Tag: Garment Design

The Last Drive ~ John W. Howell

On By ResaIn Book Review199 Comments

The sequel to “Eternal Road” once again has Sam and James traveling through time in a 1956 Oldsmobile.

Sam (Samantha) is an Angel Emissary. Her current mission: Find Ryan, a recent soul and his guide, Eddie. They have gone missing. Lucifer is suspect for their disappearance.  To aide her on the mission, she wrests James from his eternal home.

DISCLAIMER:  There are no gowns in this story, per se.

Resa – John, I drew Sam as her angel self. I mean, when she’s not out on missions, she would be in her angel wear. I hope you approve of the drawing. (I don’t see wings)

John – I love Sam’s Angel self. I think it is exactly what she would wear around the cloud so to speak. She doesn’t have wings so that was a good call.
Resa – To me, Sam is the star of the 2 books. I mean, if the books were a movie, I think Sam would have top billing over James. Ryan and Eddie are co-stars. What do you think about that?

John – Yes, Sam is the star. She is the glue that holds both stories together. James could be a co-star and Eddie and Ryan featured players.

Resa – Also, now that I’m into drawing Sam, I got an itch to draw her in a mid 70’s style casino gown. Yes, I know she never wears one when they go to the Bellagio, but she could, in a time warp thing. I can’t remember if she wears one in the previous book, when they go to Vegas?

John – In the previous book she did not wear a casino gown but I know she would love one. I think if they had had the time she would have insisted on getting one. Sam can be anywhere she wants at anytime.

Resa – I like that! Sam’s main ace up her sleeve is time eternal.

Forever, Sam’s seven letter word falling across a triple word score, as she, James, Eddie and Ryan attempt to outwit their underworld opponent, the biggest cheater this side of Niflheim aka hell.

Speaking of hell; John affords no comfort as Satan tries to trick Sam, James, Eddie and Ryan, by placing them in some of the most horrific times and places man has ever known. The price of a ticket back to paradise? Ryan’s soul!

Resa – I know you worked out most of the time travel mechanics in the first book. The idea of not disturbing the “time continuum” I get. I learned that in the old Star Trek series. However, there are many other time travel issues, in both your books “Eternal Road” & The Last Drive.
Did you make a chart, when working things out?

John – I do not have a chart on the time travel rules. The basics are pretty simple. You cannot alter the future when in a different time period.

Resa – How did you figure/rationalize the logistics?
Was it all worked out in book one? Or did you have to work out some new time travel ideas & issues in this book?

John – The issues in the book were handled one at a time given the circumstance at the time. For instance if James or Ryan tried to save Karen after she was hit by a car then they would have altered the future. In the same manner if James and Ryan stayed at the scene as witnesses the same thing would happen.

On the time travel question every scene in The Last Drive was worked out on it’s own. Figuring the logistics took some thought but the rule about not disturbing the future was the guide.

For example the team considered that they should try to save the people on the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. The rationale that the intended target (The Capital ) was never hit was used. All those lives lost had repercussions on families left behind so to save them would have altered those repercussions. This is how each was thought through.

Resa -I see you can obtain an object (ie cell phone) in one time frame, then take it to another time frame.

Could Sam obtain a piece of fabric from ancient Rome, and take that to Las Vegas? Then could she obtain a dress from Las Vegas and combine the fabric and dress into one garment? Then could she wear that garment in another different time and place? Or, even combine that with say jewelry from that third place? Could this go on ad infinitum?

John – Sam can haul anything from zone to zone as long as she can get it before the dump to a new zone. She can’t haul stuff from heaven but the zones are fair game.

Resa – John, I’d like to post this on “Art Gowns”, but need as many gowns as possible. As you can see I have drawn Sam in: an Angel gown, a Las Vegas gown, A Roman Colosseum Gladiatorette gown, a Tea Time on the Titanic gown and a 1912 Ball gown.

John – You are the best, Resa. Thank you for what will be a beautiful thing.

Resa – I listened to a podcast that featured you. It was quite good. Some asked about a sequel. I ask what about a prequel?

