Signed Cover Art

If you'd like to receive a signed cover art postcard, email me at isobael at gmail dot com. Include your name and mailing address and I'll get them in the mail to you.

January 31, 2011

New website banner...

Been thinking (could you smell the smoke?!?) and decided to just cut out the separate website. I do more posting on my blog anyway, and since we can add pages like a website, I decided to just point my domain address to the blog and make my blog into my website.

The only think it can't do it have downloads. I was going to have an archive of the newsletters available for download, but it's a no go on this.

So, I'll just create a little notice for it.

What do you think of the new look? Have you seen the new look for the newsletter? What do you think of that one?

Since my laptop shows it my colors, you'll have to tell me if there are colors too bright or too muted on your end.

=)

January 30, 2011

Just because...

In other odd news...

Here's my writing play-list. Marvel at the eclectic mix of modern and masterpiece music.


Or not...

1. E.S. Posthumus - Antissa (5:11)
2. Marilyn Manson - Marilyn Manson - Marilyn Manson - Posthuman (4:02)
3. Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No.3 in E Flat Major, Op.55 "Eroica": Marcia funebre: Adagio assai (16:35)
4. Goo Goo Dolls - Stay With You (3:57)
5. Various - Beethoven Rondo A Capriccio in G Major, op129 "Rage Over a Lost Penny" (6:45)
6. Depeche Mode - Nothing To Fear (Live) (4:26)
7. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - The Marriage of Figaro, K 492 (Excerpts) -- "Voi, che sapete..." (Cherubino) (3:15)
8. Track 9 (6:49)
9. Depeche Mode - In Chains (6:53)
10. Autumnal Blood Moon - Within You (1:32)
11. Various - Rachmaninoff Preludes, op23 No5 in G minor - Alla marcia (4:12)
12. Various - Rachmaninoff Preludes, op23 - No2 in B flat major - Maestoso (3:52)
13. MIDIval PunditZ - Bhangra Fever (5:14)
14. Metallica - Until It Sleeps (4:28)
15. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C Major, K 299 -- II. Andantino (8:38)
16. Drowning Pool - Soldiers (3:39)
17. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Don Giovanni (Excerpts), K 527 -- Overture (6:34)
18. Sting - Desert Rose (techno remix (9:19)
19. Various - Liszt Transcriptions from Schwanengesang D957 (6:14)
20. Depeche Mode - John the Revelator (3:42)
21. Deep Forest & Peter Gabriel - Whi (9:32)
22. India by Night - Gone (6:08)
23. E.S. Posthumus - Harappa (4:36)
24. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No. 2 in D Major, K 314 -- III. Allegro (5:09)
25. Beethoven - Sonata No.8 In C Minor, Op.13 (Pathetique)-Adagio Cantabile (5:37)
26. Gabriel Darknight - Vampire's Crush (4:50)
27. Depeche Mode - Nothing To Fear (4:16)
28. Janet Jackson - Black Cat (1990) (4:50)
29. Stabbing Westward - Sometimes it Hurts (3:40)
30. Orgy - Opticon (2:56)
31. Static-X - Start A War (2:45)
32. Oddstar - She's Too Cool for You (demo) (4:09)
33. Gabriel Darknight - Overture of the Vampire (4:47)
34. Track 8 (1:22)
35. David Arnold - From The Motion Picture 'Die Another Day': James Bond Theme (Oakenfold Mix) (2:44)
36. Depeche Mode - Jezebel (4:41)
37. Various - Rachmaninoff Preludes, op23 - No4 in D major - Andante cantabile (5:14)
38. Various - Beethoven Piano Sonata No 14 in C Sharp Minor, op27-2 II - Allegretto (2:42)
39. Depeche Mode - A Photograph Of You (3:04)
40. Downfall Funeral - Into The Garden Of Dark Deligh (7:40)
41. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Don Giovanni (Excerpts), K 527 -- Madammina... (Register Aria by Leporello) (5:33)
42. Depeche Mode - See You (4:34)
43. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K 183 -- I. Allegro con brio (9:43)
44. Puscifer - Choked (4:50)
45. Nine Inch Nails - Somewhat Damaged (4:31)
46. Reign of Angels - Empty (3:57)
47. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Te Deum Laudamus, K 141 -- Allegro - Adagio - Allegro (6:33)
