The Lilac Festival

Photo Provided by Kenneth Fung, Photographer

The lilac festival was just this last Sunday.  Yes, in this town we celebrate lilacs as they are a sign of spring.  (Or that's what the humans will say).  It is very interesting that they celebrate this particular flower and it's a good thing.  We too celebrate lilacs because we all know that lilacs are good for balancing chakras and spiritualizing the intellect.   It is also a very good flower for meditations, connecting with your spirit guides and an excellent protection talisman.  So if you are doing yoga and are in need of a relaxing scent or if you want to keep evil spirits away this would be the flower to do it.  Now being of the fey persuasion I was very intrigued with the idea of a festival celebrating this kind of flower.  With our festivals back in the Nether Realm we usually celebrate all kinds of flowers (more detail later). 

Everything in this festivals wasn't fully decorated with lilacs the way that we would do it back in our realm but there were plenty of subtle hints.  It was enough that I'd think Lilah (the lilac fairy) would be very pleased with it.  If not her Persephone since it has to do with spring. 

This lovely festival is similar to our Fertility Festival in the Nether Realm.  There are many merchants out and about trying to sell their wares, interesting entertainment and food trucks (food carts for us) galore.  Like our fertility fest it all starts with a parade.  In this parade you will see some people with costumes on.  Not everyone wears costumes in the parades like we do in our world but there were still some unique outfits.  There were belly dancers, Egyptian and a purple fairy (No not Lilah).  The floats were not elaborate but they didn't have to be.  Everyone had a lot of enthusiasm.  I have to admire every one's effort in what they were doing. 

Yes the music was there too.  There was music of all kinds from classic and contemporary sounds of big bands to boisterous dance music blaring out of large speakers.  It was fun to listen to all these kinds of music.  My favorite was the live bands.  Yes live bands are always my favorite, whether it is "Wasted Nation" here in Calgary (Earth Realm) or the "Horned Faye" in Merkiva (Nether Realm).  It wasn't just the music.  There were many different entertainments.  I was lucky enough to catch the capoeira demonstration and that is really fascinating to see martial arts and dancing combined.

There were many food trucks out and about.  So you will never go hungry but I decided to go to one of Calgary's best pubs which is "Joyce on 4th."  And for good reason.  There are live bands there just for that day and it was quite lively.  But my favorite part is knowing that there is really good beer there to enjoy on a hot day.  I'll tell you that is the very definition of paradise.  My only regret is not stopping for an ice cream.  That truck made them look very tasty.  So if you ever want to check out a lovely festival that reminds you a little bit of home this is the place to be.  Lilah in particular should check it out and shower your blessings up on it. 

Photo provided by Kenneth Fung, Photographer

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.


  

New Orleans Post 2 - The Shopping

When it comes to shopping, you only need to be in one area... The French Quarter.  Everything and anything you need is in this area.  What do many people (mystic or otherwise) look for when on vacation?  The answer is Souvenirs (of course).  The best way to find something is right down Bourbon Street.  Down here if you are looking for just your typical T-Shirt or an atypical piece of art, this is the place and for really good prices.  My favorite store down this street is a small shop called Yesteryears.  This cool little shop is run by a cool, friendly local who has everything here from beautiful jewelry to gorgeous local artwork. 

  I could not help but buy a gorgeous painting made by a woman named Marrus.  She has quite the gift of making these beautiful, otherworldly pictures that not only scream out to you but somehow bring a little magic into your life.  I recommend you check out her website:  www.MarrusArt.com.  Now back to Yesteryears, you will find the unique and wonderful.  A gift from this place will make anyone in your circle smile.  The owner is a very interesting lady herself.  She is very knowledgeable and willing to help out a customer looking for a special something.  Plus she is a hoot, she knows some really funny stories so be sure to listen to a few.

 

Now if you want to get something really unusual, go to a voodoo shop.  You will find things there that you will not find in too many places. 

 <-----This one I thought was the best one.  It has all things Voodoo and then some.  There are books, sachet bags and yes Voodoo dolls.  All of these I am told can be used but I recommend to use with discretion.  If you don't know what you are doing, lets just say it could create a mess.  Still to any person or someone in your life who likes skulls this is the store for you. 

 

One of the top stores that people want to visit are the antique, jewelry and vintage stores.  There are many good ones but I have to admit that my favorite one was Trashy Diva.

   

Not only is it a store filled with Vintage clothing, it is a store that captures your imagination.  Each article of clothing is waiting for someone to take it to an exciting New Orleans event like a Jazz club or a fancy Mardi Gras Ball.  These are outfits meant to create memories.  It's not everybody's style to do vintage but it is in everybody's interest to have some fun and this store is. 

 

If you prefer something a little more high class and sophisticated, check out Violet's NOLA.This store has some beautiful dresses that screams movie star and posh.  So don't wait for your dream dress, get it here. 

 

Now sometimes there are people who don't want clothes of any kind or who are just hard to shop for.  There is a really nice place to go that sells crystals, aromatherapy and fossils.  This store is called Earth Odyssey.  You'll find some lovely all natural gifts that are both unique and thoughtful.  The idea of bringing nature and magic together is a Mystic's way of life.  Now this place will bring our old home of the Netherworld into this world.  And if you feel the need.  They have some very good psychic readings here.  After all, you can't come to New Orleans without considering getting a tarot card reading. 

 

So yes.  Shopping is a good way to spend at least one day of vacation on especially when you want to bring some of your experiences home with you and to share with the ones you love.  This city is a good place to shop no matter what your style, tastes or interests.