John – A prequel is a great idea. You’ll hear another idea on the broadcast that may have legs too.

John turned to writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive career in business.  John writes thriller fiction novels and short stories. He has written 7 books.

To read more about John’s books and awards, click on his photo.

All of John’s books are published by Keewaydin Lane Books.

Visit John on his BLOG

Click on the cover of “The Last Drive” to go to John’s Amazon Page.

Frida Kahlo – for Gigi

On By ResaIn Honorary Art Gowns140 Comments

From Resa & Holly – House of Heart.

It all began with a post displaying some of Frida’s clothing. Gigi dedicated that post to me. Click on the pic below, and visit Frida’s costumes.

I told Gigi I was going to draw Frida, and style an outfit for her, in her spirit. This was met with resounding enthusiasm. Having never drawn Frida, I began with a black & white photo.

Done in pencil: while listening to TBURB (The Band Under Resa’s Bed), not caring how much erasing, how many hand smudges on the page, or caring about scribbling.

When I showed the drawing to Holly, she loved it, and also adored the idea of a special post for Gigi. She sent me a poem she had written about Frida. I love the poem. I was very inspired by it, and the photos of Frida that Holly had chosen. Now we were in this together.

If you click on Holly’s poem, you will transport to the original post, with some history of Frida and Nickolas Muray, and the poem.

Then a colour study of Frida was in order. I’m not a portrait artist, but did my best.

Next, a theme was needed for the drawing, and the outfit. As Holly was in this, AGM Holly became the experimental model, to try things out on. The drawing below was the winner.

A rough up in pencil was made.

Now, it was time for the drawing. I was quite nervous. A few lines, a tad of colour , it happened over many days. Well. you see the outcome. If it was not for Holly’s poem and pics, I would have made the shawl black. This is so much better.

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Gigi has done enough Frida posts, that there is a Frida Category on her blog. Click on the pic above and go to the category page, where you can view all or any of the Frida posts.

Here is Paloma Negra sung by Chavela Vargas. This song was used in the movie FRIDA.

According to some of my research Frida loved painting by music. This was one of her favorite popular Mexican songs that she painted by. It was not in the movie.

Click on the above to read the article.

Thank you for joining Art Gowns, Holly and Gigi on this fascinating Frida Kahlo experience!

An Evening with Picasso-esque

On By ResaIn Art Gowns Events194 Comments

“Dahlings! Welcome to An Evening with Picasso-esque“.

“Rene Rosso here, and I’m thrilled to announce that this Art Gowns show is being broadcast across the globe. So, without further ado, let me hand the mike over to our esteemed Art Director, Rebecca Budd.”

“Welcome, welcome! Tonight, we are on  fascinating journey through the esque-art of Picasso. So, let’s not waste anytime, and bring on the Art Gowns Models!”

“First out on the catwalk is Gigi. Gigi and her gown sure know how to make a point!”

“Next out is AGM Shey. Shey showers us with a fun kooky rendition of romance.”

“Marina is a show stopper in this cubist creation.”

“Our darling Dale takes on a dozen dimensions in this daring design.”

“Holly is a dream in this flowing full length frock with matching hair.”

Tired of her Picasso-esque gown, Ms. Rosso did an unexpected costume change into a Van Gogh-esque gown, inspired by “Starry Night”.

She also changed the song she would sing. The orchestra scrambled to pull out the sheet music. After all, this was no ordinary Torch Song.

All of the AGMs were in the wings listening to Rene’s beautiful rendition of Nicole Scherzinger’s rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina. Then suddenly, as the last note floated away, AGM Shey started turning greenish.

The AGMs and Rebecca watched in horror as the transformation continued, until

Shey had become a Goth Gown Model of her former self. The Sheygoth slowly faded away into black.

At that exact moment, every leaf on Shey’s Cottonwood, at Tim’s Magic Tree Sanctuary fell off. In the next second, all the other Magic Trees shed their leaves in solidarity.

