Fashion Question: Am I A Goth?

Fashion is one of those things that people take personally. Don't you dare tell a girl her nail polish is out of style, you might get cut, after all many of us spend a lot of time developing our look. But how do you know what you are? I mean, are you a prep? Are you one of those what are they called, *gasp*, Goths? Labels are very tricky things now. And to be honest, labels are something that most people assume are left behind as we leave school. But there is room to argue that some fields are never outgrown.

Goth by definition is not a fashion statement. That's the first thing I was told by someone who was having issues with the idea of having to classify themselves as anything. They were barbarian invaders to Rome. But we all know time changes all things, and Goth is now considered to be a alternative fashion type. Alternative? Yeah, even though they're more accepted they still aren't accepted wholeheartedly by everyone.

But it isn't really difficult to be a goth in everyday life, and stay under the radar. Why? Because most people aren't looking for us. This gives us our personal space, and our time to evolve. Every Goth is different.

But the Goth staple is black as far as society is concerned. I doubt that there's a goth that hasn't worn black head to toe at least once. And when it comes to stereotypes this is what society generally sees us as. But this isn't necessarily true. Though it would make it easier to identify our like minded compatriots, it's not that easy. The generalizations help most people to be comfortable with the group though, and that's partly why it is longstanding.

But we hate to burst the bubble, we do like color too. Some of us like Green, some of us like red, heck name a color of the rainbow, or the whole thing, and there's a goth that dabbles in it. Each one is different, and while we do have some similarities, we are not the same. I happen to like greys and blues.

You don't have to be perfect. Accepting who you are and what you like is really what makes being a Goth enjoyable. If you're not happy, it's not who you are. You should be comfortable in your skin. What you wear, doesn't make you, but it does help others to decide how to react to you and what to expect from you. If you're in your work uniform, they can still tell.

And, yes. I think I'm a goth, sometimes at least. It's one of the few fashion styles I can agree with.  I don't wear a lot of makeup, I don't wear a lot of wild and outrageous clothes or accessories either(at least in my opinion I don't). So don't think that you need to. As far as I believe; If you think you are something, you are, if that's what you want to be.  There is no such thing as a Goth card, so go ahead and be happy.

Just Visiting : Shakespeare in Delaware Park : Merry Wives of Windsor

With summer vacation cropping up, a lot of us are looking for family friendly events that won't break our pocket book. Look no further than our own backyard here in Buffalo, NY, because Shakespeare in Delaware Park is ready to start again, and this season's first show is the Merry Wives of Windsor.

image from Shakespeare in Delaware Park Website

Merry Wives of Windsor
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
June 22,2017 through July 16, 2017

Tuesday through sunday evenings at 7:30 pm you can enjoy a free evening of professional theatre. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on, your own refreshments and someone to enjoy the show with, unless you prefer to sit alone. They do accept donations.

Like past years I do recommend that you head to the park earlier than show time to get better seats, as it is frequently crowded. There are some restaurants in the area, but it's better to bring something with you to enjoy during the show.

If you're uncertain as to the part of Delaware Park the stage is located in, it's basically behind the Albright Knox Art Gallery. Please keep in mind that parking is on a first come first serve basis, so if you wish to park closer to the event you should go early. If you have children there is a wonderful playground close to the staging area so the kids can play before the show if you come early enough.

Anyway, have fun and I hope you all get a chance to check it out.

Music Monday : Summer is Upon Us!

Summer vacation is starting by the end of the week for many of the kids around where I live. Which I guess is alright but it doesn't sit well with all the parents. But I decided since we're going to be enjoying summer weather soon we may as well have a nice bit of music to inspire our vacation spirits.

So remember to pack sunscreen, keep some ice pops in the freezer, and don't let the kids drive you crazy. Summer is only going to be a 2 month break off school for them(more or less) So don't worry, School will be back on in September.

Connie Francis - Vacation

Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight

Rookie of The Year - Colors of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer - Permanent Vacation

Pink Floyd - Schools Out for Summer

Just Visiting : Special Event : Mermaid Parade

You're going to see a few different events this year happening in Olcott, New York. Today we're making sure you've had a chance to think about attending the Mermaid Parade, that is happening tomorrow. Saturday June 17, 2017 this event offers you a chance to frolic in your mermaid finery and enjoy a Mardi Gras style parade.

