Rupert Valentino Joins DracGoth & Etagloc

On By ResaIn Gowntoons, Princess Blue Holly102 Comments

When AGMs Shey, Dale and Gigi vanished into thin air, Princess Blue Holly sprang into action.

She peered into her Tangle – Heart.

It showed her an image of OtherWorld. She saw DracGoth and Etagloc, marionettes at the feet of the SheyGoth effigy.

Rupert Valentino had imprisoned AGMs Shey, Gigi and Dale in a cage. The plan was to turn DracGoth and Etagloc back into normal monsters, and divvy up the AGMs amongst themselves. PBH listened in on their conversation.

DracGoth – You idiot! Moron! Nincompoop! You left the incantation on your coffee table? You’re no 13th cousin of mine.

Rupert – Knock it off, will ya! I told ya, I’ll just slip back through “Nowhere and Nothing” to Earth, grab the incantation offa the coffee table and vavoom, I’m back here.

Etagloc – Hissss… hack, cough…. can ya pick me up some smokes before ya vavoom? COUGH… hissssss. 

Rupert – You idiot! Moron! Nincompoop! I’ll think about it.

With that, Rupert took off!

Knowing Rupert Valentino would transverse through “Nowhere and Nothing”, PBH changed outfits, and tucked 2 magic peach blossoms from AGM Dale’s magic peach tree into her bustier.

Sure enough, in the middle of “Nowhere and Nothing”, Princess Blue and Rupert Valentino (a legend in his own mind) came face to face. He accosted her with a knife.

Rupert – What’re you gonna do now, Blue Holly? Attack me with your feeble poisonous whip? This knife will be the end of it, and you.

At that moment, Blue Holly took out one magic peach blossom, placed it in the centre of her palm, and blew it at Rupert.

Rupert began going through a series of demented changes. While PBH waited for the full effect to take hold on Rupert, she slipped into a new outfit.

AGMs Marina and Holly were modelling Art Gowns from the Classic Collection.

Marina was modelling “Belle Grâce“, Timothy’s dedicated Art Gown.

Holly was modelling her very own dedicated Art Gown “Velvet Tango“.

Rebecca was thrilled how the gowns fit so perfectly.

“Girls, it’s going to be a magnificent show! Ahh, there’s nothing like the classics. RR should be here shortly to try on “Cleopatra Capriccio“. Then, as soon as Blue Holly rescues Shey, Dale and Gigi, I shall continue gown selections and try ons!

Suddenly, there was a new presence in the room. A three armed woman stood blocking the doorway. Thing is the door was gone!

Bezella – I’m here to be an Art Gowns Model!

DracGoth – What the hell is keeping Rupert? He shoulda been back by now!

Etagloc – Ahhhack – hissss He better remember my smokes! COUGH!

PBH – “Hello boys! Waiting for someone?”

Having delivered marionette Rupert to the SheyGoth effigy, Blue Holly took the second magic peach blossom from her bodice. She blew it at the caged AGMs. In a blizzard of peach blossoms, they were freed and on their way back to earth.

PBH raced through “Nowhere and Nothing” to get back on Earth, before the AGMs arrived.

Back on Earth PBH morphed back into her alter ego. Ms. Rosso threw on a simple house gown. She proceeded to the Art Gowns room, for her fitting.

Sacré bleu! The door was gone, a mirror in its stead! Now what, she thought?

RR could hear the blizzard of peach blossoms bringing Shey, Gigi and Dale back. She’d have to think about what to do later. The AGMs were about to land!

Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters © Resa MeConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter – Since May 2019

Music selections by Holly Rene Hunter

Visit the AGMs on their blogs! Holly – Dale – Shey – Marina – Gigi

Nature Pics © & courtesy of Timothy Price. Visit Tim at Off Center Not Even

Visit Rebecca on Lady Budd & link to her other blogs from there.

In case you missed the first episode of their most recent adventure:

Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style

The Necromancer’s Daughter – by: D. Wallace Peach

On By ResaIn Book Review342 Comments

Monarchy, religion, culture and love collide in ancient China’s warring society. All come to rest upon the shoulders of Aster, a gentle soul content in her life. At the start of this tale, her dead infant body is stolen from her mother, the  Queen of Verdane. Aster is brought back to life by Barus. Barus becomes her father, the only one she knows & loves.