One-Eye screamed, “Someone save Shey! We’re booked in Manchester in 3 days”!

Rene Rosso character © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter

Prior to the defoliation of Tim’s Magic Trees, the trees whipped up a storm and a rainbow, that went all the way to Manchester, UK.

‘Oron’s head on a stick was placed on the rainbow, whereupon he slid all the way to Manchester. He landed on the doorstep of an umbrella factory, where he was cobbled back together.

Click on Umbrella ‘Oron to visit his blog.

All magic trees © Timothy Price from Off Center Not Even

Marina, Gigi, Holly, Dale, & Shey

Their names are hot! I assure you!

Lala LaSwirl (aka Charlotte Hoather) has been invited to perform in Rene Rosso’s new show opening soon, in Manchester UK.

As the proud owner of Charlotte & George’s new album, “Songs From Our Balcony” I must say I just can’t listen to it enough! In the meantime, here is the link to buy the new album, and other of her recordings.  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/charlotte-hoather/853884334

A Bouquet of Holly

On By ResaIn Art Gown Muses, Art Gowns Tribute216 Comments

Holly, as Rene Rosso; drawn to 3 hours of Janis Joplin.

Good evening! Welcome to A Bouquet of Holly. I’m AGM Marina, your host for this Art Gowns Special.

It all began when Resa wanted to say Thank you to Holly for posting a Cheetah Girls video. Click on the pic of my new gown (above) and visit the post!

Resa (One-Eye) is ever thankful to Holly – House of Heart for all the inspiration over the years, and quite frankly it’s about time that a gala event was held in her honour.

Yes, Resa wrote that poem, for Holly. Not quite the same as a Holly poem, but still delivers a heartfelt message.

When I was asked to host, I immediately thought of two gifts, two paintings for Holly.

“One for the ocean during sunset or dawn [Holly time 🥰]
Atom Sea No18 Watercolour”
We will get into my second gift shortly, but first I’d like to share some of the gowns of Rene Rosso. Resa loves to draw this talented, sexy and gown wearing Diva of a Torch Singer.
❦

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Ahh, such beauty, however let me back up to the beginning of all this gluttony of drawing. One day Holly & Resa were cutting up in the comments on GLAM, Resa’s street art blog. They came up with some idea that there should be Go-Go dancers to dance in front of street art found in the alleys.

Boogapony Holly was born. 
❦

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Then there was a Free Comic Book Day on Resa’s street. Within an hour of attending the event, she found Marvel super hero art on a wall. A post was made out of that. Again in comments, Holly and Resa came up with Princess Blue Holly.

You know some heroes were raised by wolves, or born of a lab accident. Our Blue Holly was abandoned in a patch of holly, and raised by the plant. I jest not here! Blue Princess Holly is a real plant.

A beautiful member of the popular Blue Holly series, Blue Princess (Ilex x meservae) is a female plant that produces tiny flowers and knockout red berries. 
❦

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After Princess Blue Holly, came the Art Gowns Models, which led into adventures where Princess Blue Holly could be her super hero self. Here is Art gowns Model Holly in her Gown Of Wildflowers.
Here is AGM Holly’s sister Chicklet, Wildflower © Georgiann Carlson
As we near the end of “A Bouquet of Holly”, I’d like to present my second gift to her.
I think of her standing in the middle of an ocean painting the sea with her passionate words.
❦
In Limbo – Cinnabar
Rene Rosso was invented to be Princess Blue Holly’s alter ego in real life.
Timothy Price from Off Center Not Even gave PBH & RR a special Tangle-Heart tree to guide them. Hyperion brought in his Dragons to aid Blue Holly.
Soon after, Rene Rosso hired Rebecca Budd to Art Direct all of her shows with the Art Gowns Models. Insider tip: a new character will appear in the next adventure of PBH & the Art Gowns Models!
❦
It’s been a whirlwind of drawing, and it all began simply as some fun between Holly and Resa.
Holly, Resa has asked me to make sure this song is dedicated to you!
❦

Rene Rosso, Princess Blue Holly, and Boogapony Holly © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter.
January 2018 – present February 2021

Cleopatra Capriccio

On By ResaIn 1920's, Herstory141 Comments

Did you ever want to go back in time?