48. Various - Rachmaninoff Piano concerto No1 in F sharp minor, op1-Vivace (13:29)
49. Hungry Lucy - Bound in Blood (Waltz Lullaby) (3:25)
50. Rob Zombie - Feel So Numb (3:38)
51. Track 6 (6:47)
52. Metallica - Nothing Else Matters (6:27)
53. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K 504 ''Prager'' -- I. Adagio - Allegro (12:24)
54. Depeche Mode - Wrong (3:13)
55. Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op9 - Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op. 9/3 (6:46)
56. Various - Tchaikovsky- The Nutcracker, op 71 March (2:02)
57. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Adante for Flute and Orchestra in C Major, K 316 (7:29)
58. Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No.7 in A Major, Op.92: III. Presto (10:16)
59. E.S. Posthumus - Estremoz (5:06)
60. Cruciform - Eternal (3:43)
61. Paul Oakenfold - Southern Sun (Exclusive New Oakenfold 2008 Remix) (3:00)
62. Track 4 (5:57)
63. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Don Giovanni (Excerpts), K 527 -- "La ci darem la mano" (Duet Don Giovanni - Zerlina) (3:28)
64. Garden of Dreams - Killing Romeo and Juliet (Alt (2:59)
65. Orgy - Suckerface (3:28)
66. Scott Weiland - Time of The Season (3:25)
67. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra No. 10 in E Flat Major, K 365 -- III. Rondeau - Allegro (6:44)
68. Methods Of Mayhem - Metamorphisis (4:40)
69. Downfall Funeral - Fall From Grace (7:20)
70. The Smashing Pumpkins - Perfect (Perfecto Mix) (4:01)
71. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K 467 -- II. Andante (6:52)
72. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Coronation Mass in C Major, K 317 -- II. Gloria (4:35)
73. Depeche Mode - Monument (3:14)
74. Marilyn Manson - Angel With The Scabbed Wings (3:52)
75. Happy Mondays - Step On (Paul Oakenfold Remix) (2:39)
76. Stabbing Westward - Haunting Me (3:36)
77. Janet Jackson - Rythmn Nation (5:29)
78. Various - Grieg Elegies for Piano, op.34 I: Wounded Heart" (2:27)
79. Various - Liszt Etudes d'execution transcendante - "Harmonies du soir" (8:35)
80. Bhangra Knights - Fascinating Rhythm (3:05)
81. Bella Morte - Fall No More (5:06)
82. Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place (6:29)
83. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K 550 -- I. Molto allegro (7:52)
84. Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op9 - Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op. 9/1 (5:29)
85. Depeche Mode - Shouldn't Have Done That (3:12)
86. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Concerto for Horn and Orchestra No. 4 in E Flat Major, K 495 -- II. Romanza - Andante (4:55)
87. Metallica - The Struggle Within (3:53)
88. Gabriel Darknight - Impaler (3:34)
89. Chopin Nocturne in F flat major, op15 - Chopin Nocturne in F major, op. 15/3 (10:45)
90. Christina Aguilera - Candyman (3:14)
91. Nancy Sinatra - How Does That Grab You, Darlin'? (2:46)
92. Various - Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No1 in B flat minor, op23 Allego con fuoco-Allegro vivo (7:03)
93. Beethoven - Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 (Appassionata)-Allegro Assai (9:34)
94. Rasputina - Transylvanian Concubine (2:56)
95. Beethoven - Andante Favori In F Major, Woo 57 (8:28)
96. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K 550 -- IV. Allegro assai (6:47)
97. Depeche Mode - Satellite (4:41)
98. Chemical Brothers - Setting Sun (5:22)
99. Depeche Mode - Now This Is Fun (3:24)
100. The Cure - Lost (4:11)
101. Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op9 - Chopin Nocturne in B flat minor, op. 9/2 (4:43)
102. Chopin Nocturne in F flat major, op15 - Chopin Nocturne in F major, op. 15/2 (5:00)
103. Nine Inch Nails - We're in This Together (7:16)
104. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Laudate Dominum, from ''Vesperae solennes de confessore,'' K 339 (5:12)
105. E.S. Posthumus - Nara (4:51)
106. My Socrates - Toy Matinee (3:36)