Resa – Why &/or how did you come up withe the name Aster?

Peach – That’s an easy one.  She’s so pale that she reminded Barus of the white asters that grew in the meadows around his home. I imagined that when in bloom the flowers almost looked like snow.

Resa – I just have to ask, ” When did you discover the idea of “necromancy” … that it could bring people back to life?

Peach – Great question! Necromancy is (or was) a real thing, and the earliest records date back to the 3rd century, AD. Christian priests and scholars were some of the first to record attempts to “reanimate dead people or foretell the future by communicating with them.” So, it’s been around a long time, and I’m willing to swear that the desire to communicate with the dead continues today. Ouija Boards are a modern example, and some people make a very good living channeling departed souls.

Peach – In modern fantasy, most necromancers are evil and scary, involved in black magic and creating monsters. My mother didn’t want to read the book because she thought it was about cannibals. Lol. It’s a stereotype that I flipped on its head with Barus and Aster.

Resa – Did you make up the ritual? The mixing of herbs… the incanting…. the bleeding? Or did you read about it somewhere? Are there aster flowers in the potion?

Peach – The ritual was my own fabrication though I incorporated pieces of rituals that I found on the internet. It’s amazing what you can research there!
The herbs used in necromancy don’t include asters. The ones in the book are real poisons. The toxins have medical uses, but can easily be lethal. It’s another instance of that fine line between good and bad. It’s all about intention, isn’t it?

Resa – Above is an outfit I think the Queen of Blackrock could dress Aster in, when she is a guest there. However, I’m jumping ahead. Aster must get there first, and it’s a difficult journey fraught with perils.

Fortunately, she has the help of Joreh, then Teko. Oh, and I love all the hair on the men. Okay, not so much the beards, but all that long hair be it snarled, in a ponytail, braid or grey. I confess I have a huge crush on Teko.

Peach – I like long hair on men too. Ha ha. And not beards so much either, but it’s not like these guys get a chance to shave, so beards it is.  And Teko is a fan favorite, Resa. He was so fun to write – a barbarian imbued with honor, misleading simplicity, and astute wisdom. He was full of surprises even as I wrote him.

Resa – There is a black & silver Dragon, who has bonded with Aster. It seems like a simple bonding, until the final legs of the journey to claim her birthright. What gave you the idea to use dragons?

Peach – In the Chinese legend of Kwan-Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, there’s a dragon. She encounters it on the road while carrying water, and she isn’t afraid. The dragon admires her goodness and kindness and gives her a gift of a well so she won’t have to carry water anymore.  Just the mention of a dragon was enough for me to include them in the retelling of her story. ❤

Resa – On her journey, Aster encounters “Nightlings”. Are these like fire flies? Or are they little birds? I’d read a small portion of the book when they were encountered. In my mind I saw them as a sort of flashlight, leading Aster through darkness.

Peach – Ha ha ha.  I saw them in my mind’s eye as insects actually but large ones, the size of hummingbirds. They’re like dragonflies but they light up during dusk. I think Joreh mentions in the beginning that they’re insects, but I mostly leave it up to the reader’s imagination. Your question intrigued me.

Resa – I gotta tell you, I was wearing a thick, oversized lumberjack shirt while reading about the snow, the cold, the freezing, the deprivations of winter beyond winter. A couple of nights ago, when I put the story down for dinner, my hands were so cold my fingers were icicles. I’m chalking it up to that you are such a great writer that you can describe me into being cold.
❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️
Peach – LOL, Resa.  I probably was wearing a coat when I wrote the book… last winter.  Our cabin is hard to heat when it gets especially chilly outside. 🙂 I’m so sorry about the cold fingers though! 

Resa – I have a question about Aster’s raiment once she has reached Blackrock. Aster is cleaned up and dressed in rose, cream and violet silk with a blue sash sleeveless blue robe/w dragons on the hem. Her hair is in a tall knot. This description is not as brightly colourful as the citizens are dressed.  Am I correct in summing up that her outfit in Blackrock is a less richly hued  than the one she wears at the Gates of Whitehall?

