The lush visuals and vivid sensations created by “House of Heart” ‘s Sad Café series have captivated me. One night, while listening to live music, I began drawing from my mind’s eye album. Holly picked prose & poems to go with the drawings.
I’m awakened by far off laughter drifting through the window of my flat above the Café. From there I can see the cobblestone streets filling with nighttime partiers dodging snow drifts piling along the curbside. My watch reads ten o’clock. Sinking slowly into a warm bath I rinse the scent of smoke from my hair with lavender soap. My skin smells of yesterday’s perfume mingled with the haunting presence of strong cologne and the sweet scent of sweat and rope. At the mirror I brush my hair and pull it back with a silver plated comb, slip into smoky seamed stockings and a clingy black frock. Making my way past the crowded bar I slide into my usual booth at the dark fringe of a deserted corner. I order a glass of red wine and wait.
The room is stifling with
deflowered souls.
The sad café tends its ghosts
but we are more than grateful to forget.
There are no secrets among these
desolate lovers disfigured by life.
We inhale circlets of smoke
that linger in the air and taste lips
dripping desire.
The night arches its back
to drunken angels so we dance
below stars that meet us halfway.
I’ve been here forever
hidden in fantasies,
dimly lit rooms where
moonbeams caper blithely
on the river Seine.
All of my memories are strangers
that come and go.
I want them to know
the smokey purple of lunar tides,
the bittersweet of Rose red.
They linger beneath lamp lit streets,
shadows on tiger paws.
I remember you
beside that serpentine
river of eels and smoke and lovers.
Your secrets held captive
inside a closed heart,
coaxing stars pressed
up against the sky.
Do you think of me?
I am still here where walls
ring with silvery mirth.
I am your souvenir,
a shadow of a woman
in rhinestone heels
A street light blinks off and on. At the window a moth relentlessly scours its edges in search of a way out.
Parting a juicy plum I lick the nectar from my fingers. Like sweet memories the pulp is delicious on my tongue. Beating its wing’s against the glass the moth falls exhausted to the sill, like my eyes.
I remember you. The sun slipping through your teeth. The ghosts of lovers, like birds, peering from behind your eyes, flaying their wings unable to escape.
Drawings © Resa McConaghy
Poetry & Prose © Holly Rene Hunter
Art Gowns 
Fantastic post, Resa. Your beautiful drawings illustrating Holly’s wonderful prose and poems. I love the drawings with backgrounds.
Thank you, Tim!
The beauty is that in drawing images based on Holly’s poems, I needed the backgrounds. I had to stretch my abilities. I learned a lot.
You may recognize some pencils in this post: 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, smalt blue, kingfisher blue, cadmium yellow & ochre.
Another beauty is all those b pencils, stretching me. Thank you! xx
You did great.
xxoo
Thank you Timothy, Resa’s Ana big artwork has opened the doors to the Sad Café. She’s awesome!
Amazing … auto correct grrr.
… you mean auto-mistake!
Haha! Yeah, that!
Great teamwork.
We have fun.
Wow–wonderfully evocative! A great combination of art and words from you both! 💙
Thank you, Merril! 💙
I enjoy the ekphrastic poetry you create.
I see how art inspires words. I went the other way; words inspiring art.
I looked to find a word for it. I couldn’t find one. Maybe you know a word for it?
In the meantime, as it seems the opposite, or backwards, I’m calling it “citsarhpke” art.
You’re welcome, Resa.
I think it’s still an ekphrastic response, and/or an illustration?
💙
Oh, my goodness… I’ve just entered a world of beauty. Beauty of images and words! You girls are amazing! What a fascinating combination. Thank you both for making my day! LOVE + LOVE!!!!
Dahling Marina,
Sad Café has been an incredible experience for me. Holly is inspiring, and this series is special.
In the end, I think I can draw better, more excitement for drawing Gowntoons!!
Thrilled we made your day!
Where would we be without you?
Sending LOVE & LOVE!!!!
I know exactly what you mean about inspirational Holly and her Sad Café and your drawings are special too and inspiring, dahling!
More LOVE & LOVE!!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
OMG! It’s a 21st century love-in.
You know, we could use some big love-ins right now. I’m not talking a music fest. Oh yeah, music comes with the territory, but a real love-in.
LOVE & LOVE
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽
Yes!!!!! LOVE-IN it is!!!!!!!!!!
