Strange Vintage Fictions

Lunar Arrangements at Dalet Gallery - A Group Show

2012-01-25T23:12:00.003-05:00

Come one, come all. Next Friday evening, February 3rd from 5-9pm at Dalet Gallery in Philly. Lunar Arrangement, a group show featuring 6 artists kicks off with an opening reception. It's First Friday in Philly, so plan to get there early and see the other gallery offerings.

There was a bit of contention about the title of the show, originally it was to be called "Lunar Derangements" which I think I liked more than the other artists. But I think my work fits the deranged bit more than their work, so I completely understand. I'd love to see any and all who'd like to come say hi at the show. I believe I have around 14 pieces on the walls. Quite exciting! BE THERE!

When Twain Meets Brain

2012-01-06T13:03:00.000-05:00

He had read Mark Twain's "Pudd'nhead Wilson" and though he loved the story with all its social commentary, the title seemed to influence his daily life most. He was asked to hang the puddings every week and did so without question. But this time the blankness of their forms ate at his soul. He could not allow it to continue. This time it would be different.

Lady Eustacia Hexidecimal In Her Study

2011-11-06T13:06:00.001-05:00

Try as he may, Drear the raven could not win the affections of Lady Eustacia. She would sit in her study cooing softly to her monstrously large raccoon, Grace, who was so adored she was allowed to lie upon the desk leaving very little room for much of anything. The raven brought feather after feather to Eustacia knowing her love of feathered head dresses, but she noticed him not as she sat lost inside of her own thoughts. Drear gazed hopefully at Eustacia, Eustacia stared out into the vastness of time itself, and Grace wondered if there would be goose dumplings for tea. None of them noticed that the ancient volume on the chair in the corner of the room was beginning to self combust.

MY NEW BOOK Strange Vintage Fictions, is here!!

2011-10-28T13:42:00.001-04:00

My new BOOK TRAILER. Just finished this for my brand spankin' new book, Strange Vintage Fictions, The World of HaggisVitae. I couldn't be prouder of the way this book turned out and I think most of you will feel the same. It's filled with my oddly dark images with their accompanying narratives, and peppered with strange photographs and a few Victorian haiku.

It's a big book, 8.5 x 11 inches, and full color throughout. Please pass this link along to any who you think might enjoy this brand of madness and mayhem. It is available through my website or go directly to my store. I think you'll fall in love when you see it. I'm getting a great response from those who have it.

"There are books I like. There are books I love. Books I adore. There aren't many that I consider truly ground-breaking. Julie Miller's "Strange Vintage Fiction" falls into that ultra-rare latter category. It's a breathtaking journey into worlds that not only might have been but should have been. A truly incredible work of surreal, bizarre, witty and quirky Images and Words! Here there be insects creeping into vintage postcards, a boy in full Victorian regalia with crows on his head and shoulders, lightning inverted and seeping so startlingly into the scene that you actually feel the shock. With titles like "Elspith Unaware," "The One True Pumpkin King" and "The Crannages Disassociate," each page tells a unique, spell-binding story. Wholly original, this book will certainly stand the test of time. Think of Nick Bantock sipping absinthe with Edward Gorey and Poe. It's unlike anything you've ever seen -- or ever will again, until Miller weaves her alchemy and enchantment for another look into a universe so beguiling and gorgeously odd that you want two copies: one to frame." --M. Titus, author of The Tenth Life and The Girl WhoRead To Birds

Bones and Numbers and Tiny Vials, Oh My!

2011-10-11T22:17:00.000-04:00

Specimen vials: (from left to right) one with tiny rodent ribs, another containing a wasp, one more with snake vertebrae, and finally one with a mink tooth. All these, as I'm told, were recovered without hurting a single cell of an animal. Just found or given to the seller. If you put a tiny biological specimen into a minuscule glass vial and label it with a random vintage number sticker, I will most likely need to have it. It's one of the laws of nature. Thoughts?

For The Love Of Science

2011-09-28T20:59:00.002-04:00

I know I'm not alone in my love of all the strange things found in the natural world. I love bones and bugs and wings, etc. Here is an image of the tiniest baby bird remains I've ever seen, found on my back patio. I don't know if the baby fell out of the nest or the nest got blown down or what the story was, but there he was face down without ever having a chance at life. There is something beautiful about his tiny mummified form, so I kept it, with my bugs and bones and bees and wings. You can see by the photo that he's tinier even than the locust. I'd love to hear from any of you who may feel the same way. Who get excited to find odd and sometimes sad little things out there during your daily travels. What little treasures to you hold on to that have special meaning for you?

