We Wear the Mask

Day of the Dead SUGAR SKULL GYPSY Mask

by illustratedink

We Wear the Mask

Paul Lawrence dunbar

(1872 - 1906)

We wear the mask that grins and lies,

It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,--

This debt we pay to human guile;

With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,

And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be overwise,

In counting all our tears and sighs?

Nay, let them only see us, while

We wear the mask.

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries

To thee from tortured souls arise.

We sing, but oh the clay is vile

Beneath our feet, and long the mile;

But let the world dream otherwise,

We wear the mask!

A Kind Of Pale Jewel
by TotusMel

Sweeney Todd vs. Beethoven, Adult Mask
by Masquefaire

The Golden Sprite Mask
by MeddlerandMeddler

Art Nouveau swirly leaves leather mask in black
by TomBanwell

FALL in Love!

Autumn Leaves print, by sarahsetsy

Today is officially the first day of autumn, and I couldn't be happier! Fall is my favorite time of year - the weather finally starts cooling down and turning crisp, the trees turn heartbreakingly beautiful colors, and Starbucks starts making their Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread lattes.

Celebrate the autumnal equinox in style - decorate your home with fall colors and spiced candles, get out your favorite throw blankets and cozy sweaters, and relax over a yummy latte or cup of chai tea to some lovely classical piano music. Ahhhhhh, heaven.

Here are some beautiful items to get you in the mood from some of our friends at Etsy - all on sale TODAY!!

Pumpkin Soaps by thesoapseduction

Orange Pumpkin Scarf/Boa by kiamichi7

Autumn spice necklace by sparklecouture

Autumnal Fire Stacking Set by CreationsbyCat

And this seller, who has the most ethereal and lovely costumes I've seen in quite some time - BEAUTIFUL!!

November Fairy Costume by TheBohemianGoddess

Itsy Bitsy Spider

When my son was a baby, he had colic. BAD. Somewhere around 7pm began the "witching hour", when the 4-5-6 hour wailing session would commence. Few things worked to soothe his frazzled little nerves, but despite all the bobbing, tummy drops, car rides, etc, sometimes the ONLY thing that would calm him down would be a cutesy rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." Is it because, as William Congreve said, "Music calms the savage breast?" Maybe so, if your mommy is a professional singer. But it worked... sometimes...

Halloween is in the air, and I'm reminded again of spiders. Spiders, my crafty little housemates who build their mansions in the corners of my rooms. I once heard some legend about how it's bad luck to kill a spider, because the spiders are what keep the moon in its orbit. Something like that anyway, but to this day, I can't bring myself to swat one. (However, should a daddy longlegs suprise me in the shower, sorry daddy, it's you or me.)

Here are some great spider items I found today on Etsy. Enjoy!

Witches Promise - Off the Shoulder Dress

by iheartfink

Retro Thirties Pinup Gal Trapped In Spiderweb

Cigarette Case or ID Holder

by sweetheartsinner

Extra Long Black Skull and white tutu skirt

by SistersOfTheMoon

Pink Spider Webs Vintage-Inspired Net Lace Hostess Apron

by flappergirl

And these lovelies, which remind me so much of Melissa Marr's books (Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity). There is a part of me that would love to wear faery wings like this every day!

Moxie Fairy Wings - Goth - Cobweb Spider Wings

by OnGossamerWings

What are YOU going to be for Halloween? Drop me a line and share your fun ideas!

Hey there cupcake!

Seriously, after a long weekend of wine and treats, it's time to head back to the gym to see how much damage control I can muster. But even as I sweat and groan, my mind will be on my favorite delicacies, most specifically - CUPCAKES.

Is there anything more perfect than a cupcake? Not only is it a delicious treat, it's a miniature work of art. And what gelato did in the 80's, cupcakes are doing in the new millenium. Every day it seems that more and more cupcake cafes are popping up, making this guilty little pleasure, once only able to be savored at children's birthday parties, a mainstream delight.

Here are a few calorie free ways to satisfy your sweet tooth from our fellow Etsy vendors:

CUPCAKE Shabby mini cottage sign, SignsByDiane

Sterling Silver Stamped CUPCAKE Pink Brown Pendant, E. Ria Designs

The CHLOE Vintage Inspired Blue Cupcake Apron, Boojiboo

and this little delight, which nearly made me snort coffee through my nose:

Cute as a Cupcake----Custom Sizes 12 mo - 5T, sweetplume

If you live in the SF Bay area, there is a lovely little cupcakery in San Carlos that you must visit! Vanilla Moon Bakery at 872 Laurel Street, offers beautifully crafted cupcakes, whether you're looking for something special for a wedding or party, or just walking in off the street.

Enjoy your cupcakes - I'm off to the gym...