You'll have a chance to party, and share your love of the seafaring fantasy folk at this early summer parade. The shops in Olcott are also full of wonderful fun items that even the most discerning shopper might find something.

Image from a past Parade, from the Mermaid Parade FB Page

You can find the event at the following location:

5955 Ontario St
Olcott, New York, NY 14126

You can get more information by calling 716 778-8531 Ext 8. You will also find more information about this event on their facebook page.

Artist Spotlight : The Yarn Ball Creations

Handmade items are frequently things that people often treasure. Often because they are one of a kind custom items created to bring joy to their new owners life. The Yarn Ball Creations is a shop owned by an artist with the intent to do just that. Create unique hand made toys that you can love as well as share with others. If you want to take a peak at some of her work it's viewable at her etsy shop as well as on her instagram feed @theyarnball_creations.You can also find her creations on her page on facebook.

Customizable Amigurumi Alligator available on Etsy 

I have to say that the variety of cute creatures that The Yarn Ball Creations offer happens to be impressive for a young shop. Not only that, she's working on new things to add to her selection. I'll get to that later on though. A great example of her work can be seen to the left. It's an adorable little alligator!

I know it might sound silly, but sometimes it's nice to start at the beginning. At A so to speak. The Yarn Ball Creations is the shop of Sarah, who has been gracious enough to answer some questions for us, as well as share her work with the world. One of the questions I always like to ask people is about how they started crafting or creating.

Sarah's response was very illuminating, humanizing her, as many of us may share some if not all of the inspirations. As a child she enjoyed coming up with different crafts and creations to gift to her mother. She also enjoyed learning the numerous creative skills many explore. She tried the musical arts, painting, sewing, and a number of other creative outlets.

Amigurumi Mallard Duck available on Etsy

But one skill became very special to her. Crocheting. This particular skill is one that helped her get through a difficult time of her life. During a particular period of self doubt, where she was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety in life she met an older woman who had a talent that impressed her. The woman crocheted, and Sarah with a bit of effort was blessed with the chance to learn how from her.

The action of crocheting felt good to Sarah, and the reality of having something to do with her hands helped release some of her anxiety. She also enjoyed the creative aspect of it, so she kept going slowly improving her skill over time. She believes that the woman who taught her would be pleasantly shocked and impressed to see how far she's progressed in the craft.

As you can see from some of the examples that we've posted images of here. You have to admit that her pieces are adorable and cute.

Amigurumi Blue Jay available on Etsy

Her birds feature elements that make it easy to identify them as the types of avians they're created to represent. But her other animals are just as cute. One of the newest animals that she is creating and sharing with others are hippos. This might sound silly but they're absolutely adorable. I'll mention more about them in the near future though, to inspire some of you.

But what inspired Sarah to do what she's doing now? It was a complicated situation. She was in college, as well as newly married while working a highly stressful job when she had a few thoughts enter her mind. One thought that entered her mind was that she'd been seeing many women take things they are passionate about and use these talents to earn money. She was wondering why she couldn't do that herself. But the other thought Sarah had was that there was nothing in her life she was doing simply for her own enjoyment. With time and encouragement and nudging from her amazing husband, The Yarn Ball Creations was started.

Custom Crocheted Look-alike Doll available on Etsy

Sarah started off creating animals first, because she found that creating them was fun. As you can see from the images here in the post, she has a variety of these that she's managed to make. But now she's starting to shift gears and is creating something different.  Something that sounds like a ton of fun in my opinion, and we're lucky to have the chance to say that we've gotten to enjoy the creative experience as well.

The Yarn Ball Creations is now offering Custom Crocheted Look-alike Dolls! There's an example to the right, and that's me. (I know I normally don't show myself in pictures) But Sarah has created an adorable mini version of me! But not only that, she's offering to make mini versions of different people, so if you're looking for something cute for someone you love, this is definitely something to check out.

Why? Sarah pays attention to details. She even stitched glasses onto the doll. The outfit is adorable that she created, and mimics the one I wear myself on some of my outings. She is also planning on making different outfits that people can purchase and enjoy, giving them the chance to add personalized wardrobe pieces to the doll's wardrobe collection.

Sarah was inspired to create these dolls by fond memories of the doll she had as a child that had hair, red, just like her own. She remembered how much fun she had dressing the two of them similarly and calling the doll her twin. Her goal with this process is to help other people have the chance to have similar experiences. I think she's got a great idea.

