Friday, May 4, 2018

Edward Gorey, Master of Mystery

"I just kind of conjured them up out of my subconscious and put them in order of ascending peculiarity."
~ Edward Gorey

Today, it is my personal pleasure to share with you an artist and writer who inspires me. Edward Gorey's books and illustrations are thought provoking and filled with mystery. I was introduced to his work by a friend who gave me a copy of The Gashlycrumb Tinies.


Edward Gorey's stories are like a macabre martini with a twist of peculiar. His lines are, oh so detailed, and they capture the essence of a scene in a most unique way. 

I've visited the Edward Gorey House, and I was delighted by what I found amidst his collection of extraordinary, and ordinary, things. Peculiarities indeed!

Edward Gorey was a fascinating person who enjoyed exploring his imagination. 

I very much appreciate the care and time he put into his illustrations and books. 

He was undoubtably a perfectionist.

His love for Balanchine's choreography in the New York City Ballet is legendary. It would have been amazing to see him there—and possible, as he attended every show.
Edward Gorey has been a great influence on my drawing and writing craft. I feel excited when something pops into a picture unexpectedly, and a new idea is born.



"When people are finding meaning in things, beware."
~ Edward Gorey


To learn more about Edward Gorey, visit the Edward Gorey House in Cape Cod. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

Edward Gorey, 1925-2000
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Here is a "Goreyesque" attempt at a short story. I didn't have time to finish this project for the post, as the idea came about on Sunday when Stephanie and I decided the theme this week was Edward Gorey. I will finish it at some point, as I absolutely adore illustrating short story lines like these. It will take a long time to complete the sketches (I had big aspirations of getting it done by Friday, but that was a ridiculous goal). I did listen to Igor Stravinsky and watch Agon performed to Balanchine's choreography by the New York City Ballet to channel inspiration. I can understand why Edward Gorey enjoyed it. The performance is methodical and mesmerizing, like his art. 

The Lingering Lull
By Jessica Haight





Abby sat with naught to do.




Becket tied up his shoe.




Caitlin flipped through a book.



Dedalus was afraid to look.






Enon waited for the call.








Fran crept lightly down the hall.


Goodwin raced toward the door.





Hadley knew she wanted more.


















Icarus swatted at a fly.




Jessica sneaked in like a spy.















Kathryn shouted, “Zip it up!”
          Lori sipped from a cup.

                           Maureen tutted at the show.
                                      Ned decided where to go.

                                              Olive made a big mistake.
                                                       Paul cut out a slice of cake.

                                 Quentin couldn’t find the word.
                                        Rachel wasn’t seen nor heard.

                            Stephanie twiddled two bored thumbs.
                                       Tony swept up breadcrumbs.

                Ursula sneezed from a cold.
                         Victor hated being old.

       Winnie chased off a cat.
                Xena fell over flat.

Yori stood to get a drink.
        Zack didn’t wish to think.
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Check out Edward Gorey's Books

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Mysterious Master Gorey

Edward Gorey's Sketchpad


Excellent guessing, Riddlers. This week we're dipping into the mind of the mysterious Edward Gorey. He was a brilliant person whose words and art inspire me. So, get ready for some creative fun on Friday. Stay tuned! See you all around the book block. 😉 ~ F

Guess or not who I may be. It doesn't matter much to me. To sort it out, here's a clue— if that's what you want to do. Mystery was in my blood. Dracula was not a dud. You'll find a graveyard at my house, and plenty cats to chase a mouse. When Balanchine's dancers leapt, New York City's where I slept. In Cape Cod, at an old Captain's pad, there's more suspense to be had.

Who am I? Answer Edward Gorey
Edward Gorey
Click here to visit the Edward Gorey House 


Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

A Tale of Two Meadows...



G'day! My name's Alice, and I'm a garden bunny. I feel hoppy, and if you'd like, I'll tell you a story. Do you have the ears to catch the buzz?

Yes! Brilliant. Let's leap into a tale of two meadows.



Our story is told from the wings of Malcom Butterfly, a master at the art of drinking flowers. When the warm sun stirs colors, and things begin to bloom, he sets out on a quest.

Others join him for delicious blossoms and fragrant folly.

Malcom doesn't know he's a butterfly, he just loves living and being in the light. 