Baskets and baskets of it! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾
….and baskets of 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽 🧽🧽🧽
Mouah!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thank you dear Marina, I’m overwhelmed by the lovely creativity and beautiful artwork by Resa. Thank you for your lovely comment. xoxoxo
Both your talents and creativity are overwhelming!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thank you lovely! We have fun together , of course it really takes a lot of time and talent to put things together the way Resa can. She’s a genius. Sending big hugs and slobbery kisses to Hera! 🤗 xoxoxo 🦴🍖
Dahling, you are both talented geniuses! I agree, Resa has a very unique and wonderful way!
Slobberies back to you! 🤗🐾💗😋🥰
Oh! Thank you Dear Marina, I won’t even wipe those sloberies off!! So sweet. ❤️🤗🎈🌷🌸❤️
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo 🐾😘
oxoxoxoxoxoxo 🐾😘 back to you
❤️😘❤️
xoxoxo
xoxoxoxo
Holly! 🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽 Here’s some sponges to help with Hera’s kisses! I’ll send a crate! xoxo
Ah! Here they come. Too late! Between Hera and Jack’s sloberies I’m drowning. Send a raft. ❤️🤗🤿
wow, what a steamy, dreamy, wistful and beautiful collaboration
Thank you, Beth!
Collaboration, yes! That’s the word I couldn’t think of. I called it a co-production.
Lol!
I loved doing this project!
Thank you Beth!
A splendid blend of artistry, as synergy through illustration and poetry. Lovely, Resa 🎨❣️✍🏼
Thank you, Phil!
Holly’s Sad Café series is inspiring.
x🎨❣️✍🏼o
Oh, that was jaw-droppingly amazing. What a wonderful combination of your artwork and Holly’s gorgeous writing. I was completely swept away. Beautiful.
Thank you, Diana! 💙
What a great comment.
Sad Café is an inspiring concept. It could be a movie.
I do believe drawing these Sad Café concepts has improved my drawing skills.
How wonderful that you were swept away. Guess I’ll just hang onto this broom I was going to send you! 😬 (Yet anther fabulous bit of humour from Resa)
Ha ha ha. I was like “what??” A broom??? Then I got it. Lol I’m a little slow.
…. I make the worst jokes!
Thank you Diana!
Thank you dear Resa! Such absolutely gorgeous illustrations! You’ve brought the Sad Café to life. I love every detail of your sketches , you are truly a gifted artist. Thank you again, I cherish this beautiful dedication to the Sad Café, and mostly I cherish you ❤️
Dear Holly,
I cherish you, too!
Your poetry has always been a source of evocation. Now, I am able to deliver (to a degree) on the inspiration.
Sad Café was a special project for me. It has taken me deeper into your art, into your world. As a result, I think I can draw better.
I’m excited to tackle my next drawings.
RR, PBH, AGMs & Boogapony, get ready!
Meece, je t’adore!
❤️🌹
You’re absolutely the epitome of grace and generosity. Your artistry takes us to a virtual world that comes alive and a world outside our own opens up for us. It’s majestic sorcery. You are awesome dear Meece. I’m so honored you chose to open the doors to Sad Café and for a moment we intermingle with the breathless spirits that wait there.
xo🐭🐭xo
OMG!
Your comment is poetry. I’m almost ready to draw it.
Sad Café was screaming for visuals. Still is. It could be a movie.
It’s an honour for me, too. That you were intrigued by the first drawing enough to urge me on was motivating. Eventually, that drawing became the “Moths” drawing.
The upshot is that from all this, I got a great idea! Yet another drawing project that will take time. We’ll chat later. I always seem to get ahead of myself.
The breathless spirits are calling me!
xo🐭🐭xo
As always you’re inner poetess emerges with the most lovely words and images. ❤️
Aww, okay! Love ya!!!
❤️🐭🐭❤️
Love ya back xo 🐭🐭 xo
I think we need to bring back the Love-In!
Boogapony is going to her hands full with the 1500 Go-Go Gala!
Lololol! The Glove-In!
xo 🐭🐭 xo
We haven’t loaded up the VW flower child van 🚐 in a while. 🎶xoxoxo
🎶xoxoxo Coming soon!!! xoxoxo
xoxoxo 🌻🌸🌺💮🌼
Music tonight. Will be missing you! Going to sew. I’ve just got to get that gown finished!!!
xoxoxo 🌻🌸🌺💮🌼 -Flower Power!
Have a great rockin night Meece.
xo🐭🐭xo. Flower Power for sure 🌼🌻🌸💮
All so very lovely Resa! Quite charming!
Thank you, Eddie! I was inspired. What better to do with inspiration, than create?
