I am so loving my new hometown, especially now that I have a car! I've been exploring a bit more, have joined a lovely knitting circle full of girls my age, and am working like crazy over at the law school. Now Mardi Gras season is pretty much upon us, too... I've already eaten at least three king cakes, have ordered a custom designed hair fascinator to wear to the parades, and am finding myself inexplicably drawn to anything in green, purple and gold!
I haven't made it down to New Orleans yet, but that's in the works too... I should be going down there for a training session next week. It'll be nice to revisit a city that I haven't seen since 1999! Today, while shopping at one of my favorite local shops, Coyote Moon, I even found a book on the history of New Orleans voodoo, which I'll probably go back and buy as soon as I get paid. Maybe I can add it to my Pagan Reading Challenge...
All in all, this is such a cool place with so much to do and learn. There must be a reason why all the vampire novels are set in Louisiana, right? What a fun and mysterious place, my new hometown...
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Witches Sing the Blues
Recently, I was given the honor of an invitation to the Etsy Witches' Cottage team, where I've taken on the role of recruiter (ahem, I mean "hearth keeper") and have been meeting a lot of really nice people. Now, those who know me in real life are probably saying, "Whaaa? But you're Catholic! I remember when you used to sing in church choir!" So what gives?
It's a funny thing about spirituality. I have found throughout my life that the more I learned about my own religion, the more I became obsessed with learning about other religions and practices. In college and law school, it was Islam. I took some classes at Yale, and then in law school, met my best friend in the world, who is half Muslim. Studies in Islamic law led to further studies in Judaic law, and then a general interest in learning everything that I possibly could about Judaism (and I have to admit that living in New York City definitely helped with that.)
Over the past few years, I've become interested in the pagan traditions and in divination, which is something I hadn't considered since high school. It was the 90's, tarot cards were the "in" thing (thank you, My So-Called Life), and in my very Protestant high school, reading tarot was a way to stand out from the crowd. Now, however, I look at these things through the eyes of an adult, and wonder what it is about paganism that fascinates me so much.
And I think I know. There's something about the idea of an intent-based religion that is very appealing. I'm sure that it's why so many young women, in particular, are drawn to Wicca. Having been raised in a religion that was based entirely on faith and prayer (or as it sometimes feels, begging for God's intervention), the idea that you can control your fate through the power of focus and intent is the most liberating idea. Spellwork, though very similar to praying, in fact, has the added elements of making you feel in control of your destiny, getting you to focus on making changes in your life to achieve your goals, and allowing you to ask the universe for change without feeling guilty for wanting it. Though a certain amount of faith is required, that little element of control is, for me, the difference between praying and casting a spell.
These are all intriguing ideas that I've had yet to put down in the written word. But, having learned all about Islam and Judaism, why not learn about Paganism as well? I've met so many wonderful witches and pagans in my travels as an Etsy seller and in my knitting circles on Ravelry. So this year, I plan to take advantage of their knowledge to learn about something that is relatively new to me. I've joined the Pagan Reading Challenge, to which I plan to take a rather interdiscplinary approach, and have pledged to learn as much as possible about reading runes and learning about their history, which is something that I've wanted to do for my entire life, but which I've always found to be incredibly daunting. Most of all, I want to learn about pagan history... having been a history major in college, I find myself fascinated with the wheel of the year and the pagan sabbats' correspondence to the Catholic holidays with which I grew up. Even my new job at the law library has allowed me to order books on law and magic, spiritualism, and witch trials throughout history. What a rich field of knowledge to read about and learn!
To honor my teammates in the Witches' Cottage, I've put together a treasury entitled "Witches Sing the Blues." Check out these lovely, healing, calming items and the wonderful and interesting people who make them.
Nota bene: This post constitutes no more than my own rambling musings on my religion and my fascination with those that differ from mine. I'm certainly no expert on religion, and certainly not on any of the pagan religions! These are just my thoughts and speculations as I embark on a new intellectual journey.