Peach – I can so tell that you’re a wardrobe and gown designer! Your questions are wonderful. Generally, the queen of BlackRock has selected pastels for Aster, in Blackrock and at the gates of Whitehall. The queen thinks she’s too deathly pale for anything the least vivid. She also doesn’t trust Aster’s fashion sense, so everything coordinates regardless of how Aster puts the layers together.
The gowns are similar to the Hanfu style of Chinese clothing, lots of layers of silk and long flowing sleeves. There are wonderful images on the internet and lots of variation. The tall hairstyles were typical of Chinese royalty back in the day.
Resa – I imagined I was the Queen of Blackrock’s designer, so I had access to all silk, threads and jewels. I designed an outfit with Aster. There is an aster pattern down one side of her sleeveless kimono, and she wears fresh asters in her hair.
❄️
Peach – Love it! Wow. Resa, that’s beautiful!  And I just ADORE the idea of you as the designer producing Aster’s dress for the queen. How fun to have you in the story!
❄️
Resa – OH! You never described a headdress. Would I be out of order to include one?
❄️
Peach – Isn’t that funny? Lol. Please do whatever you want with a headdress. You’re the designer. ❤❤❤
 Resa – I would have loved to draw Aster on her horse, but that could have added MONTHS to the drawing.
Inside the Gates of Whitehall, Aster is weak as a kitten, yet regal. I saw her using something to hold onto. I came up with obsidian cat statues. There are the wild cats mentioned throughout the journey, so I thought even though you never described these statues, it’s not totally out of context.

Peach – The drawing is beautiful. And the cat statues look great the way they frame her. I totally defer to your artistic impulses.
❄️
Resa – You are not just gracious, you are a true fan of the creative nature.
❄️
Peach – And your reviews are just amazing!  I LOVE them. I can’t wait to see it all come to life. Thank you so much for reading my work and for your wonderful drawings.
❄️
Resa – My pleasure!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked.

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

Visit Diana on her blog!

You can buy D. Wallace Peach’s books on:

Amazon US~~~Amazon UK~~~Kobo

All pics of street art taken by Resa – 2019 – 2022

Toronto, Canada

This is one fabulous story!

Outtakes

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Dragon (manipulated) – from a mural by Allan Bender John Nobrega & Stacey Kinder

All other street artists unknown

Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style

On By ResaIn Gowntoons, Tribute150 Comments

Dahlings, it was the 1940’s. For half the decade the world was at war and then it was recovery time. Days were hard, but Hollywood kept us entertained with escapist Movie Star Glamour.

Whether a promotion for an actor or a movie, the studios spared nothing.  Katherine Hepburn made wearing wide leg pants éclat. Here, in Hepburn style palazzos, is Art Director Rebecca!

Thank you Rene! Although, in the only actual copy of a gown here today, you give Ava Gardner in “The Killers” a run for her money. Now, let’s get on with it! First out on the catwalk is AGM Gigi.

Inspired by Betty Grable, Gigi is bewitching in this Art Gowns original.

There’s no mistaking the influences of Marlene Dietrich & Rita Hayworth in Marina’s one of a kind design. Such vintage beauty!

AGM Dale is dazzling in her rendition of a Carmen Miranda gown.

Veronica Lake broke many a heart when she covered one eye with her hair. AGM Holly is also a heartbreaker in this gold lame gown.

Last out on the runway, in the spirit of Loretta Young –  Shey surrounds and spellbinds us wth romantic glory.

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Meanwhile, in the dark back of the theatre, lusted Rupert Valentino. A wanna be Matinee Idol (no relation to Rudolph), sent by DracGoth (13th cousin) to abscond with SheyGoth to Erebos. There a diabolic plan to free DracGoth & Etagloc from the SheyGoth effigy was being hatched.

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As a bonus for all the film buffs here today, I’ve prepared a slide show of our inspirations.

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…. aaand finally I present Ms. Rosso in an Art Gowns creation influenced by Vivian Leigh in the movie “That Hamilton Woman”, with undertows of Rita Hayworth in “Gilda”

You are all so wonderful for being here. Please enjoy this song and video by Christina Aguilera! Written in tribute to The Andrews Sisters’ 1941 song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. 