Adore you! Hugs!
Inspired? I would definitely agree Resa
Hugs!!! (inspired)
What a beautiful collaboration between you two beautiful ladies.
Thank you both. 💞
Thunder!
Thank you!
It took a bit of time to do those drawings, but Sad Café is just so darn inspirationally visual.
Now, with my enhanced drawing ability, the Gowntoons should look better than ever. 🤭 🤔 I think!
xoxoxo
Sorceress!
You are most welcome!
I agree. The Sad Café stories are so evocative that I can understand your need to add your creativity to Holly’s. So good.
Each time you draw, they get better and better.
I know.
xoxoxo
Thank you! xoxo
Today, the Sad Café. Tomorrow the Mona Dale!
I’ll just keep drawing! There is a lot of inspiration out here. ⚡️💥
Hah!
You just keep on keepin’ on, Sorceress!
xo 🧚🏻♀️🌟 xo
xoxoxo
Thank you Dale. 💞
💞
Thank you Dale 💞
💞
Well worth showing all over the net! Thank you Holly!
Thank you Eddie. Resa has opened the door to the virtual world if the Sad Café. Thank you so much Eddie ❤️
Your lovely comment is so appreciated!
You are so very welcome!
🌷🏝
Hi Resa, this is an extraordinary collaboration with Holly. A wonderful reading experience with you gorgeous illustrations to embellish it.
Thank you, Roberta! It took some time to draw these, as I had to advance my abilities. Now that it’s done, I’m excited about my next drawings.
I would not have had this opportunity to advance without Holly’s amazing series… Sad Café, to inspire me.
Thank you!
Great poem & prose by Holly to go with those drawings!
Thank you so much Trent. 🌷
Thanks Trent!
It’s been an exciting project!
Next post on Art Gowns will be Charlotte’s gown…. I hope.
And I forgot to say that I love the drawings 🙂 I can’t wait to see Charlotte’s gown!
Lol! …it was implied!
You know, it’s one thing after the other with the gown. Now, it’s the beading. To add appliqués, or not to add appliqués?
I’m heading back into the gown room! 💃🏽🤔
Wow! That…was fabulous…words and drawings…just wonderful. The Sad Cafe is a smash hit, with reave reviews falling from the pens of it’s many admirers. What a terrific and beautiful post. Congratulations.
Aww, thanks Gi!
I too, think it’s a beautiful post.
It took me awhile, as backgrounds are a challenge. However, Holly’s Sad Café inspired me. Now, I am another step into the world of drawing!
It’s a wonderful thing! xxoo
You did an amazing job. It’s beautiful and fun. Her poetry works perfectly with your art. Standing ovation. Now, keep looking for places to show your gowns.
Yes! I have been looking. I need to find something … bohemian. The $$ people want so far is prohibitive, unless I had a corporate sponsor.
I have been looking at that too.
Yay! I’m so happy you’re following through with your plans. Wish I lived closer and I could help.❤️ I understand about the $$$ that’s always the first stumbling block but you can do it.
Will try!!
I found a sponsor I could submit to. I need to finish the budget.
I thought the place across the street was expensive, until I started checking out other venues.
I’ll build a budget based on that, and still look for another place.
Makes perfect sense. I’m sure you’ll find a way.
Thank you Gigi, I’m so delighted with this. Resa is brilliant and I’m having so much fun.
It shows. You two are a Dream Team. It’s all very exciting.
It’s exciting for me for sure! Thank you Gi ❤️
I can see why.
So much fun. Loved watching Resa breeze through her amazing phases of artwork. She’s dynamic!
You are both dynamic…
🎉
Reblogged this on Rethinking Life and commented:
Welcome to the Sad Cafe and the wonder of it all…
Thank you, Gi! xoxo
A beautiful post from two very talented people. The art and the words work so well together which in combination makes the Sad Cafe a reality. Thanks for sharing your creativity. 2(🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂)
Thank you, John!
Sad Café has been a fabulous experience for me.
Holly has created a great series of prose and poetry that could be a book or movie.
I just had to actuate some of them, best I could!
So, you send in a small herd. It’s great that you sent them in a corparenthesesral.
3(🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂)
A great word corparentheseral, Resa. 🌸X
There I go again, making up words!
🌸X 🌺X
You do it so well. 🥦X
Thank you! 🥦💋 🥦💋
😊X 😊X 😊X 😊X
What a magical pairing of two types of beauty! Thanks for sharing these, Resa and Holly. You pulled me in with “lavender soap” and “a black frock” and it just got better from there.
janet
Thank you so much, Janet!