Well, we can with Art Gowns and imagination. I choose the 1920’s! What a decade of influences to inspire an Art Gown! King Tut’s Tomb was discovered. Art Deco was the movement. Chanel and Vionnet eschewed the corset, flattening the chest and dropping the waistline.

In 1920 women’s right to vote was ratified in the U.S.A. – Cafe Society lead to the Jazz  Age, and the Fitzgeralds were all the rage. Flappers were making their mark, and Zelda Fitzgerald was the most famous flapper of them all.

Cleopatra Capriccio is dedicated to Elizabeth Gracen, a 21st century Flapper. Twenty some years ago, she was the star, and I was her designer. We have remained good friends, since.

As a matter of fact, she gave me the Mini-Me I dress up to go with the Art Gowns.

It began with the gift of a sequin fabric, a leftover from a TV series.

I paired the sequin fabric with a table runner I’d hung onto since my teen years, and yardage of: a soft grey, heavy weight, acetate satin curtain lining, purchased at a liquidation sale for $0.75/yd (120 ” wide).

The dark blue Dupioni silk table runner is embroidered with actual silver metal thread. It was already a vintage piece back when I was gifted it. I cut the diamond shapes and zig-zag bordeur out of the runner.

 Finally, some dark royal blue silk that had been stored for 25 years in musty storage, also gifted, rounded out the fabrics. I harvested sequins off of the scraps, and sewed them onto the silk.

OUTTAKES

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I pinned CleopatraCapriccio up, but she still wasn’t as short as a Flapper dress. Still, the sequins did a fun bit.

Elizabeth Gracen
Elizabeth Gracen arrived in NYC from a small town in Arkansas a year after traveling the world as Miss America 1982. She used her scholarship prize money to study acting at HB Studios and photography at the New School. She later moved to Los Angeles where she has worked as an actress for over twenty years, most notably as ‘Amanda’ on the long-running HIGHLANDER: THE SERIES and HIGHLANDER: THE RAVEN.

In 2012, Elizabeth formed FLAPPER FILMS, a production company devoted to developing inspiring, informational content for multi-generational men and women. Her films have met with great success on the international film festival circuit and on streaming media platforms.

​In 2016, Elizabeth formed FLAPPER PRESS and published her first YA novel, Shalilly.

Visit Flapper Press

Cleopatra Capriccio designed by and © Resa McConaghy – 2020

Photos © Resa McConaghy – August, 2020

Jazz Age Cover of VOGUE Magazine – July, 1926

Artist: Benito

The Smexy Pen of Shehanne Moore

On By ResaIn Book Review, Romance201 Comments

Please meet Shehanne Moore: writer, author, publisher, wife, mother and one of the official Art Gowns models.

SMART + SEXY = SMEXY

I just finished reading “Loving Lady Lazuli”

Cassidy Armstrong has had an unfortunate life, that has scarred her in more ways than one. Cast off from family as a baby, and her brother dead from beatings, she is pressed into being a jewel thief. Nonetheless, she has managed to hoard her virginity like it was a massive collection of fine Waterford Crystal worth more florins than any working class person would see in a lifetime.

Now, she has returned to claim her birthright. As a fake widow, Lady Cassidy Armstrong can move around more freely, searching for her proof of heritage. Yet, even after 10 years of aging, donned in a widow’s “Crow Black” and with a new name; Devorlane Hawley (fifth Duke of Chessington) recognizes her.

I asked Shehanne: Devorlane Hawley – Fifth Duke of Chessington, was off at war for 10 years. Was it the Napoleonic Wars? If not, which war was he in, and can you give a bit of history of the war and/or London around the time of this story?