The doll she made for me arrived, packaged comfortably and wrapped in tissue paper. I was quite surprised as I pulled her out of the box at how big she is. I wasn't sure at the size at first since pictures can be a bit confusing, but she's a little taller than a barbie doll, but not quite as tall as my 12 inch pillow. Because of all her soft parts, a doll like this a good choice for younger children. Sarah's stitching is very uniform, and the doll is packed well giving her a nice firm form that should hold it's shape over time and through play (My nephew is going to help me test this).

Her clothes are absolutely darling! And made to match my own faire outfit. I'm excited to share her there as well because everyone loves a good toy, especially when they're unique. They're made well, and are likely to stand up to some fairly rough play style, just don't be too rough. I highly recommend this toy idea if you're looking for a unique gift. Look at it as something someone will treasure for a very long time, there's endless possibilities.

I asked Sarah, the mind behind Yarn Ball Creations, about what inspires her. She finds that her reason for starting the whole endeavor, is to do what brings her joy. She admitted that at times she's thought about making other things that might sell better, but there are some things that are more fun to make. She's decided to go with the choice that's more fun for her. Sarah was also advised when she started out by another "mom-trepeneur" that if she were to follow her dream, the income will follow. So that's what she's working on doing, follow her dream and vision, and worry about what other people will think about it as a secondary thought.

This is also part of t he answer that Sarah gave when asked about what advice she'd offer to aspiring artists. You'll do a better job making things that you're passionate about. So Sarah says the best advice to follow is to do what you love.

Please remember to check out The Yarn Ball Creations shop on etsy, see what she's doing new on instagram, and feel free to interact and inquire about a project on facebook. Sarah is a great artist, and She's looking forward to working with you.

Music Monday : Don't Judge

Don't be judgemental. Remember that everyone makes mistakes. The choices that we each make while going through the motions of day to day life, are not intended to upset people. Frequently the main intention is to find happiness and self fulfillment.

In any case, please take time to nurture your patience this week. Remember that the fears and worries you have inside, are shared by those around you. Be fair, be excited, and be magical!

Egypt Central - 15 Minutes

Billy Idol - Tomorrow People

Bowling for Soup - Self Centered

Emeli Sande - Clown

Delain - Here comes the Vultures

From The Archives : Lenore Part 2

This was the second part for the piece I was working on called Lenore. If you recently read the first part I thought maybe you'd be interested in seeing how it continued. Have a great week, the weekend will be here sooner than you think.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My home itself is nothing spectacular from the outside, and as we drove up on it on that rainy night it was hidden in the darkness. I hit my garage door opener and backed into the driveway, and the pale yellow outdoor light popped on and struggles to reveal what few facts of my home it could. But I doubt she noticed, because as I put the car in park and opened my door and stepped out, moving towards the wall to flip the lights on in the small area, she barely moved.

I will say that I am very proud of my small home and the way that it keeps me. It blends into the countryside fairly well, an old farm style house that's surrounded by trees that grew when the house was no longer a farm. Further down were my few neighbors, it was a lovely place for a Death Mignonette to live. With an old barn in the back, a small garage attached to the house that used to be a woodshed long ago, and approximately 8 rooms looming above the basement. I'd refinished all of them when i moved in.

As the fluorescent lights began to buzz and flicker to life, the stainless steel that filled the garage gleamed cheerfully. It was one thing to have to work in a garage at all. But I made sure i got to work their in a clean and medical type area. I noted that she looked slightly shocked as she stepped out of the car and took in my meticulously clean workshop.

"Yeah... I like to build things... I'm sure you've seen some of my work in town." I smiled lightly and leaned on the wall slumping my shoulders slightly. "But of late i haven't really had a muse." I wasn't lying. I'd been too busy trying to complete assignments to be able to start any new woodcrafting projects.

"Oh. I bet the metal makes it easier to clean up the shavings and keep it up." she responded curiosity in her tone as she moved towards the table where one of my barely started projects lay, scolding me for neglecting my creative  works. She absentmindedly ran her fingers over the cut in the wood and seemed to wonder what it was going to become.

"Yes... one might say that." i gave myself a shove and left my post at the wall and grinned at her. "Do you want to watch me work for a bit?"

"Could i?" she looked up from the table saw, her eyes sparkling a bit excited at the idea of watching me work on something artful, and she bashfully removed her hands from the wood.