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Unable to control his greed, Rupert Valentino sent AGMs Dale and Gigi along with Shey. No one saw backstage, as the 3 faded into the darkness of Erebos.

Not being the sharpest spoon in the drawer, Rupert unknowingly also sent a past memory of Resa’s tree into Erebos. Resa’s tree instantly sent a message to RR & PBH’s Tangle-Heart

Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters © Resa MeConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter – Since May 2019

Music selections by Holly Rene Hunter

Visit the Art Gowns Models on their blogs!

Gigi – Shey– Marina – Dale & Holly

All Magic Trees & flowers © Timothy Price from Off Center Not Even

Visit Rebecca’s Podcast where you can also find links to her other blogs!

This gown, inspired by Tim’s Irises & Rita Hayworth, is perfect for my special announcement.

“Sheridan Art and Design has published a well deserved tribute and informative interview with their accomplished alumni, our very own amazing designer extraordinaire, Resa McConaghy. 
 
To discover Resa’s philosophy about design,  to view many of her beautiful gowns and discover the secrets to her success in the competitive field of haute couture; Click on the header below!”

”I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.” -Katherine Hepburn

Some Great News To Share

On By ResaIn Reblogs, Tribute2 Comments

My favourite Soprano in the whole world is not merely a fabulous singer, but a wonderful person. In the past, she has brought Opera to children who are deaf &/or  hard of hearing.

Charlotte – “For several years now, I have had a deep desire to create an Opera Production which can be enjoyed across the full hearing spectrum. The idea for the Opera is developed from my album “Down The Rabbit Hole”.”

She has worked diligently for several years, and has now received a grant.

Charlotte – “Two weeks ago, I got the news that they were willing to provide key funding for my project if I could raise the rest.  So before I could share the news with you, I had to hit the phones, write emails and send off applications to try and raise the shortfall.”

Charlotte has raised the shortfall. She will do a small tour of primary schools next Spring, which will include both D/Deaf specialist schools and primary schools from socially deprived areas.

Charlotte – “If I can raise an extra £600.00 it will give me enough money to print a learning aid booklet for each of the 800 children we perform for. If I can raise an additional £3000.00 it will allow me to add the two schools that I have as reserves so that none of the children miss out.”

If you live in the U.K., there is a way to help Charlotte raise the money by simply shopping.

Click on this and go to Charlotte’s page

OR

Visit Charlotte’s Blog, where there is a button to donate to this project on the side bar. I just donated £ 10.00 with PayPal!

If you have never had the delight of hearing Charlotte sing, click on the image below and visit her YouTube Channel.

I have Charlotte’s permission to reblog. However, as there is no reblog button on her blog, I have made this semi-repost.

To visit the full original post, click on the pic below.

I’ve decided to close comments. Many of you might want to say something to Charlotte, however Akismet won’t allow her to comment on this blog. Crazy! We communicate through comments on her blog. So, go visit!

 Announcement: An Art Gown for Charlotte. A few years ago, I was gifted some sequin fabric left over from a TV production. This was the beginning. It will be sent to Charlotte, with help from ❦ Timothy Price ❦

Princess Blue Holly vs Chainelle

On By ResaIn Gowntoons, Princess Blue Holly172 Comments

“Dahlings! I’m sick with worry about the AGMs.”

“I look into my Tangle-Heart, and it’s dark, save a guiding moon.”

“Chainelle was quite riled by the AGM mermaids fashion show. True, it worked to bring her to the surface of her black underwater cave in the Gulf of Mexico.”

“However, instead of coming out of the black, she sucked the Art Gowns Models  into it. Dale, Holly, Gigi, Marina and Shey are sticking together, but they are not sure what to do next.”

“The last thing I can see is Blue Holly diving into the black and Rebecca Budd – Art Director, tumbling past her.”

Blue Holly watched as R.B. spun down, down, down and further into the dark. PBH couldn’t see anything anymore, so she used her iridescence  power.

Although PBH could see better, she did not see another iridescent light sneaking up behind her.

It was Chainelle, about to attack from the rear!