My Solo Exhibition - Strange Vintage Fictions!

2011-09-24T17:06:00.001-04:00

I'm finally having a day of relative peace after spending the past months prepping artwork, framing, mat-cutting, supply-gathering, bio-writing, book-finishing, narrative-mounting. And on and on. Every spare minute has been devoted to this show which opens next Saturday evening. This is the first time all these vintage fictions pieces will be assembled in one place and paired up with their individual narratives. It's going to be overwhelming for me. Like seeing all your artwork in it's Sunday finery. I believe I'll have 43 pieces in all hanging on the walls.
This is the Halloween show for Dorchester Center for the Arts in Cambridge, Maryland. I'll have some creepy yet fun music playing and there will be some nice eats and wine. I'm hoping it's a smashing time and would love if anyone of you close enough to the gallery would come say hello.

I will also... [drumroll]... have my brand new, hot-off-the-presses Strange Vintage Fictions book for sale as well! And yes, I'll have a handful of The Girl Who Read To Birds there too.

I think it's going to be a pretty special evening. Wear something black and come on out!

Dorchester Center for the Arts
321 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-7782

Mr. Mung's Theatre of Ennui

2011-09-18T10:25:00.001-04:00

They expected a puppet show like they'd seen every Sundayafternoon all summer long. On this day, however, the puppet master, Mr. Mung,had had enough. Life was getting him down and he felt the children should sharein his emotionless despair. He'd show them life wasn't always full of characterswith high squeaky voices hitting each other over the head with tiny bats. Andso he stared out at them, and they stared back until their parents one by one tookthem by the hand and led them home.

Austin Modern

2011-09-06T07:52:00.000-04:00

Here's a little piece I recently did for Austin Modern, a shop in Texas that sells the coolest things. They had the photo of the boy, loved it and wanted it to be stranger, a bit darker to use on the backs of their business cards. They came to the right artist. :)

Please check out their store here: Austin Modern Per their Etsy store:

"Vintage Industrial home decor, Architectural Salvage, Mid Century furnishings, 20th Century originals and Custom Jewelry Design - Our fine finds and designs have been included in ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST ✥ DOMINO ✥ ELLE DECOR ✥ METROPOLITAN HOME ✥ APARTMENT THERAPY ✥ DESIGN-SPONGE ✥ DESIRE TO INSPIRE ❖ DAILY CANDY ❖ GRASSROOTS MODERN ☞ AUSTIN CONNOISSEUR ✺ We'd love to be featured in YOUR home decor! "

Chemicals/Elixir

2011-08-31T17:05:00.000-04:00

Here's another from my science geek collection of chemistry glassware and strange specimens and bottles acquired through the years. I fell in love with the elixir bottle (back) as the label was hand written and yellowed. It also has some residue of some substance of yore in the bottom still. It's a beauty.

A Wasp's Nest And A Liquid

2011-08-30T22:45:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I took a bunch of photos of specimens I've collected over the years. Some included an assortment of bottles apothecary and otherwise. Wanted to pepper them into my book that's due out soon, Strange Vintage Fictions, The World of HaggisVitae. I'm uploading the interior file as I type this. The cover next. Hopefully it meets all specs and requirements and I can get my proof copy to approve soon.

It's going to be one of the strangest books you'll ever want to own--filled with my SVF images, Victorian Haiku, narratives, photos, etc.

For any readers who are interested, I'll keep this blog updated with any and all info about ordering. Also, remember to check my website.

For now I'll keep posting these little goodies. I truly have an addiction to strange tiny specimens of a biological nature--bugs, wings, bones, ex-creatures, exoskeletons, nests, eggs, fossils, feathers, etc. My other collections include a small one of chemical glassware, the older and more patinaed the better. And bottles, mostly tiny, strange and old bottles that are uncommon. But also anything that smacks of an old apothecary shop. I have no control when it comes to this stuff. If I see something I want, it ends up in my curio cabinet. Hope you enjoy seeing these wee treasures. :)

A Girl Who Reads to Birds? OUR BOOK IS HERE!!

