A Hauntingly Magical Celebration {Halloween 2009}

It's time to let the celebration begin! 

Magic is abrewin', and we're just waiting for you to join in...

 

Tales and gypsy wagons, ghosts from old photographs, cottages in the woods and witches casting spells are all part of what make up this year's magically haunted festivities... (click on images for detail)

   

Characters from the past greet us, and lead us down dark winding paths, urging the telling of secrets. 

 

You see, the night I shared the gypsy theater wagon with its potions and spells (right here) I invented a wee tale, in order to avoid revealing a vast and spellbinding secret...

 

I was told by the old woman at the gypsy wagon, who was selling spells and incantations, that I would find the answer to my wildest dreams- 

 

 If I followed a dark path into the woods, to an old cottage.

  

It was very dark, and I walked alone down a path in chilly darkness, until I could see a glowing light in the distance.

I was certain that I was unexpected, and had a feeling I should run, but I seemed entranced by the light...

 

I can not describe what I saw.  And, the only way for you to believe me, is for me to take you down the path with me.

Will you come with me to prove that I wasn't dreaming?

Down the dark path we go.  You can almost feel the spells and magic fluttering in the wind, while gentle cold whispers of ghost's secrets dance around your ears.

We are here.  Go ahead, take a peek through the window...

 

Oh goodness me, the witches are busy this evening.  I see a girl from 1893, trapped in the crystal ball. 

Can you see the witches? 

I can. 

I am told they are invisible to those who don't believe.  Let's be brave and sneak in as soon as the witches leave to tend to their giant cauldron in the forest clearing.

I think they are gone now.

Shhh, quietly, come with me...

  

The candles flicker as spirits dance, while in the distance the witches chant...

 

Gather around, shall we try our own spell? 

 

Please don't forget, not a soul we should tell...

 

You look at me wide eyed as can be, and start to notice, I don't quite look entirely like myself.  My eyes grow dark as night, as my hair changes shades.  I look at you out of the corner of my eye and raise my left eyebrow so high, it sends chills down your spine.

I snap my fingers, and orbs of magic fill the air.  Can you feel me standing, right behind your chair?

 

Yes, you guessed right, this cottage is mine ~ and I will cast a spell for you for a mere Transylvanian dime...

   

Wait, are you sure I am me?  Or am I a 300 year old witch, pretending to be V?  

  

You'll never know my pretty.  But I will tell you this, the last man who crossed me, was turned into...

 

A dancing puppet ;)

 

Alas, that is another tale for another night.  (my sister brought me the puppet man from London, which I cut out and put together. But, there was no credit to the artist on the package - however I have since found out that the artist is Lindsey Carr, whose work I was already familiar with on Etsy, funny little world!)

On this night, we shall twirl and play, because truth be told, you can't fool me, I can see those shoes you're wearing are extra pointy ~

 

Come on, don't be shy, we know you are wearing your exquisite striped stockings ;) 

So, light a skull and make wish, then set it free into the night sky.  For tonight is the night that wishes really do come true...

 

Who shall play us a tune as we mingle?  Come now, let's dance around the room...

 

And twirl in our spooky layered frocks!

 

Let's welcome the ghosts of all those faces in photographs on the wall...

   

But, be warned...

 

It's nights like these, where anything can happen...

 

 

Do share your spell, for that other-worldly brew.  The one that makes us 15 years younger with each sip, won't you?

 

Come with me, and I shall teach you how to turn into a bird. 

 

You can't imagine how handy that can be, for over hearing conversations and such.

Let's consult the great book... 

   

Oh, what do we have here?

 

A lock of hair from the man someone loves.  Beware of love spells, I say...

   

Oh me, oh my!  What is that, that I hear?  Is it the real witches, getting near? (They won't like to know that we have been snooping around their spells)

  

Or have the faces in the photographs come to life? 

  

I think we must hurry up, and try to hide.  I do think that when the witches are not around, the photograph faces serve as the witches eyes...

  

We have got to get out of here, can you hear them cackle??  Quick, take a pinch of this, and a pinch of that, and put it in your satchel.  We stayed too long engulfed in dance and play! 

 

Just touching these magic ingredients is making me feel strange.  I feel quite sleeeeeeepy, don't you?

We sneak out just in time, but I can only get as far as a tree, and find myself in the deepest sleep...

The next morning, I awake and find myself in a mossy little cove with a beautiful cherry blossom tree hovering above. 

Why, I knew it was just a dream.

There is no such place, as where we dreamed we had been.  Witches and ghosts, hogwash, silly tales...

 

Come with me.  I will take you back to the cottage.

Go ahead.  Look through the window and tell me what you see...

 

Oh my goodness, it was not a dream at all!

The spells are alive, the cottage is real!  In fact...

