I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers

The title quote from L.M. Montgomery uttered by the flame haired Anne Shirley pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about this time of year.  Autumn is the season I start to grow back into my own skin.  I am calmed and comforted by its presence.  Autumn is my time.

This year October has seen every single weekend completely booked up with weddings, family events and other social arrangements which all seem to have lined themselves up one after the other.  This combined with dealing with 2 children with a combination of chicken pox, the usual coughs and colds, and the worst teething pain I've ever known a baby to suffer, means that I have not had time to even check my reflection of late let alone operate in blogland.  I am finding solace in the thought of my forthcoming holiday where I will be hopefully be able to spend a few days drinking in visual beauty similar to that depicted in these photographs.

All photos found on this blog 

I hope you are enjoying the change of season wherever you may be.

xxx

Inspiration : Through Johanna's Eyes

The Captive

Black and Blue

She Wolf

The Crystal Spire

Lightning

The Hunt II

The Little Mermaid Saves The Prince

Fields of Stone

The Crystal Spire II

Little Blue Riding Hood

Moth

Searchlights

Snakes

Skeletal Lady

La Belle Dame Sans Merci

Cave

Emerald Queen

Grimalkin

Blacker Than a Vole

Mermaid's Grotto

I occasionally talk about art on this blog but not often.  It's something I really wish I had a talent for but alas, none to be had for me.  Not the case with Johanna.  Something about this very talented artist and blogger really appeals to me.  The themes she explores of fairytales, folklore, and female strength and savagery give lots of food for thought and like the best art, it inspires conversation.  Also, there is something quite impish about her style.  A definite sense of the dark side but tempered by a tongue in cheek edge.  Not unlike the high camp theatrics of the hammer horror genre.  Edgar Allen Poe through an Art Deco lens.  

I've followed Johanna on and off for a few years now but it's a blog I always come back to.  As well as her obvious talent for art, I love her personal style and her kitschy apartment.  

Blackadder fan art?  Yes please.  

All photos found on Johanna's blog

Octoberfest

It's October.  My favourite month of the year.  Autumn is here and my thoughts have turned to dark nights and graveyards, abandoned old buildings and foggy landscapes, Victoriana and pre-Raphaelites, skulls and faeries

All images found here

The World's End... a Merciful Release

So I was sitting on the sofa last night with my head in my laptop when Mr N says "Simon Pegg was wearing a Sisters of Mercy t-shirt in that film advert".  So, being a longtime sucker for this band as regular readers will know, I thought I'd look it up 

Sure enough...

There it was in all it's glory

I've always had a soft spot for Simon Pegg ever since he was Tim the kidult in 90's sitcom Spaced 

And it seems he is also a fellow ex-goth

Check out the Eldritch-esque glasses

I've seen this t-shirt now advertised on sites using the film as a selling point.  For anyone who is late to the party on this, where have you been suckas?!

So The World's End is the last in the 'Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy' following on from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.


I wore the Merciful Release logo proudly on t-shirts bought from various goth shops in Camden High Street.  I even had a SoM pendant which I wore around my neck like a badge of honour.   Being totally disillusioned with the popular 'alternative' scene of the time (Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach anyone?) I looked longingly to Mr Eldritch and his assorted musical gadgetry for a lifeline.  I was gonna form my own all female band then team up with my musical soulmate (as I thought he was then) and save the world.  Then we'd live happilly ever after in Berlin.  

Such a straightforward plan, I can't think why it never  materialised.  Maybe cos it turned out, he's a bit short for me

This is for anyone who needs an antidote to the summer and it's obligatory upbeat pop tunes

Lets have a black celebration

The snow and ice means I have had plenty of occasions to wear my current, and possibly all time favourite coat.  

Isn't it grand?

I have wanted a long black steampunk/military style coat for ages but was holding out for the perfect one... at last found on Ebay.   Paired with another of my beloved acquisitions my new Dr Marten knee boots, I feel like the 'gothmother'

 

Maybe not so much when the coat comes off

Oh yes I embrace colour, and it certainly has it's place

But I don't think I will ever be able to resist the allure of my first love for very long.

I wore:-

Hat - Debenhams

Top, cardigan and skirt - Ebay

Tights - Can't remember

Boots - Dr Martens - present from my mister

Coat - Joe Browns via Ebay - another present from my mister 

Russian Brooch - Etsy
Scarf and bag - charity shop

Anyway, here is where I should post a link to 'Black Celebration' by Depeche Mode from where I pinched my post title.  But, you know what?  I'm gonna choose a different DM song cos this one is sexier and has a video featuring Dave Gahan at his hottest!

You're welcome