107. E.S. Posthumus - Cuzco (4:02)
108. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - "The Magic Flute," K 620 (Excerpts) -- "Der Holle Rache" (Konigin der Nacht) (3:23)
109. Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 - 2 (Moonlight Sonata)-Presto Agitato (7:46)
110. Hans Zimmer - Jack Theme Suite (Paul Oakenfold Mix) (3:42)
111. Various - Beethoven Piano Sonata No 14 in C Sharp Minor, op27-2 III - Presto Agitato (7:46)
112. Unto Ashes - Morte o Merce (4:51)
113. Depeche Mode - Comatose (3:24)
114. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Concerto for Horn and Orchestra No. 4 in E Flat Major, K 495 -- III. Rondo - Allegro Vivace (4:00)
115. Collide - Razor Sharp (4:52)
116. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K 550 -- III. Menuetto - Allegretto (4:31)
117. Depeche Mode - Corrupt (6:14)
118. Finger Eleven - Quicksand (4:06)
119. Paul Oakenfold - Dread Rock (2:50)
120. Escape Club - Wild Wild West (5:43)
121. Drowning Sorrow - Heart-Shaped Chalkline (4:43)
122. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Serenade No. 7 in D Major, K 250 "Haffner-Serenade" -- II. Andante (9:23)
123. Chemical Brothers - Hey Boy Hey G (4:49)
124. Linking Park - What I ve Done (3:27)
125. Various - Rachmaninoff Piano concerto No1 in F sharp minor, op1 (7:12)
126. Swahili - Zap Mama - Rafiki (4:04)
127. Depeche Mode - The Meaning Of Love (Live) (3:13)
128. Dirty Vegas - Days Go By (Paul Oakenfold Remix Y Vocal) (3:40)
129. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - The Marriage of Figaro, K 492 (Excerpts) -- "Cosi fan tutte," K 588 (4:40)
130. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - "The Magic Flute," K 620 (Excerpts) -- "Der Vogelfanger bin ich ja" (Papageno) (2:35)
131. E.S. Posthumus - Lepcis Magna (3:27)
132. Depeche Mode - See You (Live) (4:09)
133. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - The Marriage of Figaro, K 492 -- Overture (4:17)
134. The Cure - Maybe Someday (5:08)
135. Various - Tchaikovsky- The Nutcracker, op 71 Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (1:55)
136. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - "The Magic Flute," K 620 (Excerpts) -- Overture (7:23)
137. Depeche Mode - In Sympathy (4:54)
138. Underworld - Born Slippy Nuxx (Paul Oakenfold Mix) (3:12)
139. Various - Beethoven Piano Sonata No 14 in C Sharp Minor, op27-2 Moonlight 1st Mvmt Adagio sostenuto (6:20)
140. Track 1 (3:44)
141. Blooded - the 13th revelation (1st cut) (4:02)
142. Tapping The Vein - bleed (4:25)
143. Garden of Dreams - Drinking from my soul (7:55)
144. Nine Inch Nails - Closer (6:13)
145. Audra - There Are No Snakes In Heaven (3:16)
146. Various - Rachmaninoff Preludes, op3 - No2 in C sharp minor (3:54)
147. Republica - Baby I m Ready To Go (5:01)
148. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K 551 - ''Jupiter-Symphony" -- III. Menuetto - Allegro (5:06)
149. Chemical Brothers - It Began In Africa (6:17)
150. Cafe Noire - The Clock Strikes XII (4:55)
151. Immaculata - Fury (5:25)
152. Stabbing Westward - Lost (3:21)
153. Various - Tchaikovsky- The Nutcracker, op 71 Pas de deux: Intrada (5:13)
154. Beethoven - Sonata No.8 In C Minor, Op.13 (Pathetique)-Rondo Allegro (4:20)
155. Steve Roach (ambient) - Midnight Loom (6:59)
156. Beethoven - Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.1 In C Major, Op.15-Allegro Con Brio (16:08)
157. Drowning Pool - Enemy (3:28)
158. Madonna - Sorry (Paul Oakenfold Remix) (5:05)
159. Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 - 2 (Moonlight Sonata)-Adagio (6:19)
160. Nine Inch Nails - Hurt (6:13)
161. E.S. Posthumus - Nineveh (3:42)
162. Lacuna Coil - Un Fantasma Tra Noi (A Ghost Between Us) (5:24)
163. Track 1 (13:39)
164. Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden (4:46)
165. Bizarre Love Triangle - Psycho (4:46)
166. Beethoven - Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 (Appassionata)-Andante Con Moto (6:23)
