Happy New Elf Year

A brand new year and elves...doesn't get much better than that. :-)

Happy 4th

May you find inspiration, literary or otherwise, in the fairy-like sparkles and glittering showers of this day. Happy Fourth of July!

Valentine Vintage Postcards

You didn't think I'd forget my fetish for vintage postcards in February? How could I? Valentine's day was THE time to send them. Still is, although most lovers today don't send postcards. Can't say I mind envelopes...I don't think I'd want to over declare myself on something the mailman could read.

Right now in Indiana there's about two feet of snow on the ground. Maybe not quite that much, but enough to make these ocean views very appealing. The poor cupid dangling his legs on the edge of the pier looks lonely. And just what are the wild waves saying?? More than that verse, I'm guessing.

This one was rather Halloween-ish with the black cat. I think she's casting a valentine spell...

A tipsy looking cupid on a mushroom. Now that's funny.

Even better, a hot pants cupid, heh heh.

This one is so magical. I think she is a love-lorn fairy, asking cupid for a special valentine wish.

And finally, a modern valentine image. Very spooky. I wouldn't squeeze him too hard. :-)

The Coming Year

The coming of the new year, more than any other holiday, brings both joy and sadness. There is an inherent melancholy; what didn't you do that you hoped to do, what actions or thoughts would you wish away, what have you lost over the last twelve months. No matter how you slice it, another year is gone forever.

But the coming of a new year also brings joy, anticipation, and excitement. What wonders will we experience this year? What will we do? Who will we meet? The road is stretched out before us. And no matter how carefully we plan, surprises are awaiting around every corner. And I think those unexpected occurrences are the underpinnings of some of our most treasured and ancient traditions at this time of year.

And wonderful story fodder.

In times past, more people sent New Year's greetings than at Yuletide. Why? Christmas is a fairly recent tradition in the grand scheme of things, and holiday greeting cards even younger. People of yesteryear were also perhaps more polite; one never knew what beliefs another had and a New Year's wish was considered "safer" than a holiday card. Nice, huh? But then they also sent blatantly Christian spring cards...we humans are a massive stew of inconsistencies. Part of what makes writing so interesting.

I have to start with the most traditional of New Year's symbols: the baby for the coming year and the old man for the passing year. They are a reminder that we too are getting older. The clock in the second card is another reminder, just in case you didn't get it.

New Year's Eve is a magical time...when the clock climes midnight one stands at the moment between what was and what will be. These next two represent that for me: a moon child and star kids.

And then there's the silly. This cat had one too many, I'm thinking.

This one cracks me up. Not sure what's going on...it looks like the dogs are throwing their kibble at the train.

Happy New Year's flight on a dirigible??? One that blows bubbles? Weird.

A popular New Year's pastime was having your fortune read.

There were all sorts of things you could do to ward off evil and bring good fortune for the next year. Below are some examples of luck inducing objects and actions: seeing spring birds, hanging a horse shoe over your threshold, bringing grapes to a neighbor, seeing winter fairies, and ringing bells to scare away evil spirits. There's lots more customs...these are only a few.

Once you've had your fortune told and done all the luck inducing actives, there is also the tradition of making New Year's wishes for oneself or others. I like wishes much better than resolutions.

Here are adults and children wishing for many nice things: toys, vacations, a sweetheart (one wistful one hopeful), not to die during the coming year (that one is creepy...check out the scythe), and of course the overwhelming favorite, gold.

There are also wishes for good behavior, a precursor to our modern resolutions, perhaps. Below we see a hope for an unblemished year, a wish for plenty but only if the receiver is sincere, and a warning not to let go of the past. That one is scary. I'll remember the past. I will. Just don't pipe me away with the rats...

The next two I chose because they are just so pretty. The first is an elegant deco woman...or is she? Maybe she's really a goddess out for a little New Year's fun. And the last one is a wonderful New Year's party outdoors... humans and fairy folk are gathering to revel in the cold night air.

You don't see the fairies? Look closer. There. I knew you could. :-)

Yule Postcards

As a writer, all holidays inspire me. I've written a number of tinsel-y stories...some perhaps less tinsel and more spider webbish, but sadness too is part of the season. Yule contains both the light and the dark. For example, presents are given to express love. But did you know that gifts were bestowed long ago to reaffirm bonds in case loved ones did not make it through the harsh winter? Something to think about.

Here are some vintage holiday postcards that represent the joy and the mystery of this glorious season. I hope they inspire you.

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I picked these two because they are such iconic symbols of the season. And whatever your beliefs, many of the holiday trappings we enjoy are very very old. Evergreens and holly are two such decorations.

Here's a couple of quirky ones. Apparently seeds are a lot smarter than I thought. I'm thinking these pine cone people could tell a fine tale. I especially like the one with the doll. Or is she a doll???

Fairies and elves are very much a part of Yule. I love the poinsettia fairy woman. But these elves. Just what are they doing? Carting around cookies with tiny children on the top? Honey...the elves shrunk the kids...

Here's another one with cookies. This young man does not look happy. Who knew cookies could be so mischievous?

I included these next two because I think they represent the longing many of us have for warm weather during this time of year. Where is this boat going piled high with blooms? And what is the young girl contemplating? I have to say that although the holidays would not be the same if it wasn't chilly, a part of me dreams for fresh flowers and my toes in the sand.

And now the strange, weird, and somewhat disturbing. You knew I'd get to these. Here's a frightening clown. I never have liked clowns all that much. Just what's hiding behind that makeup? I really don't like this one. What's with the greeting? I don't want to get either a slap or a bang from him or his freaky little dogs.

Here's a happy cheery card. Don't worry, it says. Uh huh, sure.






OK, so why is the little girl in Santa's backpack??? Was she bad? Is she being taken away somewhere? The pink highlights are rather creepy too.

This one just floors me. A mummy Christmas baby? Actually, I think it's supposed to be the Christ child..."born natale" literally means happy birthday in Italian...they say it during the holidays. I still think it looks like a mummy. Or perhaps a bloody mermaid. Sorry. I do write horror stories.

Little Red Riding Hood meets Christmas. Or maybe three little pigs. (Have you ever noticed when the word "little" is in a fairy story title some unpleasantness will occur?) I believe this postcard is handmade. Even weirder.

This one is strange and funny. Let's lord it over others with our holiday greetings, shall we? But what a great story this would be!

Here's another funny one. I like this woman. She's obviously all set for any and all holiday occasions. Bill for the office party, Sam for the Christmas dance, and I think Percy will do just fine for that Hanukkah brunch. And then there's Antonio. Um. He's for in front of the fireplace...

Of course, the Yuletide holidays are filled with magic. Cards today don't seem to include enchantment as much as they used to. Check out this spell-like greeting.

Moon magic is especially nice during Yule, don't you think?

Elves again. But this time they are bringing luck.

I love this one. The enchantment isn't overt, but magic is definitely in the air. I wish I could get my hair to curl like this woman's.

And last but not least, a bit of romance...the best holiday magic of all.