2011-08-11T16:56:00.000-04:00

Yes, our book is finally available. After a year of trials and tribulations, I finally took the bull by the horns and designed the book myself (thankfully!) I can say with pride and relief that it's now available. And it's beautiful. Michael's wondrous tale of Avery Street, an eccentric young girl who follows her heart in all matters, paired with my illustrations have come together as a very special book.

From the Michael Titus, the author:

"The Girl Who Read To Birds tells the tale of Avery Street, an eccentric young girl who is urged by those around her to conform and be practical. But she has friends in high places - birds - and she refuses to abandon her belief in the power of the imagination; it's in her blood, and she'll do anything, even if it means following a dangerous path, to overcome the odds and keep herself terrible alive in a world where magic and wonder are all but extinct."

Should you have any questions about ordering your copy or multiple copies, please see the link above or email me. Many thanks for taking a look at our creation. :) To order either go to our WEBSITE or directly to our eStore.

We want to thank all friends and family who've stood by us and listened to our tales of woe throughout the last twelve months. And most especially, I'd like to thank Eveshka "Peanut" Guranich for being our perfect Avery. It's because of you this book is so beautiful.

NOTE: This is not the cover of the book, but rather one of the interior illustrations. Here's the true cover.

A Watchful Eye

2011-08-05T17:43:00.002-04:00

Once his wings were fully formed Danny Fly puffed out his chest and exuded a confidence like he never had before. Yes, he was a sideshow, and yes, people were skeptical of his dragonfly-like wings but to Danny it mattered not. He knew who he was. He wanted nothing more than to take flight and show them all but knew he was under the close supervision of his older brother at all times. He'd wait till the time was right. He could wait.

Watching The Darkness Descend

2011-08-03T22:54:00.000-04:00

Starting a world's end series. No, it's not the Mayan calendar that has me thinking. It's climate change, the lack of humanity all around, the focus on the self more than the whole, the bad news on TV every hour of every day, failing economies, unprecedented storms, I could go on and on.

Maybe too much CNN? *sigh*

Mothboy

2011-07-29T11:05:00.000-04:00

This is the only known photo of this short-lived, nocturnal creature.

McLeggin And The White Queen

2011-07-24T17:50:00.004-04:00

Young Sorrow McLeggin set out to see if any ospreys had taken up residence in the haphazard twig nests he'd built for his school science fair. To his surprise, a beautiful white llama was inhabiting one of the nests. How she got there he'd no idea, but adopt her as his own he did. After all, she was not just any llama, she was the white queen. He was awarded the Rupert T. Harrowsby Prize for Primary School Science Genius in 1904 and went on to first imagine anti-matter, though he kept the dark dream completely to himself. He died in 1954, after a tragic accident in which he impaled his foot with his own walking stick and died of sepsis a fortnight later. His journals were found behind a moldering loaf of bread in his ice box.

The Girl With The Spiked Collar

2011-06-27T07:33:00.000-04:00

Distant cousin to The Girl With The Pearl Earrings.

The Seventh Sign

2011-06-07T07:36:00.000-04:00

This is one of my very, very early Strange Vintage Fictions. I believe I was using an early version of Corel PhotoPaint.

Upon Finding Mrs. Rumplemar

2011-05-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

Unlikely Family at the World's End

2011-04-28T23:24:00.004-04:00

They were each allowed a single toy on this very last outing. Inexplicably, three of the four chose their Cher Ami dolls, remembering fondly the story of the famed homing pigeon which had been trained by American pigeoneers and who helped save the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division in the battle of the Argonne, October 1918. Unlike the others, Little Brandolin hated birds, and any mention of C. Ami cause him to break out in hives. He chose his simple yet buoyant model sailboat. Together with Padre Firebrand and Captain Beaulardon they formed an unlikely family, who with little emotion, watched the final moonrise.

H.V. avec des Lunettes de la Science

2011-04-20T18:33:00.000-04:00

"Science goggles--is there no limit to their awesome power?"

--Stephen Heintz
"Acid Zen Wonderpaint"
Acid Zen Wonderpaint

This is a self portrait I did a few years back as a nod to the genius that is Acid Zen Wonderpaint. I'm not even sure if Stephen Heintz is still turning out his amazing drawings. If not, then I ask you to take a look through his works of yore. So many of them are still in the bucket of my most favorite things ever. Enjoy.

Website of the Day!