Suddenly, MerSin appeared out of the black. “Princess Blue, flee with the AGMs! l’ll take care of Chainelle! You spared me once, and now I repay my debt to you.”

“You thrashed me with dragons, then let me live. I’ll threaten to gnash Chainelle with a thousand claws. In the end, I will spare her. I became a more benevolent sea monster due to your kindness. I believe Chainelle will also find power in love and mercy!”

Blue Holly swam using her hydraulic speed power. The AGMs & RB were clinging to her strong red hair, all the while.

“Dahlings, the Tangle-Heart is sending a hopeful message! The AGMs and RB are headed home.”

“I’m sending a song to help guide their way!”

“It seems there is one last issue. When Chainelle whorled Rebecca into her black cave, she caused RB’s magic Bamboo to freeze over. You walked through the Bamboo to turn into mermaids. How will you turn back?”

“Swim into the Rio Grande, and channel your Magic Trees!”

As the AGMs channeled their trees, they returned to their normal human selves, the frost on Rebecca’s Bamboo melted and all was well again.

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There’s nothing like a beautiful sunset to top off a happy ending. Resa’s tree was content knowing that all were safe, and a new fashion show would be in the planning tomorrow.

Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter

All music selections by Holly Rene Hunter

Visit Dale – Holly – Gigi – Marina – Shey

All tree and nature pics © Timothy Price from Off Center Not Even

Visit Rebecca! 

Show – Down at the Coral

On By ResaIn Gowntoons, Princess Blue Holly164 Comments

Princess Blue Holly showed up at noon by the coral in the Gulf of Mexico, her seaweed whip with with poisonous holly berries poised to fight Chainelle.

However, instead of finding Chainelle, she found a surging, gurgling black mass of gulf water. Chainelle’s wicked voice was luring Blue Holly into the black.

PBH knew it was folly to dive into the dark. Luring Chainelle up was a wiser choice. Chainelle’s weakness was her jealousy of the Art Gowns Models, and loathing of Ms. Rosso.

An underwater fashion show was the bait. Blue Holly looked into her Tangle-Heart, and had it send a message to all of the AGMs’ magic trees.

The AGMs were instructed to walk through the tall grasses on Tim’s magic tree sanctuary. Eventually the grasses would become sea grasses, and the AGMs would be transformed into Mermaids.

Dahlings, welcome to the Fashion Show down at the Coral. All the AGM Mermaids are here, and so is our wonderful Art Director, RB.

Don’t you just love RB’s split tail fin, inspired by her famous palazzo pants & adorned with bits of red sea anenomes and seaweed ? Take it away, Rebecca!

Thank you, Rene! What a thrill to be Art Directing a fashion show under water in the gulf of Mexico. We are all Mermaids here, and the Mermaid Art Gowns are splashing!

First out on the Catfish Walk is AGM Marina. Marina is a knock out in her one shoulder mermaid bodice, with rare queen conch shell detail. A double layer tail fin to match the queen conch with extra sea grasses finish the gown beautifully.

Next out on a meandering current is Holly. AGM Mermaid Holly wears a romantic creation. The tail is a multi wisps design with heart inserts. Her arm is adorned with hearts, held together with a long strand of seaweed.

I’d like to take a moment to thank my Assistant Art Director, Mermaid Chicklet Nora & her assistant Skippy. I couldn’t have perfected this under water extravaganza without her.

Now, let’s have a round of applause for the Mermaid Chicklets Beauty Team!

On make-up we have the talented Lacy!

Perfecting the AGM Mermaids’ hair is Ground breaking hairstylist, Michell!

Last but not least let’s hear it for Pearl, Wardrobe Supervisor!

Now it’s back to the Catfish Walk and AGM Mermaid Dale. Dale’s gown is made of bracken with a fine net overlay. Her gown features a tidy tail fin and large dramatic dorsal fin accented by iridescent blue champia laingii. The net overlay has been repurposed from deep water human pollution.

Mermaid AGM Gigi is splendid with her elaborate & massive tail fin, that spreads out like a señorita’s fan. Decorated with sea salvaged ribbons and segments of plastic water bottles, it is one-of-a-kind.

It’s a butterfly! Not quite, but AGM Mermaid Shey’s gown is inspired by the shells of Corolla Sea Butterflies. Shey’s gown shows off 3 dorsal fins that augment her tail fin.

