“You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.
Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them.”

~ Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull ~


Saturday, October 22, 2011

'A Fanciful Twist' Halloween Blog Party

I'm so glad you stopped by today! Before we start the party I'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Vanessa at 'A Fanciful Twist' for hosting this party! Be sure to stop by 'A Fanciful Twist' and partake of Vanessa's yummy post as well as links to all the other party participants!

I'm taking a bit of a different route this Halloween/Samhain. I've been intrigued with the colors of Black and Cream ever since I saw a layout in the fall Better Homes and Gardens magazine (I really need to purchase that copy!). It was gorgeous and it inspired me to create outside-of-the-box . . .





This time of year always makes me turn introspective and especially so since I turned 50 last year. I'm beginning to shrug off the old stereotypes of women being past their prime and over-the-hill. I certainly don't feel that way. In fact I feel better than ever and wiser too.

Season of the Crone

Crone of Winter's spellbound cold,
in Her cauldron of black are told
secrets ancient, truths and tales:
mystery Her light unveils.

She is wisdom, She is changes:
time and space She rearranges.
In Her hands, the card of Death,
for transformation is Her breath.

Crone of Winter, Grandmother wise,
look into Her gargoyle eyes.
Let Her lessons teach you well:
life is but a magick spell.

by
Gerina Dunwich

And as this time of year always does, it conjures up images of Witch's with warts on their noses, wearing pointy hats and flying on broomsticks . . . I think it's about time to leave those out-dated images behind . . .





. . . and relish a new image of the Crone . . .






"[The Crone] holds an unspeakable wisdom in the very cells of her body. The beauty and the horror of all life are held together in love. Being with her . . . we begin to see everything from two sides - the side that is totally in life, and the side that is already dwelling in disembodied soul. The Crone helps us hold the paradox."
~ Marion Woodman ~


I hope you enjoyed visiting today and have fun popping around to all the other delights waiting for you!

Photobucket

36 comments:

Rachel said...

I love your Halloween Display, it looks gorgeous and warm but a little spooky at the same time. :-)

Danni said...

Your Samhain altar is gorgeous! I absolutely love the color combination and the bits of glitz and glamour you added to it. As for crones, I can only pray that I turn into Michelle Pfieffer when I get croney and not a vintage Halloween witch. ;)

AlphaBetsy said...

I love the black and creme, so gorgeous. Wow. And I love the modern images of the crone. So many beautiful, strong women.

Shelly said...

love the black and cream! simply lovely! LOVE LOVE the new image of the crone!

marvelous!

hugs!!

WrightStuff said...

A great twist in your post and a wonderful selection of Goddesses to inspire us as we women reach our prime.

apinkdreamer said...

amazing post! happy halloween!!!http://apinkdreamer.blogspot.com/2011/10/little-fanciful-magic-party-and.html

Jorgelina said...

Happy halloween party.

Vivienne Moss said...

Lovely Samhain post. I have always loved The Season of the Witch poem, one of my faves.

Again, your Samhain altar is beautiful.

Thanks for sharing this Halloween post.

Blessings, V.

MARLOU B. said...

A great post!
Happy Halloween!!

Anet said...

Beautiful! I love the black and cream.

Happy Halloween!
~Anet

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

This was so refreshing, poignant, and a grand experience. Thanks for that dear dear spirit! Blessings, Amy

Linda said...

I had a lovely time at your party and it is so true. All of your other guests were amazing and friendly. Love all of your alters. job well done. Please visit me:
momentsinaneye.blogspot.com

Kathryn Costa said...

What a beautiful post. I'm with you, I'm not buying those old stereotypes. You illustrate this so well and you've inspired me to age gracefully. I've lost 51 lbs in the last year and I'm getting healthier and more vibrant with each day. I'm 43 so I have a few years yet before I hit the 50 mark, but when I do, I will be a gorgeous crone!

When you get back on your broomstick swing by my blog - I'm serving brain tonic and three witches brew. Mildred the spider will give you a ride to the river where you can pick up a boat that will take you on one magical adventure.

Have fun visiting all of the parties today.

http://collagediva.typepad.com/collagediva/2011/10/fairy-moment.html

Kelly Jeanette Swift said...

Love those colors on your alter. So warm, yet just alittle spooky. And I hope I get to look like your beautiful "crones" when I get up there. :)

Happy Halloween!

http://kellysalteredart.blogspot.com/2011/10/ghost-adventures-wannabes-halloween.html

By the way-love your background!

Mad Madam Mel said...

words of wisdom indeed, and i love your decor :)
why not hop over for a spooky tale at my place :
http://madame-mels.blogspot.com/2011/10/tale-of-curiosity.html
the more the merrier :)

Anonymous said...

