Tag: Romance

The Vi-Queens

On By ResaIn Gowntoons123 Comments

Welcome dahlings! Inspired by Vikings, northern lights and all things “land of the midnight sun”, Art Gowns presents a twist of creation, “TheVi-Queens”. 

Here to host our Vi-Queen telecast, her mic custom made to look like an ax, is Art Gowns own glorious Art Director, Rebecca Budd. Take it away RB!

Thank you RR! I’m lovin’ my new maxrophone. It’s made to talk your head off! Each AGM Vi-Queen will model her gown in a regal gold picture frame made out of all recycled materials.

First into the frame is Gigi. A red velvet gown, gold lame cape and black with silver metallic faux fur keeps her warm during days of all night.

Marina is the god’s musical muse in a blueberry dyed gossamer cotton gown. Her head piece features a hammered gold diamond with an olive tree decoration.

40 layers of tulle help Holly float into the frame. Wide strips of blue NOS ultrasuede tapered at the waist lets lacing shape the overskirt. Trumpet sleeves and a macrame choker are held in place by vintage gold buttons.

Posing in her second costume change of the evening, RR graces a claret velvet gown with hammered gold breast cups, arm bands and belt buckle. Detached trumpet sleeves complete the ancient look.

Shey, still in Goth recovery from losing her beloved to a puppethood prisonership, poses in a pale moss green silk bias cut gown. A gold coin hip belt, gold arm band, headband with gold medallion, asymmetric gloves and gold tipped spear perfect this powerful Vi-Queen.

Dale’s faux feather boa will keep her warm when night is nigh. Her fishtail gown’s metallic bustier is of repurposed lurex, and the fishtail’s feathers are  from the same fabric scraps as the boa.

RR’s final outfit of the evening is another fishtail gown: skin tight with lace-up corset style bodice & lurex inserts. 

🌺 Her  floral shawl, a  gift from Princess Blue Holly, has a one time unknown magic feature! 🌹

Rupert wielding 2 steak knives, Drac with blood red talons of steel & Etagloc smoking a massive nicotine spewing cigar with a fire ball heater advance threateningly.

Without hesitation, RR  whips open her enchanted shawl. The floral print turns into a hundred thousand real flowers of all sizes, sundering the golden frame apart.

The mystical flowers bury Belezza, her evil puppets and the entire film crew in a floral potpourri.

The AGM V-Qs & RB are encased in midnight sun protective spheres created by the shadows of petals.

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RR looks into her Tangle-Heart, and watches Belezza & the puppets retreat into Otherworld. The AGMs remain trapped in protective spheres and the crew has evacuated the studio.

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Princess Blue Holly & Rene Rosso characters © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter -since 2019

Music selection by Holly Rene Hunter

🌕 Holly – House of Heart🌖 Shey – Smexy Historical Romance 🌗 Gigi – Rethinking Life 🌘 Marina – Art Towards a Happy Day 🌑 Dale – A Dalectable Life   🌒 Rebecca – Chasing Art 🌓

🌔 Flower & tree photos © Timothy Price Visit Tim’s blog 🌕

Charlotte Models Midnight Nightingale: Part II

On By ResaIn Live Model Collection

Soprano Charlotte Hoather models “Midnight Nightingale” & Interviews Me:  Part II

Still thrilled with how terrific “Midnight Nightingale” fits Charlotte, I’m now on Venus with how beautiful she looks in it.

Click on the reblog box or the photo of Charlotte to visit the post, read the interview and enjoy the shots.

Charlotte Models Midnight Nightingale

On By ResaIn Live Model Collection

Soprano Charlotte Hoather models “Midnight Nightingale”, and interviews me.

I’m thrilled with how terrific “Midnight Nightingale” fits Charlotte, and I’m over the moon with how beautiful she looks in it.

Click on the reblog box or the photo of Charlotte to visit the post, read the interview and enjoy the shots.

BONUS

Charlotte made a wee video with a few pics and her splendid voice!

The gorgeous shots of Charlotte in the gown were taken by her brother Matt.

Midnight Nightingale

On By ResaIn Sopranos198 Comments

One enchanted evening I was inspired to make a performance Art Gown for the spellbinding Soprano, Charlotte Hoather.

She embraces the concept that Art Gowns are hand sewn from off cuts, repurposed clothes, curtains, table cloths, etc. and NOS (new old stock).