2011-04-13T09:14:00.003-04:00

Wix.com has selected my HaggisVitae.com website as their website of the day for February 14! I'm pretty proud of it, so if you have a chance go take a look around. It's fun and interactive with lots of slide shows and some strange accompanying music.

Sorry for the lack of posts. I spent much of March sick with some respiratory plague. I had no creative energy at all. Hoping to make it up to everyone with lots of new pieces.

Happy Spring!

Remember if you're looking for a way to purchase HaggisVitae pieces, please visit my store.

Strange Vintage Holiday

2011-03-20T17:47:00.004-04:00

My husband and I went away for a few days to Cape May, NJ. The weather had gone from rainy and cold to really beautiful--sunny and 55F on Thursday and almost 70F on Friday--the first truly Spring days we've experienced on the North East coast of the U.S. We packed a lot into two days and now that we're home, looking back, it was a bit of a Strange Vintage weekend, so I thought I'd share some images here.

Our hotel of choice, Congress Hall, is a gorgeous old Victorian hotel that's been rehabed but the feel is still very much vintage. The rooms are very simple and tasteful with lots of white, white linens, bright walls and white vintage bath tubs and sinks. We love this place.

When walking the hallways you feel the ebb and flow of the dips in the floor. This old building has seen so many years of use and rough weather. Despite its sloped floors,
ill-fitting doors,
Read more »

Faithful Friends, Listen

2011-03-13T16:06:00.001-04:00

"In the vast celestial library of the Thielli, The Book of Starlight was opened by a child who wanted nothing more than to read to the birds, as they loved stories and had many of their own to share by song, but none to know back by the voice they loved best, the human one. The birds gathered round -- as did Grawyn, the toad -- and their ears opened to tales they would later relate to their own young, in their
own language; and though the myths would change with each telling, they would never fade. The book would not be silent. The child was just one chapter. The birds were the words."

--Michael (a.k.a. Frogmuseum2 on flickr)

Michael Titus is the author of The Girl Who Read To Birds, the book I recently illustrated. It's been slow going getting it printed and into our hands, but we both believe this will happen soon. Hopefully, one day in the not too distant future, you'll see a post on this blog shouting "IT'S FINISHED!!!" That will be a happy day for both Michael and me.

The Acceptance of Basil

2011-03-04T14:47:00.003-05:00

She was aware every moment of every day he didn't belong in her home. One day he just walked in the door and lumbered into a corner not uttering a single word. She was aware he was prone to destruction--never of her but of things in her home. Early this morning she was awoken by a loud explosion. He had blown up the family safe. Never took a thing from it once the deed was done. Just stood nearby, not speaking but looking a bit pleased with himself. She knew she should ask that he leave, but something felt right about his presence. In some odd way he made her feel safe.

Tobias Waddlecrock Enjoys the Out Of Doors

2011-02-17T16:36:00.004-05:00

It had been a long, hot summer, and now finally the weather had shifted. Tobias was able to sit outside in his wool suit and feel almost comfortable. With this change in the weather however, came legions of unreasonably large insects, the cooling air causing them to slow to a somewhat comatose state. They were a bit unsettling yet they kept quietly to themselves. Tobias sat with them, unbothered. If anything they put him in a meditative state. All body systems slowing. All of them feeling the passage of time.

+ Playing Card

2011-02-14T07:22:00.002-05:00

The "+" card from the remnants of a mysterious secret society's deck.

The Dreadsboro Hats Tragedy

2011-02-08T07:39:00.001-05:00

The Dreadsboro sisters purchased the hats on the same day, at the same fair in Gypsypox, from the very same vendor, yet the hats forever refused to acknowledge one another. No matter how the sisters positioned themselves or however quickly they re-positioned themselves, the hats would look in opposite directions. Eventually this aggrivated indifference turned to simmering hatred and finally to catastrophic violence. One night Eula and Mania were awoken to agonized shrieks and shuffling sounds. Upon locating the source of the disturbance, naught remained of the hats but scattered black and white feathers and two quiet beaks.

Return From Terra Incognita

2011-01-28T08:51:00.001-05:00

He was gone a long time, almost two years longer than the mission was expected to take. Family and friends assumed he had been lost in the wilds never to be seen again. Surprising them all on an overcast day in April, his plane landed at the base. It was too quiet; the others present reported that no engine could be heard. He stepped down from the craft, smiling but with a distant and detached look in his eyes. All appeared well. He seemed happy, healthy and not aged a day. His uniform showed no signs of wear and tear as any garment would after having been worn continuously for so long. He had not lost weight. He would not speak.