I love this - so unique! My favorite part is the ivory pumpkins in the urns. They are so under-appreciated! I love your photos that prove maturity is beautiful, as well. Lovely post!

Willow said...

Your display is beautiful!

Cameron said...

Love the cream and black....looks wonderful!
...and we are only as old as we feel. I'm so glad you have never felt better :)

PeachyCheek said...

What a wonderful job you have done decorating! It looks beautiful!!

Have a lovely Halloween!!

Kim

http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party.html

Maggie said...

I'm loving the cream and black! I turn 50 on Day of the Dead this year. So looking forward to it for some crazy reason. Maybe because 50 is sexy.

Miz Creatrix said...

Such a great theme for this Samhain and inspiration for what it means to be a "crone". Also your altars are beyond gorgeous...truly works of art and worship. Well done!!

I've got spirits summoning spells going on at my place...stop by, if you dare... ;)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Thanks for a lovely introspective party post! I really appreciate the gorgeous photography and color combinations. :)

Please feel free to visit my party:
http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party-and-giveaway.html

Enjoy the festivities! :) Theresa

Dana said...

I love your images of the "new crone". How times have changed! Very thought provoking! Blessings!

Bloomin'Chick Jo said...

Such a great post and I couldn't agree more! (And your altar is gorgeous!) Happy Halloween to you & yours! Hope you'll drop by, http://digginaround.blogspot.com/2011/10/time-is-upon-us-once-again.html

spiceblogger said...

Happy Halloween! Thank you for the Spooky invitation!

join me in Paris for my creepy fete.
http://inthelandofspice.com/2011/10/22/halloween-party-bloghop/

Grayce said...

Your alter is stunning! I love the black and cream, wow! And the ideal of the crone, is one of "beautiful wisdom". I am currently the mother, but I hope to embody the Crone as you have.

Blessed Be

Grayce

If you are not to busy, please jump on your broomstick and come visit me.

http://graycefuldawn.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party-time.html

Tara said...

Your altar is incredibly gorgeous! Very inspiring. I love the way you turned the old image of the crone into a newer and better image. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and your wonderful altar! Enjoy the season.

Many blessings

Alisa Noble said...

Great post! I'm looking forward to someday having the wisdom and beauty of the crone.

Happy Halloween

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

Your decor is beyond beautiful!!

And, I LOOOOOOOVED your new take on season of the crone. Those thoughts are so antiquated for sure. You chose some of the best role models for aging indeed.

I don't know who invented this old age chart, but it is stinky and outdated and plum wrong. We are in a new world, age is but a number, for sure!!!

Loved this!!

♥ Vanessa {A Fanciful Twist}

bertie said...

Greetings, Tereza...I loved this post and I think you get the award for the most thought provoking and original content! I absolutely agree with you that 50 is a time of great freedom, power and creativity! I have never felt like I have known myself as well as I have since entering this phase of life. We may not all be as gorgeous on the outside as your wonderful examples, but I think they and we glow with an inner beauty that only grows ripe with time and experience. Thanks for sharing and your altar is breathtaking! Brightest Blessings! bertie
www.awildberrywitch.blogspot.com

Lisa said...

This is wonderful in every way - I couldn't agree more! Hope you can stop by the enchanted oven for my party.
Lisa

Laume said...

Love your black and white displays - gorgeous! And yes, now that I'm a crone myself, I have an entirely new and empowered perspective on her. I'm willing to admit that when I get out of bed first thing in the morning I might look closer to the traditional hag, but I think I'm closer to the latter images once I'm up and about. :)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2372391918794.134304.1520411761&type=1

LYNDY WARD said...

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN FUN!
Enchanting Decor & PICs.
Please fly by my party when you can...
Hauntingly Yours, Lyndy >^..^<

Princess Diana's Wedding Ring Giveaway & Halloween Party:
http://todaysgold.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Michelle said...

LOVED YOUR PARTY! I love your decor first of all, but mostly I loved what you had to say about the crone. Even being just 19, I think the crone is the most admirable image in the pagan community. She is completely respected and I can't wait to be one! I love this new image with all of these beautiful over 50 women. 50 is just the beginning ;)

Lisa said...

i loved your party and your altar!! very beautiful!
thanks for having me
Happy Halloween and Samhain
lisa

Bloomin'Chick Jo said...

Sincerest apologies for my delay in thanking you kindly for dropping by my Halloween Party post and for your kindwords! The skeletons have had dreadful tummy aches & that darn broom flew off on its own again :o)