And now, back to our one and only diva, Rene Rosso! Her floating boa, a joyous combo of Starfish and Bracken.

Dahlings, I hope you enjoyed our special presentation! I leave you with well wishes, and a song sung by Robert Plant.

Suddenly the roiling black waters became almost violent. Chainelle’s face appeared out of the dark.

I’m the superior designer! Who does that hack RR think she is? I demand Princess Blue Holly fight it out with me for the souls of RR & the Art Gowns Models!

Characters Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter – since 2019

All music selections in Gowntoons by Holly Rene Hunter

Visit them on their blogs!

Holly, Gigi, Shey, Dale, Marina

Timothy Price from Off Center Not Even is the keeper of the Magic Tree Sanctuary & official nature photographer.

Visit Rebecca’s Podcast and find your way from there to her other blogs.

CHICKLETS drawings courtesy of & © Georgiann Carlson

Stay tuned for the final episode! In case you missed previous episodes:

Episode 1

The Jazz Age

Episode 2

Princess Blue Holly in Erebos

Jade

On By ResaIn Romance177 Comments

Have you ever walked away from love?

Yes!? Then you know its bittersweet taste.

Jade has been called by Chinese poets “the concentrated essence of love”.

Well, all that sounds like a Historical Romance novel to me, and Shehanne Moore writes the best .

Art Gown, Jade, is lovingly dedicated to Shehanne.

If anyone knows the twists and turns of romance, it is she.

It all began with 2 vintage decorator pillow shams. My friend, Kat, found them in Wiarton’s Goodwill – 220 km. north of Toronto. She sent them to me.

I wasted no time pinning one onto Judy. It was a natural. Last year Kat sent me 40 pounds of fabrics, much of it stored for up to 25 years. In the poundage was a generous yardage of 60″ wide green polyester faux silk.

That was cut on bias and hung for 2 weeks. I harvested miles of ribbon from an old gown. It was marked with needle holes, so I gathered it to hide the flaws.

The faux silk had been cut without blunting the bottom for a hem. The points were picked up, and attached onto the bodice. This meant no fabric was wasted, and I sewed (by hand)  420 inches of seams & 660 inches of hem.

540 inches of ruffled salvaged ribbon was sewn onto the hem. The decals from the 2nd pillow sham were cut out, and positioned strategically onto the gown. Then began the fun of designing the bustle.

Jade is a dream to drape. That polyester faux silk is like fabric butter. However, it does not biodegrade like butter.

Front lit or backlit, she shines.

OUTTAKES

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I’m a huge fan of Shehanne’s books. I’ve read all but one, so far. These are just 5 of her titles. Click on the banner to go to her Amazon page!

D. Wallace Peach – Myths of the Mirror has just read “Loving Lady Lazuli”. Her review will appear in her next books review.

However, you can read it NOW! Just click on the book cover!

I read if you hit a piece of jade, it rings like a bell. Whether for pleasant listening or for ritual practices, chimes, xylophones, and gongs have been created from melodically resonant jade.

I kept hearing this song while doing the post. Maybe because Sade looks like Jade, but an “s” instead of a “j”. When I learned about jade being resonant, I put it in.

On top of it all, Timothy Price – Off Center Not Even sent me a gift of LED lights with 4 filters: red, orange, yellow and blue. Jade is the first Art Gown learning lesson. I experimented in night, and day.

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As Jade retires to the plant room, I’m mini Jade here to say thank you for popping by & come again!

A Tangle of Music

On By ResaIn Tribute124 Comments

Dahlings, do you just love my hair done as red sails? I feel like I could fly. It makes me think of songs like: Sailing by Christoper Cross, Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin & Come Sail Away by Styx. This brings me to the theme of our Tribute today, Music!

Take it away, Rebecca!

Thank you Rene! We’ve decided to have a bit of fun with “A Tangle of Music”. Each AGM is presented with 2 or 3 bars of 12, that are the instrumental opening to a famous song. There are other clues, as well.

There is an obvious theme running though each AGM’s gown, that pertains to the opening lyrics. Also, as you can see, I am surrounded by the chords in the song. Note: I am holding an A minor in my right hand.