He flits and flutters, stopping here and there to rest, keeping a keen eye for the perfect snack.




The first meadow Malcom stumbles on is full of flavors. Delighted by the bounty, he zooms in on a juicy purple thistle.
Bees busy themselves around him, squeezing in for a sip. His friends catch the buzz and head over to the beautiful flowers.
Malcom finds a perfect spot and takes a long, slow, deep drink from the decadent thistle.

When butterfly spirit dances with Nature's nectar, the moment sings in high vibrations. 

Malcom feels good. The day is lazy, and there's so much more to explore!


He casually makes his way to a neighboring meadow. Sunlight cascades over green hills, sprinkling prism rainbows on the scene. The butterfly stretches his wings and soars in.



There are plenty of flowers and lots of places to soak in the day. Malcom takes his time, landing on different colors and textures, filling up with love.

As the sun settles, Malcom's adventure comes to an end. A day in the life of a butterfly is part of Nature's blooming magic. With eyes to see and ears to hear, you can't miss it. 
Flutter away with Malcom Butterfly. Enjoy!



HOPPY SPRING!

In the mood for more natural magic?
Take a spooky stroll through an enchanted forest.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Fairday's Riddle: Suspenseful Lines...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? One of my favorite artists, and the master of mystery! 😉 ~ F

Guess or not who I may be. It doesn't matter much to me. To sort it out, here's a clue— if that's what you want to do. Mystery was in my blood. Dracula was not a dud. You'll find a graveyard at my house, and plenty cats to chase a mouse. When Balanchine's dancers leapt, New York City's where I slept. In Cape Cod, at an old Captain's pad, there's more suspense to be had.

Who am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you three clues!

Friday, April 27, 2018

Margo's Musings: Cooking Up Words...

My little sister, Margo, loves birds. We have fun as a family watching them in our backyard. So many varieties to admire! She loves to try to imitate them, so I wasn't surprised when she came home from the Ashpot Library with Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina. I'm sure the bird on the cover caught her eye.

In this book, Mia’s grandmother comes to live with them in the city. They’ll be sharing a bedroom, but they have trouble communicating. Mia doesn’t know how to say what she wants to say in Spanish, and her grandmother (abuela) doesn’t know many words in English. They begin doing little things every day to help them talk to each other. When they’re cooking, the grandmother will say the Spanish word for an ingredient and Mia repeats it, and then says the English word for each item. When Mia remembers what her class did to help a new student who was learning English, she puts words on top of objects all around the apartment so her grandmother will know how to say them in English. To make her grandmother feel more comfortable, Mia asks her mom to buy a parrot so her grandmother will be reminded of the one in her garden back at her old home. The parrot is a wonder and repeats words it hears Abuela and Mia say to each other. Another way for the two to learn to understand each other!

This was a fun story that will help people learn some words/phrases in Spanish or English. The illustrations are bright and interesting. Even more exciting- Margo and I learned some Spanish words!

Has anyone else read Mango, Abuela, and Me? Or have you read another book by Meg Medina? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

~ F

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Riddle Answer: Message Received!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! A tricky riddle this week. Friday, Margo has a children's picture book she wants me to tell you about, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Follow eight easy steps, and you'll know the deal.
First, you must want to share what you feel.
Second, cast spells into code.
Third, transpose them for upload.
Fourth, tune into the right vibe.
Fifth, watch out for morpheme jive. 
Six, reception will prevail.
Seven, decipher symbol tale.
Eight, meaning is transferred.
Congratulations! You've conjured thought into word.

What am I referring to? Answer: Communication!



Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats

Monday, April 23, 2018

Fairday's Riddle: Eight Steps to Breakdown...

Hello, Riddlers! It's good to be back. Can you guess our theme this week? This is a useful tool to uncover the bare bones of a matter, but mysterious when tangled up in its roots. ; ) ~ F

Follow eight easy steps, and you'll know the deal.
First, you must want to share what you feel.
Second, cast spells into code.
Third, transpose them for upload.
Fourth, tune into the right vibe.
Fifth, watch out for morpheme jive. 
Six, reception will prevail.
Seven, decipher symbol tale.
Eight, meaning is transferred.
Congratulations! You've conjured thought into word.

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!