 

Spells and magic await your fancy ~

 

 

Although, there is one thing the old gypsy woman said, through a bit of a scary giggle...

 

I must try to remember her words...

  

I think she said that, once you enter this hauntingly magical world...

  

You might never be able to leave...

 

 

 

Even if you want to...

 

So, of spells and incantations~

  

You must beware...

  

Or you might find yourself... 

  

Entranced, beyond compare...

 

But for now, we cast a spell to be incandescently merry...

 

As we take flight, to other hauntingly magical party destinations...

  

My friends, it has been my honor and pleasure to host this year's magically haunted event (in my transformed gallery).  How I wish you were really here to frolic and play under the starry Arizona sky, and see the gallery in person.

 

Thank you ever so much for your participation and moral support ;)  Here is a link to last year's event in the garden, and Shroom Nog toasts to hopes for another haunted celebration in 2010 ;)

Pointy hats and pointy shoes, blackened feathers and witches brew, Bwahahahahaaaaa!  It's time to PLAY!!!  Midnight Margaritas!!!

You can visit my on-line shop for many spooky goodies and images seen in this post ;)

 

♥,V

 

ps:  Everyone is invited to this party, whether they hosted an event or not ;)  But, if you did host an event, do leave your party link with your comment, because it will stay here for blog eternity, and the sidebar list will disappear in a week or so.  Love, V     

pss:  Hi friends!!  It is Saturday, 11:35 a.m. and I am finally here!  I went to bed at 4 a.m., so my broom is now just getting dusted off....  Let's Party!!  I am off to start my visits with those who have commented, see you sooooon ;)

psss:  UPDATE ~  Hi there!  I have updated this post with more spooky photos.  Last night as I was working on photos the power went off for a mere split second and I lost much work for the festivities.  However, I spent the better part of today recovering them, so you could truly enjoy the celebration (I might add more as the weekend unravels).  I need a cocktail now ;)

pssss:  Happy Sunday!!! As far as I am concerned, the party is still on today!!  I am armed with coffee and orange juice and making visits! 

Comments

[Lisa WrightStuff]

OOh so spooky my lovely - what an enchanting tale do pop along for further stories of mischief and merriment...
http://all-the-wright-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/fanciful-halloween.html

[All Roads Lead To Pecetto]

Im riding up to the party on my broom with a cup of witches brew in hand ready for the festivities!! Me thinks something wicked this way comes......

[Gayla]

One magical witch has posted her entry (although she may have been too late for your side bar!!!)...

I love your post! What an amazing party!

www.oatmealandwhimsy.blogspot.com

[Lynn Stevens]

Your transformed gallery is a wonder to behold. As the gypsy woman said "One I may never want to leave"
http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com

[belinda]

this is magical and spooky, so much to discover, deliciously terrified i am!
thanks for everything. here's mine
http://belindaschneider.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/halloween-spirit/

[Mermaiden]

i am twirling and spellbound!
http://mermaidencreations.blogspot.com/

[Yvonne Y]

I love your pictures - they are enchanting with a little spookiness - perfect!

I'm so glad I get to join in the fun!
http://yyam.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-bootiful-day_17.html

[icantsew]

wowzer, that was an adventure an a half...off to see who else is playing this year.
%*_*%

[Michelle Schafer]

Vanessa, I just love your old photo collection you have. Your photos are simply amazing and I love your clever touch to them. I always enjoy reading and seeing your blog. Have a wonderful Halloween Party Blog Event all weekend long! I know I will be visiting lots of spooky places! Here is the link for the blog post. http://www.thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com/ P.S. I am still on a hunt for those bell jars! LOL Cheers

[Laume]

Here's the link to my party post. I'm all linked up to your party post. Let the wild rumpus begin!

http://beachtreasure.blogspot.com/2009/10/hauntingly-magical-celebration.html

And now, back to actually read your post and enjoy your beautiful photos - I know it will be wondrous!

[Chrisy]

Oh darlin it's beautiful in here! Hope you're dreaming magical dreams over there. Thank you for hosting this event. My link is http://sophismpress.blogspot.com/2009/10/headless-halloween-party-n-giveaway.html

[Saucy]

Vanessa, I will also be back to play in the daylight hours... it is the wee small hours in the morning and my hosting duties have just wrapped up... there is not much left to do but clear up the debris and blog hop in the morning... I will see all of you then!

I am also featuring a giveaway at my branch of this event, so do pop by! Thank you again for putting this together!

http://www.saucysprinkles.com/2009/10/let-me-tell-you-story-of-little.html

[Sarah]

Oh Vanessa! I always thought you were hiding another profession and now at last I know! Your transformed gallery is a wonder to behold and I could spend a long time entranced by its magical contents. So beautiful! I love the faces in the old pictures haunting us and the sound of the witches in the woods is so spooky! I must fly now, or I may never leave...
xx

[Sarah]

Whoops-forgot my link! Abra-cadabra!

http://circles-of-rain.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-dream.html

See you later!

