.  Although I have had no chance in talking to either one of them being busy goddesses and all, I'd like to think they enjoy a good sport just like the rest of us. 

The sport of hockey is intriguing but the parties that you go to when you want to celebrate the win can be epic.  I'm talking fireworks, dancing like its the centennial celebration and happiness that fills an entire city.  Word of warning though, If you are going out to the Red Mile ( 17 Avenue Southwest ).  Make sure that you are cautious, aware of what's going on around you and make lots of fun memories!  It's important to have those because that is what makes this world worth living.  Just ask the guy who got arrested the last time there was a party on the Red Mile.  Apparently he was running around with nothing on below his waist.  Back in our world, it's usually Pan (the satyr nature god ) and he hasn't gotten any since the Celestina put a curse on him. 

Good luck and skill have been blessed to the Flames, so far.  I know they will play with all their hearts and make all us Calgarians proud.  So win big Flames!  Not just for your love of the game but for your fans.  I got $50 riding on you guys!  Good luck.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Well St. Patrick's Day is over, and that means that all mystics have to go back to work.  It's nice having a day off to get things done especially when one of those things is the celebratory green beer.  It's really nice that we celebrate and say thanks to all our Irish mystics with a day off.  We owe them alot.  For example, our leprechauns have helped us all when it comes to money.  They are our most gifted accountants, bankers, etc. 

 Without them, our economy back in the Netherworld would be struggling like it is here in the earth realm.  That reminds me I want to give a shout out to my leprechaun friend back home.  "Hey Mikey!  Thanks for helping me get my lovely new living space.  You're a real pal." 

I love St. Patrick's day.  It's a fun day and not just for the beer but for the music, the dancing and all things green.  Speaking of green, I hear that Chicago (USA) has it's river running green.  Talk about getting into the spirit of things.   How many places do this?  ...Seriously how many? 

Well as you all know St. Patrick's day is a day to commemorate the man who got rid of all the snakes off of Ireland.  Guess what his name is.  :P  Anyway, I have learned not too long ago that snakes might have been a metaphor for pagans and other non-christian types.  (Yeah right.  Good job Patty, since none of them had left.) 

Well lets not focus on that.  Let's focus on the fun. If we are thinking in Christan values, this is the one day that you can indulge in food and drink (aka green beer) during lent.  Now come on, Who doesn't love that?  Since I'm in the earth realm.  I will enjoy my St. Patty's day just relaxing, enjoying some pub food, and having my favorite green beverage.

<-----Oh yeah and wearing green.  Hope you all enjoyed this lovely holiday!  Please feel free to tell me what you all did.

New Orleans post 5 - Mardi Gras

Here's a good question for you all.  Why should you come to New Orleans in the first place?   The answer is simple...Mardi Gras!!!  A long party that celebrates the coming of Lent.  It's a Catholic thing.  Every Mardi Gras is different but they usually last about a month.  So it's a month long of partying and feasting before you have to purge yourself and be good.  Nice thought eh?






You will notice that Mardi Gras has three distinct colors that all mean something different. Purple meaning justice, Green means faith and Gold means power.  All good things to stand for when used in a good way (of course).  They do, don't worry.  Now you will notice people who are wearing masks, costumes and face paint.  Feel free my mystics to do the same because there are not enough occasions where we get to wear costumes in this realm.  Anything goes here and I mean anything.  I saw many people who's costumes were made from body paint. 

Now a big thing with Mardi Gras is the parades.  They happen throughout different parts of the day and night.  You will see some fantastic floats, marching bands playing some good old fashioned tunes and dancers in lovely costumes.  Many of the parades are gigantic but the ones that were my personal favorite were the smaller ones rolling down Bourbon Street.  A small band would play and everyone on the street would start dancing.  Oh how fun that was!  I'll never forget it.

There is something you have to watch out for though.  And that is the beads being thrown.  It's easy for these things to hit you and here is the wild thing...you can't SUE.  I was informed by one of the locals that there is a law there that strictly prohibits anyone from suing someone else if you are hit by the mardi gras goodies.  I laughed and laughed at this but it does make sense believe it or not.  Fear not!  If you keep your head up and watch for these things you are guaranteed a safe bead-free injury.  Besides you want to collect as many as these beads as you can get because they are the cheapest souvenir you can get.  Now it's not just beads you can get.  Bras and panties are being thrown too.  If you catch one of these you're expected to wear them.  Just ask this guy!

Whoever you are dude.  Thanks for being the one to catch that bra and making it look good.

 

One more thing you might want to catch is the coconut.  My companion caught one and it means that she will have life long luck.  So not a bad thing to have.  I tell you this, I may not have gotten the gift of lifelong luck coming to New Orleans but I do have a lifelong memory.  Being here just opened my eyes to a whole new world and a whole new state of being.  I never thought I'd get something spiritual out of this or any kind of realization about myself.  I honestly thought it would just be a good time.  So come to New Orleans whether it's for the food, the crowd or the party.  Whatever you are looking for, you will find it.  It is a fabulous place to be.

Just ask this guy!

 

If you have any other questions or opinions, please feel free to comment.  I am pleased to hear from everyone.