It's a funny thing about spirituality. I have found throughout my life that the more I learned about my own religion, the more I became obsessed with learning about other religions and practices. In college and law school, it was Islam. I took some classes at Yale, and then in law school, met my best friend in the world, who is half Muslim. Studies in Islamic law led to further studies in Judaic law, and then a general interest in learning everything that I possibly could about Judaism (and I have to admit that living in New York City definitely helped with that.)
Over the past few years, I've become interested in the pagan traditions and in divination, which is something I hadn't considered since high school. It was the 90's, tarot cards were the "in" thing (thank you, My So-Called Life), and in my very Protestant high school, reading tarot was a way to stand out from the crowd. Now, however, I look at these things through the eyes of an adult, and wonder what it is about paganism that fascinates me so much.
And I think I know. There's something about the idea of an intent-based religion that is very appealing. I'm sure that it's why so many young women, in particular, are drawn to Wicca. Having been raised in a religion that was based entirely on faith and prayer (or as it sometimes feels, begging for God's intervention), the idea that you can control your fate through the power of focus and intent is the most liberating idea. Spellwork, though very similar to praying, in fact, has the added elements of making you feel in control of your destiny, getting you to focus on making changes in your life to achieve your goals, and allowing you to ask the universe for change without feeling guilty for wanting it. Though a certain amount of faith is required, that little element of control is, for me, the difference between praying and casting a spell.
These are all intriguing ideas that I've had yet to put down in the written word. But, having learned all about Islam and Judaism, why not learn about Paganism as well? I've met so many wonderful witches and pagans in my travels as an Etsy seller and in my knitting circles on Ravelry. So this year, I plan to take advantage of their knowledge to learn about something that is relatively new to me. I've joined the Pagan Reading Challenge, to which I plan to take a rather interdiscplinary approach, and have pledged to learn as much as possible about reading runes and learning about their history, which is something that I've wanted to do for my entire life, but which I've always found to be incredibly daunting. Most of all, I want to learn about pagan history... having been a history major in college, I find myself fascinated with the wheel of the year and the pagan sabbats' correspondence to the Catholic holidays with which I grew up. Even my new job at the law library has allowed me to order books on law and magic, spiritualism, and witch trials throughout history. What a rich field of knowledge to read about and learn!
To honor my teammates in the Witches' Cottage, I've put together a treasury entitled "Witches Sing the Blues." Check out these lovely, healing, calming items and the wonderful and interesting people who make them.
Nota bene: This post constitutes no more than my own rambling musings on my religion and my fascination with those that differ from mine. I'm certainly no expert on religion, and certainly not on any of the pagan religions! These are just my thoughts and speculations as I embark on a new intellectual journey.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Thinning of the Veil
A few new treasuries to share...
For my new apartment... I wish! Only in my dreams...
For my new apartment... I wish! Only in my dreams...
Sunday, September 4, 2011
My Fall Fashion Wishlist
Want to know what I'm eyeing up for fall? Well, maybe it's all the time I've spent with the Time Travelers Team this summer, but I'm really feeling anything with a bit of a steampunk edge. I'm looking at browns, reds, gold, brass and copper. I'm also knitting up a couple pairs of fingerless mitts with a Neo-Victorian feel and vintage embellishments, and I've ordered a few gothy accessories in basic black from some of my favorite Etsy sellers.
Here's a peak at some of the things that I've bought or am planning to buy for fall.