[Sue]

It's nearly three in the morning and I have just posted my Hauntingly Magical tale (at least I hope it's hauntingly magical). I could not resist popping in for a moment to see what frivolity and mayhem you have wrought. I can tell that when daylight dawns and I have a few gray cells that aren't as dead tired as they are now, I must needs be back for a better perusal, as what I have glimpsed here, is indeed magical!

Happy partying!

-Sue

[SusannaT]

Oooohhh...not sure I'll ever want to leave...
Thank you for a hauntingly beautiful party!
I hope I'll have time to join in next year :)

[Renate]

Entirely enchanting!!

[Erica]

Your cottage is just amazing, I could happily move right in!
Allowing for our time difference (I'm in Australia) I've just posted my party blog after saying goodnight to the ghouls (oops, girls) I would have loved to spend more time on my photos for this entry but it's been such a long and happy day that I'm now exhausted.
I'm leaving my decorations up in the hope that we will have a few trick or treaters at the end of the month (very rare here) so will try for better photos over the next few weeks.
thank you, I've enjoyed this so much, and will be back next year

[Karin]

What a gorgeous enchanted dream you had. And your photo's are beautiful, as ever. Let the partying begin!

http://www.themrs.eu/blog/2009/10/17/hallowhat.aspx

[Deborah Bonner]

Lovely story Vanessa. Your pictures are enchanting. You did a wonderful job transforming your gallery.
I can't believe I am still awake at 6:04 am. I thought I would be asleep long before this.
Below is the link to my Halloween post.

http://debsvintagesoul.blogspot.com/2009/10/pink-saturday.html

[FOREVER JANN]

THANK YOU for hosting this fabulous event. It's been fun, glad I could join in. I so enjoyed viewing your H-blog you have some very interesting images. What a cool storyteller you are also...such clever imagination.
Hope you can find time to visit my blog and
thanks again....have a boooooo-tiful time.
Off to visit the others.

[Sandy Shirley]

What a lovely celebration you prepared! Come to my blog to see what I've come up with: http://raggedysandy.blogspot.com/2009/10/welcome-to-my-halloween-celebration.html

[Maria-Thérèse Andersson]

Yaaaaay! Will be back to visit you and everyone later - I'm super excited to be able to post comments again (spiders helped eat all the computer cookies and now it works again!)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
http://blog.afiori.com/2009/10/scream-its-halloween-party-giveaway_17.html
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

[Janine]

I love the party.
I started it 12hours ago whenit was 0.00 o´clock in Germany (hehe. I suppose I was the first.
Come and visite.
http://joinjanine.blogspot.com/2009/10/hauntingly-magical-celebration.html

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

What a delightful post. You have out done yourself again this year! Wow what an amazing transformation of your pad. Thank you for all that you do to bring magic and fun to the lives of so many. My party is open and I'm delighted to make the rounds throughout the weekend. Have fun!

Here is a short-cut: http://bit.ly/2Rj1lW

[Melissa]

What a wonderful event. Truly a spooky and magical celebration! Here is a link to my party post! http://blog1.ardoria.com

I am off to party hop....

Thanks for hosting such a fun party!

Melissa

[Chris Klingler]

GREAT Hallowe'en Party Vanessa!!! :-)

Here is the link to mine:

http://designsbyck.blogspot.com/2009/10/fanciful-halloween-party.html

Happy Hallowe'en Early All!

Chris (aka: SpOOky CK '-)

[lisa @ seeing stars]

how spookily lovely! i REALLY like the old photos ... i had an old photo of my own great grandparents on their wedding day, but ended up not using it ... my mother would kill me lol

i've got a giveaway or two ...
tarot and prints and ice cream, oh my!

thanks for all the work you did v

http://lisacole690.blogspot.com/

[Suzy Pierce]

I don't want to leave your magical post. But alas I must go. Everything is beyond an enchanted dream. You are a gift- Truly blessed! Happy Halloween!
www.vivalayardsale.blogspot.com

[Rainey]

Greetings Little Witchy Wonder!
What a wonderous visual display you've conjured for all your guests!
~*Thankyou Deary~*

Wugs & Magical wishes
Rainey

http://thejosiebaggleycompany.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-post.html

[Melanie @ Whimsical Creations]

How magical! Happy Halloween!

Here is my celebration...
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com/2009/10/hauntingly-magical-celebration.html

[Jessica]

I can scarcely begin to conjure up words to express how magnificently sublime - and fanatically festive - this enchanting post is. Thank you dearly for helping to make Halloween so amazing this year!