Holly’s writing is exquisite. She inspires me all the time.
As far as the Sad Café goes, I just had to do something about it.
Thank you Janet !
Outstanding combination of writing and drawing!
Yay! Thank you Dave! Sad Café could be a book, or a movie.
The inspiration to draw these images forced me to draw better. I love it!
Talent inspiring talent. 🙂
Yes!!! That’s it exactly. ❦
❤️
Resa and Holly – magnificent!!! With word and art, I am drawn into the story, transported to an time that is no more, or is yet to come. Goosebumps accompanied my reading of the prose/poetry selections. This is my third time around to this post. I am in a coffee shop, reading the post out loud to Don. I notice that others at the next tables have listened into the story. Ah…your duets inspire me. For a time, I will stay in The Sad Cafe. It is a place where stories dwell.
Nice! You have turned the coffee shop you are in, into a Sad Café.
It’s a bittersweet place…. lush with emotions and wants.
… And yes, the tales told here never want to leave.
Love & lovers are part of history, and like history doomed to repeat, even though we know better.
I understand why you feel like remaining in the Sad Café for awhile. I spent a couple of months here, and in some ways will never be able to depart from it.
I appreciate you wonderful comment, Rebecca! Like the ocean, you are not shallow! HUGS!
Love being out in that huge ocean. The ocean holds a sense of mystery and adventure, with its unexplored depths and hidden treasures.
You know it!
I’m excited for August 3!
So our we!!!
Such a lovely compliment Rebecca, conspiring… I mean collaborating with Resa is a delight , she’s absolutely gifted in so many areas of the arts. Thank you dear Rebecca.
You are an amazing team, Holly! Synergism in action.
🌼🤗
Such sensual imagery to accompany these gorgeous gowns that embody the emotion of the sad cafe! ❤
Thank you, Layla!
This project is a special joy! 💓
WOW! What a stunning and creative collaboration!
Thank you, Cindy! We had a great time doing this. ❦
Thank you Cindy
Wow!!!….. when you two get your heads together you certain make an impact. 🙂 Wonderful, both prose and drawings… 🙂 🙂 ❤
Thank you Sue ❤️
💖
Dear Holly, while you were being the poetess of dreams you had me humming an old favourite by a group called Sad Cafe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoIgTBz7GeM Thnk you. Huge Hugs
Thank you David 🌷
Love the song David. Thank you 🌺
This was an exquisite post. Both the story and the drawings melded fabulously into a moving story. ❤ xx
Thank you dear Debby!
It was a bit of time in the making. I had to up my drawing game.
The Sad Café is a great series penned, and still being penned by Holly.
It has inspired me. xo 💖 xo
No doubts it took some time! You and Holly put together a beautiful collaboration. You are always inspiring!!! ❤ xoxo
Thanks Debby! I adore working on collaborations. Holly’s Sad Café is special.
It seems whenever I team up with someone, the results are wonderful. ❤ xoxo
Thank you Debbie
You are most welcome Holly. Beautiful story writing. ❤
Too kind Debbie ❤️
Just the truth ❤
thanks again dear Debbie 😊
You two are a dynamic duo! Well done with the visuals, Resa, to complement Holly’s words 💗
Thank you Christy
Thank you, Christy! It was a great time working on this project with Holly! 💗
I am utterly blown away by the words, images, and music and feeling overcome with sadness. Brava, Holly and Resa!!
Aww, thank you, Liz!
The Sad Café has a mood, for sure. That’s why I was compelled to draw it.
Holly picked the perfect song for this post!
She did! You’re welcome, Resa.
Thank you so much Liz!
You’re welcome, Holly!
🌺
The combination of the artworks (Holly’s and yours) is truly magnificent, exuding beauty and harmony akin to that of a symphony. I express my heartfelt gratitude to you both. 🥰🤙💖🌹
OH! Thank you for this lovely comment Alaedin!
It was a fab project to work on. Holly’s Sad Café series is evocative. I couldn’t resist! 🤗🌺🥰
The Wow factor is what I felt! What an amazing combination of your gorgeous drawings, Resa, and Holly’s beautiful writing. You both are incredibly talented! 💖💖
Thank you, Lauren! We had a blast with this one!
… and the stretch to do backgrounds has helped me grow in my drawings!
💖💖
I can only imagine, Resa, and there may not be any room for growth in your drawings because you are THAT talented! So, so talented! ❤️🎉🌷
You adorable….. poet..writer….nut (in the loveable way) Thank you dear Lauren!
xoxo
😁🥰😘❤️
The dynamic duo strikes again! You two possess such a lovely might.