Then behind him appeared two other forms. He had brought back with him some new friends.

Torkus Glibstein Spots A Coalbottom Bicrusted Coot

2011-01-20T15:04:00.003-05:00

At times, binoculars were simply insufficient.

[For all the bird watchers out there, and those married to them.]

Space Exploration, The Early Days

2011-01-16T20:18:00.004-05:00

Since the early days, we've looked up and wondered. The quest is the same, the technology may have changed a bit. Still we search the skies for answers.

Elspith Unaware

2011-01-15T14:10:00.004-05:00

Elspith noticed neither the tiny moon that had found its way into her sitting room via the fireplace nor the creature lurking just behind her back as she sat absorbed in a book. The creature, on the other hand, was fully aware.

A New Year's Wish

2011-01-12T20:06:00.002-05:00

This new year has begun in my house with a bunch of really bad things. I refuse to believe they are setting the tone for 2011. We spent new year's day putting down our beloved sheltie, Sean. We will dearly miss that soft, lovely if standoffish watch dog. Next was a very, very serious accident. For some reason a single tree is responsible for lots of broken bones, but also preventing a car from going over a cliff into a ravine, possibly killing the occupants. My feelings of thankfulness and grief are all jumbled.

Hoping you all are having a more positive start to this new year. Wishing all a happy and healthy 2011.

Books and Bones

2010-12-30T15:44:00.002-05:00

Wishing all a New Year full of books and bones and other such wonders. Live long and prosper.

Apothecary Museum in Virginia

2010-12-28T18:17:00.005-05:00

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, Virginia was a detour in our travels south to the Outer Banks of North Carolina last September. If you have an interest in the history of pharmaceuticals or old bottles or vintage medicine, you need to visit this place. It's perfectly preserved in all it's rich, aged glory. The staff was so sweet and informative and waited patiently while I snapped a million images. I highly recommend a trip to this little gem if you are anywhere near this area. It won't take up your entire day, but will be a memorable few hours.

Night Guard [Memory]

2010-11-28T14:24:00.006-05:00

In Norse mythology, the god Odin was known as the Raven God, because he kept two ravens as messengers, Huginn and Muninn. These birds were sent off each day to fly around the world to observe and bring back information to Odin. It was said that Odin gave his two ravens the ability to speak so that they could keep him informed about important events in the world.

Muninn is Old Norse for "memory."

------------------------------

Thinking about warfare and lost soldiers through the ages. This image is the result.

Donating a large print of this image to the Veteran's Sanctuary in Allentown PA. This is a brand new facility housed in an old church building in the city where vets and their families go to heal. Each state, each city needs one of these. Our vets have been so overlooked in this country. If you can, make a donation to aid these amazing men and women. We owe them so much more than what they are currently receiving.

Edwin Countertop McGraw And His Attendant View A Cathedral

2010-11-18T20:31:00.006-05:00

Some days were worse than others. It was on rainy days Edwin felt the effects of gravity most of all, and his above average sized head would list to one side or the other causing him to take on a perplexed appearance to those unaware of his condition. It was for this reason he was forever seen in public with his attendant, Melchior, who, when things got really bad, would walk behind Edwin and hold his head upright until such time as he could get himself home and into a horizontal position.

The Sentinel

2010-11-13T17:05:00.002-05:00

Salvage Baby

2010-11-11T17:55:00.005-05:00

Spent a day in Philly yesterday. First stop was Provenance, an architectural salvage company in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia.

The light inside the place was beautiful. A huge, dirty, cold warehouse with a southern exposure, it's packed with beautiful, old treasures scavenged from historic structures slated for demise. Thanks to people like these, some enchanting architectural elements will live to see another day--maybe another life completely. As we looked around, it was quiet, seemingly out of respect for the objects--as doors and stained glass windows, hinges, tiles and vintage bottles, door knobs and locks whispered their stories.

And then, in a ray of sunlight, was this beauty. I don't know who it's creator is, probably one of the guys who runs the place, but it was a perfectly lit, beautifully executed example of the goodness that is recombinant vintage salvage, and it looked completely at home in that strange warehouse.

If you're in Philly, go check them out.