Answer: It was the Napoleonic Wars but he was in the military a little before they actually started in 1803, as an unwilling recruit shall we say?  And obviously since the book is set in 1810 and the wars didn’t end for another five years, he’s no longer a soldier, having been badly wounded and invalided out. The Wars came out of chaos that was the French Revolution and for some time, a long time, it looked as if Napoleon Bonaparte could become master of Europe, until he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled to Saint Helena. I imagine that life for people in London and indeed elsewhere, would–as  ever, even as we’re seeing today– depend on your wealth.  Whatever your class, most people had a relative in the army or navy and  would be anxious about that but that’s roughly where any kind of things in common would end.  For the rich there was the chance to make more money, for the women to adopt new fashions, go to charitable balls and see some wonderful re-enactments of battles etc onstage. For the poor–the usual struggle for survival. All the English counties had a militia, there to protect the county  and of course there was espionage, the suggestion of which the heroine of this book uses to her advantage at one point.

“Never judge a book by its cover, unless there’s a gown on it.”

I came up with that exceptionally memorable saying, after reading “Splendor”. It was the first book by Shehanne that I read. I pair it here with “Loving Lady Lazuli”, as they are both part of a series about London Jewel Thieves.

You can read my review, and mini interview with Shehanne by clicking on the drawing of “Splendor”, above.

I read “The Viking and the Courtesan” quite recently. It is definitely a bit of a departure from the other stories.

Malice Mallender is quite the piece of work. For the right price “Strictly Business” will destroy any marriage, usually by dealing with the wife nuisance. The right price; enough to buy the latest pair of shoes she covets in Madame Faro’s window. So, what happens when “Strictly Business” is inadvertently hired to destroy Malice’s own marriage to Lord Cyril Hepworth?

I asked Shehanne: In “The Viking and the Courtesan” – How did you come up with the idea of “time displacement” ?

Answer: My dearest, lovely Resa, first let me thank for all your kindness and especially for the gowns and asking me here today. You may know I must be amongst your biggest fans, not just as a mega admirer of your work but the fact you make gowns to be used for charity.

Okay, so to answer your question, I had a flash moment.  I never ever set out to write a time displacement  story.  Just like I never ever set out to write any book.  But I had written the first few chapters of this book exactly as they stand now, to the bit where she goes to her husband, Cyril’s flat. The story was to be a second chance love story between them but one day as I was belting away at the keyboard, I thought that idea was a bit  too similar to the Lady Fury book. Then the little voice whispered… you know that Viking idea you have where you have the hero’s story but not the heroine’s? Hmm?? Well … why don’t you just bung that in here?  Quite understandably I thought, no way. Are you serious????  I mean, come on. Then I went and thought about it for a moment. And I thought, okaaaay. Maybe I should just give it a try for a chapter or so, no more? What have I got to lose really? And that was it. That’s the truth. It just popped into my head.

The moment I saw the new cover of Shehanne’s re-released tale of Lady Fury (Genoa 1820), I fell in love with the gown. I read chapter one on Shehanne’s blog.  Then I read the book.

“Rule One: There will be no kissing. Rule two: You will be fully clothed at all times… Widowed Lady Fury Shelton hasn’t lost everything—yet. As long as she produces the heir to the Beaumont dukedom, she just might be able to keep her position.” 

Perhaps ex-privateer Flint Blackmoore (a man she’d rather see rotting in hell than sleeping in her bed) has never been good at following the rules, still she decides to use him to produce an heir.

I asked Shehanne: In “Lady Fury” – What was your impetus for coming up with “the rules”? Did you have a reason for making Blackmoore a privateer… ie: a love of ships, a port you have been stimulated historically by?

Answer: Ooh, I have always loved pirate stories since I read Treasure Island as a kid. I was reared on all the old films and one of my fav board games was buccaneer.  I was gutted to learn it just wasn’t possible to pursue my chosen choice of career actually. But I did always want to write a book about a pirate or a privateer. As for  ‘the rules’, well, once again I had written first few chapters and I thought, now what? You can tell by now I never ever think anything out. And I thought, well, he’s got her cornered which she’s er…not going to take lying down. So what would she do here to pay him back and keep any feelings which she sees she sort of still might have, under wraps Then I thought I could maybe have a little fun dissecting a certain activity shall we say? I am a great believer in having fun especially with rules on anything. Let’s face it, I dunno about you but over here in Scotland right now, and England, well .. I never saw so many that were badly thought through.