"Certainly." I moved over and took my seat before the piece of wood that she'd been looking at. i unzipped my coat and shook it off revealing my black turtleneck that seemed to meld into my comfortable black lounge pants. I pride myself in always being prepared for anything. And this look nt only hide blood, but always looked professional. Let's just say i own a LOT of black turtlenecks and pants.

"Won't the sawdust cling to your clothes?" she asked blinking a bit as she looked me over.

"Doesn't matter. it brushes off easy enough." i picked my workshop glasses up off the table and put them on as i flipped the switch for the saw turning it on. I moved the wood slowly through the saw following the barely visible line i'd sketched... oh... how long had it been now... 4 days? before she'd entered the garage. The saw swept easily through the wood, and knowing my very own prey was watching me work, sent me to work with a frenzy, and a while later i turned the saw off and stood the small wooden piece up on the table.

"Wow... a unicorn!: she looked amazed and reached to pick it up.

"It's not finished yet..." I started to comment, and as she wrapped her fingers around it she let out a surprised yelp and dropped it back onto the table.

"oh...i'm sorry..." she stood it back up getting small blood speckles on the pale wood, and i shook my head.

"It's ok.. just don't get any more blood on it." I gently took her hand and looked it over and found where the splinters had snuck their way into her fingers. "Want me to take these out?"

"if you don't mind..." she looked a bit ashamed for having injured herself on the wood, but i'd known she would try to pick it up, that's why i had paused in my work on it. The few pieces that i keep for my own collection.. all have special meaning. And this piece, was undoubtedly fated to remain unsold and becoming part of my own inside collection.

"Certainly not. Come on inside." I picked my jacket up and paused at the car to snag my purse and get my house keys. Then i moved to the door and unlocked it and opened it and motioned her to go ahead on inside before me into the unlit house. "After you." I laughed softly when she hesitated but she didn't pause any further and stepped into the door and i followed behind her, relocking the door and sliding the bolt into place before hitting a few switched that sent the lights of the house to life, flickering softly and revealing the magical world that I lived in to her eyes.

"Oh....wow...." she stammered and blinked about taking it all in.... "You're Duela..."

Music Monday : Accept Yourself

Something that's a very important message that people need to remember is that before other people can accept you for who you are, you need to accept yourself. Self acceptance is important to enabling us to present ourselves with our best foot forward.

But today is the day to start the new week. So be happy, be magical, and let's be ourselves. Enjoy the music selected for this week and have fun.

Bomshel - Ain't My Day To Care

Miranda Lambert - Somethin' Bad

Stealing Angels - He Better Be Dead

The Sunny Cowgirls - Naughty Side

The Wreckers - Crazy People

School Shopping

It seems like school is only just ending for the year, but that means next years supply list is going to be coming to your door soon. So with that in mind I'm making a recommendation concerning school shopping. Start now.

I know that sounds presumptuous, but right now some of the little stores have some wonderful deals on items kids are going to be scrambling for come September. Dollar Tree has some amazing character themed pencils, Five Below has a variety of art kits and smaller journals. The bigger box stores even have some amazing clearance deals as they work on moving old stock to create room for the new.

Does this mean you should buy everything now? By all means no. But what I'm suggesting is go through and pick up some of the smaller items that help your child feel treated now, even if you have to put them away as a surprise for a few months until school shopping formally commences.

I also recommend reusing as many school supplies that they currently have as possible. Scissors and pencils don't have to be repurchased if they're saved, but new ones are nice to have. Yet by keeping the old ones you reduce waste.Besides scissors aren't really a telling point for most people. A little wipe down and they usually look good as new. Unless you cut live wires with them, but that's a whole different problem.

Backpacks are on sale currently as again, they're trying to move out old stock. New packs can be found reasonably if you look through those available. The other day I was at Best Buy and they had a Spider-Man backpack for just under $14.00. Hot Topic even had some neat packs, FallOut and Steven universe backpacks were $15.00. These prices are reasonable as the quality is really nice.  But you miss out on deals if you don't look. We all know that come September supplies seem to be a daunting thing to purchase as the expense seems never ending.

A unique collection of both new and used items can be achieved, if you save things from this year and combine them with new purchases to meet the demands of your students new teachers. Good Luck, and please remind your children to keep their pencils off the floor.