First out on the Catwalk, with the first 2 bars, is AGM Marina in a stunning 1 shoulder, ultra fitted gown with a fish tail hem.

In order to make sure our presentation is sound, we consulted with Trent, & sent him the pic of Marina.

Trent’s reply: “My piano is way off to the side, and I was trying to play it off of the dress, which has the left hand (on the right side) and the right hand (on the left side) with a woman in between. It took a minute.”

Trent’s advice: “It is easier to see if the two parts (called staves) are together. If you can have the line and bracket joining them, a player knows they are played at the same time.”

As you can see AGM Shey holds the next 2 bars, with the staves joined, in one hand. She shows off the full skirt of the drop waist slip style gown in her other hand.

AGigiM is brilliant in pinch tucked trim accentuating a deep v décolletage. Off the shoulder ruffles make for an innocent (don’t be fooled) effect, while a generous side seam insert of pleats adds drama to her every move. Her right gloved hand holds the 5th, 6th & 7th bars.

Dale, our AGM of Thunder feels easy and breezy, as she leans on a fence of the 8th & 9th bars. Inspired by a gypsy’s dance, her gown is full of romance.

Avant Garde is the term for AGM Holly’s asymmetric gown. She stands nonchalantly by the last 3 bars to the intro.

The theme running through the gowns is  gold. “There’s a lady who’s sure
All that glitters is gold”.

This is an historic tribute performance of the answer!

Now, back to Rene!

Thank you, Rebecca! This is the gown that started it all. It’s a scribble gown, drawn to live music from under Resa’s bed.

Okay, the fun isn’t over yet! Someone’s past boyfriend found them online & sent her the song he wrote for her back when. Perhaps you can guess who? The answer will be on Holly’s blog.

Finally we have many blog pals who make great music. What would a great Tangle be without throwing a few into the snarl!

Click on the cards to visit their Youtube channels!

Check out the music of MK-O – Marina Kanavaki & Oannes (click on above)

Visit them on their blogs!

Holly, Gigi, Shey, Dale, Marina

& Art Director – Rebecca Budd

Rene Rosso character © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter

Since 2019

Princess Blue Holly in Erebos

On By ResaIn Gowntoons, Princess Blue Holly115 Comments

After a successful Jazz Age fashion show, Blue Holly’s Tangle- Heart showed her a perfectly rosy pink magic tree sanctuary. She decided to see for herself.

She put on her new Sunny Day Super Hero outfit, for the occasion.

However, when she arrived, the perfect rosy pink was being swallowed slowly by darkness.

Looking to another horizon, the dark sky was giving up a portal. The moon marked the spot. Did the AGMs need to be rescued, again? Their beauty was a curse!

Slipping into her invisibility outfit, she slid through the portal. PBH was shocked to see her old enemy from Super Hero College. It was the insulting shape-shifting spirit, Chainelle; who had managed to usurp the spirit of R. Budd.

PBH took some time to eavesdrop.

“Why is everything so dark and murky?

“Atmosphere!”

How am I here?  Why am I here? ”

 “You aren’t here RB, only your spirit is here. Your lumbersome body is asleep in its bed. You are here to Art Direct a fashion show for the Live Nitoop Network. It will be broadcast over the entire Netherworlds.”

“It’s all Baby Bat SheyGoth’s fault! I was merely planning to usurp her spirit, as payback for her affair with DracGoth.  Then I saw that hack, Rene Rosso, hosting the worst fashion show ever.”

“The spirits of the AGMs are backstage, getting dressed in fabulous gowns that I designed. I’ll be shape shifting into mine.”

“Dahlings, welcome to the end all of fashion shows! I’m Chainelle your glorious producer and designer of all the Zombie Theme Gowns you see here tonight. Take it away Rebecca!”

“Thank you, Chainelle! It is with great disconcertion  that I present the AGMs in fashions from Erebos.”

“First out on the runway is Gigi. Gigi looks totally not amused.  You can’t see them, but the heels of her stilettos are actual stilettos.”

“AGM Holly can barely walk in this prisoner style gown with brick heavy tail. These bondage gowns are quite popular here in Erebos.”