This is my favourite book by Shehanne. It is her most recent, and proves that she gets better with time. As the ending demands a sequel, I am hoping there is one in progress!

You can read my review, some Q&A with Shehanne and see the gown drawings by clicking on my above rendition of Destiny.

Shehanne’s titles are available worldwide on Amazon, Ingram Books & Barnes and Noble. If you click on the above banner, you will go to Amazon’s universal “select a country” page. Once there, select “Books”. In “Books” search “Shehanne Moore. It will take you to all of her titles.

LOVE!

Art Gowns ~ Femme Finale

On By ResaIn Princess Blue Holly - Paris Adventure132 Comments

While waiting for Hyperion to answer the call that she sent out via Resa’s Tree, Princess Blue Holly (aka PBH, Blue Holly & Princess Blue) morphed into her Cheetah outfit!

“Princess Blue, you’re so cool, NOT,  with all your magic changes. HA! cough … hiss … cough! PBH is Peanut Butter Holly to me. You’re nothing but mush… cough!”

No wonder Hyperion wasn’t answering! Princess Blue Holly remembered that Resa’s Tree had been frozen by Evilomlap, into an artificial winter. She couldn’t use her Tangle Heart, he was onto it, and had used it to lead her to his lair.

Blue Holly suddenly heard Marina’s invisible whisper. “Use my Pear Tree! It’s incognito, hiding between Dr. Huey and Melody Parfumee rose bushes. Pruned to a point, it should get through to Hyperion.  Evil can’t find it!

Evilomlap wound his length around Princess Blue, squeezing harder and harder. Princess Blue surrounded Evilomlap with her spiked leaves and poison berries. Stalemate!

This was the moment of truth. Princess Blue Holly could not last forever in a stalemate. With all the might of her telekinesis she could muster, she called out to Hyperion and felt him finally answer. She could feel her inner dragon welling up as Hyperion calmly guided her Special Claw Glove to pierce deeply into Evilomlap’s scaly flesh. In desperation, Evilomlap buried his fangs into her ankle, and injected his virus venom.

Princess Blue Holly winched in pain and held on as her inner dragon forced the virus through her and into her Claw Glove, injecting Evilomlap with his own viral poison.

As the virus coursed through Evilomlap Etagloc, he turned blue, was frozen by his own venom and rendered into the very frame he had intended to imprison Princess Blue Holly within. Checkmate!

Once Evilomlap was imprisoned, Resa’s tree was freed into a new magic realm.

The distorted path upon which PBH’s Tangle-Heart had beaconed from far away, straightened out. Her Tangle-Heart was back in focus.

Tangle-Heart led Blue Holly through the Paris night, back to the Moulin Rouge. With the Art Gowns models restored and dressed for the next number, PBH segued into Rene Rosso.

Rene Rosso and the Art Gowns models: Shey, Dale, Gigi, Marina, and Holly dazzled the audience with their special chorus line number.

During thunderous applause, Rene Rosso switched gowns for her solo song, a torch to Annie Lennox and the song “WHY”.

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

Visit Tim, Art Gowns special photographer & official Magic Tree curator at: Off Centre & Not Even

Visit Dan, Art Gowns official Dragon consultant at: Return of Dragons

Rene Rosso & the Art Gowns Models will be back! In the next adventure Princess Blue Holly will save them from double trouble in Chicago!

In the meantime, you can visit all of the Art Gowns Models on their blogs. Their names are 🔥 HOT 🔥 under their Chorus Line Number!

FYI: Melody Parfumee is a purple Floribunda, Grandiflora rose growing in Tim’s Magic Trees garden.

 

Art Gowns’ Paris Adventure

On By ResaIn Art Gowns Paris Adventure261 Comments

When Rene Rosso was asked to sing in Paris, well, she said YES!