167. Justin Timberlake - My Love ft. T.I. (Paul Oakenfold Remix) (4:59)
168. Lost Memories - The Crimson Sleep (5:22)
169. Ayria - Rain (Epsilon Minus) (0:02)
170. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K 525 "A Little Nightmusic" -- I. Allegro (7:53)
171. Depeche Mode - World in My Eyes (4:26)
172. Beethoven - Kreutzer-Sonata In A Minor, Op.47 Fur Piano And Violin (Kreutzer-Sonata)-Adagio Sostenuto (11:53)
173. 07 The Meaning Of Love
174. eingos euphony
175. Various - Chopin Piano Sonata No 2 in B flat minor, op 35 "March funebre" (8:20)
176. Depeche Mode - Peace (4:28)
177. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - "The Magic Flute," K 620 (Excerpts) -- "Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon" (Tamino) (3:50)
178. Hungry Lucy - Apparitions Mega-Mix (5:06)
179. Paul OakenfoldBrittany Murphy - Faster Kill Pussycat (4:17)
180. Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden (Live) (7:30)
181. Drowning Pool - Hate (3:41)
182. Nine Inch Nails - I Do Not Want This (5:41)
183. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Requiem, K 626 (Completed by Franz Xaver Sussmayr) -- Lacrimosa dies illae (3:00)
184. Depeche Mode - Oberkorn (It's A Small Town) (4:09)
185. Depeche Mode - Little Soul (3:31)
186. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - A Musical Joke (Village Musicians-Sextet), K 522 -- III. Adagio cantable (6:08)
187. E.S. Posthumus - Pompeii (3:40)
188. Beethoven - Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op.61-Rondo (10:55)
189. Nine Inch Nails - Where Is Everybody? (5:40)
190. Drowning Pool - Let The Bodies Hi (3:29)
191. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - The Marriage of Figaro, K 492 (Excerpts) -- "Porgi amor" (Grafin) (3:22)
192. Seether - Fade Away (3:52)
193. Depeche Mode - A Photograph Of You (Live) (3:30)
194. Faith and the Muse - Prodigal
195. Rage Against The Machine - Renaga
196. Various - Chopin Nocturne in F flat major, op15 (4:03)
197. The Cure - Hello I Love You (Rare
198. 09-Requiem, K 626 (Completed by Franz Xaver Sussmayr) -- Introitus - Requiem aeternam
199. Glitter Kisses
200. 04 Ain t No Other Man
201. Various - Liszt Reminescences de Don Juan (18:28)
202. Guilty
203. Drop Dead Gorgeous - Republica
204. 02 Tikal
205. Information Society - Running
206. 04 Ulaid
207. im dead
208. Metallica - Thorn Within
209. 11 Planet Rock
210. Rob Zombie - American Nightmare
211. Puscifer - Comfort Me
212. 02 Watching Me Fall
213. Beethoven - Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 (Appassionata)-Allegro Ma Non Troppo (8:13)
214. Depeche Mode - Spacewalker (1:53)
215. 04-Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, op54 1st mvmt allegro affetuoso
216. VNV Nation - Beloved
217. Beethoven - Sonata No.8 In C Minor, Op.13 (Pathetique)-Grave: Allegro Di Molto E Con Brio (8:17)
218. Depeche Mode - Excerpt From: My Secret Garden (3:16)
219. Rage Against the Machine - Take t
220. PJ Harvey - No Girl So Sweet
221. The Cure - Burn (The Crow Soundtr
222. 11-1 (Quashi Una Fantasia)-Andante Allegro-Tempo I
223. 02-2 (Moonlight Sonata)-Allegretto
224. Oingo Boingo - Dead Man s Party
225. 10 Menouthis
226. Reincarnate
227. 02-Liszt Transcriptions from 12 Lieder - Erlkonig , op1
228. 12 I Am You
229. Corvus Corax- Hymnus-Cantica (Car
230. Ayria - It s Been Fun
231. Depeche Mode - Perfect (4:33)
232. Depeche Mode - Come Back (5:15)
233. Various - Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No1 in B flat minor, op23 Allego non troppo e molto maestoso (19:00)
234. tinker children childe
235. 05 The Dead of Night
236. Depeche Mode - The Sun And The Rainfall (5:05)
237. Track 3 (10:53)
238. Isabella
239. 11-Rachmaninoff Preludes, op23 - No6 in E flat major - Andante
240. 12 You're Not Alone
241. Various - Beethoven Piano Concert No 5 in E flat major op73 III - Rondo Allegro (10:47)
242. 05-Track 5
243. 03-Liszt Transcriptions from 12 Lieder - Ave Maria , op52 No4