Shuuzahn, Warrior Queen

2010-11-10T11:14:00.001-05:00

Upon returning home from months of violent battle in the North Country, Shuuzahn is able to whisper but two words to her attendant, "martini...dry."

Glass Sarcophagus

2010-11-05T23:11:00.005-04:00

Something came over me this afternoon. There was this tiny old wasp's nest I had saved in a ziploc, and a few pieces of ex-wasps with only one whole one. I set to work soldering together this permanently sealed home for him. It's only 1" x 1" x 1". Want to do more of these, want to use some of the bugs I've collected through the years. The wheels turn.

I Heart The King

2010-11-02T23:43:00.004-04:00

Cedric would stand for hours transfixed, star-struck, imagining himself at a dinner party with members of British royalty through the ages.

A Most Reluctant Specimen

2010-11-01T23:16:00.004-04:00

"I don't choose this. Know that I'd rather be free. Send for help."

The Lower Deadhorse Fall Festival Nonchalant Balancing Competition of 1892

2010-10-28T11:18:00.003-04:00

"I can do this. I can DO this. Good god, I've been up here 311 of the last 321 years. It should come easy to me. Just...need.......to focus."

Edward and Higgins

2010-10-27T22:16:00.004-04:00

Yes, I will protect you. Always. Put your little hand in mine and know you are safe. Safe as planets in their orbits, safe as mitochondria nestled inside a cell, safe as the double helix configuration of a DNA strand, safe as a world without end. Or....wait.

The Harshound Sisters

2010-10-22T14:38:00.004-04:00

Elegia and Epithia Harshound were sisters, at least in name, though their genetics differed to an extent unbeknownst to all save Mrs. Harshound. Luckly for her, DNA was still but a mystery, and her secret remained safe from all. While Elegia was the golden child--smart, beautiful and talented though tragically stoic and unable to smile, Epithia was the dreamer--the one who had an active and most creative mind. They are seen here with accompanying spirit animals--for Elegia, a giant grasshopper named Gareth, and for Epitheia, a beautiful, black crow she called Drear.

My New Website - Take a peep!

2010-10-21T13:46:00.003-04:00

I'm finally quite satisfied with this little website I've created to showcase all of my goodies in one spot. Check out www.haggisvitae.com/ and take a look at my paintings, photographs, illustrations, artist trading cards and other assorted strangnesses. Also, while there, find links to my flickr, my Etsy store, my biography and a special place to contact me with any questions, comments or inquiries.

Go visit, please! I'd be so thrilled to have you all take a look. www.haggisvitae.com/

Lady Binki

2010-09-27T18:12:00.002-04:00

Esmerelda P. Binki, wife of the legendary sufi master and acclaimed dervish, His Holiness The Bahbra Binki, was herself quite famous in certain circles. She not only started the first all-female chapter of the Whirling Dervishes in 1894, but was also recognized by the Anti-gravitational Society for her ability to levitate to such extreme heights as to be barely visible to the naked eye. Madame Binki was also terribly fond of carrots. Upon her death in 1911, six acres of the Binki estate were designated as the Lady Binki Memorial Carrot Farm and Educational Center, and to this day some of the world's finest carrots can be found growing there.

The Girl Who Read To Birds

2010-09-26T19:04:00.005-04:00

A book is coming soon. www.theGIRLwhoREADtoBIRDS.com/

A darkly beautiful fable written by Michael Titus and illustrated by me, HaggisVitae (Julie Miller) is at this very minute being manipulated and formatted and bedazzled by Lydia Marano of Babbage Press and turned into something you will all want to see--a story that's made everyone from 12 to 80 emotional to the point of possible tears. It's the story of an unconventional girl, Avery Street. She loves books and writing and isn't like the rest of the kids her age.

I hope you check this spot in say, mid November for a link to purchase a copy of your own. Michael Titus has written a gorgeously dark fable that will be adored by all for generations to come.

Something's in the wind.

Go take a peak at our website @ www.theGIRLwhoREADtoBIRDS.com !!

Lady of the Lake

2010-07-15T11:09:00.003-04:00

On rare occasions when crossing through the mists, there were accidents--collisions with other boats due to low visibility, lives lost overboard as a result of sheer horseplay, etc. Always, the team was assembled to recover the lost, and always she insisted on leading the mission. They were patient and tolerant despite her doing nothing more than swinging her sword dangerously in all directions chanting, "viva Avalon."