Of course, she had several requests. One, was that the Art Gowns would open for her with a fashion show. She had a special gown designed, just to announce the Art Gowns.

First out on the runway in “The Tulle Collection” was Gigi. In an asymmetric one sleeved stunner named “The Twirl”,  she swept the stage with ease.

Holly totally glammed it up for the catwalk. She had wanted to ride out onto the stage on a motorcycle. It had to be a Harley, but they couldn’t find an acceptable one, on such short notice.

Rene Rosso, being a class act, sent out a big Thank you to the Beauty Team.

Taking care of the Wardrobe is the very capable Bijou. She wields a hot iron like no one else.  Stay good and  you won’t  get your  face pressed!

Margot is the hair stylist. She was once up for a Golden Globe award.

Geneviève, one of the best make-up artists, ever, to graduate from The Coop will be attending the Maquillage.

Of course there are unsung heroes. Rene Rosso insisted they come out to the stage for a bow, to hearty applause.

Above, Bridgette is responsible for all of the staging. Below is Adrienne, the Tour Manager.

Then it was back to The Art Gowns fashion show, with the vivacious Dale leading the way  in an Avant Garde specialty.

For Shey, inspiration was taken from her romantic period novels. During the flight to Paris, the Art Gowns read The Viking and The Courtesan. The girls are all still chattering away about it!

Marina is for real, even as she models this Faux Ballerina number.

It was time for Rene Rosso to perform a song. She adores the Parisienne audiences. In an Art Gown designed by Resa, and stage production design by Bridgette to look like a painting,

… she torched with “La Vie en Rose”. Her favourite version is by Melody Gardot.

Suddenly, on the last note of the song, the lights went BLACK!…..

… and Princess Blue Holly found herself in the night’s streets of Paris.Changing to her Crimes in a City’s Dark Corners outfit, she climbed to the roofs of Paris.

Hiding by a Gargoyle on on the southeast tower of Notre Dame Cathedral, Princess Blue Holly awaited the dawn and for her Tangle – Heart to guide her.

 What was happening? How had Rene Rosso become Princess Blue Holly without conscious effort? Where were the Art Gowns? Where was her Tangle-Heart? Would the master of her inner dragons, Hyperion be able to help her?

All Paris shots, including the Gargoyle courtesy of & © Timothy Price

The Chicklets artwork courtesy of  & © Georgiann Carlson

Their names are hot in the descriptions of the gowns they model, so feel free to enjoy a visit to their blogs.

For the answer to all of Princess Blue Holly’s questions, Eye suggest you stop by for episode 2, of the Art Gowns Paris Adventure!

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

Princess Blue Holly – Heart

On By ResaIn Princess Blue Holly/Rene Rosso165 Comments

Princess Blue Holly torpedoed herself toward the surface, the moment the Rio Grand’s mouth met the Gulf of Mexico.

Suddenly, just below where the gulf waters met the sky, MerSin confronted her. Not shying away, Princess Blue Holly demanded he set the Art Gowns Mermaids free, and return them to their normal Art Gowns Models selves.

MerSin, under complete control of SinMonto, laughed wickedly. Louder and louder his laughter roared like a fire from hell, as he transformed into a dragon. His evil SinMonto mission; destroy Princess Blue Holly!

Princess Blue Holly was at a massive disadvantage. She called on the master of her inner dragons, Hyperion.

There was no need for words. Hyperion appeared in a roiling fountain of steam and transformed Princess Blue Holly, with a roar like thunder. MerSin fell back in fear. Princess Blue Holly and her gown were now the form of a smaller, yet more fierce blue-green dragon. Her Mission; stay alive and save the Art Gowns Mermaids.

She was unbeatable. MerSin cowered, awaiting his death blow. In the same roiling fountain of steam, Hyperion returned her to her mermaid self. She had refused the final kill. This act, of a kind and noble heart, freed MerSin from the clutches of SinMonto.

A fountain of steam, spinning counter clockwise, and MerSin became merely a lonely voice in the sky. He vowed to return one day, and fight beside Princess Blue Holly.