Charlotte lives in the U.K., and I wouldn’t be able to fit her. So, she sent me professionally taken measurements from an opera wardrobe department. I used those to make small adjustments to Judy.

Although I’ve made many gowns, and have history designing in film and television; presenting for stage is different.

Day shots were in natural light.  Night shots were lit. I can’t compete with stage lighting, especially overhead lighting. That would bring out the dazzle on the skirt’s circular tail, as it sits on the floor.

Midnight Nightingale is presented in a way I hope you can imagine what stage lighting could make happen.

I sent Charlotte a photo of an off cut of sequin fabric someone had gifted me. It was thrown on Judy with a stretch velvet piece, to show the germ of an idea. Called “Dragon Skin”, the sequins are variegated green/blue. Also, one can rub the sequins backwards and they flip to black. Funny, but once I got going, that novelty wore off.

A bustier shape was draped on Judy, then transferred to a paper pattern. That was used to cut the Dragon Skin. A decent yardage of 25 year old NOS plum acetate satin was pulled from the stash, and a 3 panel a-line(ish) skirt was cut. A full circle of $2.00/yd., 120″ wide liquidated black curtain sheer was draped on top.

The stretch velvet was used for the back & straps of the bustier. The thought was that it would be easier for fit and altering. A separating zip was inserted in the centre back. The gown’s finishes were designed to accommodate alterations.

Circles were cut out of the remaining Dragon Skin, and sewn onto the circular tail of the skirt.

A small bustle with a long thin nightingale tail, on its own waistband, is added separately to the top and skirt.

The gown can be worn with or without the bustle/nightingale tail. Teeny rhinestones (a gift from a friend) dot it and fill in between the sequin circles on the skirt’s tail.

Midnight Nightingale’s circular skirt tail can be hitched up, with or without the bustle/nightingale tail, for various effects.

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Visit Charlotte on her blog!

Last I knew, Charlotte was practicing to be a Coloratura Soprano. She may be there already. Below is a fantastic performance.

I’m totally in love when Charlotte sings and George plays piano.

Charlotte, her star rising, is in rehearsals for a new Opera, “Brontë“.

In three pieces, Midnight Nightingale is glamorous and versatile. Above, the top is shown with a vintage navy panné velvet skirt.

Art Gowns & Photography © Resa McConaghy

Since – November 2012

The Sad Café

On By ResaIn Art Gowns Art, Co-Production182 Comments

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

Belle Grâce – A La Gala

On By ResaIn Art Gowns Events, Galas120 Comments

Robin needed a gown. It was time for ECAD, The Explorers Club Annual Dinner in New York City.

Robin emailed me via my website. She had been searching on line for an interesting gown source. The message read, “tell me more about your gowns”. Robin was enthralled by the fact they are made from: reused, repurposed, new old stock, etc. materials.

Included in the mail was her purpose, phone and other info which made it super easy to check her out. She was a valid contender to wear an Art Gown. After a personable phone conversation, we decided on Belle Grâce.

To review Belle Grâce, or see her for the first time click on her pic below.

 My judy is built for someone who is about 5’6″ & a size 6. Robin is 5’9″ and about a size 10. No worries! The Art Gowns are built in components: top, skirt, tail & often a bussell

First thing was to detach the tail. Who could walk and dance an entire evening in an Art Gowns tail?

Belle Grâce stands in a pool of handkerchief hem. The great thing about Robin’s height is the handkerchief hem was now enough off the ground that I merely had to tie overhand knots in the longest points.

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We decided she would need to wear a strapless bra, so I designed a strap across the back to cover the bra’s back. A second thin strap was added for extra support.

By the time the beautiful and vivacious Robin returned for her second fitting, I had converted Belle Grâce’s tail into a stole. Skirt hooks and bussell snaps had been repositioned. Back straps had been built and positioned. Knots were tied in the handkerchief hem.

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WHEN ROBIN PICKED UP THE GOWN I ONLY HAD TO PERFCT BAR PLACEMENTS IN THE BACK.

TADA!

Robin Brooks is an elected executive of the Canadian Chapter of The Explorers Club. She is the regional director for Ontario/Nunavit. Click on her pic below to view the page.

To check out The Explorers Club (established 1904) click on the pic below of Robin tripping the light fantastic.

Thank you, Robin! I am ecstatic.

The Last Drive ~ John W. Howell

On By ResaIn Book Review206 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.

Glamour – 1940’s Movie Star Style

On By ResaIn Gowntoons, Tribute156 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

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