I want to highlight some particularly amazing shops that are included in this list; I LOVE shopping, and when I find a brand I like, I tend to be an extremely loyal customer. First, let me draw your attention to two outstanding knitwear designers: NeuroticKnitterz and The Jane Victoria. Both have patterns readily available in PDF format in their Etsy shop (I LOVE PDF patterns because they offer an immediate solution to the knitter's syndrome commonly known as "startitis.") NeuroticKnitterz seems to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, and I've already purchased a few of her patterns. I'm planning to knit her Last of the Sky Pirates mitts later this fall in a fabulous brown sock yarn, and I've already ordered the antique buttons to go with them. The Jane Victoria has a distinctly Neo-Victorian aesthetic that can be made goth or steampunk depending on the knitter's choice of colors. I am currently knitting her LĂșthien Ar-Feiniel Opera-Length Fingerless Gloves out of Madeline Tosh Vintage in the colorway "Antique Lace." I must say that I am enjoying the pattern immensely... it moves quickly, is easy to follow and memorize, and looks amazing. My experience with the designer is that she is very helpful and quick to respond to questions about her patterns, so I would highly recommend any of them, even if you think they might be a challenge.
For those without an inclination toward the fiber arts, check out ScarletRabbit for ready-made crocheted accessories that will fit into your steampunk, goth, or chic urban wardrobe. I recently purchased a large collar and matching wristlets for early fall, and I was blown away by the quality and craftsmanship of the items. This is another designer whom I highly recommend.
Finally, I have included two absolutely outstanding perfume designers on my Fall Fashion Wishlist: Catrianna of Deep Midnight Bathery, and Sara of Sarawen Perfume Art. I've recently begun wearing more natural perfume oils and fewer commercial products, and have become seriously addicted to both of these gals' fragrances. I now own two from Sara and three from Cat, not to mention the 17 sample vials I have floating around. Of course, it's hard to describe fragrance in a blog post, especially when you don't know jack about perfume design to begin with. However, I find that Sara's fragrances are deep and rich with a few clearly recognizable notes, while Cat's are complex, with subtleties that will make you think "what IS that unusual smell?" as the perfume dries and changes throughout the day. Of course, the best way to check out any fragrance is by sampling it; luckily, both of these ladies offer sample vials in their shops. I would highly recommend going and getting lost in their stores... their photos and descriptions will have you dying to sample every one of their creations!
Oh, glorious shopping. Don't you just love it? I have really enjoyed writing up this post, and I hope you've enjoyed it too. We all know that fall is the best season for fashion and for changing up your wardrobe... I hope you've enjoyed my recommendations, and I'd love to hear some of yours as well!
Here's a peak at some of the things that I've bought or am planning to buy for fall.
I want to highlight some particularly amazing shops that are included in this list; I LOVE shopping, and when I find a brand I like, I tend to be an extremely loyal customer. First, let me draw your attention to two outstanding knitwear designers: NeuroticKnitterz and The Jane Victoria. Both have patterns readily available in PDF format in their Etsy shop (I LOVE PDF patterns because they offer an immediate solution to the knitter's syndrome commonly known as "startitis.") NeuroticKnitterz seems to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, and I've already purchased a few of her patterns. I'm planning to knit her Last of the Sky Pirates mitts later this fall in a fabulous brown sock yarn, and I've already ordered the antique buttons to go with them. The Jane Victoria has a distinctly Neo-Victorian aesthetic that can be made goth or steampunk depending on the knitter's choice of colors. I am currently knitting her LĂșthien Ar-Feiniel Opera-Length Fingerless Gloves out of Madeline Tosh Vintage in the colorway "Antique Lace." I must say that I am enjoying the pattern immensely... it moves quickly, is easy to follow and memorize, and looks amazing. My experience with the designer is that she is very helpful and quick to respond to questions about her patterns, so I would highly recommend any of them, even if you think they might be a challenge.
For those without an inclination toward the fiber arts, check out ScarletRabbit for ready-made crocheted accessories that will fit into your steampunk, goth, or chic urban wardrobe. I recently purchased a large collar and matching wristlets for early fall, and I was blown away by the quality and craftsmanship of the items. This is another designer whom I highly recommend.