244. Various - Beethoven Piano Concert No 5 in E flat major op73 I - Allegro (20:57)
245. Depeche Mode - Hole To Feed (3:59)
246. God Smack - I Stand Alone
247. My Succubus
248. They Killed Three Litt
249. 18 Missing (Exclusive New Oakenfold 2008 Remix)
250. Seether - Fake It
251. Linkin Park - Numb
252. 10 - depeche mode - damaged peopl
253. 05-Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 23 in A Major, K 488 -- Allegro
254. PJ Harvey - Big Fish Little Fish
255. Portishead - Numb
256. Tainted Wings
257. 07-Rachmaninoff Piano concerto No1 in F sharp minor, op1-Allegro Vivace
258. 01-Symphony No.3 in E Flat Major, Op.55 Eroica Allegro con brio
259. 02 Into the Void
260. Chopin Nocturne in F flat major, op15 - Chopin Nocturne in F major, op. 15/1 (3:23)
261. Various - Schumann Fantasy pieces op 12 -Aufschwung (3:21)
262. Various - Schumann Fantasy pieces op 12 -Des Abends (4:00)
263. 3 Days Grace - Pain
264. 08-Rondo for Piano and Orchestra in A Major, K 386 -- Allegretto
265. Chemical Brothers - Electrobank
266. 07-Track 7
267. 03-Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K 525 A Little Nightmusic -- III. Minuet - Allegretto
268. 08-Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra in B Flat Major, K 191 -- II. Andante, ma Adagio
269. When I Am Queen
270. Beethoven - Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In G Major, Op.58-Rondo Vivace (10:35)
271. Godsmack - The Enemy
272. Baudelaire
273. Beethoven - Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In E Flat Major, Op.73-Rondo: Allegro (10:34)
274. 13 Satellite (Live)
275. Chemical Brothers - Bass Test
276. Various - Schumann Scenes from childhood, op15 "Traumerei" (3:06)
277. Drowning Pool - Tear away
278. 08-Schumann Fantasy pieces op 12 -Warum
279. 13 Isfahan
280. 02-Track 2
281. 01 Starry Eyed Surprise
282. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Ave vernum corpus - Motet - K 618 (2:57)
283. Club Mixes-Falco - Rock Me Amadeu
284. All My Lovers
285. Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No.9 in D Minor, Op.125: IV. Presto - Allegro assai "Ode to Joy" (10:08)
286. 04 Stop Me ft Daniel Merriweather (Exclusive New Oakenfold 2008 Remix)
287. Corvus Corax - Bretonischer Marsc
288. 02-Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K 525 A Little Nightmusic -- II. Romance - Andante
289. 07-Beethoven Piano Sonata No 23 in F Minor, op57 Appassionata 1st Mvmt
290. 04 Lay Your World on Me (Album Ve
291. 02-Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K 550 -- II. Andante
292. 09 - depeche mode - introspectre
293. Rob White Zombie - I m Your Boogi
294. 04-Symphony No.6 in F Major, Op.68, Pastoral Symphony I. Allegro ma non troppo
295. Various - Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No1 in B flat minor, op23 Andantino semplice (6:48)
296. Chemical Brothers - Galvanize
297. 06 The Fragile
298. 16 Winter Storm (Club Mix)
299. Technoir - Requiem
300. Beethoven - Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op.61-Larghetto (10:48)
301. Pucifer - Rev 22-20
302. Depeche Mode - Miles Away/The Truth Is (4:14)
303. Depeche Mode - Fragile Tension (4:09)
304. 05 Ebla
305. 04-Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in A Major, K 622 -- II. Adagio
306. Stabbing Westward - Save Yourself
307. Rob Zombie - Living Dead Girl
308. Various - Grieg Elegies for Piano, op.34 II: Last Spring (5:20)
309. 05-Beethoven Piano Concert No 5 in E flat major op73 II - Adagio un poco mosso
310. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat Major for Violin and Viola, K 364 -- II. Andante (11:38)
311. 04-Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K 525 A Little Nightmusic -- IV. Rondo - Allegro
312. 10-The Marriage of Figaro, K 492 (Excerpts) -- Non piu andrai... (Figaro)
313. 03-Symphony No.5 in C Minor, Op.67, Destiny I. Allegro con brio
314. Corvus Corax - Isabella
315. 08 Ready Steady Go
316. Depeche Mode - Leave In Silence (4:48)
317. 03 Unfinished Sympathy (Perfecto Mix)