Her Tangle Heart showed her the fastest way back to Albuquerque. Surfacing at Tingley Beach she realized she had only 20 minutes to make Rene Rosso’s last set.

Using her animal powers outfit, she channeled a Cheetah, the fastest animal on earth. Although Cheetahs have poor night vision, Princess Blue Holly had Resa’s Cottonwood tree guiding the path.

As she leapt past Resa’s Cottonwood, the sky turned from the dark blue ink of night, to orange. It was MerSin’s voice announcing that the Art Gowns Mermaids would return to being Art Gowns Models just after dawn. They would awaken on South Beach, Miami.

Back in her dressing room, Rene Rosso looked in the mirror before going on stage. The salt water had destroyed her hair, and her gown was a no go.

A quick change, with the help of her beauty team, made her only 1/2 hour late for her set.

She opened with  “Baby I’m A Fool” by Melody Gardot, an artist who she admired deeply.

The next morning Rene Rosso was on South Beach waking up with the Art Gowns Models. Their hairs were ruined, their mascara running and gowns destroyed.
No one, save Rene Rosso, knew how they got there.

Photos of Holly’s Tangle-Heart & Resa’s Cottonwood © Timothy Price

Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters & tales © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter
Drawings of Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso © Resa McConaghy
Dragon Consultant: Hyperion: Return of Dragons
DRAGON ARTISTS:
The dragons art is a public mural. The pics were taken in Toronto by Resa – July 24, 2019, and later creatively edited. No financial gain is intended by the use of these photos.
This is the 3rd and final episode of Princess Blue Holly and the Art Gowns Mermaids. If you would like to catch up on the story click on the image above. The category presents most recent at the top, so scroll to the bottom, to read from the beginning!

Princess Blue Holly to the Rescue

On By ResaIn Princess Blue Holly/Rene Rosso85 Comments

While the Art Gowns Mermaids slept until their spell was broken, Princess Blue Holly set off to to save them.

Timothy Price had given her a Tangle-Heart tree to carry with her always. It would guide her. She placed it in her heart, so she would never be without a compass. Besides it didn’t fit in Rene Rosso’s suitcase.

Her Tangle-Heart led her to Albuquerque. Here, as Rene Rosso, she would await further information. Of course every venue in town was eager to book the Torchy Nightingale.

Ms. Rosso negotiated: 5 new Art Gowns (1 of which would be styled after the Cottonwoods in fall), a new poster featuring afore mentioned Art Gown, a double size dressing room, a massive star on the door, her choice of songs, musicians and hair, make-up & wardrobe changes during the sets.

Of course limo service to and from her hotel, fresh flowers and fruit plates were included in the Rider. On Saturday night she closed her first set with “Why Don’t You Do Right”, Julie London style.

Retiring for an hour to her dressing room, she threw on a shortie robe. There was note by her fruit plate. It read: “The evil oceanic spawn of SinMonto Corporation, MerSin, turned the Art Gowns models into mermaids.”

“He’s headed to where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico. His intention; to feast on the fishermen who gather & hang out there.”
She had only 1 hour! Rene Rosso quickly morphed into Princess Blue Holly.
(ONE begins the morphing)

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She looked into her Tangle-Heart for the fastest route. Resa’s Cottonwood marked the shortest path to Tingley Beach; enter the water there, swim to the Rio Grande and surface when it met the gulf.

Princess Blue Holly ran at super speed. She was so fast that no one could see her, as she flew past Resa’s Cottonwood tree.
At Tingley Beach, she jumped into the water, and morphed into Princess Blue Holly Mermaid.

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Using her Turbo-Tail Fin at full speed, she would arrive in the Rio Grande within moments. She would be at the Gulf of Mexico within minutes.

END OF PART 2 – STAY TUNED FOR PART 3.

Photos of Holly’s Tangle-Heart & Resa’s Cottonwood © Timothy Price
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Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters & tales © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter
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Drawings of Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso © Resa McConaghy