Finally, I have included two absolutely outstanding perfume designers on my Fall Fashion Wishlist: Catrianna of Deep Midnight Bathery, and Sara of Sarawen Perfume Art. I've recently begun wearing more natural perfume oils and fewer commercial products, and have become seriously addicted to both of these gals' fragrances. I now own two from Sara and three from Cat, not to mention the 17 sample vials I have floating around. Of course, it's hard to describe fragrance in a blog post, especially when you don't know jack about perfume design to begin with. However, I find that Sara's fragrances are deep and rich with a few clearly recognizable notes, while Cat's are complex, with subtleties that will make you think "what IS that unusual smell?" as the perfume dries and changes throughout the day. Of course, the best way to check out any fragrance is by sampling it; luckily, both of these ladies offer sample vials in their shops. I would highly recommend going and getting lost in their stores... their photos and descriptions will have you dying to sample every one of their creations!
Oh, glorious shopping. Don't you just love it? I have really enjoyed writing up this post, and I hope you've enjoyed it too. We all know that fall is the best season for fashion and for changing up your wardrobe... I hope you've enjoyed my recommendations, and I'd love to hear some of yours as well!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Introduction...?
Well, here I am... blogging. As far as I know, I have no followers... hence the title of this post. I have to be honest, I've never really like the idea of blogging. It's time consuming, I have nothing to say, blah blah blah.
Recently, however, I've come to realize that I may have more to say than I thought I did. See, I recently opened an Etsy shop. I'm not going to pretend that I'm some "great artist" - I just do what I enjoy. I have been making jewelry, knitting, and spinning yarn for years now, and my space finally got so overwhelmed with finished projects and stashed supplies that I had to start selling it off.
When you start up an Etsy shop, you get inundated with newsletters full of marketing tips. Most of them are filled with gorgeous photos and featured artists and pretty much just make you feel inadequate. However, one of the many tips that they offer over and over (along with great pictures, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account) is to start a blog and talk about your shop.
Again I say, "blah blah blah." Still I resisted. The whole idea seemed self-indulgent, and frankly, I wasn't convinced that my shop would last for more than a couple of weeks. I did, however, set up a Facebook page for my shop, and finally got with the program and learned how to Tweet.
And that's when I noticed something surprising... after awhile, my Facebook posts started getting longer. I wanted to share everyday stuff with my shop followers in the same way that I do with my friends. What song am I listening to today? What fabulous new Chanel nail polish has caught my eye? What does everyone think of that new translation of Anna Karenina? Who else watches Pretty Little Liars, and are you as obsessed with Aria's wardrobe as I am?
So this is the result. Me, sitting here in bed with my laptop in the middle of the night... blogging to myself. I suppose I'll have to publicize my blog at some point... blah blah blah. In the meantime, if there's anyone out there... enjoy.
Recently, however, I've come to realize that I may have more to say than I thought I did. See, I recently opened an Etsy shop. I'm not going to pretend that I'm some "great artist" - I just do what I enjoy. I have been making jewelry, knitting, and spinning yarn for years now, and my space finally got so overwhelmed with finished projects and stashed supplies that I had to start selling it off.
When you start up an Etsy shop, you get inundated with newsletters full of marketing tips. Most of them are filled with gorgeous photos and featured artists and pretty much just make you feel inadequate. However, one of the many tips that they offer over and over (along with great pictures, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account) is to start a blog and talk about your shop.
Again I say, "blah blah blah." Still I resisted. The whole idea seemed self-indulgent, and frankly, I wasn't convinced that my shop would last for more than a couple of weeks. I did, however, set up a Facebook page for my shop, and finally got with the program and learned how to Tweet.
And that's when I noticed something surprising... after awhile, my Facebook posts started getting longer. I wanted to share everyday stuff with my shop followers in the same way that I do with my friends. What song am I listening to today? What fabulous new Chanel nail polish has caught my eye? What does everyone think of that new translation of Anna Karenina? Who else watches Pretty Little Liars, and are you as obsessed with Aria's wardrobe as I am?
So this is the result. Me, sitting here in bed with my laptop in the middle of the night... blogging to myself. I suppose I'll have to publicize my blog at some point... blah blah blah. In the meantime, if there's anyone out there... enjoy.
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