Ménagerie à Trois

2010-04-15T00:07:00.005-04:00

From the Lemur Godsmith archives, dated 1902 and signed L.G.-- In this rare and precious photo we glimpse yet another facet of the complex and often misrepresented relationship the poet had with the animal kingdom. It was during this time that for his wife, Normalina, Godsmith purchased a kitten which she promptly named Noneelia. Soon thereafter, he brought into the Godsmith household a baby eel, stating it was strictly for the amusement of the kitten. Though his wife was suspect of his motives, she consented. Sadly, within a fortnight the eel would die of ennui, wishing only for the company of others like it. Also seen here is a portion of Godsmith himself accompanied by his faithful friend Percy the mouse.

In The Company of Eels

2009-11-24T21:54:00.007-05:00

In the spring of 1899, the poet Lemur Godsmith, in order to more fully understand the subtleties of his subject, spent what amounted to weeks under water with the creatures before writing his epic poem, "In the Company of Eels." It's been whispered that he was never the same since, most probably due to oxygen deprivation. Even years after his submersion, his wife reported that he still had fits during the night--swatting at the air maniacally, clenching his jaw and quietly ordering, “Get them away, get them away!”

Hindsight

2009-11-24T21:38:00.004-05:00

Death By Rice Pudding

2009-10-07T21:30:00.003-04:00

A scene from the Upper Macungie Fathers of Rathbone Vaudevillian Extravaganza and Sheep Shearing Competition of 1897.

In Lowly Reverence Adore

2009-10-04T13:47:00.002-04:00

a.k.a. "I [heart] my human head"

No one can clearly remember the day that Augustus brought home 'Aunt Fanny' as Father came to call her, although I do recall that it was in the summer.

Gus would keep her on the porch on the whole, although if she was in the house when we took tea, she would always ask if it was "Dah-JEE-ling", sometimes incessantly. She said little, only three or four sentences and always insensible.

One night she woke up the whole house asking for 'Finsbury'.

Eventually mother made father get rid of her after Gus chewed on her nose; we all missed the old girl...
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Masonic Rite #201 - Promotion from on High

2009-09-12T23:53:00.002-04:00

Thaddeus T. Gorman, already showing off the key to the city of Pittsburgh (few people realize it was gated as late as 1962) and a top coat made especially for him by the National Embalming and Crematoria Research Organization, both of which he received in 1874 for outstanding funerary and security services.

A known compatriot of Emperor Joshua Norton I of America, General Custer, Harry Houdini and Dr Joseph Bell.

Gorman was not present in London in 1888, nor San Francisco in 1906.

He died in 1948 and again in 1952.

Prudence Fenwick and Friends

2009-09-10T00:07:00.002-04:00

Prudence fancied herself a sort of St. Francis figure, bringing love and kindness to all animals and keeping a special few with her at all times. There was Jeff the dog of uncertain origin who refused to let his front paws touch the ground, believing himself to be more highly evolved than all other canines. Prudence also kept a crow whom she named Moribund. Unfortunately, Moribund took to staring tirelessly at Jeff, causing him to take up smoking and thus bringing about his untimely death 19 years later. They are seen here in the darkly charming Fenwick Manor on St. Crispin's Day, 1887.

The Acquisition of Edward

2009-08-15T22:54:00.001-04:00

The Underbaker family. Seen here in the summer of 1891 on the very day they acquired Edward while on holiday in Horse's Head, New York. He would prove to be a loyal family pet until March of 1895 when Chartruese Underbaker (center) happened upon Edward hiding behind a hedge in the back garden, consuming their beloved collie mix, Anne. After this, the family donated the mammoth gerbil to the London Zoo. Upon his passing in 1902, his remains were preserved and donated to the West Essex Center for Horribly Large Mammals.

Thirteen

2009-08-15T22:41:00.000-04:00

They both wondered why they had let it into their home.

Louis So Loved the Ladies

2009-07-07T21:48:00.000-04:00

I do not believe a story is necessary here. We can all see exactly what Louis is up to. He'd like to believe he's sly, but his size makes this an impossibility. He got away with it for a little while this day, as the ladies talked and laughed unaware. Until at last he could hold it in no longer and a loud "Whoooooooooop!" escaped came from his fishness, alerting the women to his presence. They all turned to look at once, saw him, began laughing again, and Louis in disgrace sank slowly and quietly down below the surface of the water once again.