“It’s not AGM Shey’s fault that Drac Goth left Chainelle for her. Nonetheless, she’s stuck here with the rest of us.”

“Check out the accessory of chain, crosses, skulls and spikes. These cost a small fortune in blood, apparently.”

“Marina’s gown is replete with a live snake chained to her arm. Good work, Chainelle!”

“AGM Dale feigns happiness in this, erm, treacle sweet gown designed by you know who.“

“Next out on the catwalk is …Blue Holly in a gown!!! Yay!! Pack it up girls, we’re going home!”

“Hello Chainelle. First send the AGMs and RB’s spirits back to their beds! Then I’m going to thrash you”

Chainelle went wild, shape shifting into a new gown every half second.

“That’s hardly a fair fight. What’s say I send the AGMs & RB back, and we meet for a showdown?”

“Fine! Where and when?”

“Gulf of Mexico, by the coral off the coast of Texas. Tomorrow, noon!”

Blue Holly looked into her Tangle-Heart, and could see the AGMs & RB on their way home.

“Okay, coral…. High noon!”

Rene Rosso spoke to the AGMs & RB from Nowhere & Nothing World, her go to  place when dealing with Netherworlds denizens, and their prisoners.

“It will be night when you get home. It will be dark on the way.” Here’s some night travelling music to keep you safe.”

“Hack …my foot! Just to let Chainelle know, as a professional Diva, I can change gowns, hair and make-up in one minute: and I don’t have to shape shift!

Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter – Since September, 2019

You can visit the fabulous AGMs on their blogs!

Gigi – Rethinking Life,  Holly – House of Heart, Shey – Smexy Historical Romance, Marina – Art Towards a Happy Day & Dale – A Dalectable Life

Visit Rebecca on her Podcast Blog– From here you can link on to one of her other fab blogs

❦ All magic tree and nature photos courtesy of & © Timothy Price – Off Center Not Even

🤍 A Dream 🤍 of Paper

On By ResaIn Thank You134 Comments

Welcome Dahlings! The AGMs & I are here tonight to help Resa thank Timothy from Off Center Not Even.

I know I look amazing. I can’t help it! I’ve been heavily filtered. Unfortunately, the colours are not as Resa meant them.

When supply chain issues affected the stock of art supplies in Toronto, Tim & Holly – House of Heart started a swear jar to buy a gift of art supplies, & mail them to Resa. If she is not home, she can later pick it up at her post office.

I hear you RR! She can’t order on line, because if she’s not home, the delivery guys just leave the package on the step. Never mind porch pirates, Resa lives by a busy streetcar transfer stop. Hundreds of people are out there every day.

“That’s true, Marina! Recently, she couldn’t find paper in the weight & size she uses. So she did this pencil & smudges drawing of me around old paint blots.”

“Still, none of us get new gowns without drawing paper. Here comes the dream! It’s  Drawing paper, a REAM of it, seen here posing beside the new Art Gown (for Shey). It’s about 60% done. AGM Dale, what do you think about that?”

“Holly, I’m feeling 100% wicked about it!”

“Especially when you factor in a roll of Resa’s fave paper, two pads of the same paper, two dozen HB pencils, scads of water colour pencils and two kneadable erasers!”

“On top of it all, Tim threw in a gift of LED lights, so Resa can try getting the colours more how she means them.”

AGM Shey was thrilled, as she had just got a Lamé gown. She insisted on being photographed in it.

The lights are fabulous, dahling, but we need a new make-up artist. The one from the Coop knows how to work with my face. Can we make that happen?

Of course dahling! Only the best, now that we have lights.

Ribbons of sand run through her red hair. The moon streaks the sky with flecks of gold. – based on words from a poem by Holly.

Dear Tim,

You’ve gone beyond the call. I can’t thank you enough! I’ve been taking pics for days. I want everything to be perfect for this thank you, but there’s so much to learn. We will have to settle for perfectly imperfect. XOXOXO

Tim, RB here via Skype. I wanted to be here and celebrate with Resa, RR and the AGMs. I have no idea where I am, but I am art directing a fashion show for Live Nitoop Network, apparently. If you see PBH, can you pass this on for me?

HELP!!!