February's Newsletter...

February's newsletter was sent out to those signed up to receive it.

If you'd like to sign up, shoot me an email with your email addy and I'll add you to the list. =)

Isobael at gmail dot com.

January 29, 2011

Reticules and shawls...

My mother has a few rather old magazines. She crochets doilies and bedspreads, table runners, even a large canopy for her four poster bed (which I STILL want...)

When she watched me sew some reticules, we talked about crocheted drawstring purses, sewing in contrasting liner. She's excited to get to crocheting again!

Speaking of reticules, here's the end result from my project with my daughter.

The pattern we decided to go with.

The lining material. It's a darker pink than the photo shows, but not by much.

Brat's fabric - scraps of what we had left over from making her skirt.


The material for my reticule (We ended up making four with this material!)


The first two are from the scrap fabric we had left after making her skirt. Now she has a matching reticule. Actually, she has two using the same fabric. Inside, the liner is pink to match the pink bows on the skulls.



This is my reticule. We ran out of the pink so Dad found some scrap material he had, so the lining is a dark purple color. I ended up making three in this shape, using this material, and an oblong square-ish shaped bag for Mom to store her makeup in.

Shawls - I am in search of the perfect shawl. I'll probably end up making them as well, but that's not a problem. Maybe I can get Mom to crochet me one. LOL. I have to post these measurements though, so I'll have them on hand. These are typical measurements for shawls between Regency and Victorian times.


Square shawls should be in the range of 55 inches to 70 inches square with 64 inches square being standard. 

Long shawls are double squares, sometimes called plaids, which should be 55 inches wide by 110 inches long to 70 inches wide by 140 inches long with 64 inches wide by 128 inches long being the most common. 

Three-quarter shawls are 3/4ths the width and 3/4ths length of a standard double square shawl. A three-quarter shawl would be 48 inches wide by 96 inches long. 

 
I love this shawl...

OH! OHohohoh!!! Look at this! Isn't this to die for?!? I would LOVE to have a parasol like this...maybe a contrasting fabric underneath in silk or satin...


Anyway, as I said earlier...I may make mine. Probably a flannel material as it's light and easy to sew, fringes easily. If I can find a flannel material I like.

I've also read where someone took a velour throw and cut it down to a shawl size. That might be interesting. I'll check out WalMart's cheap blankets to see what it feels like. Maybe sometime this week I'll go and look.


January 24, 2011

“Rules of Being A Lady.”

On the flip side, it seems women need some reminders as well.

I put together this list and printed it out for my 13 year old daughter as a primer for being a lady.