Joyful All Hallows wishes, precious soul!
♥ Jessica

[YSLGuy]

Always a magical time over here!! I love how you created the witches cottage. Amazing! I will have to get around and visit everyone sometime over the next few days! Happy Halloween and Boo To You!!

http://letthemeatcupcakes2.blogspot.com/2009/10/boo-to-you.html

[Linda]

Hauntingly beautiful Party. Lindax
do drop by Pyewacketts if you get time off hostess duties.

[Kelly]

Your post is amazing! I love the pictures. I had mine up right at midnight, here is the link:

http://blondheart.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-carol_16.html

[Marina]

Hi Vanessa! amazing pics!!!

Happy Halloween!

xoxo

[AForestFrolic]

Oh you naughty witch you ;-) I just love the spells and potions...oh my! I'll be back in just a bit with my link...some finishing touches I need to add. Or could you cast a spooky spell for it to be done right now!? Oh, that would be fun, tee hee.

Jamie :)

[Claire Hughes]

what a amazing adventure! I loved it! I have been so looking forwarded to this and I really enjoyed taking part! Thank you!

http://clairedulalune.blogspot.com

[Kelli Lusk]

Hi Vanessa, I just wanted to say thankyou for hosting this wonderful Halloween Party. I have had a blast and here is my party link.

http://kellibearhaven.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-party-time-baby.html

[inge]

Hello Vanessa,

you seemed to be asleep when I passed by past evening...

I like the transformation of your room : looks like a room in a "special Victorian house" :)
I do not want to leave... could live here forever...

Tricycle stays at home this time, but I could use a special door this year : I think my "other mother" has some connections with your witches...

I have special b... for you in my vintage b......collection so you feel right at home at my house these days.

My other mother left something in my halloweenhouse to give away to one of the visitors...

You're welcome at :
http://web.me.com/pinkepinke/pinkepinke/Blog/Artikelen/2009/10/16_ahalloweenparty....html

( this is the link for my halloweenpost on my website : but I guess you know this..)

see you all around the world the coming days !
greetings from Belgium
Inge

[amy faldet]

Good morning darling! Here is my post link! Now I am off to makea steaming concoction and read your glorious post!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Hallow'Tween dear Vanessa and thanks for the chance to revel in the transformative...http://suchawondrousplacethisfaerytalespace.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-hallow-tween-with-vanessa.html

[karen cox]

Vanessa,
You have really outdone yourself this time. As a lover of photography and art of vignette, this post surely cast it's magical spell. Thank you for hosting such a spectacular event. You make everything special, your staging, your storytelling and the enchanted way you bring us all together for a bit of Halloween fun.

I have spun a little tale for your guests...
http://karenharveycox.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween.html

Stay well, stay safe, and know that you are loved.

Karen

[Betty - The Gossamer Tearoom]

Dear Miss Vanessa,
What a lovely, spooky party! I had to look at all the lovely pictures again to see all the details! An extra-fun post (what else could we have expected from you!) for an extra-fun holiday! As you will see from my post, it is one of our favorites! Thank you so much for hosting yet another lovely blog party!

http://gossamertearoom.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-hauntingly-magical.html

[Raissa]

Absolutely fabulous post "my pretty"! Happy Halloweenie Vanessa!
Let the haunting begin!
Here is my paper crafted Halloween contribution:
http://www.raissastamps.com/my_weblog/2009/10/a-hau.html

[Jorgelina]

Hola Vanessa!!
Un post maravilloso y lleno de magia.
Sos muy creativa y una artista magnifica.
I love the pictures.
How magical!
Happy Halloween!

http://todassomosreinas.blogspot.com/2009/10/una-celebracion-magica-y-tenebrosa.html

[Stine]

Here's the link to mine ^^,

Mostly pictures really. http://stineheggen.blogspot.com/2009/10/smakebit.html

Happy Halloween ! ;)

[jennie hepler]

Please stop by and have some eye candy! Prim pumpkin's blog will be updated at 1pm with festive gathering!
www.PrimPumpkin.blogspot.com

love, jennie

[Cassandra]

What a wonderful Spooktaskular party!

I have posted my celebration: http://myartfuladventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/hauntingly-magical-celebration.html

[Aimee]

You are AMAZING! Great job! Thank you so much for hosting. I enjoyed putting together my post and I'm having a giveaway!
http://creativitaeblog.com/2009/10/17/halloween-a-hauntingly-magical-celebration/

[Denise]

Wicked! Spooky! I love the vintage cottage and sailboat picture.The organ is looks like it is right out of Phantom of the Opera.I feel like I am 300yrs old if not older.I had a past life session yrs ago with my spiritual friend who is trained,it is called 'String of Pearls',it was amazing!
Thank you Vanessa for the enchanting journey today! I have two blog events today so I tried to combine them both,should be interesting discovering new friends! LOL Denise
http://couturedepapier.blogspot.com/2009/10/wicked-happy-pink-saturday-and.html