The Infanta

2009-07-06T20:41:00.002-04:00

Though not the next in line for the throne, Twinkle was subject to the intensely mean-spirited scrutiny of her public. While being carried through the streets atop her elephant she was painfully aware of the snickers, sneers and fingers being pointed her way. Through the air like small daggers floated such words as, “Mutant!” “Inbred!” And even “Monster!”

Though life would prove difficult at first, Twinkle was the kind of baby who saw her differences as a blessing. Through hard work and an enormous will to succeed, Twinkle overcame her would-be handicap only to become the 1911 World Cartwheeling Champion at the widely publicized Side Show Olympics held in Rotterdam.

WORD

2009-07-04T10:11:00.002-04:00

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Shuzaahn, Warrior Queen, With The Royal Twin Step–Nieces

2009-07-02T23:34:00.002-04:00

Incarnatia and Exaltatia adored their boldly eccentric aunt, the Queen Shuzaahn, and always took pleasure in her company. Yet quietly they wished she’d forego her hedgehog tunic while in their presence.

Fraternitas Philosophiae Infinitum

2009-07-02T23:29:00.001-04:00

They had so much to learn from him. He was the one who made it back from the great beyond. He held the secrets to life and everything. And so he joined their exclusive club, meeting with them every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the grange hall to answer questions, discuss world events, reveal truths and sometimes just sit quietly and listen without judgement. He was their mentor, their hero, their god. They were his friends. Word.

Concentration With Subsequent Minor Infestation

2009-06-13T12:49:00.002-04:00

One day in early January, while trying to determine which of the two minnows was largest and best, Buzz inadvertently summoned a small number of rather large insects.

Summoning The Great Continuum

2009-06-13T12:42:00.002-04:00

They met on gran's front porch each June 12th to summon up the powers of the Great Continuum. There was little Bartie with his fashionable science goggles, Pathos the slumberhound forever at Bartie's side, and Chlorimonia the raven who was considered rather large for a bird of her type but still within normal limits. Gran Mizrabelle who sat watch over the band of friends opted out of the proceedings each year, claiming another bout of the jitters. This is the only known photograph of the event.

I [heart] the King

2009-05-16T15:40:00.001-04:00

Cedric would stand for hours transfixed, star-struck, imagining himself at a dinner party with figures from British royalty through the ages.

Seaside Lessons

2009-05-15T20:18:00.005-04:00

March 3, 1894--The Sgt. Maj. Windy E. Bola, seen here with some young diatoms on their excursion to the coast of Cape Breton, where it was her supreme desire to impart on the youngsters the fine art of mirror signaling. Just as the camera was set up and ready to capture the fun, storm clouds rolled in, the rain started and a massive corvid took flight nearby. Nevertheless, a good time was had by all.

His Holiness the Bahbra Binki

2009-05-14T18:11:00.003-04:00

In this his only formal portrait, Bahbra Binki, renowned Sufi master and dervish with the most consecutive gold metals in whirling, is seen here in full regalia and looking pensive. When pressed for the meanings of the symbols within the portrait, Binki swore it was standard fare for a dervish of his rank, looked around nervously, coughed in a violent manner and begged for a lozenge. Soon after this was taken he was said to have run off with a massive leather-clad man who went by the name of Simkins--a strange character himself proported to have kept a small "humanoid" companion on a leash which screamed "gimme some!" unmercilessly. Binki was also the author of the acclaimed book of Haiku entitled, I Have Something in My Third Eye.

Old Dan

2009-05-14T17:25:00.000-04:00

From 1855 to 1890, Daniel Berrimuck attracted throngs of enthusiastic onlookers to the circus to watch his well-known flag routine. It was simple to say the least and consisted of the performer merely marching around in small circles barely able to hold onto his prop, dropping it, stopping to bow gracefully to his audience, picking it up again and continuing on, all to the tune of Beethoven’s “Fur Elise”. The crowd cheered in elation with each move he made, clumsy or not. Dan always assumed he was the best flag performer the circus had ever seen, after all, listen to them! Never did it occur to him that maybe, just maybe, they were all cheering for the world’s only successful cross between a common grey squirrel and a highland cow. Ah well, it’s probably for the best. He continued to thrill crowds for ages, and through the years became known affectionately as Old Dan.

An attic full of antiquated insanity, darkness, humor and mayhem