1. Never rely on your sexuality to get ahead in the world. It is not a weapon and it’s never, ever a form of currency. You have a mind and manners to gain respect.

2. Be gracious. Be grateful, not because it’s the right thing to be, but because you truly feel grateful. Show it and mean it. Be sincere.

3. Show criticisms in a tactful and constructive manner. Be mindful of the feelings you may hurt. You are not tearing down, you are building up.

4. Never spread gossip. Let it end with your ears and never with your lips.

5.  Be educated, think for yourself. If you cannot attend further schooling, then teach yourself. Seek out knowledge so you can have educated opinions. Have an understanding of the arts, sciences, politics. If you don’t know or can’t participate in a discussion, don’t.

6. Be strong. Develop your own moral code and conscience. Practice self control. Do not be a slave to your passions. Have high standards. Show respect and be deserving of respect.

7. Be graceful, not only in your own movements, but in your desire to make those around you feel at ease. Show hospitality and welcome in your home and business place. By being comfortable with yourself and your surroundings, you unconsciously make others feel comfortable.

8. Dress not to please others, but out of respect for yourself.

9. Never be patronizing. You never allow others to feel inadequate, or of lesser quality or being than yourself, even if their standards are different than your own. You may not agree with others, but you never make them feel less than a person for it.

10. Accept the opening of doors as an act of kindness and respect. Offer to pay your half of the bill, but never argue if a man insists. Allow a man (gentleman) to behave with propriety toward you and expect no less.

11.  Do not suffocate the people around you with overpowering body scents. A little goes a long way. On that note, keep yourself clean. Wash daily. Even a sponge bath is better than nothing at all. 

January 23, 2011

Being a gentleman...

I’m sorry I’m not blonde and petite. I’m fat, and I'm not beautiful. I don’t wear short skirts or tight pants and I don’t wear stiletto heels. I don’t chew my gum like a cow with a cud, or twist a lock of hair around a finger.
However, the last time I checked, I still have breasts, I’m still classified as a female, and when I’m walking toward a building with a manual door, I still like the door opened for me, or even held open for me.
Especially when the same door is being opened and a man is exiting the building.

What kind of idiocy prevails today when a man, seeing me as I approach the door, could not remain there for more than two seconds, to hold the door for me, so I could enter? He wasn’t rushing anywhere and he wasn’t wearing any form of uniform that could excuse him for being in any hurry.

What’s even worse, I’ve seen people blow off the elderly in passing. Maybe the grandmotherly, even great-grandmotherly aged woman was walking a bit slow and people rush past them to get to the door, but don’t hold the door, and this poor elderly woman either has to make a last moment dash and grab for the door, or wait until it’s closed to open it for themselves. At this point, I’ve tried to reach past them to beat them to grabbing the door with a polite, “Let me get the door for you,” and I open the door.

Because it’s polite, it’s the right thing to do.

While we’re at it, let’s run through a list of things a man should know and practice.