Thank you, Marc! We do have lots of fun!
MUAH!
MUAH!
What a wonderful combined effort. Resa, as always I adore your sketches. Hugs all around.
Thank you Teagan! Hugs flying back at ya!
Hi Resa
We like this perfekt combination of text and pictures. Well done 👍👍
Thank you very much for sharing
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
These would make a great libretto and short song play. So beautiful. Holly is so talented you both are very inspirational.
Thank you Charlotte!
I enjoyed making this post.
Sorry for he tardy reply! I’ve been logged out from here and over on my street art blog. When I realized how long I’ve been logged out, I came to see what’s going on.
I have been not allowing myself to blog in the evenings, so I can sew.
I’m excited about the gown being so close!!!!
Take care, and cheers! ❦❦❦
I know the feeling, I have about three projects on the go at the moment so absolutely no need to excuse not blogging in the evening to me. I regularly have to switch everything off including the tv.
Going to do that right now!
Mine is the 101st like on this post, signalling something new!!
Maybe you are right!
Thank you for your comment. Apologies for the tardy reply!
Girls, how freaking fabulous is this art-post, please! Talk about an exquisite creative-Goddess-power-collab!! So super duper inspiring…LOVE those bittersweet-vibing-drawings… and I found myself really resonating with some of those soul-deep lines… and how it all merges together, just fabulous! Merci dear artistas!! Hugs from Spain xox
Thank you dear Gypsy! I’m popping over to visit you after I answer this.
I tried to go from my other blog, but it doen’t have permission.This blog does!
Yeah, Holly writes the best poetry. I was quite inspired by her Sad Cafe series of poems. I was moved to draw. OMG! My drawing has improved a lot. So, guessI’l just keep at it.
Okay love ya beautiful you! xoxoxo
Abrazos & Besos
My pleasure, my wonderful big-hearted artista-friend! ❤️ Your drawings are fantabulous!!! Je les aime! ❤️ DEFINITELY keep at it!! Thanks so much for your woderful reply on my blog also, I will answer in the next days. Have a fab Sunday over there!!! Love ya too!!!❤️❤️❤️ xoxoxo hugs n kisses
Hugs’n’kisses.
Pop by and see the new gown! You’ll love her.
Let’s not lose touch! xoxoxoxoxo❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦
Hi bellisima, YES! Will stop by on the weekend and enjoy your fabulous creations!!! Of course with a nice beverage in hand and with much admiration in my heart:) Keep being such a magically kind hearted person, its really special!!! Muak xoxoxo
Great! 😊
Thank you!
Late to the party but loving every word and curve of drawing – what a wonderful combination. Thank you for this treat.
Lol! Well I’m late to reply.
I’m sure I’m in the top 10 of worst disciplined bloggers.
Thank you for your wonderful comment.
Hmm, do you prefer AJ – Art Junkie or JW – J. Walters?
I don’t know your name, but I do like AJ!
Happy New Year!
Dearest Holly and Resa, what an exquisite piece of prose accompaniment to Resa’s sexy and alluring artwork. The two of you working together is extremely inspiring and took me immediately to the night after my father’s death and my dressing in a provocative yet elegant dress desperately needing a man’s touch and comfort. Suicides tend to hand like a half pulled rope around your own neck.
Resa’s insightful and gorgeous artwork added an element of depth, surprisingly brilliantly intuitive artwork. I loved them all and felt the last part of the prose which was immensely felt by me, so captivating and adored the final artwork by Resa as well.
You both have an unbelievably tantamount talent in which to pair. Thank you both for taking the time to bring back a time when the perfect man was there to comfort me. He ended up being a gorgeous man who was my third grade boyfriend. I rode his price horse in his stable naked that night and put my dressing right back on and he held me till the sun came up. That was no coincidence. It takes a lot of time for you two to produce such stunning work together. What a treat and thank you both with all my heart. ❤
OMG! Suicide….
I am just learning abut you dear Joni.
I’m so happy my art with Holly’s poetry is bringing you some joy, and fond memories.
I find her work evocative. I think she is a muse to me. We have never met, and yet, there is a connect.
Matter of fact, as soon as Easter is over, I will begin drawing to another of her Sad Cafe poems.
Pardon for the late response to your lovely comment.
I’ve been over on my other blog, and have just come back here to reblog Joni.
xxoxoxoxoxo