1.      Show some pride in your appearance. Be clean. Keep your facial hair to a minimum, or at the very least, neatly trimmed. Please, please, PLEASE don’t drown yourself in scented deodorant, cologne, or body lotion. Wear clothes that fit you. I don’t need to see your underwear (There IS a reason why they’re called underwear). If your pants are THAT big, wear a belt. It’s why they exist – to keep your pants up. Your baseball cap is not worn sideways or backwards…and PLEASE remove your hats when you enter a building or sit down at a table, or when being introduced to a woman or older people.
2.      Be polite. TO EVERYONE. Always be aware of how you can help people, like holding the door for someone, even if takes you two seconds longer to get to where you’re going. Open a door for someone. If you don’t know if that someone is going to be offended, then be prepared to ask, “Would you like some help?” or “May I get the door for you?” It makes you look all the better for the offer.
3.      No one wants to hear you cursing in public, or cussing someone out, or throwing a fit because someone didn’t use their turn signals on the free way. Occasional swearing in private, or amongst your cronies are one thing, but it’s just better if you don’t. Especially when you’re in mixed company or when you could be overheard.
4.      Unless the woman is an attention grabbing lady of the night, and even then you shouldn’t…don’t stare, ogle, or say anything that degrades them, to them or about them. This goes back to #2 where you’re being polite and respectful. Be the better person.
5.      It was funny in grade school, or with your drinking buddies in college, but not anymore. Don’t belch or fart in public. No one wants to play “Sniff and guess what I had for lunch”. Keep your voice to a polite volume, don’t be demanding, and don’t get drunk in public. Keep control of yourself, mind and body.
6.      Be a gentleman when it comes to women. Offer to open our doors, or offer to give up your seat on a crowded bus. No one said to throw your coat over a mud puddle so we can avoid getting our feet wet, but holding an umbrella over our heads while we get into a car would be nice.
7.      The world does not revolve around you, so please don’t talk about yourself too much. Women like a bit of mystery. It gives us something to work for. Try to have some topics to discuss in conversation that isn’t all about you.
8.      Until you know the people around you, avoid discussing politics and religion. Friendships and potential friendships have been ended because of those two topics and not everyone is comfortable with those topics.
9.      Stand up tall and straight. Don’t slouch. You don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders and you aren’t being horsewhipped. It makes you look more confidant. However, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Don’t swagger. You aren’t better than anyone else, even when you are.
10.  Teasing a woman you know is one thing, but outright rudeness and cruelty is another. Even if you think you’re joking, it’s offensive, insulting, and hurtful when a man refers to a woman with a vulgar word or tone.
11.  It’s one thing if you’re challenged to stand up for yourself and your values, but it’s another to go off half cocked and start throwing punches at the slightest of provocations. It makes you no better than the person picking the fight. Walk away. If you do end up having to defend yourself, never use weapons other than your fists, and when your opponent is down, end the fight.
12.  Be sincere. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Care to add anything?

January 20, 2011

Thank you, You Gotta Read Reviews!

I was reviewed!

You Gotta Read Reviews gave "Moonlight and Magick" a chance and awarded it "You Need To Read"...

As per their blog site:
  • You Gotta Read - Our highest rating - very few books will earn this award
  • You Need To Read - Excellent books that don't quite meet Gotta Read
  • You Want To Read - Good books to read, these are the average reads, still a good book
  • You Could Read - Books that you might want to think about before purchasing
  • Leave It On The Shelf - Books that just didn't measure up - hopefully you'll never see this one given
You can read the review here: http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-moonlight-and-magick-by-isobael.html

*Dances*

January 13, 2011

Ahhh, the joys of life...

Falconry - we noticed a chip and a faint fracture line in SgianDubh's beak. Took her into the vet and he applied acrylic to the beak to reinforce it. Was not bad enough to need a removal and prosthetic, thank goodness. Of course, five days later, she managed to pop the acrylic off and i had to take her back in to have it reinforced. The vet likes the way it looks and it was growing out rather quickly, more quickly than he expected. Two more weeks of it on and then if it pops off, it won't be a problem. Until then, we're not hunting her. She's been getting fed tidbits so she's not putting stress on the beak by pulling and tearing at her food.

If that wasn't all, my daughter starts coughing. Dry, hacking cough. I thought it sounded more like the cough one gets from congestion and having post nasal dripping into the throat. Of course, she suffers allergies all year around as well, so having a cold is just acerbating the problem. Sure enough, she has a cold. Was given some allergy prescriptions to try.

As most of you know, I've been struggling through a long bout of writer's block. Nothing I've written sounded remotely worth keeping, so I've been pecking at the keyboard here and there.

Last night, as I lie in bed, waiting for sleep to claim me, I slipped into a lucid dream state...watching my characters enact what I'd written so far. Nearly 60,000 words...they would come to the end of the manuscript, where I'd stopped, then start over. Over and over, I was watching this "movie" on replay...until I noticed there were some near imperceptible changes taking place while it replayed.

Changes to what the characters are, certain plot points, motivations...

With that, I must say...cut and paste in Word has become my best friend. Rewriting and editing into a manuscript template...is much easier than rewriting the whole story.

Maybe, just maybe, I can get this finished!

January 1, 2011

To my friends for the new year...

Happy New Year to all my friends and family. Thanks for making 2010 an awesome year, and here's to a new beginning for 2011!